About the first 30-45 minutes of a tournament when it’s still dark out what should I be throwing? I can never get a bite during that time. As soon as the sun comes up I’ll catch them.

I fish a light Crig before day break with a Baby Brush hog. The small tails move just the right amount of water in the dark. Fish it as slow as possible off points and or around grass lines. If you have found good rocky points the Spinner bait on a slow roll has worked really well for me over the years. I throw a single spin with a #5 Colo. blade in Silver before day light.

I throw a Spook at first light. They want to be able to image the surface.

I like moving baits early and try to cover water unless I find a school offshore.

Topwaters, Spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs and Squarebills are my favorite early morning techniques.

Me too, in practice or a tourney it doesnt seem to get going for me till the sun is in my eyes..

Same here. Usually seems like the first 30 minutes is pointless.

I love the hour before sun up

I’ve thrown topwater and crank baits first thing in the morning and never have any luck.

I love a morning bite. Try a wacky rigged senko with a very light weight. Fish it slow. Let it fall on semi slack line and “check” for weight (fish) every few seconds. Also, a shaky head fished slow is a proven bait for me.

Try a buzz bait too at the very first crack of light.

That first hour or two is critical for a good bag.

Thanks for the tips

topwater is the deal!

Buzz bait being the best? I’ve thrown top water with no results.

Throw black baits.

Black baits is something I haven’t done. Thanks for the info.

I love throwing a buzz bait or tiny torpedo early in the morning, well that is, when I get out out before the sun comes up. First light is great, just before the sun peeks out.

I absolutely love to throw a hollow-body Frog in the dark.
The last hour before sunrise it the best. I do not tournament fish, but have the same issue.
Good luck!