Larry,

You are right on your posting.

I don't fish many tournaments, just the ones we organize at work.

Fishing a tournament, I prepare a lot different. I will pre-rig at least 10 rods. 6 baitcaster, 4 spinning reels.

I rig up baits to fish the entire water column, and keep rods on the deck to throw multiple presentations into the same spot. I love after a missed strike, throwing a senko right back in the area if the fish didn't taste the hook.

Also if I am fishing with someone, and they get a fish on, grab the senko rod and get ready to throw in case a fish is following my partners catch. Many times the nicest fish will be the one trying to steal the lure out of the hooked fish's mouth.

Spending a lot of money on gear is mostly unnecessary. I have tons of crankbaits, but without a doubt soft plastics will outfish crankbaits by a wide percentage.

topwater