A LITTLE HISTORY...
Prior to the name, "Boot'Legg," our small group of anglers unofficially named our tournaments, "The Backyard Brawl!!!" Basically, how the "Backyard Brawl" name
came about was really through the Bethel Lake tournaments. Through conversations in the past, this is how WE used to refer to those "Diehard" anglers
that fished the Bethel Lake Tournaments. Most of the angler's that fished the Bethel Tournaments lived within a few miles of one another and have all become friends
as well as competitors. We all felt that Bethel was in our BACKYARD and when tournaments were held on Bethel Lake, it was like a BRAWL out there. You never knew
who was going to come out on top until the dust settled. The word BRAWL sounds like a knockdown drag out. Well, that is pretty much what our competitive spirit was
against one another. It wasn't about the money, but how we stacked up among one another. Hence..."The Backyard Brawl!!!"
Well, where did the name "Boot'Legg" come from?! Let's just say that on a whim, the "Backyard Brawlers" would get called up and informed that there was going to be a
Tournament held on Lake "X" and to meet there at a designated time. There would only be a handful of boats and it was kept among the "Backyard Brawlers" themselves.
Because we were concerned about folks making a fuss, the location was kept quiet and the weigh in wasn't back at the ramp, rather out on the lake in the back of a creek arm
behind the trees. Kind of like where the Bootleg liquor stills were located...Secluded in the woods...Hence the name, BOOT'LEGG!!!
It can be said that the "Boot'Legg Trail" was founded by the "Backyard Brawlers," which was founded by YOU, the Peninsula Angler's. It just happened that WE put a name
to it. Making it official, we can say that it was founded on February 2003 when the 1st Boot'Legg Tournament was held by its founders, then the 2nd
Annual Boot'Legg Tournament was held the following February 14th of 2004; appropriately nicknamed the "Valentine's Day Massacre."
GIVING BACK...
The Boot'Legg Trail gives something genuine back to the Peninsula Freshwater Angling Community which seems to have been abused in some cases and in others taken away.
The founders of the Trail decided that it was time for that to come to an end and that is where the Boot'Legg Trail comes in to play. The Boot'Legg Trail is coming out into the open and ready to give back and support Tidwaters Fishing community.
The Trail is not about making money, it is about providing a service for the Angling Community and paying out 100% of the moneys put in. There are no books to keep track of as far as money,
nor is there a need for a Treasurer. The money put in during an event, goes right back out. If an Angler wins, they win big. And if they lose, at least there is no guess
work into where the money went and they know that the potential to win a sizeable pot is available.
Boot'Legg is a non-profit trail dedicated to meeting the needs of the Peninsula Angler's seeking tournaments. Any prizes provided will be directly from our Sponsor's or out of the pockets of the Tournament Officials. It's not about turning into an Organization
or making a profit, it's about providing a service and being fair to the Angling Community. To show upstart Angler's what it's like to be in a tournament environment. To allow veteran
angler's to compete against one another because deeply embedded within each serious angler is the need to satisfy their competitive edge.
TAKE ADVANTAGE...
It is time to take advantage of a good thing and the Boot'Legg Tournament Trail will be providing it. Anglers will not only be fishing and competing among friends, but with a Co-Angler of their choosing or on their own. It's proven
that Angler's like to compete when they are teamed up with their own Co-Angler. This is why it was decided to make this a Team format. That doesn't mean that Angler's can't fish
alone, it just means that Angler's have an option; but the Entry Fee remains the same. Take advantage of the friendly atmosphere and the knowledge that can be gained from the area anglers and lakes.
The Boot'Legg Trail is taking advantage of the Bass Pro Shop being in the Hampton Roads area by providing Tournaments for Angler's anxious to test their new equipment. Not only does the Bass Pro Shop
provide a Service for the Angler's, it creates more Anglers' who are in search of becoming part of something good. Take advantage by becoming part of the Boot'Legg Trail. All tournaments are
open to the public and no membership required. However, even though the tournaments are Open Events, they are limited - 50 boat maximum - due to the size of the lakes being fished.
So take advantage by taking the money off of our hands or someone else will. Because we are giving it ALL away at the end of every tournament.
SPONSORS...
The Boot'Legg Open Trail has only 2 Sponsor's at the present time; Williams Painting & Bass Jon's. The Trail will not limit their Sponsors so long as there are no conflict of interest.
With that, the Boot'Legg Trail is Open for sponsorship and willing to work something out. As with all things within Boot'Legg, profit is not the goal.
Any agreements made with current or future Sponsor's will be accounted for and returned back to the fishing community in some form.
For Sponsorship Interest with Boot'Legg, please contact Neal Robinson via email at BnBassin@cox.net or call at
757.820.0688.
IN CLOSING...
The Boot'Legg Open Trail is always looking for ways to improve and possibly expand its horizons. Your comments about Boot'Legg, the Tournaments, the website or whatever comes to mind in reference to
Peninsula Angling is welcome. Any and all comments will be referred to and taken into consideration.
All comments, suggestions or otherwise can be referred to Neal Robinson via email at BnBassin@cox.net or by phone at
757.820.0688.