like some feedback from anyone that has done this. did you learn alot? Do many of the top anglers partcicipate.
its a three day event is there a cut for the third day?
How many rods are acceptable?

well, since this is my first year also, the tips i have recieved are as follows, 7to8 rods, there is a cut for the third day if you dont qualify in the first two, yes lots of pros and high rank semi pros fish it. hope this helps

I was fortunate enough to take second place at a 2008 central open as a co-angler. It was my first BASS Open as well and words can't describe what an enjoyment it was competing in a BASS open. I would not take more than 4-5 rods (I think I took 4 rods which was plenty considering I wouldn't have wanted more than 4 rods on the passenger side getting tangled up all day). I took 2 crankbait set-ups, 1 jig set up and a soft plastic setup. I met/saw tons of top anglers. Some things to think about while fishing in the back of the boat: 1. If you throw behind or even perpendicular to the boat while your moving down a stretch, be prepared to simply break off. You don't want your pro turning around for you. 2. Exhibit complete respect of your pro as you plan your cast. 3. Don't discuss previous days fishing information with your pro. If you fished with a pro the day before and learned a piece of information, keep it all to yourself, as it will be against the rules to disclose other anglers information. 4. Absolutely make sure your VERY good with a net! I met pros who had horror stories of co-anglers knocking off fish at the boat with the net!! Of course, accidents happen, but give full concentration when helping out the net. 5. Speaking of netting, be ready at all times to get the net for your pro. Send me a pm if you have any other questions. Hope this helps a little.

I will be fishing the Bass Open at Lake Amistad in April. This will be my first time also. Thanks for the tips.

Stump_Bumper did you offer them money for expenses (gas)?

Yes, the polite thing to do is offer them gas and oil money. You will know how much to give them based on how much you ran that day. Some times they will say not to worry about giving them gas money. But still give them an adequate amount anyway if they do.

Prepare to get front ended....

i didnt realize you changed anglers every day, duh! thanks for the tips. as far as netting technique, I was taught to lay the end of the net about a foot under the water and let the guy with the fish bring it into the net so you arent lunging at the fish.