Getting Started in Tournament Fishing

[Bob H]

It seems that there are a lot of tournament fishermen out there. How does a person get started? I live in the Alexandria, MN area and would like to try a couple of tournaments within a two or three hour drive. Any advice would be appreciated.

[RAKO-AL]

HI BOB, THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS GET A MIDWEST OUTDOORS MAG. AND ON THE MN. PAGE THEY HAVE WALLEYE TOURNYS LISTED. GOOD LUCK,FROM RAKO-AL....SEEYOU ON THE HOT SPOTS...

[Nofish]

Hey Bob,

Alexandria, huh? You luck dog! You get to live in the midst of some of the best fishing I have ever experienced.

The best way to get started? Sign up and fish some tournaments. Try and find some on waters you know. Spend a little time scouting out the waters a few days before and then fish like you always fish. Don't try to be something you are not.


I have found that by fishing the way I am used to, on waters I know, always works well. Don't second guess yourself. And, keep an open mind and keep your ears open. There is plenty to see and learn just by paying attention before during and after the tournament.

As to which ones, or how to find them, that takes a little snooping around. Pick up a local magazine, or one that has tournament coverage. Check out the tournamnet schedules here on Walleye Central. Does K&K Sports still hold their tournament on the chain? That was always a good one.

Good luck......R

[Wally]

Hey Bob, Fishing Leagues are a great way to get started in touraments. The cost is very little and you will learn a lot. I fish in the Detroit Lakes area and have been in a league for a number of years and it is great experience. If there is no league's in your area you could start one with very little effort. It is a good stepping stone.
Wally

[cisco]

See posts below re "Journal of a Walleye Pro" by Daryl Christensen. Read it and you'll have your answer.

[cisco]

Almost forgot. Check with Curt Quesnell, this was no doubt resolved the first ten or twenty times around.

[Schmitty]

Hi Bob
Try fishing one of the USFA tournaments in your area.
The guy's are great and the cost is manageable.
They are one day tournaments and they are not near as stressful as the big circuits.
There is a scedual on the main page for all different circuits.

Good Luck
Schmitty