Surface breaking shad may mean the bass are feeding on the surface. Sudden temperature changes may send the fish diving deeper. Water levels, sun position, fishing pressure and current changes can all alter the bass's habits. The angler who picks up on these changes the quickest often catches the winning tournament stringer. There is a very good reason.
Professional anglers are willing to take chances.
They will run their boats long distances away from the weigh-in if they think that distant area can produce just one quality fish to help them win the tournament. Sometimes the leader plays it conservative, while the other competitors gamble on the run. That gamble frequently pays big dividends. In order to win the tournament, the anglers need to make the final cut. Being conservative by catching lots of smaller fish to ensure a limit doesn't do much for the winning creel.