Don't prefish. You always catch the biggest fish on the day before the tourney. Study your map then drive around and watch your fish finder, side scan, sonar. Look for places that will hold fish and mark them then hope you have the fastest boat or some one else didn't find the same spots.

-Study the water-body, but don't over-think it.
-Fish what's required for the conditions & catch a couple in key spots to check their temperament.
-Fish the same baits you did before in your key areas with the hooks straitened and barbs flattened (keep the weight the same). Get the strikes without bringing them to the boat. Leave them wanting what you presented.

My advice, If you know the lake check a few spots you know have fish to make sure you know how to catch them. If they are there and you have confidence then leave and try to repeat the pattern for better #'s or quality. I never catch more than 2 fish from an area if I can help it and Most of the time you will be able to establish a good pattern in a couple hours if you use everything you learn from each fish. Always figure out where the fish came from and where they will go if conditions get bad and determine if you can fish the areas if the wind changes or you get a front. Nothing worse than having North facing fish you cant get on because you did not plan for the weather. If nothing else start at the front of a creek and cover it to the back. the fish will tell you where they are congregating. Also, if you find a school of small fish dont expect them to grow overnight.

I never prefish. Just show up and fish.

Thanks