Okay, we admit: there's no exact formula to follow that will ensure you win a fishing competition. But for those of you planning on joining the 2013 Johnny Kellar Inshore Fishing Tournament, we thought we'd give you a few tournament tips that we've heard and learned over the years.
Know before you go. Do your homework before the tournament. Visit the tournament location (for the Johnny Kellar, you've got from Cedar Key to Naples, inshore of the COLREGS). Check out different fishing reports to see what's biting and under what circumstances. Cruise around to figure out where the popular spots are... and then think about if they are where you want to be. Check different spots at different times of day to discover fish patterns. Look at publications about the tournament in previous years to see if there are any similarities between years.
Equipment check. Just like you'd check your guitar before playing a rock concert, go through and check all of your rods and reels to make sure they're clean and functioning properly. Charge the batteries on your trolling motor and check the battery of your boat to ensure you don't have any electrical problems while you're out. Put fresh line on your rods and reels.
Pack like a winner. Don't forget a thing! Bring all of the lures, bait and tackle you could possibly need. Try to run through every potential scenario in your head so you can prepare for anything. Also, if the fish aren't biting like you predicted they would, you'll have extra materials to make an adjustment on the go.
Gas up. A real obvious one, we know. But make sure your boat is filled up right before the tournament! Don't let something silly like an empty tank get between you and winning.
What are tips for tournament fishing you've picked up?
