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Organizing a float-tube competition takes many months of preparation. First of all, you need to find the right playing field: a body of water or river with a good fish population and safe navigation. I'm secretary of a fishing association in Seine-Maritime and we manage fishing on a 45-hectare former ballastière. The ideal place. In our case, the competition is organized out of season, on the second Sunday in November, in agreement with the owner of the stretch of water. Authorizations are granted by a committee, so a written request must be submitted at least six months before the chosen date.
Volunteers and rules
Next, we need to gather as many volunteers as possible: there are around a dozen of us to look after thirty or so anglers and the curious. The tasks for the day of the competition need to be distributed: some will be there early in the morning to welcome guests, others will take it in turns on the water to act as stewards, there are those who prepare coffee, lunch and a drink, and those who provide information to walkers.
Once the team has been set up, it's time to think about the competition rules: in four years with us, they've evolved in line with anglers' expectations. Quotas, a points system, youth/adult rankings, compulsory or prohibited equipment, refunds in the event of bad weather, parental authorizations for minors... all need to be thought through in advance to avoid any disputes. Everything needs to be thought out in advance to avoid any disputes. I share with you regulations for the 2025 edition for inspiration.
Endowment
The search for lots is also done well in advance. You have to approach the various brands with a serious dossier - a simple request on Facebook isn't enough. We put together files with the rules and regulations, an attractive poster, sponsors, photos... Brands are in constant demand, so make your mark! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Fiiish, Rapala-VMC, Shimano, Illex... Part of the registration fee is usually converted into an endowment.
For our part, we buy from a partner store (Alcedo Pêche Yvetot) and only lures or accessories from brands that support us: it's a win-win situation! Personally, I like to increase the prize money for the first three and for the big fish, so that everyone goes home with at least one prize and the youngsters are handsomely rewarded. It's also important to make a nice poster, and you can use the Canva tool, which offers some nice templates.
Registration
It's important to limit the number of registrations, and not to think too big. For example, we went from 25 to 30 competitors once the event was well underway. On the subject of registration, by the way, you'll never reach a consensus. In the first few years, we launched online registration: those who are not computer-savvy missed out, as places were snapped up in less than 3 minutes.
We then preferred to put the spotlight on our main partner, the local fishing store and depository of our fishing cards. This time, those who were working on the day or didn't have vehicles to get to the store grumbled... Make sure you have a waiting list, as there are always withdrawals. Our price is 25 euros, including lunch, and 15 euros for young people. We make no profit. We also lend out equipment, especially to minors who don't necessarily have a float-tube or a lifejacket.
Final preparations
About a month before the competition, I contact the association's insurance company to be covered in case of accident. A week before, I inform the fire department of the organization of our event - you never know. Then I check that payments have been honored, and call competitors one by one to remind them of the meeting place and time, or of essential regulatory points such as the obligation to wear a life jacket, or to carry a landing net and long pliers. You can also use a mailing list or a Whats'App group. In the event of bad weather and cancellation, you need to be able to warn everyone very quickly.
The competition
The scoreboards are printed, the walkie-talkies to coordinate operations between volunteers are charged, the croissants are hot and the prizes are in a secure place: we're ready. At our AAPPMA, we prefer to split the day in two for competitors, with a lunch break in a dry area: it's a super-friendly way to warm up and discuss strategies. It's more expensive, but sharing is essential.
Every year, we welcome the local press to come and report on the event: the fishing hobby, the association and our sponsors all benefit. Communication and openness to others is important for this kind of event. Don't stay in a vacuum. If you don't, you'll have a recurring topic: "What is float-tube fishing? Suggest they follow the youngest competitor, the oldest, a woman, zoom in on pike, a deserving volunteer...
Finally, don't forget to take photos and videos. You'll need them to extend the event on social networks, to communicate with partners or to put together the poster for the next edition. Once you've started, you can't stop!
