I fished a tourney last night on a small weed choaked lake. When I pre-fished I found 3 spots all on the north end. When we drew starting positions we were blessed with #24. The total group was 26 so I sat there and watched one after another take off to the north end. By the time I could take off the northend was wall to wall boats and no room for me. Had I pre-fished properly I would have been better off. My partner and I spent 3 hrs trying to catch one and never did.
Lesson: On a small lake have a back up!

Bassin
Butch

Butch,

It's important to have back up spots and plans on any size lake, even the big ones. At least you learned something from the experience. There is nothing wrong with losing, as long as you can find something positive to take away from the experience and use that information to improve you angling skills.

BC

Butch, have 2 back up plans. I've been lucky enough to go out there most times and not have to delve into my 2nd back up but it is there if I need it.

Butch, that's where self confidence plays a major roll. You should feel as if you can fish either end or either side of a given body of water anfd locate some fish. It's hard to leave a known hotspot, but the pros do it all the time when they are pressured by competitors or curious locals. You'll rebound nicely I'm sure. Put that event away and start fresh the next time. Johnnie

Thanks to all! I have many more tourneys up-coming so I will pre-fish more effectively to have additional back-up patterns to fall back on. Wish each of you well in your tourneys this season.

Thanks
Bassin Butch

Thanks Butch... Same to you...