1st Tournament as Captain

[Jethro417]

After 3 years of being a Co-Angler the opportunity has come to be the Captain in a Big Bass Tournament in a couple of weeks. My Co-Angler is my Dad and we are fishing a local lake that we both have experience with. 

First time in a boat I am looking to buy from my childhood friend and usual tournament partner. So alot of first time preparing, researching and honest jitters. 

Normally I just look at forecast and plan my strategy and for the most part sticking to the strategy and not going 180 after the first couple hours without a bite. Now while I'm entering this new territory of the boat I feel the responsibility to cover all my bases and crank up the research. Staying in the areas of the lake I know and just having fun with my Dad. I keep telling myself be ready but not to forget why I love fishing. So my question is what are things to focus on as the Captain and what are things you thought was vital but in reality wasn't as big of a deal as you thought leading up to your first time or two?

[Bluebasser86]

First off, welcome to the forum.

 

Second, you're going to overwhelm yourself at the rate you're going. You need to focus on being safe as a new boat owner. Operating a boat is not the same as a car if you've never done it. Make sure you know and understand the rules for operating on the water.

 

Third, fish your strengths and do what you're comfortable with. I can't claim to have tons of tournament experience, but of all the ones I've done well in, I did what I'm good at doing and stuck with it. Especially in a big bass tournament where you're only after one big bite. Focus on the likely areas and fish them hard. 

[whitwolf]

Welcome!

[GaryH]

Welcome aboard.. Bluebasser86 hit the nail right on the head. Follow what he said and you should enjoy yourself and maybe have some success also. It’s only a fishing tournament not a job so try to keep it fun.

[Sam]

14 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

First off, welcome to the forum.

 

Second, you're going to overwhelm yourself at the rate you're going. You need to focus on being safe as a new boat owner. Operating a boat is not the same as a car if you've never done it. Make sure you know and understand the rules for operating on the water.

 

Third, fish your strengths and do what you're comfortable with. I can't claim to have tons of tournament experience, but of all the ones I've done well in, I did what I'm good at doing and stuck with it. Especially in a big bass tournament where you're only after one big bite. Focus on the likely areas and fish them hard. 

X2.  And always attach the kill switch lanyard to your PFD. Always.

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

And study how to work the trolling motor, too.

 

Good luck. Let us know about your fishing adventures; ask us questions; and we will watch for you in the Classic in a few years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[A-Jay]

Hello Jethro & Welcome to Bass Resource ~ 

I do not fish derbies but I know a little something about being safe on the water.

You do that and the rest will take care of itself - in time.

And you've got nothing but time.

Have Fun & Good Luck

A-Jay

[jbsoonerfan]

Have a few places in mind where you want to fish and start by asking your Dad where he would like to fish. If he chooses a spot that you had in mind, then go there. Do NOT tell him you thought that was a good spot before you fish it. Do this throughout the day and if you are catching fish you can always say, "I had this spot in mind". If at the end of the day you don't catch many, you can always say, "Well you picked the spots."

[fishballer06]

18 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Have a few places in mind where you want to fish and start by asking your Dad where he would like to fish. If he chooses a spot that you had in mind, then go there. Do NOT tell him you thought that was a good spot before you fish it. Do this throughout the day and if you are catching fish you can always say, "I had this spot in mind". If at the end of the day you don't catch many, you can always say, "Well you picked the spots."

As a co-angler, I can relate to this one. I've been partnered with boaters before who all day long kept asking me "Where should we go next?". Thinking back on it, every time that has happened, my boater seemed fairly inexperienced.