Not sure I understand how the elites get all this information. I can understand following another guide like Dave, but how do they go to tournaments with all this preloaded info they got from locals if it is against the rules. I understand having past info but to me the rules are pretty tough. I guess I am naive to think everyone follows the rules but I am pretty sure BASS does conduct lie detectors tests. Can they hire a guide prior to the off limits?
Here is the rule straight from BASS:

Tournament waters shall be off-limits to all Pro contestants 27 to 30 days prior to the first practice day in all Elite Series events unless otherwise notified by BASS. Off limits for Elite Series tournament waters will start at 12:01 am local time the Monday falling in the 27 – 30 days prior to first practice day. Special off limits and practice period for the Bassmaster
Classic will be announced by BASS. During the off limits periods, other than using publicly-available information (e.g.newspaper and Internet reports) Pro competitors cannot solicit, receive, or gather any information via phone, electronic devices, or any other means about locating or catching fish on tournament waters. THERE SHALL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
All information must be opened or accessed prior to official off limits periods, no exceptions. For a first offense, the competitor will be disqualified from the tournament. For a second offense, the competitor will lose his eligibility for the following year’s Elite Series events. During practice and competition Pro anglers cannot solicit, receive, or gather any information from anyone other than another competitor in the tournament. NO EXCEPTIONS.
ELITE SEREIES PROS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE ANYONE IN THEIR BOAT IN THE ACT OF FISHING DURING OFFICIAL PRACTICE. RIDERS ARE ALLOWED. PROS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GET INFORMATION FROM A RIDER IN OFFICIAL PRACTICE FOR PURPOSES OF LOCATING OR CATCHING BASS ON TOURNAMENT WATERS.
RIDERS MUST NOT BE ON TOURNAMENT WATERS DURING OFF LIMITS PERIOD UNLESS APPROVED BY BASS. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MUST SIGN MEDIA WAIVER OBTAINED FROM BASS COMMUNICATIONS. BASS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ASSIGN PRACTICE RIDERS.