I wanted to join a club but I didn't know if I need to own a boat. I know that clubs have tournments and I didn't know if I had to have my own boat to compete. Also, what clubs are near Tampa.

I can't tell you of clubs near Tampa but I know most clubs usually have a non-boaters part of it.

Every club I know of has non-boaters but you should check the clubs website to make sure.  As a non-boater you will fish from the back of the boat and are EXPECTED to help pay for gas on the boat.  There are several good articles about non-boaters on this site you should read 'em.

Also, what clubs are near Tampa.

This will give you a start: http://www.floridabassfederation.com/clubs

This was brought up at our meeting tonight.  About 95% of our membership owns boats.  We need more non-boaters, but most people think that you have to own a boat in order to join a club.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I own a boat and I still fish our club touraments as a non-boater.