Collegiate bass anglers?

[bmadd]

Tin- it's an awesome deal man. When I competed in the College Bass national tournament it was like living the dream man. At the tournament meeting we got to see behind the scene and actually go in front of a camera on the bassmaster studio stage. We had a paid hotel, paid food, everything. For sure, the best time of my life so far.

[Tin]

Are there any schools offering scholarships yet?

[bmadd]

Not that I'm aware of and I'm not sure any clubs could do so now or in the near future. In order for scholarship dollars they would first have to receive money from the school's Athletic Department, some schools already do receive money. Second they would have to compete for scholarship dollars with football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, etc.. It is highly unlikely to see that to happen anytime soon I believe.

[Tin]

I would love to do it, but if there is no money to help me out I really can't do it. Out-of-state tuitions can be two to three times greater then in-state.  

[FHUAngler]

Do what I did: Nail the ACT and get to school on a full scholarship lol. Or just start a club at your current school. That's what we did, and now we basically get to fish for free...gas paid for, entry fees paid for, etc.

[bmadd]

Yea it's really not that hard Tin. Tyler and I could help you with anything you need. Just find somebody who could fish the tournaments with you and go from there.

[Tin]

Thanks guys. I'm surprised ACT's are so big down there. Up here no one takes them and all schools care about is SAT's.

[bmadd]

Haha...I don't know of one person who has taken the SAT around here...go figure

[FHUAngler]

Same here. I know no one at my school who took the SAT. Just a hint-you might wanna get all the constitution and documents and stuff from the CBAA website and put them on your computer before the website shuts down. That could happen in all seriousness in the next couple of months. Now that the big dogs are getting seriously involved, the little guys should fold rather quickly. I am glad to see FLW and BASS getting involved in this.

[Kozak]

I'll be heading off to college next year and yeah I actually somewhat based my choices on whether or not they had a Bass Club  ;D

My two top choices are Texas A&M and NC State U, currently waiting to hear back from them, fingers are crossed to the point where they may be molded together permantly  

I'm from MA though, up in the NorthEast so I don't know if that will have a effect on whether I get accepted or not, I'm hoping not.  It's going to be a little more expensive than a in-state school if I get in, but I figured, either go big or go home. It's kind of cold here in MA so I'd rather not stay home.

Where ever I end up I'm looking to major in fisheries/conservation and a minor in business, eventually become a pro bass angler but work with a fishing company in marketing/retail in between becoming a pro and college.

[bmadd]

Those are some good choices Kozak. If you're serious about trying to go pro then those two programs will be good at building your experience and the college competitions will give you a small feel of the big show. Good luck on your acceptance man  

[rfrazier]

I'm on the University of Oregon Club, pretty much the lone club team out west. Swing by your school's club office or email them about starting a bass club. I'm sure they could help you out. The money part is hard, but you can collect members fees. Ask your local bass clubs if they would be willing to help out as boaters etc.. The oregon club was only started a few years ago, but we have a ton of members.

[Bass XL]

now how does the whole boat thing work out? Like will I need to bring my boat to college? or what?

And in the national tournaments, are the boats provided?

Sorry, it may be a stupid question, but its been on my mind for a while now.

[bmadd]

You will need to take your own boats to the tournaments unless a) your school is sponsored by a boat company or you're going to be fishing as a co-angler. As for the National Tournaments, boats are not provided. I believe the Fox Sports National Tournament, the boats used for the 5 times fishing the last day get to fish out of new Rangers but otherwise you are on your own.

[Kozak]

Update:

I was accepted into NCSU and will be majoring in Fisheries & Wildlife, minoring in Business, and of course- collegiate angling  8-)  Hopefully I'll get myself some publicity and find out what the tournament world is like.

How pumped are you Ben? I've got a nice little countdown-until-graduation going over here.

[GSU_Fishing]

Hey guys, I got a question or two for yall. Im with Georgia Southern Univ Southern Bass Anglers and we just competed in Auburns southern series at wheeler. we did pretty good considering it was our first tourney. Anyway...we are pretty much broke and are scrapping together fundraisers to get to Weiss...how do yall get funds for travelling? and for those who competed in the national champ at lewisville...how in the world did yall afford that??? lastly we are looking at hosting an invatational at Clarks Hill Res in either july or october!! let me know what yall think about it and get back to me!!

Preciate it fellas.

~Kyle

[Bassnbrett101]

I'll be heading off to college next year and yeah I actually somewhat based my choices on whether or not they had a Bass Club ;D

My two top choices are Texas A&M and NC State U, currently waiting to hear back from them, fingers are crossed to the point where they may be molded together permantly

I'm from MA though, up in the NorthEast so I don't know if that will have a effect on whether I get accepted or not, I'm hoping not. It's going to be a little more expensive than a in-state school if I get in, but I figured, either go big or go home. It's kind of cold here in MA so I'd rather not stay home.

Where ever I end up I'm looking to major in fisheries/conservation and a minor in business, eventually become a pro bass angler but work with a fishing company in marketing/retail in between becoming a pro and college.

Lol i'm trying to do the same thing! except since we dont have a club here at frostburg i'm workin my way up through the state. I'm halfway there but the next half is the more difficult part lol

[Kozak]

yeah, I thank God I got into a southern college where bassin' is prominent.

[bmadd]

Kyle, I'll be honest with you man. We pay out of pocket for a LOT. You can go to some local businesses and present them with a well thought out advertising/partnership offer. Also, fund raisers man. As the weather warms up do car washes. Hold small tournaments on some smaller lakes. Be creative with it man. Money can be had in different places, you've just got to work at it man.

[JFork]

Hey guys this is my first post on the forum.  Just found it, anyways we have had a club here at UCF for about 3 years now.  Recently we joined the NCBFC.  We have about 50 members and hope to send two teams to the Championship this year in TX.  

If there are any other Florida school on here please contact me.  We would like to set up some tournaments with other school locally.

[bmadd]

Hey JFork, glad to see you found us here man. Hopefully I'll see you out on the water at one of these tournaments one day.

Braden

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

8-)

[Copen1822]

I'm in the process of trying to start a club here at UW-Stevens Point, but so far it's been hard to get any serious interest going. Too many people say they love to fish but really just want to sit in the sun and drink :

[Peter E.]

I went through the same thing at South. The thing to do is to get a mass email sent out. You'll get a ton of replies, and a mess of people will show up for the first meeting, then after a month you'll be left with the really dedicated folks. You'll get there and if you have any questions pm me.

Peter

[Trick Worm]

auburn has a fishing team......wha wha what