First off, I want to make clear that my intention is to ask about fishing pressure, and not about tournaments, so hopefully it's OK to put this post here.

My 'home' lake is Old Hickory Lake, right outside of Nashville, where the WBT tourney was held last week and where the Elite Series tour begins tomorrow.

Between the practice pre-fishing that is done by tournament anglers, as well as the tournament fishing itself, does the likelihood of going out and catching a fish go down with all the activity?

I'm certainly no pro, and would likely not target the same areas that they would, but I'm just curious if, 'statistically speaking', the increased pressure (pros in addition to the local yokels) would be likely to have any dramatic effect on some guy like me scooting out to toss a few lines in the midst of all the hubbub.

Maybe during the tournament, just because there are so many boats competing for spots. However, "pressure" doesn't seem too importnat if you consider water like Lake Fork for example.

When we (BassResource 2nd Annual Roadtrip) were there in March, 2007, there wasn't any organized tournament being held during the week. However, the lake was packed! From what I gather, it's usually that way.

Here's what happened:  Due to the wind, we were somewhat restricted for spots to fish. A protected cove near the lodge was the closest refuge. This particular water was fished constantly by literally hundreds of boats and thousands of fishermen. Still, both Glenn and Keri were able to land Personal Bests! I can assure you, nearly ever boat in the general area had fished that exact spot sometime during the week.

"Pressure" just might be overrated.

8-)