Marshal program 2024
Fishin' Fool reply :
I just signed up to be a marshal for the 1st time when the Elite series comes to Lake St Clair in August. I hope I get to go. It sounds like it will be a good time. That would be so fun to watch a big name pro fish. How do they determine the pairings just random draw? Or do I have to be on the inner circle to draw a Van Dam or Swindle??
RichF reply :
It's a random draw and I don't think you're guaranteed all days. My buddy has done it a few times and thinks it's well worth it. I'd have a hard time being in a bass boat for 8 hours and not fish! Hopefully you get a guy who's on'em.
BassNJake reply :
I have been a marshal a few times and it is definitely worth it.
I got to marshal for G-Man when they were at Douglas lake day 2.
He got into a late day flurry and was close to making the cut.
So I got to hang out with him, his wife and his dog Myrick at the boat ramp for about an hour to see if he made the cut.
We threw a football around and were just BS-ing about life.
He ended up making the cut, but just barely.
One of the best days related to fishing ever.
On the other hand watching Terry Scroggins at the pre tourney meeting, on the water and at the weigh ins; he was an absolute jerk.
gimruis reply :
I'm considering this as well for the AOY at Mille Lacs in September and was wondering if it was a random draw too. I realize that 8 hours in a boat with a potential jerk is possible but the information I could gain from it would be priceless.
Senko lover reply :
Every person I've heard from that's done the marshal program says that's it's a really awesome experience.
CTBassin860 reply :
What do they charge you for that if you dont mind me asking?
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 4/12/2017 at 7:21 AM, MassBassin508 said:What do they charge you for that if you dont mind me asking?
$150 for regular Elite events. $500 for the Bassmaster Classic.
CTBassin860 reply :
150 is going to be money well spent.Bass University is 110 for an 8 hour day just listening to a few pros talk.Thats well worth the money as well if you ever get the chance.Ill take 8 hours in a boat with Keith Combs any day for 150 bucks.
Fishin' Fool reply :
Even better you get 2 days for sure and the possibility of 4.
Fishin' Fool reply :
Does anyone know if the status "on waiting list" means I'm not going for sure? It mentions that Marshalls are taken first come by time stamp registeration. I'm hoping they don't hold onto my $150 for a chance that I get to go in late August.
OCdockskipper reply :
I was on the waiting list for 3 days and then was bumped up to "accepted". It was almost as if they were making sure the credit card charge cleared before they moved me off the waiting list.
I got 3 days out of it, 2 of the 3 anglers were extremely gracious and accommodating. The other was fine, but gave off a vibe like I wasn't really welcome on his boat. I thought it was me until my day 2 angler said that particular Elite competitor was known for being a bit of a jerk (even though he does play to the fans when on camera).
Great experience, I will most likely do it again in 2020 when BASS makes another West Coast swing.
12poundbass reply :
On 4/12/2017 at 10:24 AM, OCdockskipper said:I was on the waiting list for 3 days and then was bumped up to "accepted". It was almost as if they were making sure the credit card charge cleared before they moved me off the waiting list.
I got 3 days out of it, 2 of the 3 anglers were extremely gracious and accommodating. The other was fine, but gave off a vibe like I wasn't really welcome on his boat. I thought it was me until my day 2 angler said that particular Elite competitor was known for being a bit of a jerk (even though he does play to the fans when on camera).
Great experience, I will most likely do it again in 2020 when BASS makes another West Coast swing.
My curiosity is peaked about this angler you're referring to! Just goes to show there sometimes is a big difference when the cameras are no where to be found.
On 4/12/2017 at 9:16 AM, Fishin' Fool said:Does anyone know if the status "on waiting list" means I'm not going for sure? It mentions that Marshalls are taken first come by time stamp registeration. I'm hoping they don't hold onto my $150 for a chance that I get to go in late August.
I got an e-mail last night saying there are still spots available for the St. Clair event so you should be accepted soon I'd assume. I've never done it but I live in central Michigan so I'm assuming that's why I received the e-mail.
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 4/12/2017 at 10:24 AM, OCdockskipper said:I was on the waiting list for 3 days and then was bumped up to "accepted". It was almost as if they were making sure the credit card charge cleared before they moved me off the waiting list.
I got 3 days out of it, 2 of the 3 anglers were extremely gracious and accommodating. The other was fine, but gave off a vibe like I wasn't really welcome on his boat. I thought it was me until my day 2 angler said that particular Elite competitor was known for being a bit of a jerk (even though he does play to the fans when on camera).
Great experience, I will most likely do it again in 2020 when BASS makes another West Coast swing.
My status changed today from "on waiting list" to "In tournament" so I guess I have at least 2 days hopefully 3.
12poundbass reply :
On 4/14/2017 at 6:36 AM, Fishin' Fool said:
My status changed today from "on waiting list" to "In tournament" so I guess I have at least 2 days hopefully 3.
Be sure to report back on how it went.
OCdockskipper reply :
On 4/14/2017 at 6:36 AM, Fishin' Fool said:
My status changed today from "on waiting list" to "In tournament" so I guess I have at least 2 days hopefully 3.
If you only get 2 days initially, here are a couple of tips to try to get the 3rd.
First, after day 2 weigh-in, there will be a marshal's meeting where the day 3 assignments are given. Go to that meeting (it is informal) and introduce yourself to whoever is running it. Let them know that you weren't chosen to be a Day 3 marshal, but if there are any no-shows at the meeting, you are available to fill in.
Then, if you aren't given a spot at the weigh-in, go early to the Day 3 takeoff. If you can, find where the same person you spoke with at the previous days Marshal meeting is and just greet them (don't ask to fill in). If they have just recently received a cancellation notice from a marshal, they will ask "Did you still want to marshal today?". Then, as the anglers are parking their boats prior to takeoff, note which ones are missing marshals, especially lesser known anglers. Some marshals will just bail on day 3 because they draw someone who is in 49th place and this is his first cash in 3 years (or a similar type scenario). As takeoff gets closer, you can again ask that official "Does so & so have a marshal, it looks like he is in his boat by himself?". This actually makes the officials job easier because he doesn't have to scramble to find a replacement.
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 4/14/2017 at 10:26 PM, OCdockskipper said:
If you only get 2 days initially, here are a couple of tips to try to get the 3rd.
First, after day 2 weigh-in, there will be a marshal's meeting where the day 3 assignments are given. Go to that meeting (it is informal) and introduce yourself to whoever is running it. Let them know that you weren't chosen to be a Day 3 marshal, but if there are any no-shows at the meeting, you are available to fill in.
Then, if you aren't given a spot at the weigh-in, go early to the Day 3 takeoff. If you can, find where the same person you spoke with at the previous days Marshal meeting is and just greet them (don't ask to fill in). If they have just recently received a cancellation notice from a marshal, they will ask "Did you still want to marshal today?". Then, as the anglers are parking their boats prior to takeoff, note which ones are missing marshals, especially lesser known anglers. Some marshals will just bail on day 3 because they draw someone who is in 49th place and this is his first cash in 3 years (or a similar type scenario). As takeoff gets closer, you can again ask that official "Does so & so have a marshal, it looks like he is in his boat by himself?". This actually makes the officials job easier because he doesn't have to scramble to find a replacement.
I called BASS and found out that I was the 64th person registered. 51 people fish day 3 so I just need 12 not to be able to go day 3 and I'm in.
OCdockskipper reply :
Good luck. I hope you have a great time and I look forward to hearing about your experience.
1simplemann reply :
Bringing this to the top. I have a few questions. I have the opportunity to be a marshal for one of the tournaments next year. I think it would be a blast. I might not get another opportunity for quite some time. What can I do to increase my odds? What's the success rate for actually getting to be a marshal? Is it 1st come,1st serve? I'm a BASS member but not a Life Member. Should I be to help my success rate? I think being a marshal would be an incredible learning opportunity and don't want to miss my chance. Thanks in advance.
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 7/24/2017 at 1:44 PM, 1simplemann said:Bringing this to the top. I have a few questions. I have the opportunity to be a marshal for one of the tournaments next year. I think it would be a blast. I might not get another opportunity for quite some time. What can I do to increase my odds? What's the success rate for actually getting to be a marshal? Is it 1st come,1st serve? I'm a BASS member but not a Life Member. Should I be to help my success rate? I think being a marshal would be an incredible learning opportunity and don't want to miss my chance. Thanks in advance.
Okay here's the skinny. Sign up as soon as you can. If you do that you will likely get 3 days of being a Marshal. I wish I knew that as it doesn't cost anything more. I'm guaranteed 2 days on St Clair in August but I'm like #63 so I would need 12 people to say no to Saturday to make day 3. So that's my advice to you sign up as soon as you can and you'll get 3 days. No need to be a Life bass member.
1simplemann reply :
FF, I plan to register at the earliest date possible. The reason I asked about the the life membership was because I noticed that life members get to apply a week sooner. I wasn't sure if it was a 1st come, 1st serve situation. You make it sound that way especially since you said the sooner a guy a applies then the better his odds are at day3 marshaling. I think that potentially watching 3 pro's for 3 days is a great value. Even watching 2 pro's would be a bargain for $150. Any idea on how fast slot fill up? Did you apply early or was it some time before you applied?
Fishin' Fool reply :
I don't remember when you could first apply but I'd say I signed up a month or two after you could. I'd say there would probably be more interest to Marshal the Bassmaster Classic. I think for a normal event if you sign up the first day you can without Lifetime privileges you will still easily make top 50 and get 3 days.
1simplemann reply :
The application dates are the just after Thanksgiving. I have always planned on becoming a Life Member. For some reason i just never got around to it.
How many times have you Marshaled?
Fishin' Fool reply :
This will be my first time. One month until the tournament, can't wait!!
1simplemann reply :
Hopefully you'll get "the Man" himself. I have a feeling something special is going to happen there.
OCdockskipper reply :
Back in 2015, on day 2 on the Elite tourney on Havasu, I was waiting by the ramp with a bunch of other Marshals. The woman next to me excitedly told me she had drawn KVD. She was darn near giddy.
I saw her at the weigh-in & she was less excited. KVD had been skunked...
12poundbass reply :
On 7/25/2017 at 9:35 PM, Fishin' Fool said:This will be my first time. One month until the tournament, can't wait!!
A full write is required awards. ?
12poundbass reply :
On 7/24/2017 at 9:06 PM, 1simplemann said:FF, I plan to register at the earliest date possible. The reason I asked about the the life membership was because I noticed that life members get to apply a week sooner. I wasn't sure if it was a 1st come, 1st serve situation. You make it sound that way especially since you said the sooner a guy a applies then the better his odds are at day3 marshaling. I think that potentially watching 3 pro's for 3 days is a great value. Even watching 2 pro's would be a bargain for $150. Any idea on how fast slot fill up? Did you apply early or was it some time before you applied?
I commented in April there were still slots avail. For the St. Clair event and that was well after the registration opened. So I'm assuming they don't fill up super quick. Maybe on the southern lakes they might.
BassNJake reply :
Depends on where the event is located.
I was a marshal on Douglas lake in TN.
When registration opened for regular members( I think it was 9am) , I signed up a couple hours later and was 55th.
Nobody declined to marshal on Saturday so sadly I only got 2 days but 1 was with G-Man !!
The next time I do it I'll make sure I'm registering as soon as it is open to regular members.
1simplemann reply :
On 7/26/2017 at 11:18 PM, 12poundbass said:I commented in April there were still slots avail. For the St. Clair event and that was well after the registration opened. So I'm assuming they don't fill up super quick. Maybe on the southern lakes they might.
That's good to know. I don't know what a Life membership will set me back but it's something I've been intending to do for a while now. If I do that, then I shouldn't have any problems. Depending on where the AOY tourney is then I might even register twice.
12poundbass reply :
On 7/27/2017 at 10:59 AM, 1simplemann said:That's good to know. I don't know what a Life membership will set me back but it's something I've been intending to do for a while now. If I do that, then I shouldn't have any problems. Depending on where the AOY tourney is then I might even register twice.
I think a life membership is around $500. AOY tourney is at Mill Lacs.
1simplemann reply :
On 7/27/2017 at 7:00 PM, 12poundbass said:I think a life membership is around $500. AOY tourney is at Mill Lacs.
2018 AOY tourney hasn't been set yet. I would love to go to this year's tourney. It's just not in the cards for me.
Fishin' Fool reply :
The St Clair marshal meeting is this afternoon. I'm stoked to find out who I get for tomorrow.
J Francho reply :
Let us know, and have fun!
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 8/23/2017 at 11:26 PM, J Francho said:Let us know, and have fun!
I'm hoping for "The Prodigy" Brandon Palaniuk 
J Francho reply :
On 8/23/2017 at 11:30 PM, Fishin' Fool said:
I'm hoping for "The Prodigy" Brandon Palaniuk
He seems like he'd be a talker.
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 8/23/2017 at 11:42 PM, J Francho said:
He seems like he'd be a talker.
If you watch any of his videos on bmpfishing it shows him with his marshal for the day. Yah he seems cool. Sitting there for 8 hours without a rod in my hand and someone that doesn't talk would be difficult.
Choporoz reply :
On 7/26/2017 at 11:06 PM, 12poundbass said:A full write is required ?
I agree! I look forward to it.
@Logan S's reports from last year on the Potomac is my favorite thread on BR about any pros.
Fishin' Fool reply :
Jesse Wiggins. Not a big name draw but he put the hurt on some smallies at Cherokee Lk.
It was pretty cool because you have a nice dinner with the pros after the marshal meeting and their meeting.
12poundbass reply :
On 8/24/2017 at 7:05 AM, Fishin' Fool said:Jesse Wiggins. Not a big name draw but he put the hurt on some smallies at Cherokee Lk.
It was pretty cool because you have a nice dinner with the pros after the marshal meeting and their meeting.
Enjoy your time tomorrow. Do you know yet how many days you're getting?
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 8/24/2017 at 8:07 AM, 12poundbass said:Enjoy your time tomorrow. Do you know yet how many days you're getting?
Two for sure. Probably won't make the 3rd.
Fishin' Fool reply :
Day 1 was a success. Wiggins sitting right at the cut line with 17-6. Check out my marshal pics. Tough day for many guys and then many 20+ bags. I drew Keith Poche for day 2 which I'm excited about because he had 17 something for 4 fish and said he figured something out late in the day. So I'm hoping he's on em tmrw. Exhausted for now. Report back later.
Bulletman20XD reply :
On 8/24/2017 at 7:05 AM, Fishin' Fool said:Jesse Wiggins. Not a big name draw but he put the hurt on some smallies at Cherokee Lk.
It was pretty cool because you have a nice dinner with the pros after the marshal meeting and their meeting.
I drew Jesse for day 3 on Dardanelle back in June. He's a very nice young man (called me sir). He's very driven and wants to compete well every day. I expect him to do even better in to coming years!
Bulletman20XD reply :
I volunteered as a Judge for the TTBC on Rayburn back in May (TTBC is free). It was an experience for sure. However, because the launch site was actually nearly an hour away, they required us to assemble WAY too early to pick up scales, lunch etc.. then ride the bus to the lake. The blast off time was 7 a.m. but we were at the lake by about 5:00-5:15. THEN, wanted all 109 of us down on a large dock to be picked up by our pro one at a time. Most of the pros complained they were losing precious morning bite time (which they were) On day two many Judges and pros had figured out to make arrangements to meet at the ramp and help launch just as it is done at all the other tourneys. That saved a bunch of time. I drew Boyd Duckett on day 1 and had an absolute blast. I had ate dinner with him the night before at the social so we were already associated with each other. While on the water I had asked questions and he was all to eager to answer, sometimes rather bluntly! LOL The water was rough both days I volunteered (3-5 foot rollers) which was the worst part because of my bad back. These guys will not let up for nothing. So if you end up in the program be prepared! Boyd and I only ran about 5 miles south then 5 miles back all day. Day 2 I was with James Neggemeyer., We ran south about 3 miles for a while then ALL the way north up into the river. I have been chasing these little green fish all my life and near 30 years as a boater and have never been beat up so bad. You'll not find a nicer guy than James. Hes a big family man that preys prior to each days launch. I had bowed out for the next 2 days because I had a tourney of my own to fish but a few friends from San Antonio were there and were selected for day 3. The TTBC having a different format than all the other Elite tourneys is an experience. Some pros like it others hate it. Trip Weldon told us all to expect more tourneys to have this format. Judging and Marshaling are a little different. As a Judge you observe for rules violations and actually weigh the fish, and report it to Basstraks, and document each catch. You accompany the pro all the way to the electronic weigh in for verification. Whereas, a Marshal sits in the boat all day doing nothing but observing and making sure the pro does not violate any rules. When you get to the weigh in site you part ways--IT'S BORING, at least for me it is. If you are selected or volunteer for a tourney keep in mind you have ZERO say as to whom your with. The pros are just like you and I. They have good days and bad, some will talk your ear off and others will rarely say a word and a few act less than professional at times (some more so than others-- NJ must be a bad state LOL). It is something all bass anglers should experience at least once. For novice anglers it is a chance to learn from the pros lots of stuff in a short period of time. Advanced anglers will find it boring because for the most part the pros do nothing different than you may be already. Keep in mind you cannot assist the pro catch fish in any way shape or form. Some of them take this to the extreme and basically ask you to say nothing concerning fishing. You can ask questions but cannot tell them things that could help them on that or any lake on the schedule.
Fishin' Fool reply :
I'm so sore after riding with Poche yesterday. He ran down to Erie and he runs hard. I was so sore after yesterday that I didn't even stay to see if I could have marshalled Day 3. I will update my experience probably either late Sunday or sometime next week.
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