I'm 17 and I would like to get into tournaments for the fact I have a lot of knowledge and fish catching ability the issue is I have no boat how do I get into the co-angler events

Find a local club and join as a co-angler. I live right down 79 from you and I can tell you there are a number of different clubs around western PA. 

I started as a backseater when I was 16. Joined a club that pairs the anglers up and had a good time. 

Would suggest one that has the boaters compete against each other while the co's compete against other co's. Makes it a more level playing field, which is a lot more fun. It is a great way to learn.

Would suggest one that has the boaters compete against each other while the co's compete against other co's. Makes it a more level playing field, which is a lot more fun. It is a great way to learn.

I agree with this.  May find people in this set up that are also willing to fish with you as a team if you two gel well together.  

I started as a backseater when I was 16. Joined a club that pairs the anglers up and had a good time.

I'm 16 and I fish in a club where you draw a partner for each tournament and you compete as a team. It's definitely a great format, if not the best for club events IMO.

I'm 16 and I fish in a club where you draw a partner for each tournament and you compete as a team. It's definitely a great format, if not the best for club events IMO.

That would be a nice setup. The club I fished in was individual effort and there was no boater/non-boater separation. It was everyone against everyone, even fishing against the I was in the boat with. 

Bass clubs are the way to go . I was in one as a teenager . 

That would be a nice setup. The club I fished in was individual effort and there was no boater/non-boater separation. It was everyone against everyone, even fishing against the I was in the boat with.

I do that now in a local club.

If I was starting out and had choice, that format would be my last choice.

OP, Absolutely find a local club.

IMHO Preferably one that you are not in direct Competition with your boater. You'll learn more without putting undue pressure on yourself.

Mike

That would be a nice setup. The club I fished in was individual effort and there was no boater/non-boater separation. It was everyone against everyone, even fishing against the I was in the boat with. 

I fish in a club which is this way as well.  Get's tiring to donate my money each tournament with little chance of winning anything.   Co-anglers can still do well in this format however the odds are definitely not in your favor.

I fish in a club which is this way as well.  Get's tiring to donate my money each tournament with little chance of winning anything.   Co-anglers can still do well in this format however the odds are definitely not in your favor.

On the surface that makes no sense. Why they would set it up that way? What's the reasoning behind it? I can only imagine the in boat arguments that must take place.

On the surface that makes no sense. Why they would set it up that way? What's the reasoning behind it? I can only imagine the in boat arguments that must take place.

Actually the members of the club are very respectful of the co-angler.  The issue is that no matter how reasonable the boater is they are generally in an advantageous position in most cases regardless of how fair they try to be.

 

In 4 years I have felt back boated maybe once or twice.  In those cases I don't even think it was intentional.  Just the case of the boater focusing on their fishing .... You are always going to find those moments.

That would be a nice setup. The club I fished in was individual effort and there was no boater/non-boater separation. It was everyone against everyone, even fishing against the I was in the boat with.

I like mine because it really allows you to learn and talk to your boater throughout the day. And when your partner catches one, you're just as happy as if it was yourself. It's been the perfect way for me to get started. Eventually I'd like to step up and do more TBF/ BFL events, but when you're just starting out, club and local open tournaments are the way to go.