HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR BILLFISH TOURNEYS...

[sportfishingusa]

I am writing a column and i would like to get everyones input on how they prepare for some of the large billfish/tuna tournaments all around the world and especially on the east coast.

Anyone who has any info please feel free to post!

Thanks guys!

[Capt Josh]

Well we're on the west coast but most of the following should still apply!


Tournament fishing represents the pinnacle performance level for anglers, captains, and crews in our great sport. To precisely account for all conceivable details that encompass a well executed tournament performance would take a LOT of time and effort, so (for the purpose of this discussion) let's cover some of the most important facets in point form.

1.) Develop Teamwork! I always say "THERE IS NO I IN TEAM!" and truer words were never spoken, particularly when it comes to tournament time. Each and every member of the team represents a critical asset to the overall goal...which should be WINNING (AND!) HAVING FUN!!! Create a team where every member utilizes their strengths, be them driving, fishing, wiring, gaffing, etc, and learn about your weaknesses as well as your strengths! Spending time identifying who is good at what and who is not comfortable doing certain tasks efficiently will go a loooooong way towards optimal cohesiveness in the long run. Practice, communication, TEAMWORK!

2.) EQUIPMENT! I can't say enough about being diligent about your equipment. I have heard a thousand sob stories regarding a winning fish lost near the boat because the line snapped, or a swivel broke, or etc etc etc. BUY THE BEST EQUIPMENT YOU CAN AFFORD!!! I have personally won tournaments because of technological advantages we enjoyed because of our more educated decisions when it came to purchasing equipment. It sounds like a plug but...BUY EQUIPMENT FROM MELTON'S!!!! Tracy has spent a decade gathering the best of the best from what's out there...TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT RESEARCH AND USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!

3.) Pre-fish, pre-fish, pre-fish. This is a no brainer. If you are serious about competing you better get out there and spend the time and money it's going to take to dial your team into the location and arsenal of techniques it's going to take to win. There is no easy way to circumnavigate this necessary step. TIME ON THE WATER EQUATES TO TOURNAMENT VICTORIES over and over and over again.

4.) TRUST YOUR KNOWLEDGE! Have faith in your ability, experience, and knowledge...particularly when the fishing is slow! Don't try to reinvent the wheel just because the bite is off. Stick and stay and make it pay! That little trick has likely won us more than a few tournaments!

5.) BELIEVE IN A HIGHER POWER!!! Fish gods, Baby Jesus, Neptune, whichever...praying never hurts!!!

Have fun out there boys! Tournaments are a ton of fun...PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU'RE WINNING!!!

[sportfishingusa]

Thanks captain josh,


you mind if i use a little for my column and quote your prefish saying!??

[Deep C]

I start months in advance. Practicing with different spreads and baits to meet any conditions that I might encounter. Then I get to rigging way way too much stuff. Won't use 10% of it but I want it just in case. A whole lot better asking "where is" than "do we have". Bring t all. You can't use it if you don't have it.

Get to know the boat. When I'm practicing I don't give a hoot if I catch. Thats a bonus if I do. I'm studying what runs best where. Hopefully something raises so you can get some pattern in your head of how they approach the boat.

Start reading the water well in advance. Look for sweet spots heading your way... Or hanging in other favorable enviroments.

Make sure the boat is 100% fit.

Work with your crew over and over with whats expected. Telling em once just doesn't seem to get it. It sounds boring but a couple hours at the dock of "left rigger!" or "Right flat!" drills gets them used to which rod is which. A lot of stuff you just can't teach. Reading the fish's eyes and what his mouth position is or which color they are as they raising then changing to on the bite are all things that just have to come with time...

Make a plan and stick to it unless spot "A" just isn't right. Hammer the spots where you get a bite. Piss off another one into making a mistake... Stay calm and talk clearly as the captain. If you get unravveled thats gonna directly impact the crew. If they miss, don't blow up. Point out what may have gone wrong and try to fix it. A few short months ago most of my crew had never fished for serious fish before. They're now comming together nicely as a team.
Little stuff. Like all of them clearing weeds, pulling the rigger clips up and down while another slides the bait into position, liike clearing tackle and making ready to go again when this fish is caught while the fight is still going. Sounds mundane but makes a hell of a difference in the long run...

[Capt Josh]

Originally Posted by sportfishingusa

Thanks captain josh,


you mind if i use a little for my column and quote your prefish saying!??

Not at all...i'm happy to help with photos etc. if needed. Just let me know!

[sportfishingusa]

Thats awesome capt!! I appreciate it! could use some rigging ballyhoo pics if you got any. lol

[Capt Josh]

Ha! that's something i can't help you with unfortunately...just about everything else but dead bait rigging...we just don't do much of that with all this live bait around. Anything else you got it though!

[sportfishingusa]

Your favorite artificals for teasers or rigs for trolling whites and blues. If any! lol hahaha

[snowranger]

I have seen some of Capt. Josh's pictures. Careful what you ask for...

[snowranger]

Just an example of the PG stuff...