THE BASS COLLEGE

Guys, I'll be new to tourney fishing this year and I was just wondering what time you guys generally wake up for a tourney? Both boater and coangler answers are welcome, because I am going to fish the BFL's as coangler and the local stuff with my boat. I'm just curious what times you guys usually arrive with and without the boat to tourney sites. I'm former military, so I'm of the opinion that if you're early, you are on time, if you're on time, you're late and if you are late, you are in trouble, so I'd like to know what you guys think.

This is dependent upon location distance. If I have a 5am lainch and I live 1 1/2 hours away, I left the house about 2:30 so was up at 1:30. If closer adjust the time as to have at least 1 hour at the location before launch to prep.

As a non-boater I like to be there at least 1 hour early so I can help the boater if he needs it.

It really does depend on where and how far the tourney is from home. My self, I like to be there early. Younever know what you might run into on the way there. Especially if you are hauling boat behind you.

If its a Saturday tourney I typically go up Friday evening so I am there, giving myself pleanty of time...even if I go as a co-angler. Gives me time to relax, check my gear again, hang out with other anglers who do the same thing and of couse tell lies. LOL

If you have any questions, ask, we've all been there. There is a great Pro Staff here and members who will be more then glad to give you answers and pointers.

Good luck... it is an addictive ride! Don't for get to have fun...

Fred

When I fish as a boater I like to have the boat in the water an hour before take off. That way I can do final checks on equipment and visit with other anglers. I also try to get to know my co-angler a little better during this time.

 As a co-angler you should discuss with your boater as to where and what time he would like to meet in the morning. Some boaters will pick you up if its on the way to the ramp or meet you at the ramp. Exchange phone numbers in case there is some reason the plans have to change. I always try to be there waiting on the boater to show up even if he is picking me up at my motel, or at a Walmart I want to be in the parking lot with all my gear ready to load in his boat. Your boater will appreciate you being ready to go.

I agree with Fred. If possible, I try to get there the day before. However, due to family commitments, most of the time I just get up and go the morning or the tournament. Me personally, (don't laugh) I try to get up at least an hour before I leave which gives me time to hook up the boat, eat a good breakfast, have a couple of cups of coffee and take care of "business"... It is just a routine and I can arrive more relaxed and ready to fish. If I woke up with just enough time to rush and get there I would be frazzled all day. And I also try to arrive at least an hour early before launching the boat. Allowing for some socializing, organizing the boat last minute, etc...

chuck was right on the money,it is all the boaters call.get his phone number

CO-ANGLER TIPS << Its all in here<<click

That is the key, getting up early enough to get the business done before getting out on the water! Tat is why I am up at least 1 hour ahead of leaving and prior to that day all equip was rerady to go including a precheck of the boat.

Delawarebass at January 22, 2012 at 11:53 AM

CO-ANGLER TIPS << Its all in here<<click

I don't really fish any tournaments or never did for that matter that are close enough to my house to leave for the event that morning so we are always at the event site in a motel long before any tournament, but if the tournament launched at say 7 am we get up at the motel at 3 and leave around 4, it usually takes 30 minutes or more to get to the ramps from any motel, and then gas etc or anything you need to check or fix, and we are in line and launching about one hour before it starts. If you are a co angler, it is wise to be there at the ramp or location you are supposed to meet, at least one hour before it starts. 

Wow guys, thanks for the advice. When fishing the BFL Ozarks, I plan to stay in a hotel the night before because most of those lakes are 5 to 6 hours away from me. I really wasn't sure how to go about the next morning. I think for at least my first couple tournaments, it will be hard to get to sleep at a decent time to be up at 3 or 4 because of anxiety about going into the unknown, ha.

AnglerSlade at January 22, 2012 at 1:49 PM

Wow guys, thanks for the advice. When fishing the BFL Ozarks, I plan to stay in a hotel the night before because most of those lakes are 5 to 6 hours away from me. I really wasn't sure how to go about the next morning. I think for at least my first couple tournaments, it will be hard to get to sleep at a decent time to be up at 3 or 4 because of anxiety about going into the unknown, ha.

You will not sleep for more than 2 hours most likely for a long time. Many guys have thrown up at the ramps and end up in the bathrooms there a lot. lol But it is the best sick time you will have. lol 

Lol, great! So I have that to look forward to also! Ha, you just pretty much confirmed how bad I expect my nerves to be leading up to and probably through the tournaments. 

LOL EVERYBODY does that. LOL But there are little tricks you can do to calm down relax and to focus and get some sleep. You can call me before the events start this year and we will talk to you on the phone. Eating properly and excercsing helps a lot though, but take a look at those co-angler tips as well and call me and Tom before you start fishing the real stuiff. I will send you our phone numbers. 

That would be great! Thanks!

Just don't be late. Everything will fall in place after that. Good luck this season.