I understand your point totally Pete! These round of competitions were organized to fill the huge gap that has existed on the Federation calendar for years between mid June to the end of august for the avid match angler. A lot of lads as you know travel the lenght and breath of the country chasing Penn points and have to endure a lot of expenses, so when and if they win they like to be rewarded with a reasonable cash prize.
It's not really that expensive considering other competitions around the country charge just as much and you only get a 50% payout might I also stress that some clubs are better than others as to the % paid out.
Okay you might have to pay for bait but don't we all in a roundabout sort of way?? IE: petrol, time, holidays from work, sleep, stress, energy, time missing from family and equipment for digging bait.
But there is one thing that i cant understand and it's in the physic of every angler in the country is why we don't support each others competitions we are in a race to the bottom with dwindling numbers and it's up to lads to support every competition in their local area to survive.
Leinster League competitions are €25 entry with €5 longest fish pool so with the federation taking a cut out and the club taking a cut which would be better value