For many , like myself , tournament fishing is an avenue which allows you to keep your competitive edge without beating up your body . It ’ s a mental game between you and the fish ; and while you ’ re ultimately competing against other anglers , the battle first starts between man and nature . Being an athlete from walking age up through college , my body has taken a beaten , from three knee surgeries and broken ribs to a fractured neck , cracked vertebrae , and too many torn muscles and tendons to recall , my body can ’ t handle another second of contact sports ; but fishing , on the other hand , evolves your competitive nature to a mental level with which the body can ’ t even compete . The emotions that an angler goes through during a tournament can be the most stressful , even debilitating at times , but rewarding experience you have ever endured . Landing two redfish in the live well takes off the pressure , upgrading them to 7 lbs . each relieves a little more pressure , then losing a 9 lb . slot red at the net brings the pressure back on .
Do you move locations ? Do you stay where you are ? Will your 8 lb . slot red touch the 27 inch line ? Will your fish stay alive all day ? Will you make it back to the scales in time ? Do you have enough fuel to make it back ? Will you make it to your “ A ” spot before anyone else ? Do you run to Venice ? Do you run to Delacroix ? Do you stay close to the marina to capitalize on fishing time ? Will the bridge open up ? How long will it
take us to cross four different no wake zones ?
These are just a few of the decisions that have to be made in an instant and made with certainty if you want to compete in an environment with great people , great anglers , and in a sport that still awards only the best of the best a reward .
Over the years , people ask me why I do it - “ Why do you fish so much ?” “ Why do you fish tournaments ?” “ Don ’ t you have enough fish in the freezer ?” Well , the simple answer is because I love it . I love being on the water , I love learning something new , I love seeing new areas , I love that it keeps my competitive spirits high ; I love that every time I start the motor or make a cast , it might turn into a fish of a lifetime or a fish worth two grand or a fish worth twenty grand , but most of all , I love the people and personalities I come across while doing it . It ’ s not every day that we get to be surrounded by people who love the same things we do . At work I have great friends , but we are miles apart on hobbies or the outdoors ; but when I ’ m sitting around at a captains ’ meeting before a tournament or at the scales on the final day , I know I have something in common with everyone around me . Rarely is there a conversation that ends in an uncomfortable silence , and if you ’ re wise about who you talk to at these venues , it ’ s a great way to learn new things , new areas , and new techniques from those who have been doing this for years .
In light of the saltwater tournaments kicking off all over the south right now , I took some time this month to talk with a few of our local competitive anglers , guides , and tournament directors to get their take on what draws them to the competitive scene of tournament fishing and both the pros and cons you can expect if you want to start making the move to increase your competitive spirit and mental strength .
Capt . Bubby Lamy of In & Out Charters , recent Top Finisher of the IFA Redfish Open
What made you start tournament fishing ?
I started because I love to fish and believe that fishing is a game of you trying to figure what , where , and how the fish will bite . Tournament fishing is a step up because now you are fishing for a specific length , weight and species . The draw is , “ can you consistently figure out the game to be able to win ?”, and that ’ s what keeps me coming back .
“ Competition is what drives all tournament anglers . They want to bring in the two heaviest redfish under 27 ” to win , beat their chest and take home some cash . We ( LASS ), want to tag the fish , record the data , and release them right back into that estuary for research . It ’ s a match made in heaven .” -
- Sam Barbera
Tournament Director Louisiana Saltwater Series , Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation
What are a few of the obstacles that you encounter in your tournament endeavors ?
Being away from family , work , and the expenses you incur just to play the game begin to weigh on you . It ’ s crucial to find a balance between them all .
Has competing made you a better angler ? I think it makes you a better angler because it gives you knowledge from trial and error and being on the water so much .
Ben Saucier of Gus ’ Tackle & Nets , recent winner of the LASS
What is your biggest challenge being on the tournament scene ?
The amount of time needed for scouting , less time scouting equals less knowledge and lower chances of being in the top during the weigh-in . You have to plan your schedule accordingly around every event to make the most of your time . Doesn ’ t matter , rain or shine , stick to your schedule .
What keeps drawing you back time and time again to the competitive side of fishing ?
The people , hands down ; the redfish community is made up
Continued on page 48
May 2016 www . marshandbayou . com