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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