Hey guys, my school is participating in the first ever west Michigan high school bass tournament. It will be a running weight catch and release tournament because it is before the catch and keep opener. It's two kids and an observer per boat, lake unknown. I was wondering if you guys have any tips for my first tournament. Maybe more specifically, how to come up with some kind of good game-plan. Thanks!

Do things that keep your confidence up. HAVE FUN. Take all factors into account, wind, water temp, weather conditions etc and use that to determine high percentage areas to fish. HAVE FUN. Worry about a limit first, then find your big bite. HAVE FUN. Have your tackle organized so you can easily locate and rig up efficiently. HAVE FUN!

 

 

Did I mention HAVE FUN!!! 

To add to what Gardnerjigman said, keep.it simple. Don't try to make techniques work for you that you're not good at or never done before. I tried that several times in tournaments and it never worked out for me.

Exactly. A tournament isn't the best time to try something new that you aren't comfortable with.

As soon as you hear what lake you will be fishing go to Google Earth and look for promising places.

 

Then Google the name of the lake for their "fishing reports."

 

Try to find out the water temperature so you will have an idea of what baits will be the most productive.

 

Speak with the other fisherman in your boat if you know who he is and try to strategize your fishing.

 

Don't forget your needle nose pliers.