ABA Weekend Draw Series

[buzzed bait]

Has anyone ever competed in one of the Ram Series ABA Draw tournaments?  I've never fished in a tournament before, but this seems like a really easy way to do so.  There is one next saturday 2/4 on the lake closest to my house (Allatoona).  Just curious if anyone here has fished one of these events, especially as a non-boater, and if so what the experience was like.

Thanks in advance for any info!

[RichF]

I've been fishing the ABA for seven yrs now (first four yrs as a non-boater, last three as a boater).  It's a really good place to start tournament fishing.  It's relatively cheap: $20 or $25 for membership, $70 entry fee, and a little extra to cover boat fuel/oil costs for your boater (which a lot of guys won't even accept).  That's not a bad deal for 8hrs in a boat with the opportunity to earn some cash back.  And eventually, you'll draw a boater who's really on 'em and you'll have a blast.  One of our younger non-boaters drew a local Lake Ontario stick a couple yrs ago on Chaumont Bay and cracked some of the biggest smallies of his life!

     

The worse part about ABA is non-boaters compete directly with boaters which can be tough for the guy in the back.  To offset this, ABA has a rule that states the non-boater is guaranteed half the day fishing where he/she wants.  Your boater isn't required to let you run the trolling motor but he is supposed to abide by that rule.  From my experience, most boaters will ask their non-boater where they want to go but most non-boaters will just go along with whatever their boater does.  It's very important to communicate with your boater.  99% of anglers will be more than willing to fish the water you want for your allotted time. 

 

My experiences as a non-boater are mostly positive.  I've been with a few knuckleheads but only one really bad guy.  He was a thorn in the entire division's side though.  We have a bunch of really good guys in our club now, some of which I've become really close friends with.  My dad fishes too and it's always a ton of fun competing against everyone.  The competition can be pretty high on the water, but once we're done weighing in, we usually grab a bite/beer somewhere and talk about the day.  

 

Here's a few things I learned as a non-boater that will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable day:

 

1)  Always arrive at the ramp early.  I like to be there about 45 mins to an hr before the briefing and pairings. 

 

2)  Don't take a bunch of gear with you.  This can be tricky because you won't know what or how you'll be fishing until you're paired the morning of.  Six rods max and one medium sized bag/two small bags.  You can always bring extra stuff and leave it in your vehicle once you and your boater decide on a game plan for the day.  

 

3)  A few key items to bring:  cell phone AND watch, drinks & snacks, PFD, sunglasses, cull tags

 

4)  Be clean and respectful.  Don't step on seats.  

 

5)  Have the "net" discussion before either one of you hooks a fish.  

 

6)  Be positive.  Communicate with your boater.  Don't do anything you're not comfortable with.  

 

7)  Always offer to help with fuel costs.  Like I said above, most guys, myself included, won't accept anything unless you want them to take you on a 20 mile run in the opposite direction they wanna fish.  I've never had a boater ask me for more than $20 in an ABA tournament.

 

8)  Don't get discouraged!  

 

Hope this helps!  If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

 

Good luck!

 

 

[buzzed bait]

16 minutes ago, RichF said:

Hope this helps!  If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

 

Good luck!

 

really appreciate the info Rich!!  i think i'm going to have to give it a try!  

the lake is tough as is, pretty brutal lake to fish to be honest.  pretty much only spotted bass there, not hardly any largemouth left.  not to mention it's a crazy time right now with temps going from 30's to 70's to 30's and nothing being stable.  i'm not so much fishing to win or for the catching or any of that, but mostly to see if the tournament fishing is something i'd like to get into or if i'd rather just keep it recreational.

appreciate all the feedback though and will use that as an outline for the gameplan!

 

one really basic beginner question for you or anyone for that matter: when the boater is making a move and running to another spot, where does the non-boater put the rods/reels/bag while making the run?

[RichF]

You're very welcome.  Tournament fishing isn't for everyone.  I actually fished my very first ABA as a non-boater when i was 16.  It wasn't my best day and I didn't enter another one till about 7 years later.  I've loved every minute of it since. 

 

Answer to your question:

 

Most bass boats have a rod ramp next to your seat that usually has a strap to lock them down.  Some guys will clear out a back compartment for you to store your bag.  If not, you'll just have to keep it at your feet. 

[buzzed bait]

thanks Rich, all VERY helpful information!!

[Mike L]

I don't fish the ABA but seriously thinking about it. 

I fish the BFL and B.A.S.S. Nations both as a co-angler and have for years. The advantage to both of those is they have a co-angler division. 

However I hear the money is better in the ABA and they have that rule about co angler's allowed up front, which some days can make a big difference..

 

Anyway, Good Luck to you.

 

 

 

Mike 

[JLeon77]

I fish the ABA AFT (Draw series) when I can and it is a great place to get started fishing tournaments in a more casual setting.  Be honest with your boater that you are new and looking to learn and more than likely you will learn a lot!  Most boaters are gonna help you out, but you may get one here or there that are not happy about having a co-angler.  In that case, kill 'em with kindness, don't make a mess, and try not to be in the boater's way.  The AFT tournaments are much more low key than BFL's or the ABA Open Series, not to mention cheaper.  Have fun and good luck!