want to get into tournaments

[fishing man]

hi, ok so i am 16 years old and want to get into bass tournaments. but i ahve a couple questions, and i was wondering if anyone can help me with them. for one i cant find any tournaments around the clevland area, does anyone know were i can find that information?

[flbassman]

I don't specifically know about Cleveland, but try googling. I would avoid only looking for youth tournaments, b/c there really aren't that many of these. Just find a little club in your area and start fishing with them...

[Captmikestarrett]

Why?

The money ,,,the fame,,,,or the forced practice???

Some things are simple, is this?

Capt Mike

[BigBassin144]

I'd try some local clubs. I am still trying to find one. I live not too far from cleveland. (Toledo actually) anyways, good luck finding some tourney's and better luck if you get in em!

--bb144--

[3dkicker]

You can first do the google thing and see what's in the area. Then you can attend meetings and see what it will cost you to become a member, dues, costs per tournament, etc. You'll find that most clubs will cost you some $$$$$.
Then you can try this. Look up the Jr BASS representative for Ohio. Contact him or her. Find five guys in your area or school that want to fish. Start a school sponsored club. Not hard. Pay $20 per person. Get the magazines and other stuff that comes with it. Hold meetings, elect officers, and put that down on your college apps (they love that stuff). Run a casting contest at the local Octoberfest or Fall Festival (more community service stuff for your resume). Then you hold your own tournaments, get a couple jon boats, fish and have fun with your friends on the local ponds or lakes on the days that you want to fish. You also get to fish State Qualifiers, State Championships (if you're good enough) and Six-Man team Tournaments. You might even find a teacher or two who fish and can teach you something other than the 3 R's.

[flbassman]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

I'd try some local clubs. I am still trying to find one. I live not too far from cleveland. (Toledo actually) anyways, good luck finding some tourney's and better luck if you get in em!

--bb144--

I have family in perrysburg, maumee and wauseon....It's nice up there...

[fishing man]

ok so i have been doing some research and i have found some tournaments close to me, by FLW. now i have one more question, when i go to register do i do the same thing as the pros pretty much even thow im going to be a co-angler?

[lizardsrule]

Originally Posted by fishing man

ok so i have been doing some research and i have found some tournaments close to me, by FLW. now i have one more question, when i go to register do i do the same thing as the pros pretty much even thow im going to be a co-angler?

You better read up on the rules. You will be in the back of the boat, you will not have any control over where or how you are fishing. If you are fishing with some of these folks, I can assure you they will back boat you without a doubt. Now I don't even think you can get into the FLW without some credentials, you should start in the BFL division, and see how you like that. You can and will learn a lot, and many times you'll learn the guy up front doesn't have a clue

Lizards

[JB]

ahh lizardson, you learned so quickly

[perkdog65]

Excellent advise there 3dkicker.

[zooker]

Originally Posted by Captmikestarrett

Why?

The money ,,,the fame,,,,or the forced practice???

i loath the forced practice also.. rather hit the lake hard tourny day and not second guess your self because you caught a fish somewhere else..

zooker

[3dkicker]

With the FLW (FLW, Stren, and BFL) you need to find out when you can pay your entry fees. Depending on your qualifications can determine when you can register. Call them up, reserve your spot (pay half now and half later), and wait for the tournament. Go to the registration and the meeting, meet your partner, tell a bunch of lies, and then go out the next day and hopefully the pairing gods have been good to you and you get to fish with an exceptional person. By this I mean someone who wants you to do as well or better than he/she does. They do exist and I do enjoy fishing with them.

I still think you should look into my earlier suggestion. BASS has just changed their rules that allow 16-18 year old Junior Members eligible for their Open tournaments.

[lizardsrule]

Originally Posted by 3dkicker

With the FLW (FLW, Stren, and BFL) and hopefully the pairing gods have been good to you and you get to fish with an exceptional person. By this I mean someone who wants you to do as well or better than he/she does. They do exist and I do enjoy fishing with them.

I have also had some good partners. However more times than not, you aren't that lucky, or the fishing gods just like palying with me I still may do it again, but I definately understand how it works, and that I'm at the mercy of someone I've never met, and don't have a clue if they can even cast a crankbait, let alone take me to fish. But I did learn a lot from several folks, who were pretty darn good bass fisherman.

Lizards