Well the day has finally come where I consider myself good enough to maybe be able to place above last on the weigh in board. I'm fishing my first tournament this Saturday. Any pointers?? Maybe some small details that I might wanna look into that could really help out??

Is this the tourney where you can only fish with Gambler baits? If so, the giggyhead and the sweebo worm are deadly. This is my favorite shakey head rig.

Where are you fishing? Boater or coangler?

the gambler giggy snake might be a good one to use. It's better than the trick worm, in my opinion.

I like the cane toad and flappy daddy in, over and thru the grass.

and Welcome aboard!

I fished a gambler tournament here in illinois there were 68 boats and I finished 2nd, I threw there crank baits there exspensive, but they run really well and still catching fish on them, the other bait i used was the gambler ace, its similar to the senko, my kicker came on that, but I was fishing a pre spawn pattern on a river system, my advice is just go fishing, get your five fish and have fun....the one thing about gambler tournament is there is no points involved so go out there and try to win it, but being your first tournament getting a limit would be a good confidence builder......good luck

Stick to what you know, no time to experiment.  Relax and have patience.  Bring your food/snacks and liquid.  Bring sunglasses and sunblock.  Every cast could be the HAWG so pay attention.  Just enjoy the moment.  Good Luck.....