Tournaments . . How did you start

[tobymcclure]

Ive wondered for a while how people got into fishing the tournaments. Its somthign i'd really like to do. The only problem is, i have no idea where to strat ? buying an ABT membership is the first step . Would any one shed some light on how they strated in the tournament scene. How much gear did you start off with . Combo's , lure's all that sort of thing. In the distant future i'd really like to try my hand at them is all.



Many Thanks again in advance

toby

[Alex]

In short-fill out the entry form, pay the fee, book an accommodation and go...

In more detail: I think this topic was covered here a few times, try a Search function.

From my experience, if you want to fish ABT, enter as a non-boater to start with. You'll learn a bit (or more) of how it all works, what you need to bring with you gear wise.

Ask your boaters questions at the briefing like how many rods you can bring on the boat, what style of fishing to expect. Some boaters may only fish with HBs or blades, deep or very shallow. You need to take this into account as you may be fishing from the back of the boat (being a non-boater )

A good idea is to offer some money for the fuel, but most of the boaters won't take it. Alternatively you may offer a beer or two at a local pub after weigh in..
Common sense and courtesy are essential when fishin from someone else's boat. Offer to lend your hand in helping to launch and retrieve the boat or driving a car to and from a ramp, etc.

The main thing is to enjoy it and not thinking about winning one.

Entering ABT as a boater or fishing Classics as a team is different all together.

Cheers,

[Norto]

Toby,
You don't have to be an ABT member to go in some tournaments but it may exclude you from some as well so best idea is to join. What I did was joined the ABT and then myself and a mate entered the BETS series here in NSW.The beauty about this series is it is a teams event so you can get a mate and then you don't feel as though you are on your own. If you go to the bream .com.au website they will have the dates and then basically just pick one. I don't have a flash tournament boat just an old Quinny and a half decent rod a few plastics and lures and away you go. One thing we have found is you don't start to learn until you start doing the tournaments. We have had and absolute ball so far only been to two rounds and caught only one fish but has been great and have learned heaps.

Regards,
Norto

[tobymcclure]

alex, i did have a look , just didnt find exactly what i was looking for.

I guess what i meant was . Were people over whelmed by the ammount of people in the tournaments. I guess being nervous about it all . Did that put any one off.

Id deff be entering as a non boater as my boat isnt big enough to keep up woth a few of the glass boats getting around.

Offering money and so forth for use of their boats and fuel, I would have thought to be manditory.

I get that at the end of the day its all about having some fun.

[Dodgy back]

I wouldn't say people get overwhelmed by entering an ABT comp. But nervous ,yes.
I was more worried that my casting wasn't up to scratch or my fishing level really wasn't good enough to go in a comp.

In a comp you will see all levels of experience out there giving it a go. And you will see some wild casting going on.

So don't be too concerned about your level of experience, just give it a go.
Just as Alex said "enjoy it" And don't think about winning it.

I've met a few guys that give up the comps because they can't win one.

Not a good attitude really.

Competing in a comp as a non boater or boater, you will always learn something. Even if it's what not to do.

[TassieDevil]

Originally Posted by tobymcclure

alex, i did have a look , just didnt find exactly what i was looking for.

I guess what i meant was . Were people over whelmed by the ammount of people in the tournaments. I guess being nervous about it all . Did that put any one off.

Id deff be entering as a non boater as my boat isnt big enough to keep up woth a few of the glass boats getting around.

Offering money and so forth for use of their boats and fuel, I would have thought to be manditory.

I get that at the end of the day its all about having some fun.

Don't let your boat put you off. I did for years and finally took the plunge this year and finished 8th in the Derwent Super Series. Smallest boat and smallest outboard in the field.
If you're keen, take the plunge.

[RINGSK]

I compete in the Gamakatsu team series with my son who is 16, they are well run days, have great prizes and generally involve a top bunch of competitors. I enjoy fishing as a team as you have two to experiment that way. There is always plenty of 'if onlys, what ifs and why did'nt I try that' at the end of each comp. But you'll always learn something no matter what level of experience you have and how many you do. We pulled a second place in our first comp on the Gold Coast which was a complete buzz and this got us through to the finals, so our first year was a real hoot. Don't be put off by boat type as I have seen all types of craft involved. Check ABT site for comp dates and try putting a post up in advance for a teams event as someone may need a partner. Don't worry about nerves, I was a bit nervous first comp but once your on the water they soon disappear. Get along to one, you'll learn heaps, see and meet all the big names and won't regret it.

[forsterfisho]

Hi mate,

I'm basically only starting out in comps, but have completed in a few to date.

The ABT qualifer rounds are, as noted above - Boater & Non boater. I fished last years Taree round and had a ball. I scored Dave Currey and Wayne Reed as boaters and although the fishing was tough I learnt a lot on both days.
I was a bit nervous, but after the pre-fish day and seeing what other guys were upto, I felt a lot better about it all. Guys turning up with 1 rod and half a tray of lures - not saying you need any more gear - but it put my mind at ease knowing not everybody was using 15 trays of lure and 5k worth of rods.

As a non boater, its best to try and keep to yourself. I'm not saying be rude and don't talk, but realise that the boater's have spent a fair bit of time and effort and cash and maybe wont be in the mood to talk themselves.

When your fishing in a comp, take your time. Slow your retrieves down, take your time to make sure your casting at 100% of your skill level. Double check all your knots and leaders, and make sure your hooks are sharp.

I've fished a few teams based comps both locally and I competed in the Gammakatsu comp in Port Macquarie with Ledge N. These comps a bit more of a social event (the ABT comps still are too!), but the fishing is still serious. Your fishing as a team, so knowledge flows easier and locations are openly shared between team mates. Your both fishing for the same goal in a teams style event. I've found the team based comps more "fun" as your generally fishing with a mate, and its a social fish with a comp based feel!

I own a 385 explorer with a 25hp motor. I'm fishing a comp on the weekend with over 50 teams, i'm sure 40 of those will have motors bigger than 90hp! Be careful when your starting in a slower boat, as the wakes kicked off by larger glass' boats at half throttle can be quite large. I'm starting at the back of the field, so they'll be long gone before I get off the line. When your starting in front of faster boats, they can always go around you or you can relinquish your position if you don't feel safe/comfortable with boats flying past you.

My first comp ABT comp I took 5 rods each day (ask how many is cool to take - I struggle to keep 10 rods in such a small boat, a 22ft bass boat is no problem) and a tackle bag that included 5 lure trays (Jigs, Vibes, Surface, Cranks and minnows), 3,4,6,8,10lb leader (Small spools fit easily into my shimano bag), 10 bags of plastics (Mainly 2inch shrimp and monster mikis). I also took spare spools for my reels, spare trebles, split ring pincettes, pliers, 2 pairs of braid scissors, s factor (in a speciman jar!) and I got a retractable key holder (clips on your belt) which I clipped my scissors onto so I can get to them easily!.

Bring clothes to suit the conditions - I brought a beannie/wet weather gear, jacket, sunnies, hat, buff and sunblock. I fitted a drink and lunch, plus the clothes into one biodegradable shopping bag.

Hope this helps, if you need any more information, feel free to PM me.

Cheers,
Dion.

[breambasher]

My first ABT comp was here in SA on the port river in I think 2005. Over the 2 days I took one rod about 20 hardbodys and a heap of plastics. I was fairly nervous on the first day but as the day went on the nerves eased. Landed one fish the whole day. The second day after a good nights sleep I was on Steve's Duff boat. At the time i didnt really even know who Steve Duff was but he had actually one the abt grand final the previous year! So that day I was rather relaxed and managed to get my 5 and learnt a heap fishing with Steve.

Since then I have bought a boat and fish regularly in the SABT. Like forster fisho I only have a 385 tinny with a 25 merc, probably the second slowest boat in the field, although our river has a fair few speed restricted zones. Me and my mate have managed a 4th which is our best finish yet. So if your boat comes in within the limits required. Do it, you wont regret it.

Good luck!

[tobymcclure]

Originally Posted by forsterfisho

Hi mate,

I'm basically only starting out in comps, but have completed in a few to date.

The ABT qualifer rounds are, as noted above - Boater & Non boater. I fished last years Taree round and had a ball. I scored Dave Currey and Wayne Reed as boaters and although the fishing was tough I learnt a lot on both days.
I was a bit nervous, but after the pre-fish day and seeing what other guys were upto, I felt a lot better about it all. Guys turning up with 1 rod and half a tray of lures - not saying you need any more gear - but it put my mind at ease knowing not everybody was using 15 trays of lure and 5k worth of rods.

As a non boater, its best to try and keep to yourself. I'm not saying be rude and don't talk, but realise that the boater's have spent a fair bit of time and effort and cash and maybe wont be in the mood to talk themselves.

When your fishing in a comp, take your time. Slow your retrieves down, take your time to make sure your casting at 100% of your skill level. Double check all your knots and leaders, and make sure your hooks are sharp.

I've fished a few teams based comps both locally and I competed in the Gammakatsu comp in Port Macquarie with Ledge N. These comps a bit more of a social event (the ABT comps still are too!), but the fishing is still serious. Your fishing as a team, so knowledge flows easier and locations are openly shared between team mates. Your both fishing for the same goal in a teams style event. I've found the team based comps more "fun" as your generally fishing with a mate, and its a social fish with a comp based feel!

I own a 385 explorer with a 25hp motor. I'm fishing a comp on the weekend with over 50 teams, i'm sure 40 of those will have motors bigger than 90hp! Be careful when your starting in a slower boat, as the wakes kicked off by larger glass' boats at half throttle can be quite large. I'm starting at the back of the field, so they'll be long gone before I get off the line. When your starting in front of faster boats, they can always go around you or you can relinquish your position if you don't feel safe/comfortable with boats flying past you.

My first comp ABT comp I took 5 rods each day (ask how many is cool to take - I struggle to keep 10 rods in such a small boat, a 22ft bass boat is no problem) and a tackle bag that included 5 lure trays (Jigs, Vibes, Surface, Cranks and minnows), 3,4,6,8,10lb leader (Small spools fit easily into my shimano bag), 10 bags of plastics (Mainly 2inch shrimp and monster mikis). I also took spare spools for my reels, spare trebles, split ring pincettes, pliers, 2 pairs of braid scissors, s factor (in a speciman jar!) and I got a retractable key holder (clips on your belt) which I clipped my scissors onto so I can get to them easily!.

Bring clothes to suit the conditions - I brought a beannie/wet weather gear, jacket, sunnies, hat, buff and sunblock. I fitted a drink and lunch, plus the clothes into one biodegradable shopping bag.

Hope this helps, if you need any more information, feel free to PM me.

Cheers,
Dion.

Mate, this was exactly what i was looking for. SOme one who started out in the same situation. Un sure of what was expected of them.

One of my concerns was that my ability woukldnt be to a high enough standard, i wouldnt have enough gear, how you were to conduct your self. Talking and so forth.

I guess the main reason i was wanting to start was to learn alot more, just soak up all the information i could get out of the experienced boater. With out annoying him / her of course.

[nathanl]

Hi Toby,

I had a long winded reply written and lost it so I will try again but in summary form. Like fisherman, I have fished a few teams events and this year have entered ABT events as a non boater (later in the year). I hope having been to the teams events seeing the size of fields, amount of gear etc but still having a semi social feel to them will make the ABT experience a bit less daunting.

In terms of if you have the right amount of gear - you can only fish one rod at a time but it helps to have few rigged up to allow for quick changes.

As for your ability, only you can answer that - if you have confidence that you can catch bream using a few different techniques then thats part of the battle won.

Personnally my aims for the ABT events are (in order):
1. Contribute to the shared weight each day
2. Meet some new people
3. Learn a new waterway and techniques

Good luck

[yakkindan]

i've never fished a tournament but i reckon if your keen to learn, get into it. you'll know straightaway if it was a good idea or not. as for your skill level, well id recommend some serious casting practise before your chosen tourney. place a bucket against a tree or fence and cast away. if you hit the bucket 9 out of 10 you should be sweet. good luck

[tobymcclure]

Originally Posted by nathanl

Hi Toby,

I had a long winded reply written and lost it so I will try again but in summary form. Like fisherman, I have fished a few teams events and this year have entered ABT events as a non boater (later in the year). I hope having been to the teams events seeing the size of fields, amount of gear etc but still having a semi social feel to them will make the ABT experience a bit less daunting.

In terms of if you have the right amount of gear - you can only fish one rod at a time but it helps to have few rigged up to allow for quick changes.

As for your ability, only you can answer that - if you have confidence that you can catch bream using a few different techniques then thats part of the battle won.

Personnally my aims for the ABT events are (in order):
1. Contribute to the shared weight each day
2. Meet some new people
3. Learn a new waterway and techniques

Good luck

Mate your one the money. I think thyat all any one can really look for in the first few tournaments they ever enetered. Contributing to the bag would be the highest priority ha ha other wise there would much point being their. Also deff trying to learn some new techniques.

[Dodgy back]

Just remember that an ABT comp is an individual comp. only the GF is shared weight comp .

[BloodWorm]

You might find these useful, I assume there will be more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drP6rWR0z8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoI4whs1IHE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6qyaZ1S9TE