In this practical episode of Bass Vault, we dive into valuable tournament fishing strategies that go beyond casting techniques as summer fishing season hits full stride nationwide. The discussion reveals essential money-saving approaches for traveling anglers, highlighting how simple grocery preparation before departure can eliminate the daily $15-20 gas station expenses for drinks and snacks—while simultaneously improving performance through better nutrition. We explore pre-tournament research methods using online mapping tools, historical water levels, Google Earth, social media fish catches, and past tournament results to set realistic expectations and identify productive patterns before ever launching your boat. The episode concludes with crucial fish care techniques for summer tournaments when bass are particularly vulnerable, including proper livewell management through ice supplementation, appropriate chemical treatments, and the essential skill of fizzing fish suffering from barotrauma—emphasizing both competitive advantage and conservation responsibility. Whether you're a seasoned tournament angler or preparing for your first competitive experience, these practical hacks will enhance your tournament efficiency, reduce expenses, and help preserve the fisheries we all enjoy.