Fishing Tournaments

There have been a couple fishing tournaments off the Alabama Gulf Coast recently, the most recent being the Inshore Fishing Association Redfish Tournament in Orange Beach. Next up is the IFA Redfish Tour Championship, where anglers will compete for the 2009 Tour Championship title. You can learn more about it at www.redfishtour.com.

I've never actually competed in a fishing tournament. But I'd like to think I have what it takes. A passion for fishing is obviously a requirement, and one that I meet hands down. A drive for competition is probably important, too. I think back to a fishing trip I took with some friends a few years back, and how some good-natured ribbing escalated into a bet on who would catch the most/biggest fish. I was into this bet--there was a good amount of cash behind it--and a couple of us went so far as to sabotage each other's fishing equipment. Not my finest moment, but it certainly demonstrates a drive for competition.

But I doubt that games of sabotage and pranks take place during serious fishing tournaments. The thrill of the chase and putting your skill to good use--not to mention the actual act of reeling in those fish--is probably enough to keep the competitive fisherman occupied.

You can check for any upcoming Orange Beach tournaments by going to www.orangebeach.com, going to "Calendar of Events" under "Things to Do" and selecting "Sports" in the dropdown box.