I have been reading that the only way you can get in a Bass fishing tournament is to own a new boat and you need lots of sponsors !

Anyone heard differently ?

When I was a kid I was in a few fishing tournaments and those were not requirements !

Have things changed that much ?

There are plenty of local clubs and tournaments that you don't need a brand new boat for. I've fished some tournaments where people fish out of 20 year old, 12 foot boats. There are also tournaments/clubs you can fish as a coangler and get paired up with someone with a boat.

 

At the highest levels of bass fishing you probably need sponsors to afford the life, though.

You also need a fancy jersey

Hum ! So the Big time fishing tournaments means new boat and sponsors, maybe that will change ?

You know like the 70's when the women tennis players were getting 1000 dollar for professionally playing while the men were

getting 100,000 dollars.

To me everyone should be able to fish regardless of boat ,sponsors or tournament!

You also need a fancy jersey

Ha Ha Now I could go for that !

I fish a tournament almost every week.  Some have 15 boats, some have many more.  I don't have any sponsors, my boat is nearly 20 years old, and I do not wear a cute jersey.  I do carry a man purse, though, lol.

Don't believe anything a man purse wearing guy says. EVER. 

Don't believe anything a man purse wearing guy says. EVER. 

 

Even if it matches my shoes and belt?

Lanz, the only boating rules for tournaments relate to the length of the boat and motor horsepower.

 

Usually the length is at least 16-feet and you need at least a 50 horsepower outboard.

 

Some tournaments have no limitations so a John Boat with a 25 HP on the back is fine.

 

Check each tournament to see if they enforce boat sizes. I think you will find that they really don't care.

Even if it matches my shoes and belt?

You might want to stop while you're ahead

Lanz, the only boating rules for tournaments relate to the length of the boat and motor horsepower.

 

Usually the length is at least 16-feet and you need at least a 50 horsepower outboard. 

Some tournaments have no limitations so a John Boat with a 25 HP on the back is fine.

 

Check each tournament to see if they enforce boat sizes. I think you will find that they really don't care.

Thanks Sam for the skinny !

Looks like I will be taking a tape measure with me to states next trip , and a little cash

You got any idea what a used boat and motor that sized would go for?

Nope. Way too many out there and with the fishing season coming to an end for the year there will be some good buys in the marketplace.

Even if it matches my shoes and belt?

Especially then.

I fish a tournament almost every week. Some have 15 boats, some have many more. I don't have any sponsors, my boat is nearly 20 years old, and I do not wear a cute jersey. I do carry a man purse, though, lol.

TURN IN YOUR MAN CARD!!!

I fish a tournament almost every week.  Some have 15 boats, some have many more.  I don't have any sponsors, my boat is nearly 20 years old, and I do not wear a cute jersey.  I do carry a man purse, though, lol.

Been passe for about 30 years, if you live long enough you might be back in style one day. 

TURN IN YOUR MAN CARD!!!

 

Only if you show me your fashion police badge!

 

 

Obviously, I was kidding.  I don't carry a purse or a fanny pack, lol.

LOL, I still think this looks like you.

 

I don't wear crocs.  I'm a penny loafer man.

I don't wear crocs.  I'm a penny loafer man.

You're really not helping your cause

J, you are starting to sound like the Liberace of fishing!!

LOL, I've always thought it would be funny to do a "black tie" tournament.  Have everyone show up to fish in a tux.  Use the fees for charity or something.

I don't wear crocs.  I'm a penny loafer man.

no socks and with a popped collar 3 button polo shirt?

You know it.