Story by Todd Goade | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Tournament bass fishing is a game of inches — a lot like NASCAR — where the difference between a good finish and a great finish or even a win is a matter of one or two key decisions made during the event. Being prepared for the tournament can sometimes help you make the right decision sooner rather than later, making you more efficient. Here are a few of the things I do to prepare for an event that help me. I think they’ll work for you, too.
Map Study
I do a lot of research on Google Earth but also a lot on my Lowrance app and my HDS Pro 12 at the console of my boat. I mark potential places to check during practice. I consider seasonal patterns, distance from take-off, and I look for any irregular feature on my unit that looks appealing. If I haven’t been to the lake before, this is a good starting point from which I can expand.
Tackle Prep
Seasonal patterns, the lake I’m going to, and general fishing trends help me pack the right tackle. There are certain things I take with me to every event and there’s some things that are lake specific. For example, packing for an event at Lake Hartwell — where there are lots of spotted bass — is a lot different than packing for the St. Johns River. For Hartwell I’ll pack a lot of shaky head worms. For the St. Johns, it’s more about creature baits and bladed jigs.
Rod and Reel Prep
As with tackle prep, I’m going to rig rods based on where I’m going and the applications I anticipate using that week. With the St. Johns River coming up, I’m rigging rods for frogs, worms, topwater, jigs, and flipping baits, just to name a few. I also pack the boat with line that supports those applications in case I need to make a change on the water.
Boat Prep
Not only am I packing the right tackle for the event (and packing it in compartments to make me more efficient), but I always carry a spare prop, tools, a spare life jacket, 5 Alive Fish Care Products, sun gloves and sunscreen. Something I started carrying years ago — especially during the hot summer months — is a bottle of potassium pills. Taking one in the morning and one around lunch time, and drinking plenty water, really helps me stay hydrated and focused throughout the day, and it helps me to avoid fatigue.
Truck Prep
Lastly, I pack the truck, and there’s some redundancy in that process. I’ll pack another spare prop, extra tackle, line, tools, snacks, and boat care products. If something bad or unexpected happens on the water, I want backup close at hand.
Being as prepared and organized as you can be before you leave the house for a tournament can increase your efficiency and your chances for a good finish. I hope these tips help you prepare for your next tournament.
