Need Quick Advice

[DewittBassmaster]

I have a tournament this Sunday on a lake that I've never fished. This is my first bass tournament ever.  I've done half of my homework by talking to lot of locals that live and fish on the lake.  The tournament is on Portage Lake in Michigan.  I need some advice on what to do when I get to the lake.  I have a basic strategy planned out, but I was just wondering if anybody could give me some ideas that I may have left out or not known.  Thanks.

[JShrock07]

If you know nothing about this lake find out how the current works in this lake and fish deep points on the side that the current is coming across. The current will bring bait fish over the structure where the bass will be waiting for an easy meal. Check your topo maps and find the structure that way before you go out to the lake so you can determine where you are going to start fishing. Another thing you may want to do is prefish the lake before you fish in any tournament.

When you are out fishing the points try throwing a crankbait or a jig anything that will cuase a reaction strike. That is a good way to search for the bass.

Good Luck in your tournament.

[Zel]

If you are unfamiliar with the lake, look for areas that are comparable to areas/structure you are familiar with on the lakes you do fish, and fish them with your confidence baits and how you fish your regular lakes.  I'm a big proponent that tournament time is not the time to try and learn new techniques unless you aren't catching anything then I say go for broke.  (and don't forget your GYCB Fat Ikas)

[fishfordollars]

If you are unfamiliar with the lake, look for areas that are comparable to areas/structure you are familiar with on the lakes you do fish, and fish them with your confidence baits and how you fish your regular lakes. I'm a big proponent that tournament time is not the time to try and learn new techniques unless you aren't catching anything then I say go for broke. (and don't forget your GYCB Fat Ikas)

X2. Look for water that allows you to fish your strengths.

[riverfisher]

Im in a similar situation tomarrow. I have a tx on a lake iv never been to because iv had no time to pre-fish nor can I afford the gas. Ill go over a topo map of the lake tonite and ill pick out certain points or drop off's and come up with a game plan on paper. Typically on the water what I do is I look for structure or area's that look similar to lakes or rivers that I have fished in the past. I throw baits that I have the most confidence in and I work on my limit from there. Hopefully all will go well if it dosient there is alway's beer in the cooler during weigh in. The main thing for me is to have fun and at least get a limit small, big it dosient matter prefer a check but if not what can ya do.

Good luck dude

Peace out!

D

P.S. Google earth I love that website