Hello,

 

My daughter, now five, has expressed interest in joining tournaments.

 

I've thought that maybe something locally, within the next few years, might be cool. I'm currently redoing the boat's deck, and it should be good go go.

 

That said, the boat is a deep V with a 15hp motor. We used it to fish coves in local reservoirs and smaller lakes when I was growing up. Is there any reason this couldn't be used on the local level?

 

How do these tournaments even work?

 

Regards,

Josh

With my kids I started them out fishing local charity events that have divisions for farther or daughter or farther and son etc. These type of derbies are fund raisers and lots of fun and low competitive pressure. Check with a local bass club or call the lake you fish they will know what dates have been set aside for tournaments.

The standard safety equipment is usually required; PFD's, fire extinguisher and throw cushion, running lights and may need a livewell to weigh in bass.

Enjoy the time together lots of good memories.

Tom

On 5/31/2019 at 4:22 PM, Josh Smith said:

Hello,

 

My daughter, now five, has expressed interest in joining tournaments.

 

I've thought that maybe something locally, within the next few years, might be cool. I'm currently redoing the boat's deck, and it should be good go go.

 

That said, the boat is a deep V with a 15hp motor. We used it to fish coves in local reservoirs and smaller lakes when I was growing up. Is there any reason this couldn't be used on the local level?

 

How do these tournaments even work?

 

Regards,

Josh

Hi Josh ... I am in F. Wayne, somewhat close to your area, and have fish tons of team tournaments in the Wawasee area, the past 30 years. There are not too many "organized" tournaments in her age range that I am aware of, but you can look on the flwoutdoors.com site and look at their high school programs for the future. for now....the best bet would be for you to team up with her for a team ... I'm not aware of age restrictions, but could be depending on the particular tournament. How they work? Most tournaments are somewhat organized, meaning the director has likely obtained clearance to hold the tournament from local officials. Teams all pay an entry fee, and those moneys are divided up among the winners.... typically the heaviest limit of fish declares the winners.. Check at your local tackle shops ....most that hold tournaments have them posted.

It could be an opportunity for you to organize an adult/child format league. ..... good luck!   Jim

My 5 year old fishes probably 6-7 tournaments with me a year. He just fishes with me. Not a lot of sub-5th grade tournaments out there that I know of. So we just fish with the adults. It's fun. Probably a good idea to start with short tournaments. We usually fish nights or derbies that my buddy and I put on. Btw there's nothing better than having a 5 year old carry(with help) the winning bag to the scales lol

Most of the small local tournaments around here only require a working live well, and coast guard required safety gear.   You could start with local evening tournaments.  They aren't always advertised much, I just found most of the ones in my area by checking out local public boat launches on my way home from work.  

 

 

Check local tackle shops for info too,  the owners usually have all the info on smaller or weekday events.

 

I have my niece pegged as a future tournament partner, but her attention span currently last for one fish or a hour....whichever one comes first.

 

 

Most local clubs require a working livewell. Everything else is subjective.