Guys...
I stayed out of this. Last year, I worked with Crystal to help make things happen and work, this year I have not been consulted or asked to help at all. Never have I ever seen a municipality so hung up on the almighty dollar! This city ( Aurora) has lost touch with what we collectively as anglers really want! That is to fish!
We don't need fancy food, last time I checked I still knew how to make sandwiches and throw them in the boat. The city and its staff needs to consult with the local clubs, ie.. Denver Bassmasters, Centennial Bass Club, Colorado Walleye Assn, and with the members of the 2 largest fishing forums in this state in Fish Explorer and Colorado Fisherman. If they did that they would learn the proper way to organize fishing events and competitions, as well as promote the events within the clubs and forums.
The city needs to get over the outrageous fees... This event was to be held during normal park hours, so the Rangers would have been there regardless. Where is the extra cost in that? They were charging 40.00 a head, just for entry fees. To cover what? Has any other companies been consulted to offer an alternative food, which might be cheaper, or even better suited to an event like this? Or.. as many have said before, eliminate the food.
The simple truth is the city can't or won't see the value in promoting this fine fishery realizing the profits from it in the coming years from more season passes, boat fees, etc. Instead.. they want all the money they can get their greedy hands on up front! Then when they don't see enough margin in it right now, they cancel the events a week and a half beforehand!
This whole thing stinks to high heaven! When Daris organized the first ever private night event, he was given specific lists of what he had to pay, ie Rangers wages, insurance, rental fees, etc. He PRIVATELY did all that, and advertised it strictly on the forums and it was a huge success monetarily with money left over to donate to a church fishing club!
Why was he successful? Because he recognized, and knew what we as anglers wanted and gave us just that!
This city, with all of their advantages of owning the reservoir and employing the staff, has failed miserably with the events this year.
I am done! I will NEVER fish another City of Aurora event, I will tell all of my angler friends NOT to fish them, and furthermore, the City of Aurora will never see another penny of mine in daily, boat, or season pass fees!
The City of Aurora has once again shown all of us anglers how they really feel about us. Now they will hear how I feel about the City of Aurora.... They can kiss my ass!
Tiny