All excellent points but I am ashamed that no one said "turn your headlights off at the boat ramp"

You are correct. I guess I read it wrong looking back at it. They were running upper 300's on Rayburn in 2017 wnen I fished it. The 397 entry fee one was the one I placed decent in that year. Got lucky and caught them on the right day i guess.

That was my first thought but I then saw where someone posted "boat ramp etiquette"

That falls under my launch post......

More for the parents:

1) Provide the kids with funds to help the captains (Done it 2 years and paid more out of pocket than I realized. Yes, I volunteered. Yes, I can afford it which is why I provided my time, hours, etc. If I were a parent I would do my best to provide a captain some relief.)
2) Time on the water goes a lot farther than they realize (Pre-fishing , fun fishing)
3) Fun can be had at all events, but focus towards catching fish and listening / reading the water and surroundings is key
4) Put the damned phones down and enjoy the outdoors.
5) Don't believe everything you read / see on the internet.
6) Get the kids involved in the sport outside of the HS tournament scene. Take them to other event weigh-ins where they can experience other anglers

Another thing I see is kids that only want to show up on tournament day to fish the tournament and do not want to go on pre-fishing days to learn. Therefore, push the kids whose parents do not have a boat to go with the captain anytime they are invited.

I got out as a volunteer (favor to one of my wife's good friends, my kids are grown) when I had my kids on fish, end of the day push for a kicker, phones and College football scores became the focus instead of fishing. Then had to fight to get to the weigh in for the small limit they had. Frustrating! If they are going to fish then fish, if they don't want to fish, no problem but don't waste a volunteer's valuable time and money. No phones during tournament hours for any reason other than emergency would be a great rule.

My guys put the phone in the glove box when they get in the boat. Take it out when they get out, doesn't matter if it's tourney or practice. (Exception is to take a pic)
My boat - My rules.

That's a good rule. Thumbs up on that one..



I am obsessed with the wind and forecast. Might remind them to keep an eye on wx forecast concerning wind. Sure makes a difference on direction and speed on my little lake.