Any tips and pointers on prepairing for a tournament?
I.E. how to plan pre fishing, mapping out spots and types of things to think about.  setting up plan b and plan c incase of weather changes etc.

#1...make sure you have all the required safety stuff, the flares are not out-dated, the throwable throws, horn blows, lights light, etc.  #2, read the DF&G regs for the body of water you're going to fish, so you know how close you can get to the mouth of that river, that you can't go down there, etc. Lk. Washington, Whatcom, Sammamish, and others have such rules. If the TD doesn't mention closed waters, jump right in there. #3, pay attention to the TD at the Driver's meeting. A lot don't, have to ask questions that have already been answered. #4 Pack a good lunch, correct clothes, some extras in a big ziplock bag. Have more in the truck. #5, In the Spring, I'm willing to buzz down a likely spawning area, just looking to see if they're up on nests. If you don't stop and fish for any fish you see, you can come back and catch real soon. If you stop to fish for them, and they know you're there,  they may not bite for quite awhile. #6, Always carry plenty of Green Pumpkin lizards, Craws and Senkos.

C&R, Steve

Jim,
Ah, one of my favorite subjects.  This sort of question is what will make you a successful tourney angler.  You
are likely to get hundreds of different responses and opinions.  Your job is to gleen what you can from them and determine what suits you ultimately based on your success in applying them.  Steves comments are great and we all should do this BEFORE we even launch your rocket to go fishing anytime or anywhere.  I try to take a balanced approach to preparing for tourney events.  In other words, the boat should be ready, equipment should be ready (to the smallest detail) and your mind should be ready.  I do not take for granted one second of the thought process up to my first cast of the day.  IN other words, have a plan with a purpose and stick to it.  Also trust your instincts and the knowledge that you have already garnered.  Pre-fishing definately helps, especially if you are willing to fish areas that you never have before fished, ie Potholes.  Pre-fishing helps me more mentally than anything else.  I am always looking to be in the zone before I even get on the water. 

Kirk

Jim,
Remember what we did in my aluminum boat?  We quickly got out to the far right, out the traffic.  It's a bit slower, but at least you're not fighting "rush hour" traffic!   

The trick is going to be to get her to drive, so far all of my attempts have failed

I to think that once she drives she will relax a bit.