I fished a couple of times with a local group, enough to know I needed a new Partner. I fished with my Brother that was too interested in Birds, other Boats and Airplanes. I always had to tell him he had a bite and we always placed last. His home lake was 8 foot deep with no structure --- He was totally lost fishing big lakes .. we struggled to get the 7 fish needed for Weigh In... I totally believe anyone that fishes in Competition needs to be Committed and the information posted in this thread is spot on.