I've been fishing for my entire life but just began to get serious about it in the past few years. I am now completely hooked (please excuse the pun). I want to start fishing tournaments but I'm completely at a loss for what I should have in the way of gear to begin fishing competitively. Is there any must haves and ideas for how to begin. Thanks to everyone who responds!

You don't need anything special - you are already catching fish so you're set!  I would look to try and find a local bass club and join them.  As for tournament day, fish what you are confident in. 

 

Good luck!

Everyone fishes different . Some guys have success with the run and gun technique. Some guys camp out on a spot. I usually had a plan A and plan B . Plan  A was usually a specific spot or spots and plan B was usually an area . 

The one tip I would give you is if you have any specific questions, ask them on here before you sign up for a tournament.

 

Example: How much gas money should I give the boater (assuming that you are going as a co-angler at first)?

How many rods should I bring?

 

Things of that nature.

 

Get them all out there ahead of time instead of finding out too late.

I like the less is more attitude.  Raingear/small bag/food an drink/four or five rods.  Like was mentioned above take your strengths and practice new stuff at home for the most part.  Relax enjoy yourself and help boater with his gas/oil bill.

Welcome to the forum. There're lots of good folks and information to be derived from those here. I'll second the local bass clubs. Most folks there will be glad to lend advice and guidance to anyone starting on their quest. I agree with the minimalistic approach. Keep an open mind. I guarantee that you can learn some new tactic or a twist on an old one from anybody. Prime example is a young neighbor who I got into bass fishing when he was 9 years old. He's now twenty and I am learning from him ! Good luck and tight lines.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

One of the most important things to take with you is the proper attitude, especially if a co-angler. 

Honestly it is so over talked about people just brush it off.... But having a confident attitude is the best tool. You have to truly believe that you will succeed!!!

As far as gear goes just have your strengths and enough to adapt and be versatile

Honestly it is so over talked about people just brush it off.... But having a confident attitude is the best tool. You have to truly believe that you will succeed!!!

As far as gear goes just have your strengths and enough to adapt and be versatile

I think the mental part is something that I have down to a science because of my wrestling career. Mike Iaconelli talks about how fishing is mainly a mental sport all the time. So I think it's just a matter of learning, sharpening and executing my skills. Thanks for bringing it up though! The mental side of things is unlike that of nearly any other sport

I only will accept 20-25 bucks, or lunch and water. =) and I fished last year as a Co angler and half of this year as a Co angler the other half as a boater. Oh yeah and no more than 6 rods and bag that hold 3 3700 boxes and rain gear. Maybe a small bag for all your plastics.