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Author:
weekend angler
Date:
Apr 10, 2011
Subject:
First Tourney Tips
Message:
Entering my first bass tournament this weekend and was just asking for any advice that may be helpful. I know not to bring too much, give gas money I guess anywhere from $20-$30, is that the average range? I want to make a nice impression off the water as well as on the water. :D Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I' m a little nervous. -Frank
Author:
Justin Tralli
Date:
Apr 10, 2011
Message:
The first tournament is always the most exciting one. I remember the first one I fished 17 years ago... (omg that makes me feel freakin old....17 years ago omg) Anyway, here's some simple tips for having an enjoyable and memorable day. 1) As you said, dont bring too much. I have a good buddy who still brings like 20 rods and an 80lb tackle box on board. It really takes up a ton of space not so much for me but for him. I like the 3 baitcaster, 2 spinning rod deal. That should cover all your needs for a day. Bring a little bit of everything when it comes to tackle. Have enough hooks, weights and other terminal tackle for yourself. Most guys will share some baits with ya but nobody likes a mooch. So just have enough stufff for yourself but not too much. 2) Gas. This can be tough. The amount you give him depends on a few things. Where the tournament is. What kind of boat and truck he has and how far the travel on the water and road is. $20-$30 for a guy with a smaller boat and truck is cool if the travel isnt very far.But for someone with a bigger boat and truck, $20 in my boat or truck doesnt get me very far. A day on the river can coat me around $150 before the day is done... (considering oil and gas is CRAZY right now) I figure this summer to fill just my boat will cost about $220-$250 Now, if Im fishing the River I can burn an entire tank easy and a $35 gallon on oil. Now your talkin a little bit more $$. Safe bet is to bring around $60 with you. Ask the boater how much they would like for gas and go from there. A great way to get the coast down for yourself is to bring your boater a coffee and some snacks for the day. Bring some soda, ice, maybe a a couple sandwiches and you'll get a break. I love when my nonboater brings stuff like that. I usually dont ask for gas $$ but when they ask how much I'd like I say, "Whatever you would like to offer.." Just remember to offer it before he has to ask. I never ask for it and most of the time I wont take it. If you dont offer I wont ask. BUT I wont forget and I most likely wont ask you back. again. At least offer..... 3) Be a good partner. The easy stuff... Dont cast in front of him. Make sure youre not leaving rods and garbage all over the place. Be ready to sit down when it's time to move, be ready to help land a fish with the net or something..ect. Just be respectful of his ship. Keep your shoes clean and off the gel coat. And make sure you dont hit his motor with a cast or get a hook stuck in his seats... Those things kill me.. Id rather have someone hook me in the head.... It's pretty easy and most of it is common sense... I personally have never had a partner I didnt like. If you just remember the basics, you'll have a great day and maybe make a new friend! Hope this helps! - Tralli
Author:
PECo
Date:
Apr 10, 2011
Message:
Frank The biggest adjustment that I had to make when fishing from the back of a boat instead of my kayak or the shore was fishing faster. Big boat guys cover a lot more water a lot more quickly than paddlers. I can spend 20 minutes fishing one laydown from my kayak. In a bass boat, you'll get two or three casts at it. You'll need to be able to make long casts; bring your furthest casting setup. Remember, heavily weighted weedless plastics can get down to the bottom and back up quickly. A heavily weighted Texas rigged worm or a decent sized football jig would be great to drag over a sandy or rocky bottom. You can also cover a lot of water very quickly with jerk baits and crank baits. Heck, I'd also give a spinnerbait or a small swimbait a few casts. A slowly and steadily retrieved four inch soft plastic swimbait worked well for me the other day. Oh, and don't bang the motor with your rod or lures. Boaters [b:b3b0aa44dd]HATE[/b:b3b0aa44dd] that. :x Phil
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