Westernbass Magazine June 2011, Page 28

Westernbass Magazine June 2011, Page 28

TOURNAMENT TIPS

U.S. OPEN

preparing for a

By Andy Manahl

P

reparing for a U.S. OPEN can be the most

challenging task an angler faces every

year. From 120 degree temperatures,

time off work, boat maintenance, tackle preparation, studying water levels, and the physical

Sports Report that he freezes Rejuvenade before the tournament and throws one water bottle in the live well every day for his fish. This lets the water cool down and release the proper nutrients for the fish throughout the day. Here is another one! Take a wet towel and soak it

stress it puts on our bodies. Lake Mead is hard on

in the water and cover your legs while running to your

boats and bodies, so here goes!

next spot is a make shift swamp cooler for your body. I

I consider myself one of the younger guys out

use my back storage compartment for an extra cooler

there competing this year so here is what I am doing

just for icing down the fish during the day as well.

to prepare for the Super Bowl of bass tournaments

Eating and drinking proper fluids consistently

on the West Coast. Let’s face it, the U.S. OPEN is a

through the day will keep your focus spot on as well as

costly event and when considering fishing this event

your morale high. Make sure your partner for the day is

everything has to be working in tip top shape. The first drinking water and eating a power bar out on the water.

thing I do is go over my boat inside and out. Everything Let’s face it, you’re a team for the day and need to watch

comes out!!! I organize my tackle by getting everything each other’s back!! Eating the right foods at the buffets

labeled and in the right bins. Sticking your head in the

can wear you down as well. Make sure you are getting

rod locker looking for that special bag of plastics you

some fruit and protein on that plate instead of the mash

fished 4 months ago is going to cost you time and

potatoes and crème brulee. Yes this sounds like your

missed opportunities out on the water. Check your

mother talking but you can’t just go out there with pure

batteries, trolling motor, oil levels as well as changing

determination and not looking out for your body.

them. Yes these are the obvious ones, but too many

This year’s event is going to be a great one! With

times it goes overlooked. Does the hotel you’re staying I-CAST and the Silver Eagles dinner there should

at have power? I always bring a generator along with

be plenty of friends and memories made along the

me just in case there are issues at the hotel. Yes it has

way. Please be safe out there, the sun can do funny

happened and I have seen guys dead in the water right things to your mind and body so just take the extra

after blast off. Your mind and body are physically burnt precautions listed above and fish your butt off.

out after a day on Mead so bring your little checklist.

IwouldliketoclosebythankingmySponsors: Lobina

Maintaining the health of the fish is very important. Lures, CanyonPlastics, MattressDepot,Lowrance,The

Dr Estrada mentioned last year in a video from TC

HookUpTackle. Seey’all atthebigdance!!

Photo by Tunaman

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