So I will be fishing my first tournament in a few weeks - just a local club one but still.  Just looking to others for suggestions on things to do before hand as well as bring along.

 

What items outside of fishing tackle should I bring?  I have a list of - TP, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, band-aids, life vest - what are some other things?

 

Also, I will be a co-angler.

 

Thanks,

Matt

Culling System, weigh bag, something to drink. Just keep your gear organized and have a good time.

Culling System, weigh bag, something to drink. Just keep your gear organized and have a good time.

Didn't have a culling system or weigh bag first tournament it's a big deal lol. But other then that just like gulfcaptian said just have fun. But don't let the pressure get to you at the end of the day if you haven't met your limit.

Didn't have a culling system or weigh bag first tournament it's a big deal lol. But other then that just like gulfcaptian said just have fun. But don't let the pressure get to you at the end of the day if you haven't met your limit.

The series I fish, we are supposed to have a culling system onboard.  Just incase of breakdown we can tell who's fish are who's.  And found out they furnish a bag, but I came prepared.  Honestly though, just go out and fish.  Have fun, relax, and don't overthink things. Offer to help your boater out anyway you can where you feel comfortable like during launching the boat. 

Agreed. I learned a lot last year fishing in my local club series. Was a ton of fun but it'll be even more is this year and smoother as well lol

While I have no false pretenses of winning, I certainly want to catch fish.  I am going into this with basically 2 goals - learn as much as i can and have fun!

 

Just want to try and be prepared so I don't screw up my partner at the least.

Do you guys have open water in southern Maryland already? And trust me our first tournament last year I came out of the gates swinging. Was cranking over structure caught 7 first thing in the morning with 2 keepers. Really slowed down after that lol but we switched to a finesse wacky rig and got our confidence back. A lot of trial and error. Pre-fishing is huge! And knowing your water conditions the day before as well. We were one fish from second place and my buddy had it at the boat but he spit the crank out. Easy a 4lb bass but still makes for a great memory of our first tournament ever

Our home water is the Potomac and after this week it should be good to go.  Although now you have all the junk, trees, etc that will be floating around for a little.  

 

I've never fished the Potomac before, but I am doing some pre-fishing with my partner the weekend before.  I know the first couple might be a little rough but again looking forward to it.  

 

I've never even looked at electronics before or even been on a bass boat for that matter.  So surely lots to learn.

Is this a team weight tournament or boaters fishing against boaters, co-anglers against co-anglers?

Is this a team weight tournament or boaters fishing against boaters, co-anglers against co-anglers?

Boater vs Boater & Co vs Co - so my hope is I can only really screw over myself.

Very true, so go out and have a great time.  Your attitude can have a big effect on the guy in the front of the boat especially if conditions are tough.  He is going to fish his waters so keep an open mind and communicate.  Fish your tournament and your way, and I would also say if he hooks one be ready with the net and hope he will show you the same when you do.  Good luck and have a great time.  Oh, and I would wear your rain gear that morning during take off.  Helps keep you warm as well as dry on those cool mornings.

I've seen some nice bass caught out of the Potomac. Go slow and fish with smaller baits. Weightless wacky rigged senkos have killed it there before. One of my favorite is a finesse football head jig with a craw trailer and just drag it as slow as possible

Not sure how early you are going out but if it's before sunrise get yourself a flashlight that clips on your hat. I joined my local club last year and the boaters have been awesome. Anything I didn't have they lent me, even a particular set up or bait. Every boater is different, some like to chat and some don't just be respectful to their style of fishing.

Every boater is different, some like to chat and some don't just be respectful to their style of fishing.

Yes, I'm a talker and a little worried I'll talk the guys ears off and he'll just want to fish. Which is fine but I just have to shut up.

Don't worry I'm the same way you will just get the feel for it. Just be respectful and be yourself. Typically if your catching fish even the ones that don't talk get chatty with excitement. It's just when your grinding where you have to feel them out. Also if you never backed a trailer make sure you let them know. I never backed a trailer and some boaters just let me learn while others would just prefer to do it themselves.

The biggest thing i can tell you is "do what you do" by that i mean fish your strengths and if you weigh a limit then you did good!

Talk to your boater early so you can get an idea of his plan. That will help you plan your day accordingly

Fish your strengths! Tourny day is a poor time to try something new