After hearing the payout amounts awarded in Saugatuck, I couldn't help feeling sorry for many of the AM teams finishing in the top 10 that received only $100-$200 in prize money. I realize that boat numbers are way down, but does not give many teams the incentive to fish these locales in the future. IMO a top 10 finish deserves getting at least their entry fees back. Hopefully this was noted and changes can be made to correct this and keep a strong attendance to this great event.

Does anyone know what the actual break down was?

totally agree with Tim. I wonder if it was because they had to stick with the "gauranteed" $5k first prize.

Looking over the numbers there were 19 pro boats and 44 am boats, very light attendance at 63 boats total.

With $50 of the entry fees donated to ODC, Pro division brought $ 7,600 in entry fees and payed out much more in winnings. Am entry fees were $8,800 and also payed out more in winnings.

I guess that answers my question regarding why the payouts were not higher since they expected 100+ boats for the tournament. Thanks to all of the sponsors for their support enabling them to pay out everyone period.

This was a first class run tournament, but low numbers of participation is really hurting our sport. We'll be back next year for sure.

when 1st and 2nd take 7200 of the 8800 that doesn't leave much for the rest. I think they just need better distrubution.

I think as I have often mentioned the AM class needs a complete restructure. While I know that the old school thought that high prizes will bring in more boats the simple fact is I know I am not the only one who can do the math and figure out if you can't win it makes little sense to play. And if I am only fishing for fun why pay the entry fees and fish under the tourney rules. Since the weather has beaten us at nearly every event this year causing a lot of guys to not be able to fish in events they payed for or to be forced to fish in crummy cond or as in one have to haul butt back in to beat the shortened event sched. So answer me this if you are not one of the few that do well in every event you enter what would it take to get you to donate to this? As for me I took the money I budgeted for 4 tournaments and fished more I also fished a few smaller charity events and had a great time and will most likely do the same next year. Would I like to be a part of the big events sure but to be honest I doubt I will untill they cap the max in AM and force some of these guys to move up to Pro or realize the days of making big money in AM are over.