IMO the WMO this year was more of a fishing tourney and less of a spectacle/party. This is IMO from a non-participant local(can't afford it) veiwing it from afar (SFC and the WMO site). The weather was cooperative the fishing was "active/good" and to quote the WMO everyone/anyone entered could win! And did! Entrys were down form the year before but the fishing was COMPETITIVE! The overall economic impact (fuel and others) showed but due to the weather the playing feild was leveled (CCs to Battlewagons).
Yes some boats/crews did not or were not able/ booked to get in and many last minute crew changes had to be made but I think that just might have made it a better tourney!
The circle hooks did'nt seem to prevent hook-ups. Just look at the release catagory! All in all one of if not the best one I have veiwed since living here the last 10+ years. Congrats to WMO and all the particpants and especially thanks AGAIN to SFC for great coveage!