well this statement couldn't be more far from the truth. open class is only 3 fish and can be fished from any port as long as your into the weigh in line on time. or was when I was fishing them! and I'm probable the captain he's saying I thought I was cool or jackpotted, Not true! Fact is I had a really old boat with single engine and was saving for 3 years for new boat so I was tight with money and eye's on the bigger picture and at the end of the day we pretty much broke even and won a little product. and covered expense and learned a few things along the way.so with that said back on topic I would suggest if its your first go at it pre fish the day before and try and put a plan together for tournament day. 3 fish and cheap to try out.