Tournament and Derby Fishing Fishing northwest salmon derbies and tuna tournaments is a great source of enjoyment and this year it could mean that trip to the winner's circle for the skilled boat crew. Here in the west were lucky to have the Northwest Salmon Derby Series with 14 events hosted throughout the state. The Oregon Tuna Classic puts on 4 tournaments from southern Oregon to southern Washington with much of the catch being donated to the food bank. There’s even the Salt Patrol Marlin Tournament series in May and November of each year.

Rules

Every derby/tournament runs a bit differently. Although it sounds like common sense, the most frequent mistake made by anglers is not knowing and understanding the rules. Directors typically go over any rule changes and answer questions during the captain's meeting held at higher dollar events, but not all teams attend these meetings, or they stay outside socializing with their buddies. Make this mistake and it could result in a winning fish getting disqualified or the boat in some cases where attendance is mandatory. Other derbies are just as simple as buy an entry ticket and show up and fish with the rules printed on it. The derbies with the largest prize purses incorporate some high-dollar daily awards. They feature a $10,000 largest fish award or paying a percentage of entry fees to the top three to six places and then prices after that. Some have a prize for most pounds caught over the 2-3 day event by boat. Then there is what’s called Side Bets— and you don't want to get in over your head here. These are the unofficial bets between anglers or boat crews as to who will catch the biggest or the most fish. I have seen these bets go from $5.00 to more than the main prize of the derby. When there's a lot of money on the line, it can create a lot of stress, and in some cases, it tends to bring out the worst in people. In big-money events the $$$$ can create a lot of pressure. Don't get sucked into that especially during cocktail hour. Everyone wants to win."

Picking a crew

If you follow salmon/tuna/marlin tournament circuit, you'll often see the same names pop up in the top ten as winners . In many cases, the most successful teams have fished together for many years. You don't find a good crew in a bar. Find a group of guys that catch fish. That's what we do. We put together a bunch of fishy guys, go out there and have some fun. If we win anevent , that's even better. Personalities and fishing styles need to mesh on and off the water. The chemistry must feel right whether you're fishing or preparing and planning for game day. You don't want it to cross over where it's tense and not fun. The best teams typically have the most days fishing together as a group that regard it's like any other team event. Everyone needs to know the playbook and be on the same page. When fishing with a new team, it pays to pre-fish a tournament to iron out the various roles and strengths of the team. Arrive a little early and try and get a day of pre-fishing in if its new area or an areas you don’t fish a lot. Everyone has a little different setup and way they like to do things. You want all of that sorted out before the first morning of tournament fishing. It also pays to put together a team that brings many levels of experience to the table. It's good to have guys who know different styles of fishing on the same crew. I try to do that — to find a blend of styles. That way you can put the best guy in charge. Say you have a really good live-bait tuna guy but you're fishing with lures; then make your experenced lure guy the angler. When you switch it up and start fishing salmon on downriggers put the seasonant angler on the rod. For anglers new to derby/tournament fishing, competing against a team with losts of experence can be intimidating. Rather than keeping your distance from suchboat crews, get to know them and watch what they do. I would look at the guys who've been consistently successful. Get to know these guys, try to fish with them or invite them on your boat. Watch what they do and try to emulate it, or better yet, improve on what they've done. You'll also find that several teams work together and share information on where the fish are biting. It might be tough to give up a hot spot, but it will come back one day when you need it the most. There's a couple of other tuna teams I partner up with and share information. Sometimes it hurts to share information when your on a hot bite, but you have to understand that it will come back when one of your friends finds the fish and gives you a call. It's important that you share information with people you can trust. I'm not going to lie to anyone because I don't want anyone to lie to me. No matter how much experience your team possesses, the best thing you can do is spend more time on the water together. When you're out there getting to know each other, formulate a plan and start focusing on how to execute it.

Have a game plan

Getting ready for a big derby or tournament can be a daunting task from boat and engine work to tackle rigging and travel arrangements. You also have to make sure you can score bait, ice and gas; the list goes on and on. Don't wing it or wait till the last minute. Put a plan in place and start working on it as soon as possible when you commet to fishing an event. The pre preparing part is not sexy, but you need to do it. The boats have so many complicated electrical and mechanical systems. You must manage and schedule preventative maintenance. The last thing you want is a malfunction on derby day. Remember even the best boats all have slow periods. You're not going to hit a home run every fishing event. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. We've had a million things go wrong that were out of our control — from swivels breaking to downriggers lines cutting off on a crab pot. You just have to learn to laugh at and go after the next one.

Capt. John Keizer

 Top Derby/Tournament Mistakes

1. Showing up with a hang over

2. Not understanding the rules

3. Using wrong tackle

4. Not watching the rods at all times

5. Taking a under size fish or a non clipped fish when required to do so

6. Neglecting to pre-fish when fishing with a new crew

7. Forgetting to go through a maintenance routine on all boat systems before the tournament.

8. Over betting

9. Unrealistic expectations

10. Not making the required weigh in time