Where To Start?

[buzzed bait]

So I'm thinking about trying my hand in a tournament, but honestly haven't the slightest clue where to start.  That said, here are some qualifiers to maybe help get some input.

1. I would be a co-angler as I do not have a boat
2. I am not very competitive (i like competing, but for me winning is not everything)
3. I am not the most "social" person in the world so i'm not certain that a club would be right for me either
4. I love to fish and am obsessed with learning more, but would likely not be a very strong "team" partner to start so an individual type format would likely be best so as not to get any boaters mad.....
5. I would prefer some format where I do not have to fish every week, every tournament, attend every meeting, etc.

 

I know you're probably thinking this guy wants to half-ass around and no boater would want this guy, but it's not like that at all.  I just want to get my feet wet without ticking anybody off to see if tournament fishing is even something i like or if i should stick to the friendly fishing on the kayak....

 

Really appreciate any input/opinions from you guys.

[kikstand454]

Join a kayak bass fishing tournement.

Problem solved.

/thread

Don't stress too much about it. If you have a large popular lake nearby, there will be plenty of tournaments to get your feet wet at.

Show up to one with 3-4 rods, a small tackle bag, a cooler in your truck with a bag of ice, chips and some waters, and $20 in your pocket. Someone will pick you up.

Have fun! Its exciting!

[VAHunter]

#4 above will take you out of everything but the kayak tournament as you can't fish solo without a boat.  However, I agree with kikstand454, there is bound to be an open on a lake near you.  See if you can get in the back seat with a fishermen and keep an open mind.  Maybe you will like it, maybe not, but at least you gave it a try.

[buzzed bait]

I've considered a kayak tournament or two, but the crowd that i've ran into are for more concerned with the kayak and rigging of said kayak than actually catching a fish.  dont' get me wrong, rigging the yak is fun, but i'm trying to fish more than talk about the next thing to attach to a RAM mount....

 

good thoughts on showing up to the ramp.  any idea on where i could find some more information on "opens" in my area?

I really appreciate the help and advice.

[bradc36]

I've considered a kayak tournament or two, but the crowd that i've ran into are for more concerned with the kayak and rigging of said kayak than actually catching a fish.  dont' get me wrong, rigging the yak is fun, but i'm trying to fish more than talk about the next thing to attach to a RAM mount....

 

good thoughts on showing up to the ramp.  any idea on where i could find some more information on "opens" in my area?

I really appreciate the help and advice.

 

Try google. I know that's what I did and came across more clubs than I knew existed in the western New York area.

[Logan S]

If you're dead-set on not going the club route then look up the BFL schedule for your region.  They are big, but they are well organized and you will definately get the full tournament experience.  

 

I would advise against trolling the boat ramps with cash and tackle though .  Even opens you have to sign up for.  

 

Also know that there is no social or attendance requirement for the vast majority of clubs or open events...But you should at least be a little social/personable.  After all, you'll be sharing a boat with someone for 8 or 9 hours.

 

 

 

I would at least consider the club option.  You can always look up few in your area and see if their format fits what you want to do.  Obviously, I'm a little biased since I belong to a great one  .  Most clubs are big on learning with a little friendly competition thrown in...