James Elam joined The Bass University in Tulsa, OK to talk about an important topic for everyone from the weekend angler to the top-level tournament pros, preparation. When you're out there fishing, you want to be able to concetrate on fishing, not mechanical or electrical issues on the boat, not the drag being set right on your reel, or not having enough line. In this bass fishing instructional video seminar, you will learn:

1:34 Why preparation is key and how to start developing a system that works for you
4:06 Lake research : maps you'll want, things to look for, analyzing the weather, boat ramps, etc.
6:02 Maintaining your equipment : how to prepare your boat, tackle and tow vehicle for a fishing trip
8:55 Outfitting yourself for the conditions
10:10 Boat preparation for a day of fishing or a fishing tournament
13:17 List of recommended tools to have on the boat (Why do I need Mountain Dew?)
16:48 Preparing for a tournament (tournament practice)
19:19 How to be ready when it really counts
20:39 Preparing physically for fishing and tournament fishing
22:54 Offseason (winter) preparation, what to do when you're snowed in
23:30 Visualize success
24:04 Being prepared for fishing adversity
25:36 Taking a break from fishing
26:23 MLF Format
Question and Answer

28:13 What Phoenix boat/Mercury outboard does James Elam fish from?
28:39 What boat was James Elam fishing before Phoenix and what are the differences?
29:39 Tips for tackle preparation
31:39 Boat electonics preparation
33:07 MLF format questions (sectioning off the lakes/different lakes)
37:22 Practice style for tournaments (catch the fish? how many do you catch?)
40:20 James Elam's prepartion for his first MLF event, and do competitors with MLF experience have an advantage?
43:43 TH Marine Hydrowave?