Do's and Do not's in tournament fishing?

[sllymz]

I joined my college's fishing team a few days ago and have a club tournament in about a month with a random guy on the team on his boat. The only issue is I don't fish from a boat, especially not a bass boat (as much as I'd love to). That and I do not have an arsenal of 20+ rods on deck for each technique ready since I don't have that kind of money 'nor reason since I don't have a boat. This is a completely new area for me and I feel like I'm going to be learning how to bass fish all over again like a kid just doing what their dad says. So with that in mind +me having never fished a tournament or in any competitive manner other than with some friends on ponds, is there anything I should go about doing or not doing? Like courtesy things, what to touch and not, or honestly just tips on fishing two people to a boat etc.. If anyone has been in my shoes or in the shoes of the other guy, I would greatly appreciate any advice.

 

Also I wasn't sure if this would go in the tournament forum or in general, so I understand if I posted in the wrong spot.

[J Francho]

Don't bring 20 technique specific rods on the day of your tournament.

 

Do ask what baits and techniques you will be focused on during the tournament, and pick 5 setups that will get the job done and what you'll be comfortable with. 

 

Don't whine if it isn't going the way you imagined.

 

Do have fun.

[HawkeyeSmallie]

Not a do or a don't but just have FUN.

 

I'm 47 almost 48 and would have loved to do something like this at your age.

 

Time gets away from you fast.

 

Good luck!

[Fishingmickey]

Talk to your fellow team mates and ask questions! Does your team have a coach that could perhaps give helpful advice and let you know whats expected? Make sure you have your bases covered.  What to bring, what time to be there, food, drinks etc. Know the rules!!!

     Then you can share it with us!

FM

[Bankc]

Do bring some gas money for the boat and offer to pay if it's his personal boat and he's paying for gas out of pocket. 
 

[Smokinal]

---Treat his boat with respect; watch how he gets in; wash bottoms of your shoes if he does if it's a really nice boat.

---Don't cast forward of the center of the boat

---As mentioned, don't bring 20 rods, even if you come across some

---When he says he's moving, immediately pack your rod, put on your life jacket and sit down. Boaters sometimes have some heartburn with slow movers in the boat when they want to move

---Offer some gas money

---Be quick with a net if he calls for it

---Ok, now the fishing part 😅...just go and fish your style, unless you're looking to learn new things. Personally, I would start out with something opposite of what he's throwing to establish a pattern. But if he's on a bite, I wouldn't hesitate to tie on exactly what he's throwing...that's part of being a non-boater and he should expect that. If you have the opportunity to talk with him before the tourney, I would ask specifically what he plans on doing for the day. This will let you prep mentally and rig rods for that plan ahead of time...I'd try to make it a point to do this.

 

---Most of all, just go fishing and have fun.

Update this thread afterwards as we'd all love to hear how your day goes.

[J._Bricker]

1 hour ago, Smokinal said:

---Treat his boat with respect; watch how he gets in; wash bottoms of your shoes if he does if it's a really nice boat.

---Don't cast forward of the center of the boat

---As mentioned, don't bring 20 rods, even if you come across some

---When he says he's moving, immediately pack your rod, put on your life jacket and sit down. Boaters sometimes have some heartburn with slow movers in the boat when they want to move

---Offer some gas money

---Be quick with a net if he calls for it

---Ok, now the fishing part 😅...just go and fish your style, unless you're looking to learn new things. Personally, I would start out with something opposite of what he's throwing to establish a pattern. But if he's on a bite, I wouldn't hesitate to tie on exactly what he's throwing...that's part of being a non-boater and he should expect that. If you have the opportunity to talk with him before the tourney, I would ask specifically what he plans on doing for the day. This will let you prep mentally and rig rods for that plan ahead of time...I'd try to make it a point to do this.

 

---Most of all, just go fishing and have fun.

Update this thread afterwards as we'd all love to hear how your day goes.

@sllymz excellent advice from @Smokinal on how to approach your first tourney. I would also recommend maybe bring 5 rods/techniques that you’ve confidence in, that can be interchangeable when/if conditions do. Bring your own food and drink (no bananas), clean up after yourself and offer to help wipe down the boat at the end of the day. 

It’s just fishing so good luck and enjoy your day on the water.

[Glenn]

 

[volzfan59]

Be up front with your boater about your fishing experience, what you're good at and what you're not. Let him, or her, know up front that you're not used to fishing from a boat. Like in everything else, a little communication goes a long way.

 

I doubt that the boater is going to change his plans due to your experience or lack there of, but he might be able to help you out 

 

Whatever you do, offer the boater gas money.

[WRB]

With your lack of experience fishing from a bass boat you need to pre fish in a bass boat before the tournament. 
Funds are limited but hiring a guide to instruct you how to bass fish from a boat is essential. Maybe your coach can suggest someone he knows or a team member whiling to take out for day or 2.

You also need to practice netting your boaters bass without knocking the fish off!

You are located on Louisiana and most bass fishing is shallow water and targeting cypress tree root systems easy to snag in.

I would suggest  a T-rigged w/ 3/16 oz bullet weight and Owner 4/0 Cover Shot hook. This allows to cast anywhere without snagging a lot. Another good choice is a weightless wacky rigged 5” Senko #301 and  700, hook Owner Wacky weedless Jungle hook size 1/0

Top water lure like Whopper Popper 90 in black (loon) color and a backup in bone color. Low light use the loon, sunny use the bone.

That is 2 or 3 rod reel combo’s that work everywhere.

Tom

 

[sllymz]

Lot's of great advice, thanks y'all! I think being respectful to his boat/gear is gonna be a big one to me which I already planned on in the beginning anyways just because I hate when people use my things and mistreat them. That and communication, I'll make sure he knows he got the crutch here out of the bunch lmao. 

Again, thanks for all the advice and I'll try to remember to come back and update afterwards! 

[GRiver]

I’m not a tournament fisherman, but I don’t like it when people step in my seats. So don’t step in the seats….
Talk to your teammate, explain your situation, let him know first time from a boat thing. I’m sure he’ll give ya pointers and help ya out.

[Mike L]

@sllymz

I don’t own a boat and don’t want one.
I’ve been a tournament co angler for years either with friends in team tournaments or in a blind draw but the “rules” are always the same for me. 
 

1) Talk to your boater before you go.
Confirm your meet up time and place and don’t be late.
*Ask about how he expects to attack the day. If he pre fished he probably has a pattern or 2 in a few areas that he will hit first. If not what you bring will be a little different. 
*I always offer to buy ice, drinks and a sandwich for him. But that’s just me!
*Offer to launch the boat. If you’re not comfortable doing it tell him up front. 
It’s usually no big deal. 

2) Personally I always bring 6..

If the boater has a plan or not I only pre rig 5 combos. One for each level of the water column plus an extra bottom contact with a heavier weight and larger bait and a top water frog. 
One rod I purposely leave empty, that for me is the most versatile one I have.
That way I can just tie something on quick if you’re on a pattern he didn’t expect. 

3) Don’t bring everything you own. 
You don’t need a duffel bag either. 
I use a small bag that fits between my legs when we’re running and will fit on my seat when fishing. 
 

4) Tie your rods down against the gunnel next to your seat. I have a small bungee cord (Newer boats have some type of apparatus but older ones may not)
 

5) Have your PDF on EVERY TIME the big motor is on regardless of what he does. 

It’s your life! 

 

6) Never cast in front of or over his line. 
“Your area” is from the steering wheel back. The front deck is his. 
Some boaters will offer to switch, some will not. Some tournament rules specify that a co angler should be given the option. 
 

7) Always start with something different than what he’s throwing until a pattern emerges. Here is where it can get tricky..

Some boaters don’t like his back seater using the same baits, I don’t care. 
If he’s on a frog bite, there will be some he missed or didn’t present it right that you can pick off as long as you cast away from him in water you’ve passed. 
 

8) Ask about netting his fish.

Some won’t want you too, some will. 
Just be sure it’s understood. 

9) Be ready to pack up on a moments notice. Try to be in your seat by the time he gets to his ready to run with your PDF ON and secured. 
 

10) Always offer to pay for fuel or reimburse him for anything he gives you during the day. 
How much is up to you. 
What I do is always add 10.00 more than what I think is fair.
We may fish again sometime or he may know your next boater.
Again that’s just me!!
 

Notes…

* If you smoke ask permission.
Be prepared to repair his carpet if you burn a hole in it, flick ashes down wind. 
* NEVER use dye inside the boat!

Always dip or apply over the water 

* Keep an eye on the fish in the live well if that kind of tournament.
* Check them once in awhile always listening to be sure the pump didn’t shut off unexpectedly. 
* Be careful when opening as some fish may try to jump out, then you have a problem!! Just crack it open enough to make sure thier gills are moving 

 

Anyway, these are just some of things I do every ones different. 
 

I know it’s a lot and there are more but I tried to give you some things just from my perspective.
You already got good advise from others. 

Above all have fun, enjoy yourself. 
Don’t give yourself added pressure because there really isn’t any. 

Just go fishin and don’t worry about procedure too much. 
Most boaters were co anglers at one time too, they understand. 

I’ve struggled and been embarrassed more times that I’d like to remember. 
It happens.

But I’ve also been fortunate and lucky enough to win a lot of money and a few accolades 

Just remember you’re just 2 guys in a boat  who just met doing the same thing. 
 

Just be sure to be respectful of his time, and his property when you’re in his house. 
I’ve never had a problem keeping that in mind. 
 

Best of luck to you and report back. 
 

 

Mike
 

[Susky River Rat]

@Mike L described everything I would want in a co angler. During a tournament or just fishing for fun. 

[GaryH]

@Smokinal @Bankc @Mike L  With the knowledge and advice giving you’ll be fine. There’s nothing magical just show and give the same respect that you would want and you’ll have a great time. 

[WRB]

All the advice offered is for a bass angler familiar with bass boat however the op stated never he fished from a bass boat, he fished ponds from shore.

Fishing a tournament the 1st time is daunting enough but not being familiar with bass boat equipment like live wells, pedestal seats, how to get into and out of the boat, where to put your tackle, what to wear, hat and sunglasses setting in the passenger seat without a windshield, etc etc etc will be overwhelming.

Tom

[sllymz]

My apologies to anyone who was asking for an update, I promise I didn't forget I just would sit down to type something up and I'd just get sidetracked so I never got around to it until now. So with that being said I understand if the update isn't relevant any more lmao. I also don't really know how detailed I'm gonna go with this so I'll just run down the order of events without going to in depth.

 

Well for starters thanks for all the tips, I made sure to be respectful as I could and helpful. I showed up earlier than a lot of people though except my boater and a few others who had been on the water since before I got there. I texted the guy after sitting in my car for a while letting him know I was there and to text me when he got there. Low and behold he was in front of me the whole time. After grabbing my 2-3 rods and small tackle box of hand picked stuff as to not take up too much room I hopped on the boat and definitely almost ate it in front of the guy. Once I sat down I realized how under dressed I was, since it's been so long since I have been on a bass boat I seem to have forgotten just how fast they go when heading to your spot and in the boat lanes in general. So my t-shirt, light jacket, and shorts were absolutely NOT going to cut it in the cold front that just hit and the wind chill. I think my partner realized that because he let me borrow a pair of wrangler jeans which might have saved my life not gonna lie. After we took off and got to the spot and began talking about what the plan was I think we both realized how miserable it was gonna be because all we could (and anyone else for that matter) was just flip cypress trees. Which it turns out he hates doing because he claims it'll make you lose your mind, and to be honest by the end of the day I completely agree especially when you aren't getting bit. So after a couple hours of nothing and just flipping various jigs/Texas rigs and a lot of random discussions of whatever two 20 year old guys talk about, someone told us they were biting wacky rigs. This was heart breaking for us because flipping is boring enough and when you add something as slow as a wacky rig it just hurts your soul. So we started trying that out of desperation and low and behold my partner catches one flipping a weightless wacky rig in trees like we had been doing. It wasn't anything to write home about, just a 1 1/2 to 2 pounder, nonetheless a fish in the boat. It was however a good learning opportunity as he tried to use that moment to teach me some about netting, tournament rules/scoring, live wells, etc.. So for the rest of the day we did that, of course everyone now and then we'd get too bored start throwing random junk out of desperation. To make a long, boring ad tedious story short, we didn't get anything else. Which was to expected because he had explained to me earlier how this wasn't gonna be a memorable first tournament since al the conditions were pretty bad. Around 1:15 he said we're gonna go ahead and head back since it looks like we are just losing it out here. It was a long ways to the lane and we just cruised there while he explained to me some tips on buying boats and what to look for which is always appreciated. When we got back it seems like everyone had a terrible day, our VP said "This is the first tournament in four years here I've not caught a fish." which made me feel a little better about getting skunked although it's a little sad to hear in his case. While waiting on all the others with only like two other guys at the dock, the guy next to us who was solo said he caught two 7-8 pounders and had a 5 shake off. Of course me and the others are kind of chuckling at him because we don't believe him for a second, well I'll be damned if he didn't reach in his live well and spend 2 minutes wrestling what sounded like a wild boar of two 7 pounders out of his boat. Proceeds to pull out two fish bigger than any bass outside of a Bass Pro tank I've ever seen. Casually beats my PB 2 times. Said he had to fish so slow, that he'd just toss a wacky rig out on a cypress tree then just sit on his phone and wait. So I'm sure me and my partner missed quite a few just because we like to fish fast but it's ok because at the end of the day I had a great time and learned a lot. That guy won by a landslide beating two other 2 pound fish. After helping pack up and taking yearbook pictures in jerseys we left out.

I took some advice from here and offered the guy $20-$40 in gas money  but he strongly denied and insisted I save it for the guys who WILL take your money, said he signed up to be a boat and it's his responsibility to pay the expenses. I'm really appreciative of him because he was very understanding of it being pretty new to me and teaching me a lot.

 

Again my apologies for such a late response, and for the essay. 😶‍🌫️

[Texas Flood]

Great story and I’m glad you had a good time despite not catching them. 
 

Tournament fishing is a lot of fun and kind of addicting. 

[TnRiver46]

Weightless is the way to go around cypress, although I can’t do wacky around them. Nice write up 

[Susky River Rat]

Great write up. I have only done a handful of tournaments but, there is a thrill when you feel like you are being competitive and catching fish. Good luck on your next one!

[Cuivre]

Sounds like the pattern the winner of the KBF National Championship used when I fished it years ago (Caddo).  I was fishing a similar pattern, but not as slow as he said he was.  He would actually make the line (with senko) wrap itself around the cypress tree trunk to get the maximum coverage under the water.  Learning how to focus and settle your mind while fishing slow is a skill that will definitely pay dividends.