Yet they put up with it, seemingly immune to the abuse. Then come the chores of deploying tackle and baits, while carefully-negotiating their way around the cockpit. The better crews can distinguish how far back and where to place their baits, compensating for high winds and seas. Perhaps it's the sheer adrenaline that keeps them going, immune to the punishment. They will feel those bumps and bruises, stressed knees and backs long after tournament season ends.
Top competitors follow a game plan.
They know where the fish have been prior to the tournament, and where they're going to be on the first day of competition. This information is based on communications with other anglers, bait migrations, weather patterns and a host of other factors. Baits, lures and tackle have been rigged prior to the captain's meeting, leaving valuable time for a good dinner and night's rest, accumulating live bait, reviewing strategies, or tending to last-minute boat repairs. Every member on a good team knows his position and responsibilities. When a rod bends over, they don't look at each other and wonder who's going to fight the fish.