Dakota Walleye Classic

[Obi-Wan]

There have been quite a few comments regarding a scale issue that happened today. It is way too long to explain on social media. However, we found that our brand-new PTS CS19 scale system began glitching and adding the gross weight of the basket. Our basket weighs 3.97LBS and is certified by Pro Tournament Scales. We caught the problem when a team brought it to our attention.

We then followed all of the weight back to the point at which the scale made the change. It is important to note that we located the exact moment that the system defaulted to the gross weight which added the basket.

We called virtually all teams that were affected by this glitch to the weigh station. We then turned on our backup scale system and confirmed the exact weight of the basket in front of at least 30 anglers. There was a unanimous agreement that the basket weighed 3.97lbs.

We then asked the anglers who were affected what they wanted to do. THE ANGLERS felt that all teams affected should have 3.97lbs deducted from their weights. The anglers who made this decision were the ones who were directly affected. We insisted that the anglers must have a unanimous agreement that this is what they all wanted to happen. We, the DWC did not make this call. The anglers made it. We know for 100% certainty that the weight discrepency was 3.97lbs. We know for 100% certainty that it was caught early on. We also know the moment it began. We have spoken to anglers personally on the phone and continue to do so in order to make sure that everyone is in agreement.
As of this writing, there is only one team that we are aware of who disagrees with the angler's decision. However, the anglers before and after them unanimously agreed that they were all high.

We recognize that this creates distrust in the event. We recognize that it calls our scales into question. That being said, we have done our best to see to it that the anglers that were involved made the decision that was best the whole of the tournament. WE did not make any arbitrary or unilateral decision.

Tomorrow we will be going back to the tried-and-true PTS H2 system we have always used. We will continue to check our scales throughout the day in order to make sure they are spot on. we have never had this issue before, and it won't be repeated again.

 

[Davy Crockett]

With a printed ticket , net and tare should both print. I'm guessing the wrong button got pushed to clear the basket weight. I don't fish tournaments but always interested in the weights.

 

[Rowdie]

There have been quite a few comments regarding a scale issue that happened today. It is way too long to explain on social media. However, we found that our brand-new PTS CS19 scale system began glitching and adding the gross weight of the basket. Our basket weighs 3.97LBS and is certified by Pro Tournament Scales. We caught the problem when a team brought it to our attention.

We then followed all of the weight back to the point at which the scale made the change. It is important to note that we located the exact moment that the system defaulted to the gross weight which added the basket.

We called virtually all teams that were affected by this glitch to the weigh station. We then turned on our backup scale system and confirmed the exact weight of the basket in front of at least 30 anglers. There was a unanimous agreement that the basket weighed 3.97lbs.

We then asked the anglers who were affected what they wanted to do. THE ANGLERS felt that all teams affected should have 3.97lbs deducted from their weights. The anglers who made this decision were the ones who were directly affected. We insisted that the anglers must have a unanimous agreement that this is what they all wanted to happen. We, the DWC did not make this call. The anglers made it. We know for 100% certainty that the weight discrepency was 3.97lbs. We know for 100% certainty that it was caught early on. We also know the moment it began. We have spoken to anglers personally on the phone and continue to do so in order to make sure that everyone is in agreement.
As of this writing, there is only one team that we are aware of who disagrees with the angler's decision. However, the anglers before and after them unanimously agreed that they were all high.

We recognize that this creates distrust in the event. We recognize that it calls our scales into question. That being said, we have done our best to see to it that the anglers that were involved made the decision that was best the whole of the tournament. WE did not make any arbitrary or unilateral decision.

Tomorrow we will be going back to the tried-and-true PTS H2 system we have always used. We will continue to check our scales throughout the day in order to make sure they are spot on. we have never had this issue before, and it won't be repeated again.

Excellent response. I don't see how anyone can have a problem with how you handled that. Great Job.

 

[Rowdie]

Dakota Walleye Classic Community.
When this event began 31 years ago, it began as a small tournament of diehard anglers. Quickly growing as a community tradition that families from all over came to plan their summers around. Unfortunately, as with many community lead volunteer based projects, it is much easier to find someone who wishes to reap the rewards of the event than put in the effort to host it. The event survived on a handful of dedicated community members who virtually killed themselves every year to put this tournament on.
When our family was given the opportunity to purchase the DWC, it was at the point of cancellation. My family decided that we simply could not see such a beloved event fail. The first year we ran it, we had the entirety of our family from all of the country fly out to assist. We looked forward to it more than anything throughout the entire year.
Unfortunately, the last few years have been filled with some of the worst spirited, unprofessional, vile, and poor examples tournament anglers and their spouses that we have ever seen. The social media attacks, unwarranted comments, phone threats, vile text messages, and threats to children due to who their dad is have simply gone too far.
As a family who volunteers their time, donates 100% of the profits, and spends every waking moment ensuring everyone is given a memorable experience, we simply don't wish to be subjected to this type of behavior. Especially when we are doing it out of love for our fishing community.
We are so unbelievably thankful for the countless amazing people and sponsors we have met over the years. None more than Dustin Melby and Moritz Sport and Marine. You and your organization truly exemplifies what it is to be good, honest, godly and community focused pillars within the community. We will truly miss you. You and many of the men and women we've met over the years are the only reason we held on so long. If it weren't for you, we would have come to this decision much sooner.
Our family has chosen to re-focus our philanthropic efforts of giving back towards anglers with adaptive needs.
Effective immediately, the Dakota Walleye Classic is cancelled indefinitely.
Gooss Family

I'm confused by this post. Who wrote it and when? It seems like the tournament happened, but with some scale problems that seemed to be fixed.