I read a post about a guy heading to Cheasapeake bay  to fish as a co-angler and was wondering how he got there.  I fish in local clubs and have my days but would like to fish in a bit more serious tournament.  I'm not talking the Elite Series or FLW but I know there are bigger more lucrative series in the area and know nothing about them.  I don't even know the name or would Google them.

You read all of this stuff about Professional Anglers starting off in the BFL or Federation as amateurs but I don't get it all.  Is there a sign up that anyone can do?  Are only certain people invited from sanctioned clubs?  Is it invite only?

Thanks for any information.

In NY state we have the NY Bass Chapter Fed. series.  There should be something similar in MD.

Anybody can fish in the opens as a co-angler as long as they are willing to pay for it.

Google: bass tournaments. About ten thousand to pick from

Lots of local clubs are affiliated with BASS or FLW.  I know more about the BASS ones cuz I'm in one so I can tell you about that.  A club can be part of the Federation Nation which just means it's BASS affiliated.  Each club can send there top 6 anglers to a statewide tournament through which you can qualify for higher level tournaments but that's a long difficult process.  If you wanna put down $75 you can fish in your state's federation chapter opens as a co-angler or $125 to be a boater.  No invites.  Theres lots of other small, non-affiliated circuits as well.  Google Bass tournaments in Maryland, or Open bass tournaments, or BASS federation nation, you should find what you're lookin for.

Try mdbass.com  It's the MD bass federation website. You might find some info or clubs on there if you're interested.

Thanks for all the info.  I am currently in a club in my area that is affiliated with BASS but doesn't send anyone regardless of finish to the "next level" tournament.

I was looking for something that I could pay to be in and fish against that next level of anglers.  Not that I think I'm that great but it's good to know the progression of things.

I used to play competetive paintball and in the day I played you had to qualify to play on the "pro" circuit.  Now you just pay the entree fee and declare you level even if it's pro.  I didn't know if fishing had something that like or not.

So basically what I'm understanding is that if I have the money and the boat I can enter the Federation circuit in my area, which would require some traveling but it sounds like anyone could run to walmart and grab a rod and reel and a bag of plastics and enter.  You don't have to have any prior tournament wins to qualify for them, just the though that you can compete and the money to buy in.  It obviously makes sense to be as good as you can and have some experience but technically you don't have to.

The club I'm in now just required a current member to invite me.  So i was curious.

You  don't need a boat!!!

Join the BASS Federation and look up you state Fed tournaments and sign up.  They will match you.  Thats how you make the state team.

Good luck