The "Lake Ontario Championship Series"

[Capt Vince Pierleoni]

Announcing the "Lake Ontario Championship Series-Quest for the Cup"!

 

Ever since the original, "Challenge Cup", and all the history that went with it was unceremoniously dumped , the true spirit of Lakewide competition went away with it. I am privilidged and humbled to be asked to chair a committee of Tournament coordinators and participants who have all wanted to see this restored.

Alot of of back and forth and compromise went into designing a series that honors the history of the "Cup" concept(all the way back to 1994), while embracing the new with a real emphasis on growth. Everyone on the committee, representing Wilson to Oswego, feels that our incredible fishery hasn't even scratched the surface of what potential it has in the "Team Tournament" arena, and hopefully this series is the beginning.

Some of the committee wanted the format to be easier to win, others wanted it to be much more exclusive. What we came up with we believe is a perfect blend of the old and the new, and should allow newer teams to "give it a go". Thanks to some great sponsorships, a team entry to "fish the overall" will be $100. It is our intention to pay a 50%/30%/20% for the top 3 scoring teams, and due to those same sponsors we can already offer $3000 to first place! Of course, with more entrants and sponsors, this number can increase.

It is the intention of the committee to be "inclusive", not exclusive when it comes to participating tournaments and teams.

The Tournaments that have already committed to this series are: The Wilson Invitational, The Oak Orchard Open, The Sodus Pro-Am, The Oswego Pro-Am, and the A-Tom-Mik Invitational. A special thanks goes to:1) the Wilson Harbor Invitational $1000 sponsorship and a $300 sponsorship on behalf of the fledgling Oak Orchard Open,2) the A-Tom-Mik Invitational $1000 sponsorship and a $300 sponsorship on behalf of The Oswego Pro-Am, which is still getting it's feet back under it, 3) the Sodus Pro-Am $1000, which is a tremendous committment considering that event is only going into it's 2nd year.

It is our sincere hope that other Lake Ontario events join the series. These events must be Salmon and Trout Tournaments utilizing observers, have a "No Comm" policy, and make or pledge a sponsorship to the Lake Ontario Championship series committee. A facebook page has been created by one of our dedicated committee members, with a complete rundown of the rules. Remember, this took compromise. I'm looking forward to the rebirth of the "Cup", and I want to thank all of those who blazed the trail and traveled the lake since 1994 making this such a worthwhile quest!        

Edited January 15, 2014 by Capt Vince Pierleoni

[A-TOM-MIK]

This is truly an accomplishment I was hoping would come to life since the absence of its original history making cup. For a couple years now we have contemplated this and found it hard to come up with something that could emphasize its true potential. There have been many teams who've shed a certain commitment to this for such a long time and now there can be a comparative chase that can show growth and increase participation the way we had for many years in the past.

 

For those competitive teams, captains, and enthusiasts alike to be able to now play part and to share the passion that so many before shared will be colossal. All for $100 with much more to win not to even mention its prominence in its accomplishment itself.  

 

Also for so many personalities to come together and build this and meet on the same page with like ideas and goals certainly says something about this sport and what many of us are after.

 

This will be great, cant wait to compete, I've already added a venue to my tourney teams schedule for 2014

 

Tom

[Wilson Harbor Invite]

Well said Vince. After talking about it for sometime its an awesome day that so many can come together and find common ground on what has been a controversial topic for many years. Henry Ford said "coming together is a begining keeping together is progress working together is success". I hope this leads to a bigger,better and more productive future for tournament fishing on Lady O. Thanks for all the hard work!

 

 

Copied from Facebook  link to Facebook here

 

The Lake Ontario Championship Series - The Quest for the Cup........

Rules for participating tournaments

1. Must be a "no com" or "non com" tournament. There will be no communication permitted of any kind during tournament hours.
2. Must utilize observers during tournament hours. Placement can be random or by tournament officials.
3. Must commit to sponsor or establish a plan to provide $1000 toward the Lake Ontario Championship Series purse. Newer events can be granted a grace period or accept smaller contributions based on entry fees or the size of the field in any event.

Rules for teams entering the "Cup Chase"

1. The winning Captain/team will be will be determined by adding their top 4 individual days of fishing. Each team must participate in at least 3 lake wide events. At least one score from a minimum of 3 events must be counted to qualify. 
2. Due to the logistics of ports and the emphasis on holding a "lakewide cup" one event west of Sodus must be one of three fished.
3. In an effort to retain the integrity of "team", the maximum number of vessels used in the Lake Ontario Championship Series is 2. Should one of the 2 vessels incur a breakdown, the tournament committee can approve a replacement vessel.
4. In an effort to retain the integrity of "team", to have an event eligible for scoring consideration the team must have the Captain and his owned vessel in the event, or three team members from prior tournaments entered the same season. These three team members may use the alternate or 2nd vessel.
5. Entry fee for team participation is to be $100. The cutoff for entry will be the Captains meeting at the Oak Orchard Open.
6. Payouts are to be 50%/30%/20% awarded to the top three teams from a purse consisting of sponsor money and all entry fees.
7. Individual scoring will be based on the full field using the reverse countdown method starting with first place at 200pts. Bonus points will be awarded for placings of a FINAL finish in each tournament 1st through 5th,1pt for 5th place up to 5pts for 1st.
8.  In the event of a tie the tiebreakers will consist of the following. 1- Highest overall finish in head to head competition. 2nd - would be the lowest total overall score by adding their 3 best overall finishes.

Scoring Recap

 

Each team uses their best 4 individual days while fishing at least 3 different events. At least one score from a minimum of 3 different events must be used. Any team fishing more than 3 events increases their chances of winning by dropping their lowest scores.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Wilson Harbor Invite

[JakeyBaby]

Absolutely Awesome!! Im not sure "All" involved could've come up with a better plan to bring the cup back!

[Legacy]

[Yankee Troller]

[fishman08]

This is truly the best way to move forward. This will allow different tournament structures to coexist together and give fellow anglers a wide variety of tournaments to compete in. As part of the sodus pro/am we welcome and are thankful to be part of this new series.

[capt ace]

[Dex]

Ummmmm.........WOW!!!

 

Great job by all.  

 

Let's get it on!!

 

Dex

Team Thrillseeker

[DGH23]

Wheres Niagara fit into this series? Pretty sad if Niagara isnt involved. Dave DP II

Sent from my SCH-I200 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

[A-TOM-MIK]

Niagara has not complied to the chosen rule structure:

 

Rule #1

 

Rules for participating tournaments

1-Must be a "no com" or "non com" tournament. There will be no communication permitted of any kind during tournament hours.

 

I sort of agree Dave it is a sad situation however, with every single "major" event on Lake Ontario going No Communication: KOTL Series, Tightline Series, the new Oak Orchard Open and the East end Pro/Ams, as well as our 1 day invitationals etc., as a Committee decision (those who host and run the majority of the named events) we felt it unfair to opt a rule structure that allowed open communications with no set restrictions. Polls have been around and many times over majorities have spoken, we as a committee are trying our best to put a best foot forward and give this newly prestigious title its best chance for survival. With the rules in place we are hoping we have done that.

 

Possibly in the future if there is a decision made for the Niagara Pro/Am to comply with our rule format in place we could come together on this, I guess time will tell

 

Tom

[DGH23]

Tom I agree totally. Whos making the decisions for Niagara? People have spoke and want "no comm" so whats the issue? Its in black n white-PERIOD!! Dave DP II

Sent from my SCH-I200 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

[Cannonball Runner]

Sounds Great Guys

[Tall Tails]

Our team is very excited to have this new format take shape and are very much looking forward to competing for this in 2014!   This is an event series that has been needed for some time now.  Hearing all the chatter from the regulars as well as new players will set the stage for a very exciting "Chase for the Cup"

 

See everyone at the WHI in May to kick it off!

[A-TOM-MIK]

We have a soft count of teams who are showing a strong interest in joining the: "Chase for the Cup" that number sits at 15 already

 

We are also pushing the 400 mark in "likes" on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lake-Ontario-Championship-Series/385407701604030

 

As much as our loved sport of trolling on Lake Ontario breeds involvement and in many cases competition, one thing we need to get back is a normal return of appreciation for the huge commitment to our teams: Our newly formed committee is definitely enjoying the current "buzz" that is now created and have worked in some cases feverishly to maintain a forward motion. A possible widely positive outbreak of a certain nature from our "Lake Ontario Championship Series" may have already taken place. (TBA)

 

Teams are altering their tourney schedules from what we hear and taking this newly formed event seriously, Teams like Screamer, Primetime East and Vision Quest to name a few are excited about the "chase" and making their involvement happen at any cost. I know my newly formed Team A-TOM-MIK will be at all events for 2014 GREAT STUFF

 

Tom

Edited January 20, 2014 by A-TOM-MIK

[Finders Keepers]

Should be a fun and exciting season!! Can't wait to see everyone at the WHI!! Quick question: How/where do we sign up for the Quest? At the first event we compete in?

[Yankee Troller]

Tim - you can sign prior to the WHI or OOO. If you sign up at the OOO then you can't count your WHi scores. So, if you fishing both you'd want to sign up for it at the WHI.

[Finders Keepers]

Ok, sounds good! Thanks Rick!

[bear]

 

[titherdick]

You guys are doing a great job to promote the Lake Ontario fishery. Don't settle for any less than no communication and mandatory observers . Those two rules were what made the old Niagara Pro/Am the great tournament that it once was. Keep up the good work.

[A-TOM-MIK]

Thanks Dick, it has been a year or more worth of thought that has gone into this from 6 separate coordinators. To get 6 minds thinking alike who all have their own ideas and opinions and who are from their own respective ports has been an accomplishment we all feel will give us the best shot at several goals.

 

We are very happy the work has been appreciated

 

Tom

[SCREAMER 1]

 

I love rule #4 and the also "rebirth of the cup"! It's time to dust off the ol'e cup!

[digitroll]

Although I have only fished in the ESLO / LOC over the past 30 years as I travel a ways to get to Lake O I think it's a wonderful thing that this new derby format will have a very reasonable entry fees and are not exclusive. Yes, the tin boats (our puddle jumpers) can have there day in the sun on a level playing field.

Nice!

Edited January 31, 2014 by digitroll

[Capt Vince Pierleoni]

Much work is continuing behind the scenes to bring back a true southshore championship cup chase. Thank you very much to the sponsors that have already committed and those in the process of doing so. You won't want to miss participating in, or following this series!

[Capt Vince Pierleoni]

It's time for teams to get entered in the Championship series. It's a $100 buy in, and if you would like to use your WHI score, you must be "in" by the end of the WHI Friday nite meeting. A second deadline will be by the end of the Captains meeting at the Oak Orchard Open tournament. This will be the final deadline, but remember if you want the ability to count your WHI score you must be in by the end of that Captains meeting.

You can give cash, or checks made payable to "Wilson Boatyard", to Kevin Jerge, Tom Allen, Matt LeClair, Brian Garrett, Paul Czarnecki, Rick Hijecki, or myself.