Bass 101  The Basics   © 2006  Bass411.com

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TOURNAMENT BASS FISHING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION TO TOURNAMENT FISHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

CHAPTER 1 – WHAT MAKES A TOURNAMENT ANGLER? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

CHAPTER 2 – WHERE TO START. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

CHAPTER 3 – BASIC ETIQUETTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CHAPTER 4 – BASIC EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

CHAPTER 5 – TOURNAMENT PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

CHAPTER 6 – FISHING A TOURNAMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

INTRODUCTION TO TOURNAMENT FISHING

Welcome to the exciting world of tournament bass fishing. The fact that you are reading this means you have reached a level in your fishing experience that leads you to believe you could compete against others in a structured contest to prove your skills. You’ve probably seen tournaments on television, or read about them in magazines. Before you proceed, make no mistake; tournament fishing takes fishing to a whole new level. No longer do you get to pick just the right day with just the right conditions and head off to the hot spot on your favorite lake. Tournaments require you to be on a given body of water under what ever conditions exist that day, and still have to go out and catch fish. This could be a cold, windy, rainy day, or blistering hot and calm. There’s no going in to warm up, cool down, or taking a break. And most likely, you’ll have paid good money for the chance to do so. A tournament can almost seem like work –an 8 hour shift of non stop fishing. Of course, if it were work, no one would be doing it, and those that thrive on tournament fishing would not compare the two. While the nature of tournament fishing is not for everyone, those that enjoy it need not be in the winner’s circle at every tournament, but rather enjoy the opportunity to compare their fishing prowess against others.

Tournament angling is also probably the fastest track to learning new techniques and how to locate fish. This should be a major goal as you start out in tournament fishing, because you’ll soon find out that your current skills may not be quite as well rounded as you thought.

Chapter 1 – What makes a tournament angler

As mentioned, tournament fishing is not for everyone. Most successful tournament anglers are very competitive by nature, sometimes cocky, and almost always extremely confident in their abilities. This is probably one of the most common traits among all competitive athletes and while not all tournament anglers are on the high end of this scale, a desire to be competive in a sport many consider as a relaxing side hobby is required. You will also have to face days when you just can’t seem to catch anything. These days will come, and you’ll realize that it’s not always as easy as it seems. Patience and tempers will be tested, decision making and second guessing will occupy your mind, most likely just as you get a bite. Dealing with the frustrations can be as important as being competitive.

Personality traits aside, what makes a tournament angler? It’s someone that flat out loves to fish, likes to learn and likes the camaraderie of the other anglers. While it’s true that everyone is fishing against each other in a tournament, most of the anglers are friends and the tournament community is a family of anglers that take fishing to its most extreme form.

So let’s say your still pretty sure you want to fish tournaments. Now lets see if it’s feasible. Tournament fishing takes a dedication in time, money and personal resources.

To be competive, you will be spending a lot of time on the water. Nothing will help you more than gaining  experience. While spending time on the water is of major importance, spending money is going to be a way of life. If you find yourself continueing to pursue tournament fishing, you WILL spend money. New equipment, more equipment, better equipment, boats, trucks, etc. The further you get into it, the more you will be willing to spend on your “hobby”. Even if you decide that just some casual club tournaments are your bag, you’ll still find yourself at the tackle store with credit card in hand from time to time. Most serious anglers have good paying jobs, ample time off, or are independantly financially stable. Sad but true of a sport as simple as fishing, but it is very difficult to be competitive without the necessary funds.

Personal resources will also be tested. Love lives may go by the wayside as you find yourself spending more time away pursuing the sport. While it is possible to balance a conservative tournament schedule with a family life, the more aggressive anglers may not find this easy. Only the most dedicated will find themselves at the very top of all tournament anglers, and very few can ever make a living at it. For the most part, you’ll fnd tournament fishing to be an expensive hobby, and a break even proposition for those that consistently can finish near the top.

Where to Start

For those just entering tournament fishing, the best place to start is by joining a local club. These clubs may or may not belong to a larger organization, but in any case, they are generally comprised of amateur fishermen who’s experience may range from zero to several years of tournament fishing. Find a club that allows members to belong as non-boaters – that is you do not have to own a tournament capable boat to fish. This will allow you to fish some tournaments before you make a decision as to whether or not you would like to continue with it. It is also the fastest way to learn. Albeit you may think you know all about catching bass, a few tournaments paired with some other points of view is certain to teach you some new tricks. Those that pay attention and ask questions will learn the quickest, so don’t be shy to copy or ask your partner for advice.

Club tournaments generally don’t require any entry fees or as much travel as fishing a tournament circuit for money (though you may have some big fish pots or side bets going on). This level of tournament fishing is attractive to weekend anglers, those just getting into the sport, or fiscally restricted fishermen. You will find, however, that the top fishermen in most clubs are often very experienced and may fish larger events in conjunction with their club fishing. Most clubs belong to a larger organization and as you advance your skills, you may be able to qualify for State, Regional, and even National tournament events. This can be very exciting, as these tournaments can sometimes draw hundreds of participants. As you progress in your abilities and become more verasatile in your fishing methods, you will probably start fishing smaller “money” tournaments and move up into larger tournaments as well.

Basic etiquette

Tournament fishing is usually covered by numerous rules and regulations governing the catching and weighing of fish. Often overlooked are more detailed rules concerning conduct or etiquette. While most tournament rules contain some verbage on sportsmanship and some may designate certain distances to be maintained from other anglers, this does not really define what is and what is not acceptable. A good common rule of thumb is not to do something to another angler (whether or not they are in the same tournament) that you would not want done to you. Positioning your boat to prevent access to fishing areas, moving in to fish ahead of where another boat is fishing, or challenging for a spot are some common infringements. Use common sense. Don’t operate your outboard or operate your boat on plane near other anglers. Don’t send a large wake rolling in on someone by getting up on plane nearby. A few seconds to idle to a bigger distance will always be appreciated. Be courteous and friendly. All tournament anglers are representatives of the sport and their behavior can leave a lasting effect, especially on non tournament anglers.

Basic equipment

Tournament fishing will push the limits of every piece of equipment you use. Tournaments are the field testing grounds for new products and prove the durability and effectiveness of everything from baits to boats. You may initially start with some basic equipment just to get by, but you’ll soon be headed to the tackle store to upgrade. Quality rods, reels and line are the true necessities of the sport, so start there. After all, no matter what you’re fishing from, all that lies between you and the fish is this equipment, so you’ll want to give yourself every advantage of being successful. You’ll need more than one of each, so to start, examine your favorite techniques and buy a quality rod and reel combination suited for each. Don’t be shy, ask the experts at the store for help and information. If you know someone with some tournament experience, ask them to go with you. This can save you from making any mistakes. Go to a reputable store which specializes in fishing gear rather than your basic budget department store. You’ll find more knowledgable help and better products, though you can expect to pay a little more.

You’ll need to stock up on lures, too. A few of the proven baits like spinnerbaits, jigs, crankbaits, and some plastic baits is a good start. Of course you’ll need something to carry all this in, so a good tackle box is in order. Most tournament fishermen prefer the “soft sided” bags with removeable mini boxes inside. This allows you to tailor the contents for specific tournaments where you know you’ll be targeting specific techniques quickly and easily. You don’t want to have to carry a huge piece of luggage with you, especially if you mainly find yourself fishing from someone else’s boat. In these cases, you will want to pack as lightly as possible while still not limiting your options. Four or five rods max and a single all purpose tackle box is plenty if you plan ahead.

You should also get your own lifevest. You’ll want your own fit and style for comfort, and you never know what the boat owner might have for you. Don’t skimp here either. Bass boats are fast and you don’t want to hit the water and have your vest tear apart. Also invest in a whistle, and perhaps an emergency beacon and attach them to your vest. Hopefully you’ll never need these items, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have them.

Dress for the conditions, and take along a quality rain suit. Even the nicest of mornings can turn ugly. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll most likely be standing most of the day. A quality pair of polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes and assist in seeing into the water to observe cover and even fish. Always wear a hat to minimize the sun’s affect on your face, and wear sunscreen. Fishermen are among the highest risk for skin cancer due to the time spent in the sun and the added reflective damage from the water’s surface.

You may also want to purchase some fish marking buoys. This can aid in culling, and can mark your fish from your partners in a case where there is only one livewell. Many of these come as a kit with a hand held scale, which is also useful for culling. Get a good measuring board, a metal one that is not likely to break or get damaged. Nearly all tournaments have a length or slot limit with hefty penalties for violation, so you’ll depend on accurate measurements of your fish.

These basics will get you started in tournament fishing as a non-boater. If you plan on getting a boat, the list gets longer and considerably more expensive.

TOURNAMENT PREPARATION

Even if you begin fishing tournaments as a non boater, there’s plenty of things to do to prepare for a tournament. One of the first things you’ll want to do is familiarize yourself with the lake. Do your homework by studying lake maps and talking to local anglers on what types of presentations work well. You may know someone who fishes the lake regularly, or has even fished tournaments there before that is willing to give you some information as well. If possible, you’ll want to “pre-fish” the lake. This is more or less a scouting trip prior to the tournament to locate fish and see what’s working. If you don’t have access to a boat, maybe a friend or other tournament angler would be willing to take you with. It’s always better to have seen the lake to know what to expect when you show up for the tournament.

This will also prepare you for what tackle to have on hand the day of the tournament, and assist you in packing what you need. There’s no need, for instance, to take along any slop fishing gear if the lake you’re heading to doesn’t have any of that type of cover.

Make sure your gear is prepared. Sharpen hooks, put on new line, lube reels and buy your lures ahead of time. You don’t want to have to make a stop at the tackle store on your way to the tournament in hopes they have what you’re looking for, and you sure don’t want to be fumbling around with fixing reels or changing line minutes before you start. A little preparation goes a long way in making things go smoothly for the day. Frustration can be one of the toughest conditions to overcome, so anything to help elliminate it is a definite plus.

Don’t forget the little things: sunglasses, sunscreen, something to drink, and maybe a lunch. Try and think of everything you might use and have it readily available. After all, the more time you spend searching for items or making due with something other than you want, the less fish you’ll likely catch.

FISHING A TOURNAMENT

Likely your first tournament or tournaments will be the result of joining an established club. Fishing in a club or small tournament may have less pressure than fishing in a bigger, money tournament, but the basics of both are the same. Common courtesy is a must, and your basic ettiquette will be important here. If you are a newcomer, you’ll want to make a good impression as a serious, yet courteous angler. Show your partner you are willing to learn and try new things, and they’ll be more willing to share with you. Being organized and showing respect for their equipment and experience will show them you are serious about becoming a better tournament angler.

A typical tournament will run for 8 hours and usually start at or shortly after first light. There are generally no breaks, and leaving the boat for any purpose is not permitted. Plan for this. If you forget something in the vehicle, you probably will not be allowed to go back and get it once the tournament has started. Be aware you will be required to wear a personal flotation device any time the combustion engine is running. It’s a good idea to bring your own if you are the non boater. Be sure you are familiar with ALL of the rules pertaining to the tournament you are entering. It is your responsibility to follow these rules and avoid penalties or disqualifications. You also want to make sure your partner does not break any rules that may also get you penalized.

Most clubs operate tournaments as a singles format. That is, you and your partner are fishing against each other, as well as everyone else. This requires some cooperation between you and your partner. Fairness is a rule in all tournaments, and both anglers are to receive equal time as the controller of the boat, if so desired. However, if you have just “showed up” to the tournament without prefishing or otherwise preparing or you are not comfortable operating a boat, you should probably let your partner take care of things. He is basically guiding you at that point, and you should be appreciative of his kindness. In all likelyhood, he will be asking your opinion or preference along the way anyway, and will probably offer you control of the boat at times. It is recommended, if not required, that non boaters help pay for operating costs of the boat.

Provisions need to be made in order to maintain definitive ownership of any fish caught. Separate livewells are generally provided in modern bass boats, but if only a single livewell exists, one angler’s fish will need to marked to clearly show the difference. Safety pins or special buoys used for culling work well for this. Again, know the rules and be sure to be aware of any length or slot limits, culling rules, and dead fish penalties or disallowances. Check your fish in the livewell from time to time. It is your responsibility, not the boat owners, to make sure your fish are kept alive and well aerated.

At the tournament weigh in, present your fish in the provided weigh bag or use your own if permissable. Be sure to follow any special weigh in rules or order. You will want to include enough water in your bag to keep your fish healthy throughout the weigh in process. Count your fish and make sure you have all that you want included, and not over the tournament limit included in the bag. Carry the weigh bag with care, taking note of its apparent strength in comparison to the weight you have in it. Weigh bags have been known to break resulting in the loss of a day’s catch. Often there is a courtesy board available to re-measure fish prior to submitting for weigh in. This will be your last chance to exclude fish from your bag. Once you present your fish to the weighmaster or tournament director, it is final. Fish not meeting length limits, dead fish, or over limit fish will all present penalties to your weight. If you find that there are less fish than you had in your livewell, and you forgot one, it will be too late at this point. Your fish will then be weighed, and your finish determined.

With a little luck, you’ll come out near the top for the day. If not, be sure to congratulate the winners for a job well done. They may even share a little information on their success, so you’re learning may not end just because the tournament is over. The friendships and cammeraderie enjoyed after a tournament make for good future fishing, as you will undoubtedly be competing against many of the same individuals many times again in the future. Good Luck!