Fishing as an amature

[Dynasty]

I have always thought tournaments looked fun and would be a good way to gain knowledge, and I was wondering if I could get a few questions answered.

First is do I need a boat? Or are the amatures paired with pros who have boats?

Second, do I use my own equipment (rods, reels, lures). I only have four different rod/reel setups and one is a superheavy setup for fishing frogs in pads. So I dont have a bunch of different rods for rigging with different lures for easy switching.

Lastly I can go to a lake and catch fish, but dont have a vast knowledge like lots of the pros. I was wondering how much knowledge most amatures have? Im just curious because I dont want to have a partner who is frustrated with someone who doesnt have alot of knowledge of different paterns for all the possible situations.

Thanks to anyone who helps.

[Yaeger Guide]

Three quick hitters on this:

1. Use a setup different from your pro partner. If he/she uses a large lure, downsize yours and vice versa.

2. Don't use anything that will hang up. The pro usually is counting the minutes of fishing, so he/she won't be real thrilled about stopping fishing so his/her partner can get freed up.

3. Watch and learn. Most of the time this pro will teach you something (without the pro knowing it). Just be observant to what the pro is doing and see what works. Fishing with a pro can be extremely valuable.

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God bless,
Judd Yaeger
Yaeger Guides (Twin Cities Guides) www.yaegerweb.com/guide

[panolo]

I think alot of it depends on the tournament you are fishing and the pro you are hooked up with. I think the bigger the money for the tournament the more testy the pro can get. But for the most part they are all pretty nice, in my experience. As for only having 4 rods, I personally don't think that is a big deal as long as you have some versatility in your equipment. If you are quick at knot tying you can switch a spinerbait rod to a buzzbait rod or spoon rod quickly. So on and so on. Also most pro's have a few methods that they actually prefer so when you find out who you are paired up with you can always have a converstaion with them and guage what type of rigging you will need. There are a few low pressure tournaments you can fish as a partner. One is the american bass angler circuit. Low key pretty nice folks. You may want to give that a try first.
You should not need a boat unless you are doing pre-fishing by yourself and I wouldn't worry about not knowing all the techniques. Most of the patterns are pretty easy to pick up. It's the presentation that can be hard. If it is something you want to do go for it. Don't be intimidated. You will learn a ton if you keep your eyes and ears open.

[This message has been edited by panolo (edited 03-29-2004).]

[RossT]

For most of the Pro/Am tournaments around Minnesota you will not need a boat. You are simply paired up with a "Pro" up to a week before the tournament (the night before in the Gander's case). The "Pro" will have complete control of the boat for the entire day, most of them will want to help you in every way possible, since it is a combined effort (8 fish combined). Amateur skills run from someone who is just starting to fish all the way to seasoned tournament anglers who cannot get enough time off to fish as a "Pro".

As for Rods/Reels, I usually like to supply my amateur with the gear, this way I know the line is fresh, strong, and is an appropriate rod for the technique, however, if the amateur has a "favorite" rod, I encourage him/her to bring that also. Just as long as they are comfortable fishing that day. If you want to bring four rods, ask the "Pro" you are paired up with to see what they recommend you bring.

If you are great at catching fish, just not being able to find them or pattern them, then fishing as an AM is perfect! I never expect my amateurs to give nothing more than just their effort. You do not need to supply spots, or even suggestions. Some "Pro's" may get upset when you recommend a different spot, lure, pattern, etc., while others are very receptive and like to listen to what thier AM partners have to say.

Good luck and feel free to email me if you have any questions, I have fished from both sides before and would love to share my experiences.

Ross

[Dynasty]

Thanks everyone good info. I like the idea of panolo, trying more laid back tournaments first. How much would it cost to enter one like this? Would I be able to sign up for just one or two stops?