My young son and I have gotten into (small-time, recreational) bass fishing over the past few years, and now we follow the pros on social media, fishing publications, etc.

 

I have never been to a bass tournament, but thinking about going to the Bassmaster Elite at Cherokee Lake in TN next month. 

 

I've seen the shots of the pros heading out, and watched weigh-ins online.  It sure looks like the Classic would be worthwhile, with all the surrounding events and exhibits.

 

Is it worthwhile to go to an Elite Tournament?  

 

If we went, without a boat, what would we get out of it as spectators, and what would we see?  Anything?  

 

How would you get the most out of it?  Can you meet the pros and talk to them?

 

Thanks for any recommendations.

 

 

 

 

I've been to the Classic twice and one Elite event. There's not a whole lot going on at the Elites. You can watch what you can see from the boat or shore, then you can watch the weigh in and possibly get to chat with some of the pros. I talked to several of them and got a few autographs when I went. The weigh in is pretty cool to watch. I would suggest going, but I wouldn't plan on making an entire day of it unless you find a popular fishing spot to watch from if you're shore bound. 

I agree with Bluebasser. I've been to 2 Elite events, one in Philly and the other in Upstate NY and other than getting to ride in a new Skeeter bass boat (Skeeter had local reps giving 5 minute spins in boats) there wasn't much to do before the weight-ins. What I really liked was being able to check out some of the gear the pros were using. You get to walk right down to the dock and eyeball some of the rods, reels and lures they have. 

Without a boat you can see the launch, if you want to get up that early, and the weigh-in. Some pros will stick around for autographs and to talk, others will bolt right out of there, especially if they've had a bad day. There are sponsor booths where you can check out and sometimes buy products. If you go on Saturday, some of the pros who didn't make the cut might be in the  booths so you can chat with them. If your son wants to meet a particular pro, ask one of the B.A.S.S. folks, they might be able to help make it happen. Good luck, have fun, and props to you for encouraging your son in fishing!

I think its worth going to the weigh in if you've never seen one in person.  Mercer does a good job asking all the anglers how their day was, what they think of the fishery, etc.  Its interesting to see what they all say.  I never went to the Bassmaster University event but I'd like to attend that sometime and talk directly to the pros.

Forget the Elites and head to the Bassmaster Classic.

It is fantastic!!!!!