How Did You "know"

[Jiggy With It]

Well I've been bass fishing since I could walk and had several opportunities to fish sanctioned tournaments but I never jumped on the opportunities, which is a shame because my buddies ended up taking home the State Championship title. I grew up fishing with them and while I wasn't on their "level", I could hold my own and was mainly after enjoyment rather than competition. Now several years later I got that urge to take bass fishing to another level but I don't know where to start. My college has a "team" but they don't fish anything big and the fee is around $2k per year from what I've heard... I'm not looking to spend that kind of money right off the bat.

 

After that long-winded post, how did you guys know when you were "ready" to start fishing at a higher level? How did you get your foot in the door to start fishing competitively? 

[Bluebasser86]

You don't until you try honestly.

 

I started in a bass club, but you can jump into it at almost any point you want other than the very top. Bass clubs are a good place to try to get a feel for if it's a good idea for you to try to go further or not with very little risk involved. 

[Lund Explorer]

Well I've been bass fishing since I could walk and had several opportunities to fish sanctioned tournaments but I never jumped on the opportunities, which is a shame because my buddies ended up taking home the State Championship title. I grew up fishing with them and while I wasn't on their "level", I could hold my own and was mainly after enjoyment rather than competition. Now several years later I got that urge to take bass fishing to another level but I don't know where to start. My college has a "team" but they don't fish anything big and the fee is around $2k per year from what I've heard... I'm not looking to spend that kind of money right off the bat.

 

After that long-winded post, how did you guys know when you were "ready" to start fishing at a higher level? How did you get your foot in the door to start fishing competitively? 

 

The short winded reply would be to say that the only one limiting your access to this higher level is going to be you.  There are plenty of choices out there if you look hard enough.  Set your own goals and start looking for something that fits.

 

Getting started was the easy part.  Plenty of groups willing to accept your donations to the prize pot!

[corn-on-the-rob]

If tournament fishing sounds like a fun idea to you, then chances are you will like it. Like others mentioned I would try to start with a club to get your feet wet before doing any large tournaments.

 

Also remember to have fun. If that ever changes, tournament fishing probably isn't for you. Keep in mind that even the most successful anglers win/finish high only a small percentage of the time. Give it a shot!

[Felix77]

Lol. I laugh because there were 2 things I knew when I got into fishing.

1 - I enjoy competition

2 - I enjoy fishing

To me it was a no brainer to join a club and just do it even with only a few months experience fishing altogether. Two wins and a few "in the money"'s later and I have no regrets. Learn, compete and have fun!

[jhoffman]

Its tough to judge on the lower level if youre ready for the bigger events. Bigger events have things like restrictions on how much you can fish before an event, official practice times and rules that while likely still bent are there to help level the field.

 

You cant really get a good grip on how good you are unless the club makes significant travel to new places frequently. If the club fishes a few home lakes, the guys who have the most time to fish will always be the best. It sharpens your skill yes but theres a lot to be said for not having to find fish on the day of the event.

 

Swindle said a long time ago, youll never know who is the best until the classic date/venue isnt announced till it happens, put your boat on a truck, show up and fish. No practice no nothing, everyone start from scratch.

 

Really, its like anything, the more time and money you can dedicate to it, likely the better you will be. If youre driving down the bank looking at an hds12 and can see that tree you thought about fishing doesnt hold fish, you simply dont stop. The next guy who doesnt have that technology burns precious time because the cover "looks" good.

[Jiggy With It]

Thanks for the advice guys, I may start off kayak fishing small events since I don't own a boat (yet). I understand kayak tournament fishing is a different animal but it's similar in nature. Unless I can co-angler for some smaller events..?

[jhoffman]

You can co angler in smaller events but youll likely have to find your own team member with a boat or join a club that has co-anglers. Most of the smaller events where more than one guy is at it, its usually a team event. Not as youre thinking with pro/co like on tv.

[Catt]

Can you consistantly finsh in the top ten at your present level?

There are plenty anglers who donate entry fees!

[Jiggy With It]

Can you consistantly finsh in the top ten at your present level?

There are plenty anglers who donate entry fees!

 

I've never really compared myself to other anglers, with my buddies (who fish Collegiate FLW events) there have been days that I out-fish them and vice versa. I can consistently catch 5-6 fish over 2-3lbs in a 4 hour fishing trip (on a 2YO reservoir). I've never had a problem catching fish whether it be a pond or large lake but consistently catching fish 5lbs & up is where I need to practice.. but who doesn't ?? 

[Catt]

I've never really compared myself to other anglers, with my buddies (who fish Collegiate FLW events) there have been days that I out-fish them and vice versa. I can consistently catch 5-6 fish over 2-3lbs in a 4 hour fishing trip (on a 2YO reservoir). I've never had a problem catching fish whether it be a pond or large lake but consistently catching fish 5lbs & up is where I need to practice.. but who doesn't ??

In a field of 100 anglers where do you feel you could consistantly place.

The Money Trails around here have guides & Pros fishing them, is that the level you can compete with?

You have ask yourself honestly "how good am I"?

[Jiggy With It]

In a field of 100 anglers where do you feel you could consistantly place.

The Money Trails around here have guides & Pros fishing them, is that the level you can compete with?

You have ask yourself honestly "how good am I"?

I guess I'll never know until I try! I'm not cocky by any means, but I feel comfortable finishing in the top 25 consistently for leagues around here.   

[roadwarrior]

You need to win a few club tournaments and consistantly be close to the top

if you want to advance to the next level. Otherwise, as Catt stated, you may

just end up donating entry fees.