10. Be efficient. Why waste a lot of time waiting around on the water in the dark? If the tournament starts at 5:30 AM, don't arrive at the launch ramp until atleast 5:15 AM. Besides that, it's so pretty to see a bunch of boats sitting out there in the dark with their lights all on eager to go.

9. While backing your boat down the multi-lane ramp be sure to leave your vehicle's lights on. That way you can better see the launch-director at the top of the ramp. You know, the guy up there waving his arms yelling something about: "turn off your lights, turn off your lights!".

8. Getting plenty of sleep before a tournament is important. One good way to do this is to get up later in the morning. Learn to be more efficient with your time. In the morning just throw some cold Egg McMuffins in your truck, race down to the ramp and wisely eat your breakfast while waiting in line to launch your boat. Smart time saver, huh? You may even have time to root through your tackle and tie on some lures, like you planned on doing the night before. ("Just one more beer, then we'll leave. OK?")

7. Be safe! Never carry around a bunch of tackle and rods in your boat until you are ready to launch it. Wait until you have backed the boat down the ramp then get out, take off the cover and load up all your fishing gear. Better safe than sorry, would hate to have something fly out of the boat while racing to the ramp at 5 AM! (What are those people at the top of the ramp mumbling about now?)

6. Boat control is important. If you are fishing wood make sure the boat is positioned so you get all the good angles. Never let that guy in the back of the boat have a decent shot at anything until you have worked it over good first. You're not there to make friends, you are there to Win!

5. Be courteous! If you are entering or leaving an area full of other fishermen just remember, you probably make less of a wake while up on plane than you do otherwise. So just blow right by them no matter how close they are and then shut it down at the last second. Everyone will be much happier this way.

4. Be considerate! If you decide that it's time to change locations, quickly put your rod away, pull up the trolling motor and head for the drivers seat. While putting on your life jacket and starting the motor be sure to take the time to yell at your partner, "Hey, we're taking off for another spot. Hold on!"

3. Don't be secretive and don't keep things bottled up inside of you. For example: you hook a nice fish and it jumps and throws the hook or breaks the line. Don't hold it in. Lash out, thrash the water with your pole and cuss up a blue streak. Make sure everyone knows what a nice fish you just lost. Could have won the tournament! And be sure to remind your partner about it all day long and keep exaggerating about the size of the fish. Probably could have won 'Big Bass' with it.

2. The night before the tournament when you first meet with the partner you've drawn, be sure to boost his morale by telling him how many fish you have been catching, whether you have or not. This is good for his morale and good for you, especially if you want to fish your spots that you are familiar with and not those of somebody you don't even know. Remember, exaggeration is the key here if you want to call the shots and be in charge.

1. Be observant! If you see another boat catching fish, get as close as the rules allow. Observe what lure and technique they are using and duplicate it while following them around as close as you feel you can get by with. If they leave the area momentarily, take it over! No use being left out of the action. You could use the fish, too.