I'm really surprised to hear you say this...

The main thing I have learned this year is that the power of knowledge and good equipment is irreplacable. I always thought that mediocre equipment can suffice, and it can. But when you get equipment (most of which I don't have), you can really get on fish.
Examples is such like trying to use a 6'6'' medium action rod as a topwater rod in thick cover. You can't get a good enough hookset, keep the rod tip up, and retrieve a fish in most circumstances.
Another example is just simply knowing information. Knowing someone who fished a lake previous to me fishing it, or retrieving a lakes topo map so I have a mental picture of where fish hold, its put you ahead of the rest.
Also, prefishing for a tournament is a must.