Tournament ready?

[InfantryMP]

Hey guys!

 

I want to fish a tournament to see if I like it. I have been fishing for a long time, and figured why the hell not. I want to discuss equipment and mindset. I have a boat, and can fish solo on the local tournaments here (not the BFL's etc.) 

 

Equipment:

Triton TR-17 Mariner 115hp. Front deck extended to console 

3 HDS 7s. 2 Bow, 1 console with SI/ DI/ 2D

Motorguide X5 (my only crap piece of equipment in my opinion)

10 casting setups

3 spinning setups

 

Mindset:

I would like to this to be a "fun" yet challenging  adventure, but part of me cannot stop thinking about the fact that I could easily become addicted to this. I love fishing more than my fiancé would like to admit to her friends. On the other hand, I could absolutely hate it due to the stress of not winning or weighing in anything. Or the added pressure to try to win money back etc. Should I be nervous about it? For some reason my biggest fear is messing up at the ramp, but I have launched hundreds of times successfully, and very quickly. I also am nervous about going out there and failing...it is easier to swallow getting skunked fun fishing, than the shame of weighing not weighing in. I am very competitive.

 

What is the best advice you can give a new tournament guy on my equipment, and my mindset going in? 

[RichF]

I wouldn't worry too much about your gear.  My dad and I started fishing local team events out of a 14ft Starcraft with a 25HP on it.  Our next upgrade was a Tracker Pro Team 170 with a 50HP that we used for several years (I bought it from by dad a couple years ago and fished ABAs out of it...and won...a lot).  As far as your other concerns...you'll never know until you try.  I've been fishing tournaments since '07 and am completely obsessed.  They're always a little stressful and sometimes can be downright depressing but they're also incredibly exciting at the same time.  Just wait till you jack a 5 pounder 10 mins before you have to weigh in and get yourself a 'W'.  No other feeling like it. 

 

I will say, if the cost associated with the tournaments will be a significant hit to you (if you don't cash a check), you might wanna hold off a bit.  It will only give you that unwanted, non-fishing related stress and make it less than enjoyable.  If it's just a competitive thing, you have to understand that it takes the vast majority of anglers a long time to get their tournament legs under them.  You have to accept that you'll likely get your butt kicked the first few times out (or the first few years out).  Don't ever feel shame for not catching them.  It happens to everybody.  Biggest thing is to just try and stay relaxed and have fun.

 

Good Luck man!

[DitchPanda]

Well I would say your equipment is more than sufficient....John Cox is one of the best anglers on the planet he runs an aluminum boat with a 200hp motor and last I saw he only has one lowrance unit that he claims he doesn't even turn on half the time. Think hes been pro like 15 years and he's won something like 2 million bucks...alot of it in the past 5 years.

As far as worrying about the money look at it like gambling...as soon as you pay your fee its gone...if you win it or more back that's a bonus. If you can't afford that or it doesn't sit well with you I'd avoid tourneys.

[InfantryMP]

Thanks for the reply!

 

I am not concerned with losing the money at all. I guess my thought process was stressing to just make it back while on the water just because I did spend it. The local tournaments here from my understanding are pretty low, like $30 each entry or something close. I would rather spend $30-$50 on a tournament than going to the movies or out to eat etc. 

 

The equipment piece is a tough one for me. I think I am good to go rod, reel, and bait wise. I would love to have spot lock or shallow water anchoring of course. I know it is not needed, and like you mentioned people win tournaments with less all the time. It makes me feel though like I should invest in a new TM with spot lock at least. Or maybe going to the tournaments will solidify that for me, or show me that I really do not need it right now. 

 

 

2 minutes ago, DitchPanda said:

Well I would say your equipment is more than sufficient....John Cox is one of the best anglers on the planet he runs an aluminum boat with a 200hp motor and last I saw he only has one lowrance unit that he claims he doesn't even turn on half the time. Think hes been pro like 15 years and he's won something like 2 million bucks...alot of it in the past 5 years.

As far as worrying about the money look at it like gambling...as soon as you pay your fee its gone...if you win it or more back that's a bonus. If you can't afford that or it doesn't sit well with you I'd avoid tourneys.

Yea, that makes sense. The losing it is no big deal unless I cant catch anything out there!

[Angry John]

Fish club level events where buy ins are 20 bucks and it's really guys out for the sport of it.  It can itch your competitive streak and be fun... if you take them to school every time out then it's time to move up.

[RichF]

5 minutes ago, InfantryMP said:

It makes me feel though like I should invest in a new TM with spot lock at least.

I would focus more on finding fish and catching them.  Refine your techniques.  Become the best caster, learn how read the bottom by feel, really get in tune to how your baits work in the water.  Once you do that, you likely won't even need all the fancy gizmos to compete, you'll just beat guys with pure skill.  I've never used a TM with spotlock.  Heck, I only just started using side imaging a couple years ago but I'm almost always in the running for checks.  I don't want to come across like I'm bragging, I just hate to see so many anglers out there hesitate to get into competitive fishing because they don't have the biggest boat, newest gadgets, and best electronics.  Most of the anglers I've fished with AND against have had bigger/better boats than me but only a few were actually GREAT fishermen.  

[InfantryMP]

1 minute ago, RichF said:

I would focus more on finding fish and catching them.  Refine your techniques.  Become the best caster, learn how read the bottom by feel, really get in tune to how your baits work in the water.  Once you do that, you likely won't even need all the fancy gizmos to compete, you'll just beat guys with pure skill.  I've never used a TM with spotlock.  Heck, I only just started using side imaging a couple years ago but I'm almost always in the running for checks.  I don't want to come across like I'm bragging, I just hate to see so many anglers out there hesitate to get into competitive fishing because they don't have the biggest boat, newest gadgets, and best electronics.  Most of the anglers I've fished with AND against have had bigger/better boats than me but only a few were actually GREAT fishermen.  

 

I have a call at 4:15 with the local club from the area. They are accepting new members, so I think I will start here for now. I think they put on like 4 to 5 tournaments locally. 

 

Yea I def do not have the biggest boat. I actually have to have a 16 or larger, and I am at a 17. The rest of the stuff I feel like I am good with. I know I can get better on my graphs for sure, and skipping docks etc. I feel like I would be very competitive once I get out on some of these waters.

 

It will also allow me to fish a few other lakes I have not been too. 

[GaryH]

IMP remember if it’s not fun it’s just a job. Being nervous is part of the game. Winning is exciting but after all is said and done it has to be fun and enjoyable.  Check out your local tournaments and see if it’s your cup of tea. If not, nothing ventured, nothing gaIned.

good luck

[InfantryMP]

2 minutes ago, GaryH said:

IMP remember if it’s not fun it’s just a job. Being nervous is part of the game. Winning is exciting but after all is said and done it has to be fun and enjoyable.  Check out your local tournaments and see if it’s your cup of tea. If not, nothing ventured, nothing gaIned.

good luck

Yea the local club scene is where I think I am going to start out. It will be cheap enough, and hopefully pretty cool. 

 

I am from here originally, but I was gone for 12 years with the military, so I do not really know anyone around here anymore so it will also be good for networking around and meeting other guys as well!

[RichF]

We appreciate your service sir!  My dad is 20 yr Army retired.  Hope things work out for you and you get as much enjoyment out of tournament fishing as I do.  

[InfantryMP]

6 minutes ago, RichF said:

We appreciate your service sir!  My dad is 20 yr Army retired.  Hope things work out for you and you get as much enjoyment out of tournament fishing as I do.  

Thanks! I hope your dad is enjoying his retirement!

[WVU-SCPA]

Don't be discouraged when you get smoked.  Everyone has those days.

 

The club/local tournaments will have all ranges of boats, some guys spend lots and some spend less.  Goal is to catch fish, it's not a boat show even though some take it that way.

 

Be willing to talk to people and help setup/tear down.  Make some friendships and get some knowledge from some usually skilled anglers. 

 

If you are competitive like you say, you will become addicted.  After my first tournament I went in hard for the next 2 years.  Skipped a wedding or 2 and missed some things I shouldn't have, just remember there will always be another tournament. 

 

Only 16.5 sleeps away from the first tournament of 2021 for me, usually only get an hour or 2 in the night before.

[Bassattackr]

I think you're putting a bit too much into it at this point.  Don't have any expectations for the first event or two - Just go out and try to fish and have fun.   That's what it's all about, especially at the club level.   Too early to start worrying about finishes and finances.  Besides you've obviously been fishing for years - so there's nothing really to be "nervous" about, right?   

 

After the first event or two, you'll learn to work on time management, strategy, learning how to better find fish, be more observant on the water, fish patterns instead of history, etc.. 

 

You'll be snapping necks and cashing checks in no time.   

 

Good luck!  And remember your boat plug! ?

[Team9nine]

1 hour ago, WVU-SCPA said:

Don't be discouraged when you get smoked. 

 

This about sums up the right attitude to have going into your first event. 

 

May or may not happen, but you won't know where you sit in regards to ability/competitiveness until you get that first one under your belt and see what happens and how you react to it.

 

The other recommendation is in regards to your comment: "added pressure to try to win money back."

 

Tournament fishing is a losing game most of the time, especially at the lower levels. Breakeven is a much more realistic goal, and a sign of having pretty good success. If you can't afford to lose all the money involved with fishing these events (entry fees, gas, time off work, hotels, food, etc.), then you might want to hold off until you have "free" money that isn't needed for anything to keep the household running.

 

On the other hand, it's totally possible you might go in and crack everyone on your first go at it - you might be a closet VanDam - who knows.

 

Good luck.

[Rpratt]

Just a couple of quick blurbs.

 

The 8 hours is going to zip by. That was one thing that always got me. Time to weigh in already? I just launched! ?

 

Fish your strength and try not to overthink or second guess yourself every 10 seconds. 

 

 

 

[BBuck]

I would say don't worry too much about what other people might think of you. Fish your strengths and pay attention to what the fish are telling you and you'll probably have more fun. The bass don't know if you are using high-dollar gear or cheap used stuff and they sure as heck don't  give a crap if you slip up when launching your boat. Just go have fun and leave the stress for everybody else. 

[InfantryMP]

26 minutes ago, BBuck said:

I would say don't worry too much about what other people might think of you. Fish your strengths and pay attention to what the fish are telling you and you'll probably have more fun. The bass don't know if you are using high-dollar gear or cheap used stuff and they sure as heck don't  give a crap if you slip up when launching your boat. Just go have fun and leave the stress for everybody else. 

I do not really care what others think of me, or my gear. 

 

I think I was trying to say I was worried about messing up at the ramp etc since I am inexperienced with tournaments and the trafffic etc. I have launched hundred of times solo, it is just a little different when there are 60 boats around, and all eyes on the ramp. 

 

All my equipment is mid to upper range in my opinion, minus my trolling motor. I do not have livescope etc, but I have enough. 

[Michigander]

My tourney partner and I started local fishing tournaments with ultra basic equipment and still won a couple bucks.

-21' Pontoon with 25HP motor

-No trolling motor

-Cheapie $75 sonar 

-1 Ugly Stik spinning rod a piece 

 

Nobody made fun of us, if anything, I am sure everyone was happy to have such obvious newbies paying into the pot, lol.

 

We decided we loved tournaments and so began the investments into gear. Point is, for us it was really fun so we kept with it.

 

You may find that you really like it too!

 

 

 

 

 

[InfantryMP]

1 minute ago, Michigander said:

My tourney partner and I started local fishing tournaments with ultra basic equipment and still won a couple bucks.

-21' Pontoon with 25HP motor

-No trolling motor

-Cheapie $75 sonar 

-1 Ugly Stik spinning rod a piece 

 

Nobody made fun of us, if anything, I am sure everyone was happy to have such obvious newbies paying into the pot, lol.

 

We decided we loved tournaments and so began the investments into gear. Point is, for us it was really fun so we kept with it.

 

You may find that you really like it too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am hoping so! I think that is my goal, is to like it and keep doing it. 

 

I have my first meeting on Sunday with the local club. I will pay my dues then, and be ready to go. I do need to grab a few things for the boat this year. Type IV flotation etc. 

[Michigander]

15 minutes ago, InfantryMP said:

 

I am hoping so! I think that is my goal, is to like it and keep doing it. 

 

I have my first meeting on Sunday with the local club. I will pay my dues then, and be ready to go. I do need to grab a few things for the boat this year. Type IV flotation etc. 

Yeah, give it a shot! You stand to gain much more than you'll lose. For me, the prize money just adds a little spice, it's about the competition at the end of the day.

[RichF]

19 hours ago, Rpratt said:

The 8 hours is going to zip by. That was one thing that always got me. Time to weigh in already? I just launched!

This 100% hahaha

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

My Dad was a poker player and always preached “only bet what you can afford to lose.”  I looked at tournaments the same way. I invested what was reasonable to me for a day out fishing trip. If I got to defray the cost, great, break even better yet and make a little, fantastic. 

[InfantryMP]

For sure. That is sound advice. 

 

So far I have spent:

 

$70 on club dues

$120 on MISC things I needed for the boat (Type IV PFD, Type B extinguisher, Flares, etc)

 

I think I am in good shape. I had the first tournament meeting last night. I have my first derby on the 25th of April. I have never fished any of the lakes we will be fishing at. I think it will be fun. 

 

The guys were cool. I may have been the 2nd or 3rd youngest person there. 95% of the folks are over the age of 55, but they are all cool so far. I am stoked. 

[gim]

16 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I invested what was reasonable to me for a day out fishing trip. If I got to defray the cost, great, break even better yet and make a little, fantastic.

That is exactly how my folks look at it.  They're both mostly retired from their full time careers but they are both competitive in nature.  Their goal every season is to break even after all the expenses of bait, gas, lodging, meals, tackle, etc.  If they do that, then they basically got to fish in a dozen tournaments plus days of pre-fishing for free.  Any winnings beyond that is simply a bonus.

[Williep99]

I’ve only fished 2 tourneys here. First one my MIL passed and we had to go home. Second one my starter locked up after our first stop. Anyway, my son is in college now and without a partner I’m pretty much screwed. Gotta have a partner up here and most everyone has been fishing together for like 40 years. Tried 3 clubs last year but no partners available. Do it though, you have more than enough equipment to get started.