B Westmoreland T question

[Lowerider]

Not wanting to kick up dirt here but i just read the article on the home page regarding the results of the Billy Westmoreland tournament on Dale this past December. Now I'm not a big tourney fisherman but that format appeals to me. Catching a solid 5 fish per day would be tough for me, but as you can see from the results two big bites puts you in the money. I always thought I wasn't eligible to fish becasue being from NKY I certainly live more than 100 miles away from the dock - even by way the crow flies. Reading the results page I see that the 5th place finishers are practically my neighbors and the 9th place finisher lives in Ohio which is certainly farther away from the dock than I live. So whats the deal - are they not strict on the 100 mile rule? Does having a trailer or fish camp closer to the lake qualify you? How were these guys able to fish this event? Again, nothing against those guys personally - I congratulate for making the top 10 out of nearly 60 boats. I just want to know if I can fish this tourney if I want to. According to mapquest I live +250 miles from the dock, but my old man has a fish camp on Cumberland which is certainly within the 100 mile limit. What does it take to be eligible?

[CATCHEMALL]

Now I might be wrong about it but I think you are miss reading the rules. I believe you have to live at least 100 miles from the lake to fish the tourney. But I might be wrong about this and if so I am sure somebody will correct me.

[yellow20xd]

The two-day tournament requires competitors to live at least 100 miles away from the dock... Thats directly from the story.... Dan

[Lowerider]

Ah, that's what i get for speed reading while at work...

[elnutsmalljaws]

Yellow is correct, the Billy Tourney is open to anyone that lives 100 miles or farther away from Horse Creek Marina. It is held the first Saturday and Sunday of December, fish all day on Saturday then half day on Sunday, total weight combined for both days, Smallie only tourney with lake slot limit rules apply which means 2 man team can legally weigh in 2 over 21 and 2 under 16 each day.

[phoenix]

Sounds like you're eligible to me. I think they should change this rule, but they probably won't. I think it was designed to bring in $revenue$ to the area, and keep the locals from puttin a whoopin on everybody.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Billy used to own part of Horse Creek Marina. It was called the Horse Creek Invitational originally and the Billy Westmoreland Classic part was added after his passing. From what I know, it was started to promote the lake and its fine Smallmouth fishery, which does bring in revenue to the local vendors. It is designed to keep the LOCALS out of the mix to make the playing field as level as possible for all. 2 over the slot each day will most likely win it every year that it is held. If I remember reading the story correctly, 2 under the slot each day would have put you solidly in the money this year.