Along with the other two comments it also depends on the people. Some guys are ok being talking distance away as long as you are not casting in the same area. Others don't want to interact until after the tournament is done. It's good to get a feel for the competitors at the all hands meeting.

My family have been praying since we heard and will continue to pray for you. We are here to support you, don't hesitate to ask or anything.

One once is pretty fast drop rate. I always go as light as you can while getting to the bottom. If you are pitching in front of cover I would start with 1/2 ounce and don't close the spool until the line goes completely slack. Then donit again but give it a lot of extra line until it hits bottom without pulling any more out of the reel. At that point you should have an idea of how much to give it before locking the reel. Make sure you watch the line that's going into the water not the line coming off the reel. If the fish bites before hitting bottom you will see the line entering the water "jump" before stopping.

Cale oh yes, the wind makes for good fishing conditions but infuriating kayak conditions.

Kayak fishing has taught me to always be ready to pivot and adjust. Wind is a huge factor and I'm always looking up 2 or 3 spots outside of the initial areas I want to fish. As far as forgetting stuff I do everything I can to keep the essentials on the kayak at all times even in storage. Only thing I forget that way is baits I want to throw.

That's the worst. Will definitely pray for him. Let us know if he has or makes a go fund me.

That's monster smallie!

Between 5 and 2 feet.

Didn't even need camera tricks to make them look big. 🤣