Your ABT essentials

[Nath_18]

Well as the ABT rounds are getting oooh so closer I’m starting to ooooh so much more nervous and excited.

I have been working out what gears going and what gear will still be needed for the Glenelg round.
So fare I have my rods & reels covered. I have my Money covered. I have accommodation and food covered BUT I don’t have all my terminal gear covered.

I've spent the last few days making up a list of essentials such as leaders, Main lines, Lures, Trebles & split rings, Jig heads, pliers, Life jacket (I’m a NB) but I still feel I haven’t got everything covered.

So what are the main items that I need to have covered for Tournament fishing that I shouldn’t go into a comp without?

Cheers, Nathan

[Traveller]

Well from last year ABT Glenelg I would put a dry pants and decent spray jacket with hood...................

[Nath_18]

Thanks Trav. Iv pretty much got those covered..Ill be after some Columbia pants though. And maybe a decent hat

I was going to ring Simon Goldsmith up about being your non-boater soon, If its still alright with you could you send over some details so he knows who to double me up with? thanks for that!

cheers, Nathan

[Traveller]

Nath,

Simon Goldsmith knows me........... Just say Glenn from SA.

Also I would put hand towels of course........................

[the_hide]

Pack your camera.

Where did you end up getting your accomodation Nath ?

Im booking mine tommorrow. I just need to get the livewell situation sorted (currently don't have one).

[Nath_18]

The camara goes in before the fishing rods do

I worked my acom out the other day It takes allot of your back when thats done!

cheers, Nathan

[the_hide]

Yeh Ill get the accomodation done tommorrow and then get stuck into the livewell.

[Dave W]

Plenty of water, otherwise you feel like crap come the afternoon

Something else to think about is what ruler you use. The ABT guys measure on 'Alvey' brand plastic rulers. I know at a few rounds last year guys were measuring their fish on Fisheries tapes to be just on 25 or 26 to the fork (depending on the venue) only to have them knocked out at the weigh in.

[Nath_18]

Dave thats something I thought would be handed out at the breifings? Those groovy orange ones with the lip on the end that you can push the fishes nose up to look pretty good. Where do I get hold of one of them.

Cheers, Nathan

[Dave W]

At certain rounds last year fisheries gave out the tapes, but the Alvey ones can be sourced from almost any tackle shop (or K-Mart) for a few bucks - well worth spending

Personally, the ABT should get a branded batch done up (you can commission them I believe) and make it part of the tourney kit, no questions then.

While we're on the measuring subject, if you get a fish that is 1 or 2 mm undersize turn it over and try again. Occasionally you'll find a fish measures longer on one side than the other, something to do with better muscle formation on one side (sort of like us being left or right handed). I always turn them over if it's close - it has saved me on three fish to date that were needed for my bag, and one of those was the Glenelg last year.

[Nath_18]

That is an awesome trick Dave! I doubt I would ever have though about that!

Ill have to test it out next time I’m out!

An ABT pack in general would be nice. Say a show bag with a half decent map with rules regs ect...but then I suppose that’s what the briefings for???

Cheers, Nathan

[troy-the-boy]

And don't forget your self . Various jig head weights in lowest gms and worm hooks. Don't forget the Crabs. Eco gears HB's as well. A pillow would be handy as well Nath .
Troy

[yellow door 1]

Whats the deal with the scents you are allowed to use in these comps. Can you make your own. And are home made lures accepted.

[flathead_boy]

i dont think u can make your own scent

[swoffa]

Originally posted by Dave W
While we're on the measuring subject, if you get a fish that is 1 or 2 mm undersize turn it over and try again. Occasionally you'll find a fish measures longer on one side than the other, something to do with better muscle formation on one side (sort of like us being left or right handed). I always turn them over if it's close - it has saved me on three fish to date that were needed for my bag, and one of those was the Glenelg last year.

That's interesting Dave.

What's the ruling there? If the fish measures 249mm first then 251mm when flipped over is it legal? Or does the first measurement count?