Rob your idea is similar to something I was thinking about.

Give 20 guys kick boats and let them scout a unknown lake/river for a few hours. Then give them all a set amount of money, say $500.00 in gift certiifcates to the same tackel store (Bass Pro Shops Cabelas could sponser it)They have to buy everything they are going to use the next day with that money (rods, line, tackel everything) The next day set them loose on the place they scouted and hold a tourney.