newbie tournament fishing questions!

tiki_man · Post by **tiki_man** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:33 am

okay, i'm thinking of fishing my first tournament as a AAA (won bass delta). however, there are some logistical questions i have that i've not been able to find the answers to so some help here would be greatly appreciated:

1) how many rods would be acceptable for me to bring with me?

2) if i get snagged on a branch or something, should i just break off and not bother trying to retrieve it?

3) do ams pre-fish?

4) if i plan on commuting back and forth from home during the two days of the tournament (because i can't find lodging and also because i live fairly close), would i be missing out on a lot of activities and fun after fishing hours? what happens the night before the first day?

5) is it a good idea for the am to fish something different than the pro? e.g., if the pro is power fishing, should i finesse fish? i'm not talking about catching the most fish but in terms of etiquette.

6) do the ams and the pros get to meet up and talk after they are paired up but before fishing or do they just blast off together and get to know each other on the water?

and, finally,

7) when/if mother nature calls, how is that normally handled? just whip it out and go over the back of the boat?

now, all that being said, i need a pro to sign up with to guarantee a spot. if interested, please PM me...thanks!

drew · Post by **drew** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:00 am

I'm assuming its a shared weight tournament.

tiki_man wrote:
1) how many rods would be acceptable for me to bring with me?

4-6, Bring what you need for the season, type of fish and water. Make sure your bag is not too large. It should fit in the average rear storage space.

tiki_man wrote: 2) if i get snagged on a branch or something, should i just break off and not bother trying to retrieve it?

Its ok to ask for assistance. Sometimes depending on the situation and cost of the bait I might choose to just break it off.

tiki_man wrote: 3) do ams pre-fish?

yes, If the rules permit and you can find a ride.

tiki_man wrote: 4) if i plan on commuting back and forth from home during the two days of the tournament (because i can't find lodging and also because i live fairly close), would i be missing out on a lot of activities and fun after fishing hours? what happens the night before the first day?

Maybe, it depends on the group. I always try to save the cost of the lodging if its possible.

tiki_man wrote: 5) is it a good idea for the am to fish something different than the pro? e.g., if the pro is power fishing, should i finesse fish? i'm not talking about catching the most fish but in terms of etiquette.

I would ask the pro for a recommendation especially if he is knowledgeable of the water.

tiki_man wrote: 6) do the ams and the pros get to meet up and talk after they are paired up but before fishing or do they just blast off together and get to know each other on the water?

Yes, but the amount of time that you have can be weeks or minutes depending on when the draw is.

tiki_man wrote: 7) when/if mother nature calls, how is that normally handled? just whip it out and go over the back of the boat?

Whip it out if its not too windy, no boat owner wants their boat pissed on. A smaller Gatorade bottle works as well and can be more discreet.

The best way to get familiar with the process is to do it. It can be a lot of fun and the learning curve is relatively short. A few tournaments and you will have it somewhat dialed.

Smileee · Post by **Smileee** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:13 am

is this a shared weight PRO/AM ? Talk to your PRO - this is a must !
He will advise you on what his plans are and what he expects of you.
from my past experiences;
6 rods, but 4 rods will surffice in the boat - each rigged with different baits (check with Pro).

lunch, snacks, water

small tackle bag or box (check with Pro) for the boat

PFD, sun screen, hat

BE SURE to be early to meet with PRO & checkin, if not staying at prefer lodging - you will miss out on local BS and comradrie

Most important - have a good time and be courteous - communicate with your Pro - some Pros do not want to be talked to while they are fishing -

Smileee

MaddMaggs · Post by **MaddMaggs** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:16 am

Tiki...good ?'s. From my experience and I'm not a Full-Time Pro-Co-Angler but here's my $.02:

1. I would suggest no more than 5 rods, I carry 4. Keep the tackle bag to a small bag with your confidence baits...you dont need every lure you own.

2. This depends on the PRO, but I would just break it off unless it's a MEGA expensive bait. Ask the PRO where you can and cannot cast from the back. If the PRO says it's OK I will normally cast as far forward as possible, this prevents the PRO from having to back up and "retrace his steps" and possibly blow out fish.

3. I normally don't pre-fish unless asked by the PRO.

4. If you live close I would stay at home. You might miss a poker game or two, but I would stay at home since you live close.

5. Ask the PRO, but if he is power fishing I would too. Just power fish a different water column (if the PRO is fishing a deep diving crank bait Iwould throw a lipless in the top water column). I would not suggest such a drastic pattern, if the PRO is power fishing, I would not finesse fish as the PRO will be moving so FAST that you will not have ample time to work a finesse bait in one spot.

6. This depends, I have known who my PRO is a week out and found out at regestration an hour before...it's all up to the Tournment Director. But, the more time you can spend with the PRO before take-off the better.

7. #1 on the water is normal, just make sure you clean up your mess and tell the PRO so he can wait to move if he decides too. Nothing worse than pinching it off mid way when the PRO wants to move. #2...well, I try to purgue myself before the tourney...eat a normal meal the nite before and a light lunch.

Good Luck to ya Tiki...relax, have fun and think of this experience as a guided trip not a paycheck...You'll have more fun if you do.

One word of advice...if this is a multi-day event and you are paired with different PROS...Don't discuss what you did the day before with the PRO you are with today (giving up a spot or bait selection). Those PRO's spend hours and hours and lots of $$$ to find those patterns, so let them have those spots and patterns.

Maggs

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Fri May 30, 2008 11:44 am

okay, i'm thinking of fishing my first tournament as a AAA (won bass delta). however, there are some logistical questions i have that i've not been able to find the answers to so some help here would be greatly appreciated:

1) how many rods would be acceptable for me to bring with me?

Your boater should help you determine. 4-6 is a manageable number. When traveling we will often bring more and just take the ones you need for the day onto the boat.

2) if i get snagged on a branch or something, should i just break off and not bother trying to retrieve it?

It depends on the lure and the frequency. Most of us are OK with occasionally moving to retrieve a lure. At times it is better to break off then blow out a good spot. Practice your casting a little and carry spares of critical lures just in case.
3) do ams pre-fish?

It is not necessary, but some do. Your boater will determine where you fish and since this is a shared weight they will help you have the proper bait/technique to compliment what they are doing.

4) if i plan on commuting back and forth from home during the two days of the tournament (because i can't find lodging and also because i live fairly close), would i be missing out on a lot of activities and fun after fishing hours? what happens the night before the first day?

No - There is a meeting you must attend on Friday evening for the draw. Other than that most people leave after fishing to prepare for the next day and find dinner. There is also an awards cerimony for WON Bass that occurs on Sunday night about 7:00pm. You will have to be on the water very early on tournament mornings(Probably before 5:00am) so sleep can be an issue when commuting to a tournament.

5) is it a good idea for the am to fish something different than the pro? e.g., if the pro is power fishing, should i finesse fish? i'm not talking about catching the most fish but in terms of etiquette.

Yes, in most cases you want to compliment what the boater is doing. They will generally help you and let you know if it is better to match what they are doing or compliment it. Sometimes we will have you doing something totally different in these events to make sure we do not miss a bite. The shared weight are team events so we operate as a team to put the 5 best fish possible into the boat.

6) do the ams and the pros get to meet up and talk after they are paired up but before fishing or do they just blast off together and get to know each other on the water?

Yes, You will meet both your draws on Friday night at the draw meeting. We will generally give you info on what we expect to do during the tournament and what rods you should be sure to bring. Be honest with your boater about your skills and any special needs. Communition is the key to a happy event. If you have concerns, questions, or someting is bothering you then speak up.

and, finally,

7) when/if mother nature calls, how is that normally handled? just whip it out and go over the back of the boat?
We try to be tackful about it and conduct ourselves as representitives of the sport. This means stopping to take a leak before heading into Discovery Bay, Piper, Sandmound, Taylor, etc. We go off the back of the boat when the opportunity is right. Always pee down wind and if you pee on the boat please rinse it off.

now, all that being said, i need a pro to sign up with to guarantee a spot. if interested, please PM me...thanks!

MaddMaggs · Post by **MaddMaggs** » Fri May 30, 2008 12:04 pm

Tiki,

Listen to Dewayne...he is one of the BEST. He was my first PRO. I learned A LOT from him.

Maggs...

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Fri May 30, 2008 12:22 pm

Can't really add much, as these guys have spelled it out real well. Don't forget to take expense money to offer the Pro... really important (to me as an AM) in this day and age of sky-high costs.

Also, don't bring too much stuff. Try to fit everything you need in a smaller soft tackle bag and use the smaller Plano-style boxes with your terminal tackle and lures.

Be sure not to have too much spread out on the back deck while fishing, as the Pros don't usually waste much time when they decide to move. Be able to gather and secure everything in the time it takes them to pull the trolling motor and head for the console, and be sure you have your PFD on and zipped/clipped by the time they reach for the switch. Best bet is to get a Sospenders or Mustang PFD so you can wear it while fishing, if they're running and gunning.

HAVE FUN!!! I think the WON Pro/Am format is the best for someone just starting out, as you'll learn a ton and get a lot more information than if you were directly competing with the Pro... many of these guys are vacuum cleaners when they want to be!

Roger

kylebass91 · Post by **kylebass91** » Fri May 30, 2008 2:10 pm

wow tiki thanks a whole lot i have my first tournament fishing with someone else besides my dad so you beat me to the punch i was gonna ask. thanks everyone i learned a lot.

cbwiii · Post by **cbwiii** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:47 pm

Kiki:

I was in your shoes 2 years ago, and fished the WON Delta Pro Am in 2006 as my first. Twenty or so days in the back of the boat since then my take is:

1. Have fun!!

Dewayne and Tuna are right on. I would add:

Fish your strengths; but fish slower than the pro
Ask questions and listen to the pro: for example ask: "Should I fish a jig or a Senko here?"

Rods and tackle: As little as you can and still be confident you are ready for most thing the day might bring. Ask the pro the night before what he thinks you might be doing and prepare for that; and always have a drop shot and Senko tied on. (I can't seem to bring less than 7 rods, and 3 or 4 extra reels)

Prefish!!! If I had the time I would go one day in my boat (back-up water may save both of you), but spend a day pre-fishing with a pro!!! Post here now asking for a ride, pay for gas, all of it if you have to to get a ride!!!

If you snag less than the pro, he shouldn't mind going back (eventually), especially if it's Lucky Craft, . . . too much more often, break it off.

Bring your game face!!! These pros come to Win, and so should you!!!

If all else fails, refer to rule #1.

Chuck

chris_hughes · Post by **chris_hughes** » Sat May 31, 2008 6:33 am

1) how many rods would be acceptable for me to bring with me?

As everyone else stated 4-6 rods will do just fine and I don't think I've ever taken more than 5 to be honest. Make it your goal throughout the day and even leading up to the tournament to keep the boat and your stuff that your bringing organized it will save you time, which in return gives you more time to fish.

2) if i get snagged on a branch or something, should i just break off and not bother trying to retrieve it?

Depends on what it is, what lb test you have on, but the most important thing is if you casted and got snagged on a good looking spot, do yourself and your pro a favor and just let it be and let him fish the spot before you go and retrieve your lure. The way I look at it is I got snagged because of a cast that was obviously not a good one so my pro shouldn't go get it until he has fished the spot thoroughly.

3) do ams pre-fish?

YES YES YES!!!! when it comes to non-shared weight tournaments its an absolute requirement. Don't be afraid to go up and ask someone if they have a pre-fish partner. A good buddy of mine didn't have anyone to pre-fish with at havasu for the stren, the first morning we were there his room mate drug him out of bed and told him to go ask the guy that was standing out there by his triton with no co-angler or pre-fish partner in site. Long story short that pro turned out to be Charlie Weyer and he has learned more than he would from most anybody else. Bottom line is you never know but getting the rust out and figuring what the fish are keying on is crucial.

4) if i plan on commuting back and forth from home during the two days of the tournament (because i can't find lodging and also because i live fairly close), would i be missing out on a lot of activities and fun after fishing hours? what happens the night before the first day?

If you can't find a place to stay for one your not looking hard enough because I'm sure someone has a empty deck on there boat if not anything else. Yes I have slept on many of bass boat decks and as long as its not to cold I have slept good. You would be missing out on just the good ol bs but to me its what makes the tournaments that much more fun. They key is getting to bed early no matter what and not drinking to much the night before. There is a balance that you need to figure out between bs and staying focused on the task at hand.

Talk with your pro the night before I try not to get into details with them about what there doing, but like to get an idea if were going to be moving fast throwing reaction all day or fishing slow just so I know going into the tournament.

5) is it a good idea for the am to fish something different than the pro? e.g., if the pro is power fishing, should i finesse fish? i'm not talking about catching the most fish but in terms of etiquette.

Always a good idea to be fishing something different than your pro unless he is absolutely whacking them then I wouldn't hesitate too long before switching over.The number one co-angler bait is a dropshot with 8lb flouro and 6inch mm3 or aarons magic.

Some people might think its the wrong attitude to have in the tournament but my goal every day whether it be a shared weight or non-shared weight is to come in with more weigh or at least 3 of the 5 fish in a non-shared weight tournament.

Obviously this is not always going to happen but it has on more than a few occasions but don't let it go to your head if this does happen. Remember that everyone out there should be courteous and show respect its just what has worked for me and think it would for others too.

6) do the ams and the pros get to meet up and talk after they are paired up but before fishing or do they just blast off together and get to know each other on the water?

Some pro's will talk more than others and as stated above some pro's don't like to be talked to all day while there fishing. I've never drawn someone like this but I know of a few and if they want silence all day that would work for me, just don't take it personal.
Generally the meetings before the tournaments for the most part the talking is kept short as everyone is leaving and going right to bed.

7) when/if mother nature calls, how is that normally handled? just whip it out and go over the back of the boat?

Go off the back deck and try and do it out of view like dewayne said not in front of houses or anything like that.

After fishing a few of the pro-ams it will click for you and from then on out they will be able to fish more comfortably, when I first started bass fishing I remember getting sick one morning before whats now the Folsom Bass League at folsom lake before launch.
There was no more than 15 boats but my nerves were going crazy.

Don't forget your out there to have fun and learn alot so soak up every little bit of info you can.

Chris

tiki_man · Post by **tiki_man** » Sat May 31, 2008 8:56 am

great stuff here and very informative...thank you all for taking the time to respond and helping me out.

as far as the number of rods, i was originally thinking i would limit myself to three but now that i know i can bring more, i'll bring four. as far as leaving extra rods and gear in the car, is the parking pretty safe at russo's? actually, where does everyone park? i've been to russo's before and the parking lot doesn't seem big enough to handle the vehicles for 130 boats.

if i get in, i will definitely heed the advice given, especially the part about having fun (which i always do when i spend a day on the water chasing fish). unfortunately, i'm pretty far down on the waiting list for AAAs and doubt i'll get into the WON bass delta with just 1.5 weeks to go. i'm listed on the FIND A PARTNER page (norm hom) if any pro is interested in signing up with me. thanks.