BFL Cowboy Division

I'm thinking about trying to fish this as a co-angler this coming season. Do i need to link with someone to gain entry or is it first come first serve? I cant find an answer on the web site but I could be missing it.

Link to guarantee. If u enter all 4 your given preference over someone with no link.

Usually run more cos then boater's.

Thanks for the reply Bryan. I'll try to find someone to link with. Do they have a pre tournament meeting the Friday before or something to draw partners etc?

Yes there is a meeting on Friday evening. At the end you will get a text with your boater if you are a co. You connect with them, and make plans for Saturday morning. I have been co for the last two years, enjoyed it but I think next year I am moving up front in my own boat and fish all 5.

One word of advice, do your homework on what to carry, lots of good info out there. I carried 6 rods, at times to many, others not enough!! I had one bag that held 4 3700's that weighed about 50 lbs!

Good luck and keep us posted.

I have done it several times. It's hit or miss. Just hope you get someone local and good fisherman. Some guys will front end you so bad you'll want to throw them in the lake. I drew Darold Gleason once. Super nice guy and said hey I'm gonna fish but I will take you to a spot and you'll catch your 5. Which he did. I ended up culling 3 from other spots but I had to work.

Realistic expectations is what u need. Your a co paying less money, u may get front ended, u need to be able to figure out how to get bites in those situations. And not everyone fishes the way u like, Adapt. And use the experience as a lesson.

If u get PO'd easily I would imagine a co angler life style is not for u.

Yeah I've been in and around tourneys for a good many years and completely understand how all that works. I'm going into this open minded for fun and to pay attention and learn new techniques, tactics, areas etc. I wont have a problem with getting front ended and all that, there are definitely ways to still catch them in those situations if you put your head down and fish. I have a camp on Toledo and its only 35 minutes or so from Rayburn. Everything I've learned on those lakes I have taught myself pretty much. Born and raised in south Louisiana bayou country I know that I would benefit greatly just from being able to witness how other anglers approach reservoirs.

U'll have a great time then. I doubt u will get "front ended", but then again its a pretty broad term.

When do they normally open registration for the BFL’s?

If you have the opportunity, fish the Costa on Rayburn in February. They are $550 for a co angler but you fish 2 days and 3 if your in the top 10 plus your fishing for a bigger payout and the chances of getting a Tour Level pro are much higher. The BFLs are a good place to start, don't get me wrong but it's a good learning experience to fish a Costa series as well. Catching them one day vs three in a row is where the cream rises to the top.

I think I saw somewhere it's mid November. Maybe Nov. 14th but don't hold me to it.