Preparing for a Tournament  

 The majority of tournament anglers maintain a 9 to 5 job. This inhibits the ability to spend multiple days on the water prior to a tournament. Utilizing the time you do have, can help you become better prepared for your next tournament.  Below are some steps you can take without even going near the water!

1. Purchase a few different maps of the lake that you will be fishing. Keep in mind, not all maps show the same detail. Some maps are designed with the fisherman in mind and others are designed for navigational purposes.

 2. Utilize the internet's search engines and fishing web sites to gather “general” information about the body of water you will be fishing. Let me stress the word “general.”  Do not get wrapped around the contents of a fishing report. I hate to say this but, “fishermen tell fish stories”. Things to look for on these sites are; water temperature, clarity, and lake levels.

 3. Make a plan! Take the maps and information that you have gathered and start making a plan. Begin by figuring out which seasonal pattern the bass will be in during the tournament. This step may require some time on the water or some general knowledge from past experience. Once you narrow it down, study your maps and find prime seasonal pattern locations.

4. Make a list! When you are building a game plan for the tournament day, make a list of the locations you marked on your maps. Put them in some sort of logical order. You want to maximize your fishing time and minimize your travel time.

5. Watch weather conditions and take note of any changes or consistencies.  Fronts moving in or out close to your tournament can change the mood of the fish.

6. Prepare your tackle for the conditions and locations you will be fishing. Rig your gear to your plan (Take into account the depth you will be fishing, water clarity and the mood of the fish.) Taking the time to make proper lure selections will give you that added confidence in your equipment on tournament day.

7. Check the weather forecast the night before the tournament. Pay attention to what changes are supposed to happen throughout the day. (Look for wind to pick up or die down. Cloud cover that may roll in, or move out.) Changes in cloud cover and wind will alter the mood of the fish and their position relative to cover.

 Start the tournament day with confidence and have fun! If you have followed the steps listed above, you are better prepared than most anglers. Stay confident in what you are doing and listen to that little voice when it is telling you to make an adjustment.