About every tournament on Rayburn takes 22 plus pounds to win, but the difference is how far down those heavy sacks go in the payout. This year Media Bass averaged over 65 entries and in 3 of their tournaments 15 pounds got a check.

Outlaw Outdoors came out with their Average Joe Tournaments this year fishing only Sam Rayburn Lake. In the June event, 17 teams won a check and 3 of them only had 15 pound stringers. In the September Average Joe, 16 places were paid and 6 teams won a check that only caught 14 pounds.

Starting in January, Outlaw Outdoors is introducing a whole new concept with their Sweet Sixteen Sunday Series. This format guarantees you a check for catching 16 pounds. This totally eliminates the scenario of you catching 20 pounds and not being rewarded.

But it’s January. Be prepared when you get on the water be prepared when you hit the water the morning of the event. Check the weather ahead of time to see how cold or hot it is going to be.

If it’s going to be a little chilly, or downright cold, Clint Wade for Outlaw Outdoors recommends to dress in layers, and eliminate any kind of wind access.
“Wear thermals, then a long sleeve shirt, then a hoodie and finally your jacket. Wear a balaclava under your hat. When it comes to socks, layers are the answer here, too.

“Finally, your hands are the hardest to keep warm. A pair all weather gloves under a good pair of insulated ski gloves works decent. No matter what you have on, be sure you are all sealed up where no wind can get to your skin.

“Remember, at take-off you may run 20-30 minutes going 55 plus mph. The last thing you want to happen is to already be cold and miserable before you even start fishing.”

Outlaw Outdoors has 13 tournaments scheduled throughout 2018. Check their website for more information (fishoutlawoutdoors.com).