lokking to fish tourns in tampa area & need help.

[claydee]

I'm looking for one of the smaller clubs in the tampa area, I don't want to drive all over the state to fish,and have them big boats capsize me on my bass tracker. Plus I don't wanna have to join 10 groups and have a half a million dollars worth of insurance on a 10 thousand dollar boat. I wanna fish with people like me, who enjoy fishing w/out the big bankrolls. Please help, I'm ready to fish now.

[ABLE2DISABLE1]

Try and locate Florida Pond Jumpers, they have a lot of local tourneys around the Lake Hatchineha area.Ill try and dig up the phone #s for you.That's if they are still holding events in the Tampa area.

[claydee]

thank you I will try to find them, I have heard of them but it has been a while. Thank you

[Dockhead]

I believe Pond Jumpers went under, so to speak. There is another small boat club in central Florida, the castaways. (castawaysbassfishing.com)

If you are interested in a draw format, South Pasco Bassmasters is a great club - meetings are in Land O' Lakes, just north of Tampa. Usually 10 or 12 boats per tourney, really just an easy-going bunch of guys who like to have a good time and catch a few bass in the process.

Check out southpascobassmasters.com

[masterbaiter99]

Also try the Bay Area Bassmasters. I got my start there out of a Tracker and did just fine....good group of guys and fun club to be a part of. Also a Federation Nation club.

www.bayareabassmasters.com

[CaseyBass]

I have been a member of Castaways Bass Fishing since 2007 and its a really well run small boat Team tournament trail.  I fished Pond Jumpers for three seasons and those were really cool but he decided to stop doing it after the 25 years or so.  But its a lot of the same Anglers from Pond Jumpers, a good group of people. 17ft max and 40 hp max, we fish from January to October, 12 tournaments with 2 in February, 2 in June, and 1 each of the other months.  We fish Istokpoga, Toho, Hatchineha, Kissimmee, Winter Haven Chain, Walk in Water, Tarpon (which is real close to you), and a few others.  He pays four places and gives plaques and trophys.  $50 team entry and $15 annual membership.  The tournament directors name is Johnny Lockaby and he does a great job.  I can give you his phone number if you are interested. 

[FD.]

I don't fish in a club anymore but here is a listing of most the area tournaments to choose from.

http://www.theledger.com/section/sports09

scroll down and choose the upcoming tournaments link, it's updated every week or so

[claydee]

Casey Bass I talked to Johny, the only forseeable problem is my 88' 45 hp. Merc. I'm gonna be at the ramp with y'all Sat. morning hopefully all the guys will let me join. I've got my fingers crossed, what are my odds, do you think they'll object?