You are engaged on a competition, an enduro, a championship. Whether it is your first or your twentieth, it must be approached and prepared with as much seriousness and involvement.
Technical and logistic preparation before the competition
First of all, you need to find out about the location, the different accessès, and the areas that will be fished. It is also necessary to take into account accommodation, catering, travel between sectorsâeuros¦
Depending on the fishing techniques used, it is important to think about additional equipment, such as a fridge or cooler for the baits. If possible, think of making a weather report very early. The weather and climatic conditions will have an impact on the fishing itself, on the mental and the arrangements of the fishing station.
Preparing well for a competition means having just what you need, not missing anything and not overloading your fishing station. You can quickly get lost!
The preparation of the material to approach a fishing competition
This is the aspect that is often prioritized and dominated by fishermen. It is necessary to do everything possible to have the most adequate equipment for the technique and the fished sector.
It is very important to prepare your lines and leaders, reels and spools so that everything is ready when the time comes. Once you have decided to take the plunge and participate in a competition, you can start preparing yourself. It is important not to wait until the last minute to avoid unnecessary stress and pressure.
It is necessary to think about all the possible eventualities and approaches to fishing, the different species to be caught and the appropriate equipment. It is important to be prepared for all eventualities and to prepare what is needed in case of change of strategy, or rebounds during fishing.
The physical preparation of the fisherman
To be in shape on the day of the event, you must be physically ready. Be rested, but also have done and do a minimum of weekly sports. From running, to cycling, to swimming. It doesn't matter, the main thing is to be active. Several days of competition or championship require a considerable effort from your body. It is therefore necessary to prepare it as well as possible. And this, regardless of the fishing technique, whether in the sea or in fresh water.
A good physical condition is necessary when you have to carry or push your equipment, as much in the hard sand as on long shores, or when you have to physically surpass yourself in the last hours or days of the championship once you are tired.
If you are not ready, you will not last! This will affect your mental strength, which will have other things to worry about at the time of the event.
The mental preparation of a winner
Forgotten and often put aside, mental preparation is a key factor in the success of a championship. To be strong in the head, it is not given to everyone and yet it can be worked.
A useful preparation in the good phases as well as in the bad phases of the event. We all participate in championships or events with the aim of winning.
To put yourself in your own bubble, and to forget the time of the competition any worries of the everyday life. Cut yourself off from the world, to concentrate fully and enjoy the present moment.
Before entering a competition, we have all experienced difficult moments with failures and low rankings. These moments that surely made you doubt to continue your passion, but if you are there today, it is because you were stronger!
Because afterwards, you have either caught a reward fish, or a victory has been achieved, or simply, you have lived a magical moment. This moment that every fisherman wants to relive, this taste, this moment of emotion, that fishing gives us.
Always keep the positive in mind and believe in yourself! At Euro Fishing, anything is possible until the last second!
When all these factors are combined and prepared, you can arrive at your competition with peace of mind. You will enjoy it differently and fully. The championships and major events are often moments of reunion, an annual meeting where everyone meets to share this unique moment with the same desire and conviction. These precious moments that do good to the spirit, and sought by all practitioners. And while some anglers will refine their preparation at the last minute, you will be able to rest and breathe before the beginning of the championship. Because everything will be ready!
Rest and analysis after the competition
Whether successful or not, it is always important to have a post-championship debriefing. In a positive and constructive spirit and with the aim of coming back stronger. Identifying the few points to improve for the next competitions is part of the preparation for your next participation. Of course, in fishing, the nature and fish factor is not always under control. Sometimes, there is no big explanation to be had, if the fish don't respond or aren't there, it's not your fault.
The draws for the positions are often representative of the rankings. Some places will remain better than others at the time of the competition. And conversely, a spot that didn't catch a fish the day before can win the next day. The different approach of the fisherman, but also the changing weather conditions change the fishing. Or the fish have naturally moved to the areas, luck is also part of the success. As in any sport, we can be prepared to the best, there are and will always be moments of defeat. Success is only better when it is offered to you.
Always be positive and persevere no matter what. Looking for excuses or pretexts will not be the best solution nor the best analysis to make you evolve.
Stay athletic, loyal, and selfless
It is always nice to receive and pass on a "good luck" before the competition, and a "bravo" after the catch. Keeping a smile on your face in case of defeat and remaining humble in case of victory will make you the best sportsman.
Afterwards, it's time to rest and tidy up before setting off again for a new preparation.
Have a good championship!
