What kind of Southwest Arkansas? I fish in a club tournament that covers DeGray and Hamilton. Pretty good start for someone looking to tournament fish.
I only have 4-5 rods out on my deck at a time, but quite a few people I know have 6-8 rods which I find way too many and not enough room to move freely without fear of stepping on a rod.
Must haves are, a Golden Rule measuring stick, Rejuvenate(livewell additive), large dipnet, and a culling beam.