I appreciate all the feedback.I'm soaking it in []

I guess the big issue is - This is Not a charity event.Non Profit - Yes
We are looking at a gross of $480.We have prize money,food,measuring sticks and misc to take out of gross.

This is a VFW event (Veterens of Foreign Wars).The "change" goes into the VFW/Mens Auxiliary fund to cover expenses or donations to other veterans organizations or community events thru the year. Everybody is always looking for donations!

I made a sincere attempt to determine attractive cash prizes by speaking to various club fisherman who fish small tourneys such as this one,10-12 boats in small lake or pond.BIG money around here is won mostly on large rivers with 25-50 boats! Prize money in these small events/clubs is not Big other than maybe a side pot for heavy fish.

This VFW is located on a small state lake (about 95 surface acres) with a nice boat launch.This is the very 1st VFW event utilizing the lake and its launch.Things could change next year including mabe the prize money.I might need to tweak things a bit before or day of event to make it all work.Also - We will Only have 1 Bass Tourney a Year.Next year will probably add a Crappie tourney.

The catch and release factor is here to stay.It Cuts down on mortality,
pulling fish from spawning beds(this time of year),expenses in scales etc...It also allows boaters who do not or will not invest in any form of live well system.I'd like to see ANY boater from a Canoe up to a 30K bass boat attend and compete.

The cheat factor is a concern.I'll deal with it If and When it occurs.Things around here have a habit of getting around via word of mouth much sooner than later.A lying cheat only cheats himself in the end!