Fly Fishing Tournament Preparation

The tournament is this weekend and my preparation has been null. I bought some things to tie flies and I looked and made sure I had some of the materials I needed but the vise has yet to see the light of day. The weather forecast for the tournament is less than ideal. At least for this SoCal warm blooded native. Fifty is the high with a chance of wintry mix in the morning. I'm guessing the wind will pick up while the cold front comes in making casting interesting.

I'm still struggling with what flies to actually use. I can only use 25 and at first I was thinking well that's easy I mainly only use the same 5-6 flies every time I trout fish. Then I started to think about what if I have the right fly but the fish want a certain size. Should I use the same 6 flies and have different sizes of each? Maybe just 5 flies with 2 of the same size and maybe one other a different color. Should I have some with beads and some without? You can see how the combinations can become over whelming after while. I'm still trying to figure it out. I know some definite flies I will have in my box. I don't think I'm going to stress about what size they are. I know sizes that have worked in the past and that's what I'll go with. What I'm going to try which will probably hurt me is throwing in some strange flies I'm hoping not many others will use. My theory is these may be the flies to use if fish are acting weird and not biting the normal common flies that work in the area. Sometimes throwing something strange that peaks the trout's curiosity can exhibit a strike. These flies could very well be the difference makers.

I'm trying not to take it all too seriously. The tournament isn't super serious and the entry fees go towards a good cause. The interesting factor in this tournament different from others is the public aspect. The waters will not be closed off to the public. Anyone could be fishing the stretches we are given. That's part of the fun of the tournament. How will people fish in pressured waters and possibly conditions several fisherman have just beat up? The anticipation has me excited about what's to come but the weather, self doubt make me think about staying home where it's warm and familiar.

It will be a learning experience for what a tournament is like and how I handle the situation. Stay tuned....