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Unless you want to take part in a competition just for the fun of it, if you have ambitions in terms of results, real preparation is essential. Here are a few guidelines I try to keep in mind in this sometimes thankless context.
Be prepared to make sacrifices
When preparing for a competition, it's important to bear in mind that not every fishing trip is going to be all fun and games, and that you're likely to come up empty-handed.
So you need to take a long-term view, accept that exits can sometimes be difficult, and remember that they will pay off at some point.
What's more, preparing for a competition means favouring one fishing ground over another, and sometimes we know full well that the bass are in another sector where fishing will be easier and more productive, but we have to manage not to give in to temptation and keep our minds focused on our objective.
Identify zone boundaries
Before you even start fishing, you need to identify the exact limits of the fishing area on the day of the competition... It's totally pointless to spend time on spots that are outside the area and that you won't be able to exploit on the day.
Understanding the fishing environment
Each environment is different and governed by its own logic of activity. This may be the current, the tide times, the weather, the food present in the area, etc. Many possibilities, often linked to each other, can be envisaged. Many possibilities, often interrelated, can be envisaged, and we must try to identify the most important variable.
Look for activity
As well as understanding the area, the aim of preparation is to build up a substantial repertoire of spots. If you're planning to visit an area, don't focus on it all day... You need to be alert to signs of activity and exploit the productive sector of the day to identify specific spots. If the area is devoid of fish, you won't be able to find them!
Identify techniques and lures that work
The objective of your preparation, in the short and long term, will also be to define the most profitable techniques and types of lures on the fishing area. This orientation can be a general trend, but it can also be more precise over time, particularly a few days before the competition.
Exploit the right niches
The last outings before the competition should enable you to define a precise activity zone. However, in the interests of efficiency, you should organize your outings around the same tidal slots as on D-day. Tidal coefficients are also very important in certain areas.
Take care of your equipment
On the day of the competition, you don't want your tackle to fail. So prepare your lure boxes carefully and organize them rationally. Re-tie all your knots and make a list of everything you need to take with you!
