Abt 2012

[forsterfisho]

Here is what I just found on the BREAM website - a direct quote on next year's ABT plans

"Here’s what we currently have planned for 2012 BREAM. With the popularity of teams events, we’ve decided to do fewer BREAM events, but do them better.

• Eight BREAM Qualifiers nationally.
- Qld x 1
- NSW North x 1
- NSW South x 1
- Vic x 1
- Sa x 1
- WA x 1
- TAS x 1
Plus an extra qualifier in the state with the GF for that year. Therefore an extra one for Qld in 2012 and an extra one for Vic in 2013.

• All qualifiers the same format
- boater/non-boater.
- 2 day events with one day prefish.
- all events live streamed.
- live stream to include latest scoreboards, updated by the minute.
- expanded coverage in local magazines.
- More than one person to qualify for AFC per season – more like four will come from Grand Final and AOY/Rankings performances. (First episode of AFC Series 8 will air on Nov 6, 2011, BTW).
• Win a bass boat at the GF (same as 2011).
• AOY now national, not state based.
• Rankings points modified to suit new numbers of events.
• Around five qualifiers per division per event (40 boats) with the balance of GF participants (circa 10 anglers per division) coming from the national AOY points.

In 2011, our feedback indicated that price was a sensitive issue, rather than payback percentage. As in anglers would prefer a $100 tournament with no payback than a $300 with 90% payback. Is this still the case? Note that ABT will position these events at a higher price point/payback percentage than a standard teams event, but lower than the Australian Open. Maybe $200 to $300 for a boater and $100 for a non-boater.

It’s a shame to see the Super Series events on the shelf for the moment. Most people indicated that the time required to do a 3-day event was becoming more difficult to get. Three day event options will still be there for Australian Open, Queensland Open and Grand Final.

Now, we know that there will be disappointment that there are reductions in qualifiers in each state, but we’re working to minimise the impact of this. For instance, for a mainlander, instead of the Tassie Tour being made up of 2 x ABT Qualifiers, it’ll now be made up of a single Qualifier and a Tassie BREAM Classic event the weekend before. You still travel down and fish two events, it’s just now you’ll fish one with your mate.
From an industry point of view, we think that it’s important to keep the BREAM events at this level. There’s plenty of one-day classics to get an appetite for tournament fishing and for teams fishing, but ABT is the only place you can challenge yourself as an individual and get real coverage – not just some internet glory – for your achievements.

As such, the Tour Guide is an integral part of ABT’s formula and will remain in its current format – printed copies mailed to members, sold copies through newsagents and free-to-read online. The enhanced statistics sections seemed popular this year – we’ll keep them going.

Happy to wear all the criticism you can dish out, but please try to keep comments constructive. Think about balancing the ‘good for me’ and ‘good for the sport’ versions of your experiences. "

What do you guys think of this? I'll be a bit dissapointed that there is only 2 ABT rounds in NSW. Personally I find it easier to fish the singles events, more so than teams. I don't need to make sure team mates can make the comps as well.

[Hayden]

Hope it dont stay like that as in wa we like having our 2 rounds if it go to one then that's crap cause we don't have as many comps as the east.... 4 classic rounds and our gf if u qual to get other than that it's just go fish when you can.... We need 2 over here much better that way

[Dan Walter]

Doubt WA will get 2 again for a good while Haydo.
I'd say ANT had to do something with so many people getting into the team events these days, personally I think it's good it makes the qualifiers more prestigious and winning one even harder. Does suck a bit only having 1 qualifier close to us Dion but it's all for the best, and good to see AFC get a kick, it's been stale for a while now.

I know a good bloke if you want a team mate Dion, works for him self so he can go fishing anytime.

[bp30tr]

think the dropping to 1 only event is pretty poor- i entered my 1st ever ABT event at the blackwood this year and even managed a double donut hahaha but the atmosphere and the way all the guys were with my questions about techniques lures etc was great and made for a great weekend - alot of rats just not that 1 legal i wanted

the numbers seem too be pretty good and if anything i guess will just put more pressure on that system especially prefish day

i might be speaking out of school here but id be interested too hear if a prefish ban the day before the event would be more beneficial than the current setup - i did get too prefish and heared all the stories from people saying they wouldve had a 4kg bag etc etc if the comp day was the friday and wondered was all the crews hitting the area some alot harder than others maybe a bad thing???

[Shortytheyakker]

I wonder if the kayak section drops back to one a year in each state ?

I would need more time to digest it but halving the events does not look to good at first glance , would it be worth being a member of the ABT for one event a year ?

Whats this team events folks are talking about do they mean the BETS series ?

[Dodgy back]

With the many teams comps about these days, it no doubt had an influence on the ABT individual events.

This year for me it got that there was almost an oversupply of comps and you really had to get selective of what you did.
Me personally, the ABT comps are my favourate with the teams events a second, so I am in a way disapointed with the move.

But ABT numbers were dropping so I suppose they had to do something.

[vegasbreamman]

Very sad to see this. I thought there was a great turn out for the abts last year and only to grow more and more over here. This should be thought out more before decisions are finalized.

[Stick Minnow]

I wonder if the kayak section drops back to one a year in each state ?

I would need more time to digest it but halving the events does not look to good at first glance , would it be worth being a member of the ABT for one event a year ?

Whats this team events folks are talking about do they mean the BETS series ?

The teams events the folks are talking about are as you said BETS, Squidgy Comps, Vic Bream Classics etc. The turnouts for these events are big, in some locations 80+ boats and i really enjoy doing them. I'm not dissapointed to see ABT's reduction in comps, i guess it will make it more prestigioius to win one.

[Shortytheyakker]

Cheers Stick i am in Perth we don't have them but i have beem impressed with the Bets Series and the $20,000 first prize in the Granny is a tidy sum :)

Also learned a few tips from when Mangos interviews winners,,

[hiltonlad]

Not that concerned about the amount of events but as said in WA we dont have teams events so it could well be the death of ABT here as no benefit in paying a membership for 1 event.If it comes to fruition makes my boat choice that much simpler:DGood luck with it all as we know where only Mexicans over here proping the East Coast up with Commonwealth Royalties:p:p

[Shortytheyakker]

Live streaming the remaining events is a positive move and updateing of score cards etc,,its just fantastic to be able to watch the weighins live on your computer,,it was a great move when the ABT started that concept,,

[Doc_Hollywood]

Not that concerned about the amount of events but as said in WA we dont have teams events
Not sure if the above is a mistype but dont we have a fair few classics and arent they teams events.:confused:

[CSfish]

No doubt it will be disappointing if WA only has 1 ABT event. There isnt much point joining up for one event and possibly getting into the GF which takes a fair bit to get over to do.

There's been a fair bit of invested time and money in getting prepared for these events. Boats, tackle, prefishing etc.

Its socially great events with people away and in similar locations.

It will be sad if we only have Mandurah and Perth as our Classic rounds and only one other arena for the year.

Oh well, rules are rules and you normally like em or not. People will make their choice.

[bender]

I would drop the wa comp an just do tazzie and lake mac as a non boater..

[Dodgy back]

Although I can understand the individual comps being cut back due to the popularity of the teams events.
But as mentioned by another guy on the FM site.
It will now be harder for non boaters to get into the mix.

Not many guys new to the world of bream luring know guys to team up with in comps. Most guys already have teams in place.

I'd say most people started thier life in bream comps as no boaters.

Oh well . lets see what next year will bring.

[hiltonlad]

It wasnt Leon because unless you live in Perth most people in my situiation arent going to drive 4 hrs for a classic being my point.Maybe if the classics were on Saturdays;).

[Maccas]

This is just another decision made by the so called "wise men from the east" which doesn't consider the smaller states. I have really enjoyed the fishing and social aspect of the ABT in the three events I have fished.

Having two events allows you to challenge yourself to improve if you don't do well in the the first one. We have had good numbers at the ABT events in WA so this decision is very disappointing as there are new faces appearing amongst the seasoned competitors.

I am sure that there will be some drop out as being a member of an eastern states based organisation that is reducing the value of being a member is hardly likely to encourage newbies to join the ABT. Current members in WA like myself will wonder whether it is worth it to fish one comp.

Still as Hiltonlad has pointed out we are only "mexicans" over here so it doesn't really count. Bit the same for SA and Tassie as well.

Perhaps it might be time to reinvent the wheel and revive the WABT

[Coops]

How Disappointing to hear the possibilty of reducing the WA ABT event to 1 event per year !!
I doubt if the average breaner will continue with the ABT Considering the ABT costs involved.
The ABT Events are a great nursery for upcoming breamers to join our sport and eventually go onto entering as a boaters and continue the growth of the sport here in WA .

As a new member I have found the past events so fulfilling, fishing and learning from some of the best bream anglers WA has to offer.
Its time for the Sponsors and tackle stores here in WA to maintain pressure on ABT and get behind our sport to ensure WA at least maintains 2 events per year !! otherwise the ABT is doomed to continue here in WA.


Greg Cooper

[Hazell]

Was there any form of announcement about the kayak rounds?

[rrumbles]

I think the abt need to look at getting the smaller boats back into the comps,there are more guys fishing for bream then ever before so why do they not enter the comps?would like to hear your thoughts and maybe the abt will get some constructive feedback.

[Dan Walter]

Being from WA I understand how alot of you feel but if things stay the same there may not be any ABT at all if it's currant format stays and the team events continue to prove popular, ABT would go broke, then there will ne nothing at all. So I'd be thankful for getting 1, tassie anglers are in the same boat spare a thought because they may not have any classics next year.

[Bear]

How Disappointing to hear the possibilty of reducing the WA ABT event to 1 event per year !!
I doubt if the average breaner will continue with the ABT Considering the ABT costs involved.
The ABT Events are a great nursery for upcoming breamers to join our sport and eventually go onto entering as a boaters and continue the growth of the sport here in WA .

As a new member I have found the past events so fulfilling, fishing and learning from some of the best bream anglers WA has to offer.
Its time for the Sponsors and tackle stores here in WA to maintain pressure on ABT and get behind our sport to ensure WA at least maintains 2 events per year !! otherwise the ABT is doomed to continue here in WA.


Greg Cooper

Considering the effort in getting anglers to go to an EC based GF, maybe it's time to see the real benefit if a WA based tournament series with out ABT. Keep the spono $$ here and see the sport continue to grow.

JMO.

[Craig]

Interesting turn of events and rather than focus on doom and gloom I think there are some opportunities here.

One less ABT event actually frees up the calendar a bit and the possibility of a Southern Classic or similar event becomes worth exploring - Albany would be a good venue as the facilities of the fishing club are great and it means I wouldn't have to lug scales etc down there.

I will be catching up with Steve Morgan early November and will have a better idea of we can keep our relationship going but still build the sport in WA.

Make no mistake - the link with the National body is a key element in attracting and retaining sponsorship.

I will be contacting Stu Klose (Sthn Series organiser) and discussing how and what we can do together over the next few years and also will be meeting with a few key people to plan what the Classics can do to lift to the next level.

[bender]

Albany has lots lof bream and breamers and great facilities...can someone exain that bit about tazzie having a team event to get more people into the abt grand final..and wa can have one event....but lets just make it that we allow 6 boaters and 6 non boaters to qualify..solves the problem i say..

[R.C.]

I understand the need for Abt to make these changes to change with the flow
of the eastern states anglers and they need to look after the majority

But this is a big deal for WA anglers no AOY for the state only 1 chance for a newbie to join the comp seen and maybe meet someone that need's a non boater for the Team events , and with less people wanting to pay all the rego fees for ABT less boat in are one qualifier anyway= less non boater spots.
Additional I felt only two premiere two day events per year was weak now down to one very sad Team events are great fun but the two day individual performance events are the 1st tier events.

Some possible solutions If WA could get some sought of additional super series rounds running so we could have one 2 day ABT qualifier round and 2 2day super series rounds (like a WABT style round) and then the State AOY would then be decided over Three comps e.g. a Walpole round Blackwood round and a Albany round maybe these could be run through the classic series banner or the ABT ? (Not trying to volunteer Craig for more work)
This could solve some WA issues of newbie’s joining the sport and make the State AOY a ongoing achievement that may be lost under this new format. Additional keep the WA anglers on their toes again with multiply two day comps to challenge oneself vs the mighty Black Bream.

Ryan

[Dan Walter]

Szarn
Until today tassie had no one to organize the classics. It's hasnow been sorted and ABT and the new organizer are looking at runing a classic at the same time as the qualifier so there is more then one event for the travelers.
That's about as much as u know.

[Craig]

I have planned to have a very capable young man assist me with the Classics next year - many of you know Matt Gillett - so that may enable us to work with the Albany crew to have either a "country" Classic or two or/and a country two day event or maybe a city two day event.

Maybe a combination but over all an increase in the number of comps.

Naturally this will depend on attracting more and new sponsors and most importantly the support of competitors.

Let me put something forward quite bluntly - people DohDohDohDohDoh and complain about things like "why don't we have comps down south etc etc" but when it comes time to sign on the dotted line - all the excuses under the sun come out about why they can't attend.

So, if the time and effort is put in by whomever, to organise more events then let's have them supported please.

[hiltonlad]

Sounds good Craig.Would love the classics to be Saturdays to allow for traveling could see more out of towners but dont know how it effects the masses.

[Hazell]

I'm all for Saturdays!

[StuKlose]

Craig we are very happy to discuss options for events down our way. We have a very capable group now that can easily run a classic or similiar event down this way.

Attached is a draft calendar for our upcoming 2011/2012 season.

[bream miagi]

i myself think its a backward step...id like to see abt keep the current format...

for myself the classics comps are ok but id much rather do the abt qualifiers for the fact that its the only one up event..classics are fun to start off with ...but as you progress...well...there might not be anything to progress to now...:(...ive been enjoying doing the 5 events a year in abt...love them to bits

and i think even with the numbers in teams based events rising..i still think the abt qualifiers and super series events have there place and there following amongst bream anglers..

the price hike of this year was a good thing..and a further price hike wouldnt be a bad idea in my opinion..even if it meant a few droping out and giving the more serious anglers something to strive for..

its suposed to be the pinnical of events for the sport hear in aus...to see them cut back would be a shame

spiro

[Coops]

Great to hear Craig
I understand running events takes time and money however if WA were able to organise our own 2 day event as a replacement for dropped 2nd ABT event
maybe that could be coordinated with ABT to carry the same qualifying system and bragging rights as a ABT event ??
that would also reduce the pressure on individuals to compete and perform to qualify for a ABT Result

[Doc_Hollywood]

It wasnt Leon because unless you live in Perth most people in my situiation arent going to drive 4 hrs for a classic being my point.Maybe if the classics were on Saturdays;).

Not a real argument as we often drive 4 hours down there to fish, pay fuel accomodation etc. Or some of us fly over east and fish tournaments which is always a 3 or 4 day thing and around a grand. So it boils down to what you can do and will do for the competitive side of your chosen sport.

[hiltonlad]

Hence the mention of Saturdays to make it viable and weekends can be made of it the same as you do when you head south if you get my drift.

[Bear]

Instead of more of the same with the Classics, why not look at a 2 days event to fill in the gap created by ABT? Would be a great way to have another series for those of us who prefer 2 days on some of our southern rivers\systems.

[hiltonlad]

Well we have our Bream Spectacular which may get a bit more patronage which is 2 day event and a bar;):D

[john & shayne]

I don't pretend to be either a "gun fisho" or a veteran of tournaments, (I have only entered 4 classics). But with complaints about no AOY, no 2 day events, only one ABT, I am confused. Firstly there were complaints that there was only an AOY "boater" for the WA rounds, and after reading all the reasons etc, I was even more confused. Why do we in WA need to have an angler deigned WA AOY by what is esentially an easter staes run comp. Why isn't there a points system in the classics and the over all winner from all four rounds, plus GF, used to make a WA AOY, needn't win the GF to be WA AOY. I am sure that Craig has his nose to the grindstone with a solution, but how about the classics expanding from Perth Mandurah, Perth Mandurah to include either 2 of Blackwood, Albany and Walpole. Afterall Charlie and the boys come to Perth/Mandurah for all rounds. Just an observation from an innocent bystander.

Cheers John "ozzy(05)" Osborne

[Shortytheyakker]

Well we have our Bream Spectacular which may get a bit more patronage which is 2 day event and a bar;):D


A lot of folks have been looking on with interest after last year,,tell them to stock that bar my advice would be :D

[stompy]

Hey,

All states have reduced comps. I'm in NSW and it has 2, but the southern one will be at least 8 hours drive so just one for me as well. With a new bub I just can't travel to do comps as much as I would like to.

It is the only ABT event I will do, the other will be team events which are non ABT, except maybe one. I don't have a problem being a ABT member to fish one event. I enjoy the TAG mag and always hope I will qualify for the Classic GF.

I do enjoy the ABT format of boater non boater and am hopeful that this is just a minor hicup along the way and things get sorted in 2012.

Cheers,

[Craig]

John

The Classics do have an AOY but it is a team AOY as the Classics are a team based event.

All

The Southern series of bream events are well run and growing so maybe we metropolitan based anglers could patronise those a tad more.

As said I will work with the Southern Guys to see how viable a 'Country Classic' is - give us a bit of time.

There has been a bit of talk about having a two day series but it has only been the last few years that the ABT numbers grew to a sufficient size that ensured we didn't lose these events all together.

One of the keys to the Classics success is that they only take up one day of weekend which fits in well with those who work Saturdays or have family committments.

Would a two day series be viable?

Maybe run a two day event and use the results from that plus the ABT to produce an individual AOY - maybe even link it to a Sthn Series two day event and have the ability for Anglers to drop their worst result - just thoughts/ideas - we'll see how it all fits together.

[Hazell]

Would a two day series be viable?


In my opinion, no.

1 or 2 a year is great but any more and I bet a lot of anglers will struggle to get to them all. They may just go to a couple of the 'arenas' they like the most.

[Hayden]

I would say yes for 2 day comps but what ya could do is maybe only do it in 2 of the 5 comps or make the gf a 2 event plus could do a 2 day event at blackwood as a special round Which would be nice

[TassieDevil]

All Classics in TAS have been two day events. I would have preferred to see the Derwent remain as a 3 day Super Series event. Making that 3rd day really seems to mean something and doing it while chasing the biggest bags in Aust is even better.