Tournament Dos & Don'ts?

[Juan Lobo]

BBC, I'm looking to fish a tournament trail or two for the first time this year. I have zero expectations and really just want to do it for fun and to meet some other anglers in the area.

So, what are some tips & tricks you guys have for a new tournament fisherman? Any "must-have" gear? Any "unwritten" rules of courtesy?

If a competing boat is fishing down a shoreline, is it bad form to slide in behind him? I assume "cutting him off" by just running past him is considered poor form?

Really just looking to go out, have a good time and contribute to someone elses' prize pool without stepping on any toes or upsetting anyone. Any tips or advice you boys have for a new tourney fisherman would be appreciated!

[ssbassman]

Just go have fun and give the space you would want to others

[bpettus1]

Just do what you do when you fun fish .. And for the love of god don’t wear a jersey

[Jamie]

Treat everybody the way you would want to be treated. Speak to guys when you see them. It breaks the ice and people will perceive you as a friendly person and will be more likely to help you also. If someone if fishing somewhere that I have ran to and want to fish I will idle up to them and ask if they care if I fish along behind them or even on the other bank. I have yet to have someone say that they didn't want me there. Just try to have fun and not get stressed out. At the end of the day we all are going back to our normal jobs and nobody is getting rich. So just have some fun.

[basscat21]

Don't hoot and holler when you get a good one, that just draws attention!
If some asks where you caught them tell them "in the water on a artificial lure"

Go have fun!

[Aruss1984]

Offer to chip in for gas money for the truck (if you're riding together) and boat. I usually dont worry about the truck gas often as I'd be going fishing anyways, but its always nice to offer.

Help your partner out with getting things ready in the morning. Help take off the cover, offer to back him in. Things like that. I've had guys stand off in the distance talking while I'm getting everything ready. Work together as a team basically, even if you're competing against him.

[C0MRAD]

You will enjoy it a lot more if you make friends with as many of the other anglers as you can. When you decide to stop fishing tournaments you will still see your friends on the water from time to time. It's nice being on a first name basis with almost every angler on the lake.

[ECobb91]

I’d suggest fishing a few as a coangler at first. It helps you to see how each tournament is run and gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get a feel if it’s something you’d like to continue As a boater.

Common sense goes a long way and just treat everyone with respect on and off the water. Humility, being humble and respectful goes a long way. We have one guy in my club who acts like KVD hold up fish looking for applause, and another who calls to complain at 5am three days after a tournament that he didn’t even fish in. Don’t be those guys

[djb750]

And don't let the "club crybaby" get to ya, either. Every club's got one. It's the guy who gets his butt handed to him on a plate every tournament and says "awww yeah, we're checkin' livewells next time. Mmmhmm, Mmhmmm..."

Enjoy!

[DMart1]

Treat everybody the way you would want to be treated. Speak to guys when you see them. It breaks the ice and people will perceive you as a friendly person and will be more likely to help you also. If someone if fishing somewhere that I have ran to and want to fish I will idle up to them and ask if they care if I fish along behind them or even on the other bank. I have yet to have someone say that they didn't want me there. Just try to have fun and not get stressed out. At the end of the day we all are going back to our normal jobs and nobody is getting rich. So just have some fun.

Agree on all points. Great advice.

[TownesZ21]

BBC, I'm looking to fish a tournament trail or two for the first time this year. I have zero expectations and really just want to do it for fun and to meet some other anglers in the area.

So, what are some tips & tricks you guys have for a new tournament fisherman? Any "must-have" gear? Any "unwritten" rules of courtesy?

If a competing boat is fishing down a shoreline, is it bad form to slide in behind him? I assume "cutting him off" by just running past him is considered poor form?

Really just looking to go out, have a good time and contribute to someone elses' prize pool without stepping on any toes or upsetting anyone. Any tips or advice you boys have for a new tourney fisherman would be appreciated!

Behind is usually fine as long as it's not right top on anyone, you are right about cutting people off.

As has been said, treat others as you would like to be treated and you will be fine. If you really want to know the deal first the co-angler idea is a good one but don't be afraid to jump in either, vast majority will be glad you are there. Guess the other big thing is be prepared at the ramp to drop and go quickly, no unstrapping when it's you turn.... have it done already etc Same goes for weigh in and pulling out. Nothing to worry about, just pay attention to those in from and follow their lead.

[bayouXpress]

all you need to know is respect. It goes a long way. You will run into those that don't have it but don't play their game.

[birdman920]

Do not leave headlights on when launching!...

[RdRngR]

Do not leave headlights on when launching!...

This right here

[high 2]

Just do what you do when you fun fish .. And for the love of god don’t wear a jersey

What about contingency money? You got to dress up!

[high 2]

.

[Mark Perry]

Rule #1- Have fun.
Rule #2- Be safe and courteous, try and catch a few fish.
Rule#3- See Rule #1.

[Bill2e]

Just go fishing

weight in at the end and BS with the group. Have fun.

[DennisMH&F]

Lots of good advice above. Two items you may want to consider. The first is find a good local TBF or BASS club to join. If you find the right one they will be thrilled to have you and you will learn a lot in a lower pressure event. If you need help finding a club I can put you in touch with your state TBF president who'll take care of you. The second point is don't be afraid to tell folks your new to tournament events. I started fishing tournaments later in life, and while I thought my ineptitude made it obvious I was a beginner most guys were too competitive to notice. Once they learned I was a beginner their attitude changed completely and they became very helpful. We need new good guys in our sport so I'm sure we'll all try to help.

[Dan21XRS]

When you're backing down the ramp hit your horn twice to get everyone's attention and then just let the boat float off the trailer, park the truck and hitch a ride at the dock to retrieve your boat. Great way to make friends... Dan