So I've got a tournament Sunday. Probably my favorite lake and tournament of the year. I've been fishing the lake hard and have been having great success there. I have the confidence going in that what I've been doing will continue to work. I've prepared very well for this tournament. For those of you that have fished tournaments do you ever show up the day of and the way you've prepared and had success just doesn't work that day. Did you stick with that to long before changing your tactics? Really that it's my only concern ids that I'll get stubborn and won't be willing to adapt. I've had so much success here of late that I feel I may be to confident that what I've been doing will continue to work if it doesn't kill waste too much time forcing it.

Just go fishing and let the chips fall. What happens ?

Tournament fishing is about when to hold em and when to fold em, only you can make that decision.

Tom

To quote Ike, fish in the moment. Do not rely on your fishing memories. I say try it out but don't be afraid to change something up. The fish will tell you. 

Prefishing helps me determine where there are fish. This can't be done in a single trip. Sounds like you have this down.

Practice is where I develop my game plan. Routes, spots, travel time, and my final spots are all worked. If it's a big lake, you want to know how long it takes to get to the weigh in check point. Figure out plans for good weather and bad. The best time to diverge from the plan is up to about two hours before check in. The plan can change on the spot, but be sure you aren't wasting time running, when you could be grinding out fish. Worse, don't be late to the check in.

If you're struggling, chances are so is everybody else, if you're prepared. Don't sweat that, "I have to get a limit" attitude.

Everything has to go right to get a W. When something goes wrong, address it and keep fishing. Stay focused, humble, and most importantly, have fun.

Yeah i have...sucks lol

However if you have fished it hard you know where the fish are...adjust accordingly if need be, dont be afraid to change early and or often until you start to get the pattern.

Use your eyes, ears, and hands, listen to the fish!

I'm starting to finally realize, when I call an audible, I always do better by sticking to my strengths. For me it is either working a jig, or cranking. I can vary both these techniques to match most conditions, and I enjoy fishing these ways. It is fun pitching jigs to small target areas and then swimming them around. It is fun working crankbaits around and through cover and structure.

At least this way, I enjoy myself. And, for some strange reason I usually end up catching fish.