first tournament???????

[fishing man]

ok so i have my first ever bass tournament and i am gonna be fishing the BFL at Indian lake. but i have a couple questions. when i go do i like need to bring anything like PFD, weigh in bags, etc? i was watching a tournament and i got to thinking and of course i don't want to screw up my first tournament, and I'm nervous as it is about it. so any help will be really appreciated.

[RobbyZ5001]

Are you going as a rider? Either way look on the FLW site there will be a meeting place listed. You need to meet at the meeting place they will give you more info as to launch time partner this and that. IF you are a rider you will talk to your boater and discuss meeting place prior to tourney day. I would bring a PFD, >6 rods, a small tackle bag, rain gear, and I can't tell ya about weigh in bags. Also think about chipping for gas at the end of the day.

[fishing man]

yeah i will be a co-angler

[Bassnbrett101]

If your going as a coangler bring about 3-4 rods, a small tacklebag, a PFD is required so take that, a lunch box, a rainsuit (even if it looks like a nice day), a coat for the morning, a pair of sunglasses, a hat, and of course gas money and lunker fee moeny if you want to enter the lunker pool.  In tournament series like this its required that the coangler take money to give the boater, in BASS right now tis 20$ idk about the BFL though.  Just make sure to check out the website and note everything else that might be required to bring.

[GobbleDog]

And a GPS to steal all the boater's spots.    

[flippincrazy]

I'm fishing it as a boater. Do you live around the lake? I'll be fishing it hard after my tourney this weekend up north here. I could possibly take you out sometime before the tourney to prefish and you give you some pointers to being a coangler in the BFL.

[frogtog]

Don't you just love BR. There is not many forums that you can go and ask a question, then get invited to prefish. Way to go " flippincrazy " This forum never ceases to impress me.

[ohiobass]

flippincrazy have you been out on indian yet

[fishing man]

i agree frog tog, im on many bass froums and BR has to be my favorite

[ElGuapo]

I entered my first big tourney last week. I bought a bag and cull system but didnt need either. The boater must have a PFD for every person in the boat but I'd bring one anyway.  No need for the fancy $200 inflatable ones. I brought three rods and a regular sized gym bag full of tackle, rain gear, snacks, sunglasses, and a camera. Dont forget sunscreen! I'd also keep a change of clothes and shoes in the car for the ride home in case you get rained on. Bring your fishing license too.

[skeletor121]

I have no idea about this since I have never fished in a tournament.  All I wanted to say is Fishing Man:  that is a great band in your avatar.  I have listened to DKM since '97 and seen them live a bunch.  Great band.

Sorry for the sidetrack, now back to your regularly scheduled thread.

[GreNation]

What is considered a small tackle bag?

[jasone]

I don't know if they've changed anything but BFL did not require you to offer money to your boater.  It is a nice thing to do.  I would not give it over until the tourney is over.  There are guys that will backboat you but most are class acts.  

The most important thing is to meet up with your boater at the pre-meeting.  The boater will tell you what they plan on fishing.  This will help you decide what setups and lures you should bring at least at a minimum.  You also need to know how much room the boater has so you know what of yours will fit.  

Communicate well and it will be a fun time for all!

J

[fishing man]

hey thanks yall, all your info has really helped me out, now all i have to do is get ready.

p.s skeletor121 amen dk ROCKS im gonna go see then september 18th for my b-day, it will be awsome

[RichardE]

All good info on prep. I suggest you pay attention to what your boater is doing, it may help you understand what the fish are doing. You may have to alter your approach if he is a vacuum. When I have a co-angler in my boat I always try to let them know what the fish are doing. I have a better trip when we both catch fish. I think mutual respect is key to a good day on the lake. Do your part and give your boater the opportunity to do the same. Good luck, hope you whack em!

[t1365]

If you're bringing one of those auto inflatable pfd's, make sure its allowed by the tourney orginization.  I've heard of at least one orginization that doesn't allow them.

[Bassin4Life55]

The tourney is this weekend! Good luck man, be sure to tell us how it goes.