Just trying to clear up a few things.

I'm traveling to NYC with my wife the same time as a BFL on Chesapeake Bay and would like to fish as co-angler. The questions I have are:

1. Should I try to link up with someone before the event or is it a random drawing for boaters?

2. What type of fishery is Chesapeake and is it zoned out for these tournaments or is the entire place open?

Sorry if these are simple questions for some. I'm just trying to learn as much as possible to make this a hopefully positive experience.

Thank you in advance for any comments.

Step A - send in your entry fee and get a confirmed entry.  Sometimes co-anglers get put on waiting lists.   Step B - once you get confirmed, then start looking around for a pre-fishing ride.  You can generally find one if you look hard enough.

I don't have any clue what kind of fishery Chesapeake Bay is, but I'm pretty sure someone on this board does.  By the way, when is the tournament, what is your time frame?

Also, Post on FLW's forum site that you're looking for a guaranteed boater and don't forget to leave a way for someone to contact you.

Also, sign up as soon as you can, don't wait untill the priority date.

Then if you find a boater just call them with his name and member number.

Mike

May 5th. Thank you guys for the info.

linking just guaranties there is a boat for the same number of co's.  Not a very good chance the person you link with is who you will fish with. Its a ramdom computer drawing

Read over the rules and see how many tournaments are in that division.  FLW gives priority to non-boaters that enter all of the divisional tournaments....place their deposits for all the events.  This insures that they give spots to the guys that are going to compete on the entire tour schedule to those that may be local or want to just enter one event.

Thanks guys. I'm from Midwest so I think I'm just gonna enjoy my vacation in NYC and then do all of the Great Lakes division. I appreciate the input though.

Read over the rules and see how many tournaments are in that division.  FLW gives priority to non-boaters that enter all of the divisional tournaments....place their deposits for all the events.  This insures that they give spots to the guys that are going to compete on the entire tour schedule to those that may be local or want to just enter one event.

Captain is exactly right.

If you got the cash enter all of them at the same time.

If you have a boater who does the same you're good to go.

If not, you'll be put on the waiting list for a guaranteed boater who's looking for a co angler himself.

Until then you will have priority for all dates regardless of the priority deadline date for each tournament.

Mike