Long before setting off at the early tournament start time, you must start preparing for the tournament. If you go into a tournament blindly, you chances of winning anything is slim.
You will want to arrive a least of couple of days earlier then the tournament. During the few days before the tournament, pre fish the water in which the tournament will be held. Change the area in which you fish, and the bait you are using frequently. This way, you will be knowledgeable of the area, where the crappie are currently, and what bait they are biting.
First, you must find out what the fish are biting. This can be accomplished a number of ways. We have already talked about pre fishing the area. When pre fishing, make sure to frequently change bait colors, types, and sizes. This way, you will be sure to fully take advantage of pre fishing. Another way is to do research on the area. Most areas typically have a website that posts information about the area. If a website is not available, you may consider calling the local parks and wildlife office. If nothing else is available, consider talking to employees at local outdoors stores and bait shops.
Be sure to follow the rules of the tournament during your pre fishing, and when you are choosing your equipment. Fishing with restricted baits, or during tournament off times will not help you learn the knowledge you need, which in turn will not help you potentially win.
Make It A Family Vacation
Since you will be gone for a couple of days, you may want to consider turning it into a family vacation. You will not be restricted to fishing the whole time. The areas in which the tournaments are held are typically full of unique family activities.
Most tournaments allow minors to join, and may even have special prizes for different age groups. Check into each tournament as their changes from one to the next. Fishing with your son or daughter during a tournament might be a great bonding experience.
A Few Crappie Tournament Super Events
So now that you have learned to fish for Crappie efficiently, you may want to consider visiting your first Crappie tournament. Being that many of these tournaments take place in the latter part of 2007, you will have plenty of time to prepare and practice. Preparing and participating in a tournament can be worthwhile, as the payout for some of these events is a guaranteed $10,000 or more.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie tournaments here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com