I just read the thread about about prefishing, but was wondering what effect it has on a fish if they get hooked the day before.

I read how a lot of people won't set up on a fish, they'll just feel the bite and move on.  However, if Im throwing a spinnerbait, or rattletrap, they usually stick themselves.  

I have a tournament in a few weeks and I am off work Friday the day before and want to scout the area, and maybe fish it.  Of course I don't want to catch some fish, and then not be able to land them the next day bc they either A) already saw this lure, or have a "sore" mouth from the previous day.

Remove the hooks from your trap and cut off the hook on your spinnerbait that you pre-fish with.  Then They won't get sore-mouthed.

Another option is if you must catch fish during prefish is to not hook more than one in any given "spot" then move on to cover/search more water.  Theorey being that if it is a good spot there will be more than one fish there anyway so you won't hurt that "spot" for the tourney.

Good luck!

Remove the hooks from your trap and cut off the hook on your spinnerbait that you pre-fish with. Then They won't get sore-mouthed.

Another option is if you must catch fish during prefish is to not hook more than one in any given "spot" then move on to cover/search more water. Theorey being that if it is a good spot there will be more than one fish there anyway so you won't hurt that "spot" for the tourney.

Good luck!

These are both good methods.  I would definately pre-fish the day before a tournament if it were allowed.  Even if you hooked a few fish you could still apply what you learned to other parts of the lake.

If you are expecting to draw a check and it is within the rules you better. Conditions change hourly so why would you not take advantage of the time on the water. Bend the hooks down (Then replace them) after you leave the water. I never stick a fish the day before. You would be surprised how far you can lead a bass without setting the hook. Many times you can get a quick look before he blows it out.