It’s that time of year when I’m working through the tedious tasks of organizing tackle and getting my boat worked out in preparation for the upcoming season. This is nothing new. We all do it.
But what is equally important and just as critical is reviewing the rules for the next season — regardless of the circuit or circuits you plan to fish.
It’s something I take very seriously. I have been going over the Bassmaster Elite Series rules one by one; even though I have been fishing the tour a long time and know most of them.
However, there are little tweaks made each year, and reading through each page of the rulebook will create awareness as well as provide a refresher before the season begins.
I don’t want to make a mistake in my 19th year at B.A.S.S., and I would think any rookie should feel the same.
We’ve got a lot of new guys coming into the Elites who probably haven’t fished under such stringent rules. I’ve fished many different pro circuits and will tell you B.A.S.S. has a very strict set of rules. They hold the Elites to a higher standard.
Frankly, I like that. The rules are designed to keep anyone from cutting corners and to make us do things the right way. We’re professionals. Embracing a strict rulebook is a big part of that.
Everyone has rules at their job, regardless of what they do for a living. Our Elite rules are stricter and include a code of conduct that prohibits anyone from cutting corners. There are no outlandish rules that an angler can’t live with, but it’s important you know them thoroughly.
I strongly recommend the huge group of new anglers registered for this season’s Bassmaster Opens take time to learn and absorb that rulebook as well. It may not carry rules as strict as the Elites, but violating any of them could impact an angler’s future.
I will fish a few Opens this year, but when I do, I will fish by the Elite rules because it’s easier for me to do that. I know they are stricter, and by following them, I will be just fine.
If you break a rule, even if it is unintentional, it is 100% your fault. You didn’t read the rules carefully, and you didn’t ask questions about those you were unsure about.
And if you try treading into a gray area, you may lose the respect of fellow anglers. A bad rule violation could jeopardize your career.
So, I can’t stress enough the importance of including an in-depth study of the rulebook with your other preseason preparations.
You’ll earn the respect of fellow competitors, B.A.S.S. officials and sponsors — a vital part of building a solid career as a true professional angler.