Decisions Decisions

[slonezp]

I qualified to fish the Anglers Choice Tournament of Champions on Guntersville around the first week of March. I have fished the lake once before about 5 years ago in early April and struggled fishing thru a cold front. I would be fishing in roughly a 200 boat field(17 of which would be from my club) and there is good money and 3 boats on the line (1st, 2nd, and a draw boat). I need to make up my mind by January 8th and I'm feeling a little aprehensive. The main things holding me back are not knowing the lake, and it's March and the weather could change in a heartbeat. Right now I have no confidence whatsoever in going down their. This would be the biggest tourney I have ever been a part of. I'd hate to drop a couple grand to go down there and choke. I'd also hate to not go and have missed out on something good. Work is slow that time of year so I wouldn't be missed for that week. Hiring a guide is not allowed for the 3 days prior to the tourney so I would be on my own. Any advice to help me make up my mind to either stay or go would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

[zip pow]

I sent you a pm i'll help I'd go

[psuangler91]

I'd definitely go if I had an opportunity like that. You can't win anything sittin at home.

[Grey Wolf]

If you don't mind spending the money and possibly getting nothing in return ,other than something you get enjoyment out of , why not? You only go around this world once.

[jeremyt]

I would go. I believe Wayne Gretzky said " You miss 100% of the shots you never take". I think that its the opportunity of a life time and like Grey Wolf said you only go around once.

[CSimon2]

I would say to go. It would a great opportunity for you. When you take a vacation you don't get anything out of it in return besides rest and relaxation. You wind up spending a ton of money on vacation too, but there is no chance to win back money or maybe even win a boat. Unless you go to Vegas. Give it a shot, but change your attitude. A bad attitude while fishing is going to get you negative results.

[sodaksker]

If I could afford it, and my family was good with it.....I would go.

Good luck.

[J Francho]

If you have the means, then go. I would line up some practice time, though. To me, a long weekend the month before would be the most useful, if I can't fish up to the tournament date.

[slonezp]

I would say to go. It would a great opportunity for you. When you take a vacation you don't get anything out of it in return besides rest and relaxation. You wind up spending a ton of money on vacation too, but there is no chance to win back money or maybe even win a boat. Unless you go to Vegas. Give it a shot, but change your attitude. A bad attitude while fishing is going to get you negative results.

My attitude is actualy more positive now than it was when I found out I qualified. I think it's more "cold feet" than anything. This is the big time My son, who is my partner, is gung ho. I've heard good and bad from other guys in my club who had qualified in the past. Much of that I think is directly related to ones reason for tourney fishing in the first place. Maybe I'm in the minority but I do it for fun, not because I'm trying to prove anything, if that makes sense. As far as having the means, Guntersville would take the place of my annual KY Lake trip in April, so that is not an issue. I don't have the time or money to get out the month prior. The only practice I'd get is the 3, possibly 4 days prior to the tourney, otherwise the internet is where I'll do my research. I'm on the fence veering towards going, just need a little extra push. The fact that zip pow is a local guy willing to help may be the final push I need.

[J Francho]

You wouldn't have qualified if you weren't ready. Rarely do guys advance because of "dumb luck." meaning, you got the skillz, so do it.

[jeremyt]

Sometimes I have a really hard time relating what I am trying to say to what comes out of my mouth (fingers). I just feel like if you decide not to do this you will have the regret/ what if the rest of your life. Also think about what you can learn. Whatever you decide I wish you luck with it!

[chris090981]

You need to get your mind right before you go there 1st off ! You need to research online as much as possible . Just look at the previous reports from march for the past 10 years or so and go from there ! I'm confident in any lake I go to . Drop me off and blind fold me because I'm not there to not catch fish !!! Figure it out and go for it !!!!

[slonezp]

What was I thinking, asking a bunch of fishing addicts if I should go fishing? I've decided to go. I thought about it and I'll be fishing against guys from Indiana, Wisconsin, and my home state of Illinois. I know a number of these guys have fished "G" before, but chances are none will really have the upper hand. I've been communicating with zip pow who has some helpful info, and he's the one who pushed me over the edge. Maybe he's my upper hand. Now I can blame him if I get skunked . Just kidding. I ordered some maps and will be researching early spring patterns and will be ordering some shad patterned baits, and lipless cranks. Aside from any major break down, what's the worse that could happen? I fish for 60 hours in a week and go home. No harm no foul. And the best that could happen? I win a boat and have to come up with 4k to pay taxes.

[ChiCityBasser]

Glad u decided to go for it and as someone told me u can't catch them in front of the television. Good Luck

[zip pow]

I don't believe you'll get get skunked we just got to get you from 22 lbs to 26 lbs on the first tourny day and you'll be fine