First Lesson: let's just review the most important things.

PFD it needs to fit: being too large is just as bad as too small. Be sure that it has large arm openings for full range of motion. Always check to be sure that it has not been torn and the zipper and latches are in proper working order. If not throw it away and get a new one, your life is worth it.

Sunscreen skin protection is very important. If you are not careful the sun can and will kill you. Skin cancer is no joke. Fishing in the winter you still need to be careful.

Clothing have the proper outer garments for the conditions. I would like to suggest a set of insulated rain suit. It will protect you from the wind and rain on cold days. A second set for milder climate.

Note: this may not be what you first expected but some careful planning will make your tournament fishing a lot more fun.

Second Lesson: your head beanie knoggen etc.

This is were your head needs to be after taking care of the first list. No matter what you have heard and see on TV you must have fun or you will not return. Fun, after all is when you can enjoy being in the great outdoors and take in the beauty and glory of the day. Prepare your self to make new friends. If you don't you may not asked to return. What a shame that would be. Friends will help you get thru life no matter what you are doing. Fishing is a great way to do this.

Note: do pass over these lessons lightly, as you gain more knowledge and experience you will understand that fishing is where you will learn about life and having fun and then being able to make a friend or two is just spectacular, just as you have here in TTF.

Third Lesson: your gear

As you will most likely be going as a non-boater, the amount of gear you do not take is very important. Most pairings are done prior to the tournament day. This will give you time to talk to the boater that you have been paired with. Ask the boater just what he/she wants to do. 99 times of a 100 he/she has some experience at Tournament fishing and has a plan. This is important to do before showing up at the ramp with a 5 ton dump truck full of gear. By talking you two will establish what you want to accomplish. If you are new you may not have a lot to offer then again you may. When asked be truthful. Your mother and father taught you this as a child and that lesson is very important now. The boater may find out that this is were you have fished as a child and you may have the key to unlock the secret of the days fishing. If your memory is not sharp then take notes. You may be excited and trying to remember everything just will not work.

By preplanning you will begin to see what lies before you in your minds eye. You will go to your dwelling thinking and concentrating on your discussion. This is when you need to sit down and review your notes. If you have the time, sleep on it.

Prepare your gear prior to the tournament day. Your gear now consists of the first and second lesson. Don't leave your head at home. If you wait till the last minute you will forget something. No not maybe or might, you will. So don't do it. Why mess up a good day of fishing by not planning properly.

For your first year of tournament fishing do not take more than 4 - 6 rods for a tournament. Generally speaking you do not the years of experience under your belt so take the rods and reels you feel you can operate the best. There are NO rules that say you must use certain type of rods and reels. If you have fished with spinning rigs and this is your strong suit then stay with what you know. There will be time to learn how to do other things but not on the day of the tournament. Try to limit yourself to one one tackle box. You probably will find out that you could have left half of the contents at home. This only comes with experience.

Fourth Lesson: preparing to board

You are a guest in another person's boat. Treat it properly. Try not to smoke in the boat as burn marks will detract from the carpet and seats. If you must smoke, ask for permission, even if the boater is smoking. They will think better of you for asking. Do not tell them that you know of so in so that has this boat and that boat. Endless chatter is very distracting. You do not want to belittle this person about his/her boat.

No matter what size of boat and motor fuel is required. Be prepared prior to arriving at the ramp to have cash money to pay for 1/2 the fuel cost. Do not stiff the boater. The word gets out quickly that you do not pay up. This will cause problems among yourself and others. At the end of the day when you ask how much money they want for gas and they answer "oh I don't know" just look at the size of the fuel tank in the rear of the boat and figure on paying for 1/2 of that tank. It does not matter if half was used, pay for half. This what will happen: this boater will see that you are serious about sharing expenses and will say to you let's plan to fun fish next weekend since you have paid so much and it will not cost you a thing". Always treat the boater with respect and you get the same in return. This is when lesson two comes in to play. By treating the boated properly you will make a new fishing friend.

Lesson Five: your stuff you can NOT do without

Fluids: have drink with you ...water...lemon aid ...ice tea...coffee... juice...etc... You get the idea... replacing fluids is very important

Snacks: you will need munchies... take them... only you know what you like be sure to have them

Good snacks can be shared with the boater ... most of them like that... they will pass on head cheese... HO HO's are great...

Sun glasses: you do not need to spend a small fortune for them. Wal-Mart and Kmart sell them for under $15.00. and they are polarized. Most come with some kind of a case.

lifejackets,clothing,water,snacks, and sunscreen should be important to the boater also.

if i could jump in and give 5 tips it would be

1. always pay your share

2. always be courtious,its not your boat but treat it like it was

3. you dont have a say in where to fish, it aint your boat and the boater can always ask your input ,just dont get rude in saying that you should do this and that

4. learn to use a net properly, this can be the beginning of a bad reputation if you always knock the boaters fish off

5. have fun and try to learn as much as you can, the boater will show you things and help you in ways you havent learned yet, be respectful and pay attention, including be ready to go at a moments notice, the boater shouldnt have to wait for you to get your stuff outta the way and picked up

Whats the protocol on going to the bathroom? Am I expected to hold it in like a trucker or does everyone go off the side of the boat? Seems like a silly question but I honestly don't know the answer.

When you gotta go; you go  

Good information Catt!

Thanks for the information !

Whats the protocol on going to the bathroom?

Key point here: The livewell does not double as a urinal.

Whats the protocol on going to the bathroom? Am I expected to hold it in like a trucker or does everyone go off the side of the boat? Seems like a silly question but I honestly don't know the answer.

Good question.  It's different for each boater.  Some guys don't want drips on their boat and may have a container for you to use; others don't care and just don't want you to pee on their line!  

Ah HUh, Ah Huh....... Glenn said PEE.........Ah Huh Ah Huh

Drew a Lady in the ABA classic last year. I Held two cups of coffee all day.

she did or you did?