Throughout my years as a bass tournament angler, I have seen some of the most unorganized bass boats imaginable. Not only from a standing view point, but i've actually had to fish out of some of these rigs after being drawn as the owners partner.

Keeping your bass boat organized throughout a hectic few days of bass tournament fishing is tough enough, but allowing the rig to remain disorganized and have tackle, lures, rods, and other junk piled up all over the floors and in every holding compartment is just a disaster waiting to happen. It can quickly become a time consuming task to locate a specific lure, rod, or other essential tool you may need in a hurry.

Many guys and gals feel it's a necessity to carry along with them every lure and rod and reel combo they own to a bass tournament. While it's true that "you can never have too much" does apply for some aspects of life, it certainly does not apply very well to the loading of a bass boat.

Loading your boat with just the essentials you will need for a tournament or a day out on the water will make your day a whole lot more pleasent if you're not stumbling over tackle bags, rods, nets, buckets, life jackets, and all those water bottles or cans.

Chances are, if you own a bass rig of any size you most likely have a pretty good handle on the basic knowledge of lure selection and what lures you will need for the time of season and water you'll be fishing in. Select what you will need based on your experience and only pack that onto the boat.

Keep it simple and bring enough equipment for the tournament or day on the water, and leave the rest at home or in the tow vehicle. Saving so much space in the boat will definetly make for a more pleasurable fishing experience when you're not falling and tripping over unused tackle and other unneeded items.

Note: if you're going to be a non-boater in a draw tournament, have some respect for the boater partner you will draw for the tournament. Only bring the essentials you will most likely be using for that day on the water.

Too many times I've seen and actually had non-boater partners on my boat or another persons boat carrying on way too much tackle and gear, keep it simple and you both will enjoy the day on the water.

Mike Panek