I'm exploring tournament fishing options with the added caveat that I don't own a boat so it must be as a coangler or team up with a boat owner for buddy type tournaments. Obviously I've looked at the BFL and other similar coangling options and I may do some of them. 

 

Have also been networking here in the area to explore more local options. I talked with a boater who fishes buddy tournaments with a local BASS affiliated bass club, and he also fishes some Angler's Choice tournaments, and he offered to let me team up with him. I have not heard of the Angler's Choice circuit before. I have read through their website, rules, looked at results at local lakes, all of that kind of stuff, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has fished their events. Just trying to get a feel on the climate, competition level, that kind of stuff that's not instantly apparent from websites and rules. 

 

Any info or experience on these tournaments would be great. Thanks much.

I fished Anglers Choice buddy tournaments for 5 or 6 years in Northern IL. You can qualify for the tournament of Champions which is a 200 boat tourney where they give away boats as prizes in lieu of cash. If you don't mind a 70% payback at the ramp and normal tournament politics, then go for it. They tout, or at least used to, 100% payback BUT that includes the give away boats. If you have no plans on travelling to fish the TOC, you could probably find a local club that pays back 90% or more at the ramp.

Fished them too a number if tears ago.  Organizers want to make a dime too and nothing wrong in my opinion...we all have a choice.  Had fun.