I say congrats to 5 More Minutes, you can obviously fish your ass off. That being sad I do see a need for some changes. I definitely lean towards the if you don't think you can beat them, then don't enter mentality. I don't believe forcing a team to go pro because they are very successful is the right answer either. I personally am lucky due to work my schedule to fish3-4 days a month on a weekend day and that's even if she isn't blowing. I became a licensed charter captain 5+ years ago but I don't run a charter business or have even chartered anyone. I got the license so that I am a better boater as well as maybe someday in my retirement years be able to do some trips. Because of this I wasn't able to enter the amateur for either the Oswego or Sodus pro -ams and it isn't realistic to think that I could jump in the pro division and be competitive. Hell , I'd be fortunate to have a decent showing in the AM. I would however gladly have joined both of thee events due to the lower entry fee and less of a donation to the pros.
My solution is as follows. Get rid of all qualifications for whether a team is pro or amateur. If your team wants to be more competitive and prestigious and have a chance at bigger bucks, then enter the pro. If big money isn't your goal and being known as one of the best on the lake ( which I believe would come with competing in the pro div) then enter AM. I think this would diminish all the bashing, ****in' , complaining. If you wanna be known as one of best, and make some good coin then cowboy up and go for it. If you wanna take a smaller risk and are content with being amateur then do that. I see Troubles concerns but I can do nothing but congratulate 5MM for going out and staying within the rules and kicking butt.