Wanting to fish as an amateur in a PWT tournament this year, but have questions regarding the prefishing. These tournaments are always held during the week - I've never saw one that included a weekend. If I'm going to drive 1000+ miles and spend 1000+ dollars, I'd like to fish more than just 3 days. My question is how does an amateur get involved in the prefishing? I don't want to drag my own boat along.

Nebrwalleye,

I fished my first one last year. Most guys start prefishing 5 days before the tournament. My suggestion would be to try and find someone from your area that you could carpool with and share expenses. I rod with a pro and stayed with them and their friends the whole 10 days. Cant say enough about how much I learned from my new friends. It was one of my most memoriable trips.

As far as how to get hooked up, you are doing the right thing here. You should be able to connect thru WC. Another option is to call Charlie Moore at In-Fish and see if he can hook you up too. Good Luck!!! Make sure to bring a camera during during pre fishing and also during tournament time. I caught a 12lber at Erie on day1 but have no photos to show for it.

Click on the new Tourney talk forum here on WC and scroll down a bit. Post as soon as your confirmed for an event, post again closer to event if you don't receive reponses early on - some guys may hold out til their buds cancel.

Have fun,
ss

I have fished 2 PWT tournaments one at Mille Lacs and one at Leech lakes as a amature. Do some research on where the weight in take place. Once you have that info, this is the probably the most popular landing for the pros to use. Be there at the landing with lunch box and warm/dry clothing for fishing that day also have a life jacket along and just ask pro's going out: "Do you need a person to pre-fish"? Ask how long they would be out that day, if it is a half day or full day. Probably the better choices would be early in the morning. Keep in mind the rules meeting day that's is only a half day of prefish.
Hope this helps!

Satch_MN

Email me. I'd be glad to have an extra rod or two a couple of days.

Phil Wilson #91