TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST

The sport of fishing is truly unique. It brings joy in so many different ways, from the solitude of being on the water to enjoying time with family and friends.

- RICKY WHEELER

And for many, catching fish is just a bonus. Fishing is fun, they say, but it is also known as "sport fishing" because over the years, it has morphed from a hobby to a competitive sport that is constantly evolving and, thankfully, growing.

I grew up playing many sports, and have always loved the adrenaline rush of a big win. But none of that compares to the rush I get when the right fish is hooked up during a tournament. Better yet, boating the fish that you know is likely a winner and hearing the weight yelled out by the tournament official, leading to the big check. The same rush goes for release tournaments.

PLAN

Tournament fishing requires both luck and skill if you want to capitalize on the opportunities that come your way. "Catch what you see" is often heard right before the lines go in, but to do that, you must first plan for success.

Before participating in any tournament, there must be a plan. To do this effectively, you need to know the rules inside and out. This is the most important thing by far, and yet it amazes me how many people fish tournaments without full knowledge of not only the tournament rules but the IGFA rules, as well as the regulations of the governing area where they are fishing. Knowing all the rules keeps you out of trouble, and mitigates the possibility of disqualification. A smart crew can utilize the rules to their advantage, but whatever the case, knowing the rules allows you to wrap your head around a solid game plan.