How Do I Get Involved With Tournaments?

[Shane_]

im 15 years old and i love bass fishing and i think im pretty good for a beginner and i would love to do it competitively but i have a few problems

 

1. I dont have my own boat

2. I have never done a tournament before

3. I dont even know how to try to find one

 

If anyone could give me some guidance that would be awesome. I live in Massachusetts by the way so if anyone knows of some local leagues or shore fishing tournaments that would be great, or id love someone to bring me out on a tournament so i could get some experience.

[Thatbasstardbrent]

I have the same problem. Heres my research: you hire a boater at or before the event, you just sign up for some tournaments, i just google them and i find a bunch. Also as you get older you join a bass club which is what i'm going to do, i am 15 as well.

[Nave]

Join a club! 

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bassfish/bass_fishing_clubs.html

[etommy28]

Join a JR or high school club, this will give you expirance when you turn 18 start fishing open tournaments with a friend who has a boat and fish stuff like federation tourny's.

[metalhack]

If you can get yourself a Kayak there's a few Yak fishing "groups" in Mass that have tourneys.

["BRB"]

Checkout flw's BFL, I believe you have to be 16 years,but you can fish it as a co-angler. entry fees are $100 I think they have 5 qualifying tourny a year were you cam qualified for regionals. I have been fishing it for two years and really enjoyed it. You hear of some bad boater, bit so far (knock on wood) I have had all great boater! I have learned a lot and had tons of fun and highly recommend anyone to try it. Go to flwoutdoors.com and check it out.

[Felix77]

Join a club! 

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bassfish/bass_fishing_clubs.html

 

x2.  Clubs include co-anglers.  I went straight into fishing tournaments as soon as I could.  You learn so much and so fast!

 

Do it ... you won't regret it.

[Sam]

Hey guys, here is your problem and your goals regarding fishing bass tournaments.

 

Problems and Suggested Solutions
1. Finding tournaments. - Check with tackle shops in your area and those on local bodies of water as the guys working there know of tournaments. In fact, some tackle shops have their own tournaments during the year.

2. Your age. - A lot of us guys don't want to take youngsters out with us due to the problems that we have either encountered; have heard about; or know can happen. A young guy can say anything and the authorities will believe him and the investigation is not nice.

3. Transportation. - Your parents will have to drive you to the ramp so you can be there an hour before blastoff and then return to take you home an hour after weigh-in. Not fun for your parents. Wait until you are driving so you can go to and from without any "parent hassles."

4. Joining a bass club. - As stated above, 16 is usually the age limit for bass clubs. Just wait and in the meantime do some research on bass clubs in your geographical area. You can check out the two links above plus contact B.A.S.S. and FLW for their input.

5. Tackle and Equipment Expenses. - Fishing tournaments can be expensive. After the nonboaters fee you have to have up to date rods, reels, line and baits plus the latest in baits and techniques. You will need your own PFD, polarized  sun glasses; rain gear; long sleeve fishing shirt;  and a tackle box that will not take up too much space.

6. Boaters. - In tournaments you will meet nice guys and jerks. The jerks will back-boat you; not give you any help; not talk to you; will not let you take the front of the boat; and you will have a lousy experience. Good guys will help you; give you advice; let you fish from the front of the boat; and you will have a great adventure.

7. Operating a Bass Boat. - When you purchase your bass boat you will learn how to operate it. It takes time. You may need to pass a Safe Boating Course in your state. Guys with big bass boats don't want novices to operate the boat, trolling motor or do anything other than sit down and shut up. Nothing personal. Just the way guys are with their bass boats. Take the boating safety course.

8. Netting. - You need to learn how to net a fish. Easier said then done. And always ask the boater where he keeps the net. If you screw up and the boater loses a fish because you don't know what you are doing with the net you are in big trouble for the rest of the day.

 

Your Goals

1.  Find out as much as you can about the local tournaments in your area.

2.  Find out if you can fish them and if so, the costs.

3.  Work out a contract with your parents relating to travel expenses, nonboater fees, tackle costs and other associated clothing and rain gear costs. Without them on your side you will be pond fishing for a long time.

4.  Go to a local tournament weigh-in. See the guys. See their boats. See how the weigh-ins are handled. Walk around the boats and look at the tackle and baits. Speak to the guys running the tournament about how to enter as a nonboater and the details. Have a parent with you so they can hear and understand what they tell you.

5.  Find a bass club that will open their doors to you with the understanding that the guys fishing tournaments can be brutal. They are in the tournament to do their best and the majority will not care how you do or if you catch anything. This is part of bass tournament fishing. In fact, if you are ever in a tournament and have the opportunity to fish with a pro....don't. Pros get into their "zone" and you are nothing other than to help net their fish. The pros fish like machines. You fish like a nice guy. Big difference.

 

Now start your homework and keep a journal of who you called; what they said; where you went; your negotiations with your parents, etc.

 

Don't rush into anything. And be careful. You are on a boat and anything can happen and it is your word against the other guy.

[duckmaster55]

Hey you guys, I am 14 and I fish tournaments in Western Ny. Most tourneys have the rules that you need a boat with a livewell and that isn't an option. If you know anyone either your age or maybe an adult with a boat try to convince him to fish tournamnets with you. Another thing is that you need to cover the cost which can be expensive over time. So try to present to a company for the sponsorship of  tournament cost.

 

If you can get a friend to fish with you all you need to do is search online for local tournaments, find the clubs website and read everything, make sure the tournament isn't invitational and read all the rules. Hey, I know its a lot to do to get somewhere but its worth it, especially when you win or catch the lunker because when you do everyone is shocked when they see that a team that is 20 years younger than anyone else there beats them.

 

I hope you can use some of this info and if you can get into tournaments i would like to know because its pretty cool, and here is a link to one of the tours I fish, look around it, its just to give you an idea of what to look for.

http://fixit4utrail.com/

[Munkin]

Look into your state BASS and see if they have a junior division. There is one here and some of the kids fishing are like 9yrs old.

 

Allen

[pbizzle]

I don't know if you go to church, but if you do try starting a bass club there. My church's has a lot of tournament guys and one FLW guy, so it will give you a good feel of how a tournament would be. Best of all you will have known most of these guys for a while so you'll be more comfortable fishing with them and vice versa.

[pbizzle]

Oh yeah you don't have to pay any thing. You'll probably want to give $20 bucks here and there for gas, but most of the time they won't accept it.