How Many Rods And Reels Should I Bring To A Tournament?


Depending on your boater’s available space, we suggest that you bring no more than 6 set-ups (rods & reels) and, to fish effectively, no less than 3 set-ups.  You should have a medium action spinning set-up to fish light line applications like shaky head or split-shotting; a medium action baitcasting set-up to fish crankbaits, and topwaters; and a medium heavy to heavy action baitcasting set-up to fish spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, soft plastics and jigs or other bottom style lures.

How Much Tackle Should I Bring To A Tournament?


Considering the available space on the boat (AGAIN!), you should try to limit the amount of tackle you bring to what you truly intend on using.  In general, a soft-sided tackle bag that is 2 ½’ by 2’ by 2’ will carry plenty of tackle and fit in nearly every boat in the club.  A tackle bag this size will hold 4 of the bigger plastic utility boxes with plenty of room for soft plastics and outside pockets for line, sunglasses, sunscreen, line conditioner, or any other extraneous gear you may want to bring.

What Clothes/Outer Wear Should I Have?


This is all about personal preference and changes as the weather warms and cools.  You should always have rain gear since our tournaments are not cancelled if it is raining (lightning is a different story).  If you are on a budget, you can buy a good PVC rainsuit at a discount store such as Wal-Mart.  You want a rainsuit, meaning jacket and pants, not a poncho.  Since it can be cold in March/April and October/November, a wind shear jacket is recommended and you should layer your warm clothes underneath.  Insulated coveralls are a very good investment for cold weather.  Again, you can buy these very economically at a discount store.  A warm hat and gloves are a must since you will get cold on a long run and insulated boots will make you more comfortable as well.  In the summer, a T-shirt and shorts is the standard with sandals or boat shoes that are comfortable.  Most of the members wear a ball cap and sunglasses.  Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Should I Bring Food And Drink?


Your boater will either have a built-in cooler or cooler on their boat that you can put snacks and drinks into.  Check with your boater first to see how much cooler space will be available for you.

Do I Need My Own Life Jacket?


Most boaters have extra life jackets that you can borrow.  The problem is that these life jackets may not fit you as comfortably as you would like.  Some non-boaters buy their own simply for comfort’s sake, others wear what their boater has since you only have to wear the life jacket when the big motor is running.

Fishing Etiquette


So you have your rods & reels, your tackle, your clothes, your refreshments, and a life jacket (either yours or your boater’s), now, how do you fish out of the back of the boat?  Generally, the boater controls the boat from the bow where the trolling motor is located.  He will fish ahead of the boat to about halfway back.  You will fish from that halfway point of the boat to the stern.  You should avoid fishing behind the boat as that usually leads to snags and takes a lot of extra time to turn the boat around to go try to free your lure.  Also, you do not want to cast too far forward so you don’t cross your boater’s line.  In some situations, the boater may invite you to fish on the front deck with him, depending on the techniques being used.

Summary


In the end, it all comes down to communication between you and the boater.  Ask him how much room there is for your gear, your food, borrowing a life jacket, and how they expect you to fish.  After you get your feet wet at a couple of tournaments, you will see how friendly, approachable, and helpful all of our boaters are and you will have no problems in knowing what you should and shouldn’t bring to your next tournament with the Raytown Bass Club.