I have recently got back into the bass seen after about 5 years and I am really enjoying myself.  I am thinking of getting involved in some open tourneys next year and maybe a club.  I am just curious to the guys or gals out there that have or presently fish tournaments how did you get started and what would you do different.  For an example I wish I was a little more versatile with deep water fishing or using a jig etc.  I look forward to hearing the stories and advice.  Thanks in advance.  

D3

the internet is your best tool for finding a good bass club to join.

http://www.bassresource.com/bassfish/bass_fishing_clubs.html

thats a good place to start looking for a club. id attent a few meetings, talk to members and make a choice.

the internet is your best tool for finding a good bass club to join.

http://www.bassresource.com/bassfish/bass_fishing_clubs.html

I started in the '70s with a local club and fished every money tournament in my area.  As I got better at tournament fishing I fished several tournament trails(never good enough to make the big time) and was in the money enough to cover expenses.  Now that I have joined Team Depends(many, many years ago) I fish 2 0r 3 local tournaments a week, still in the money enough to make expenses).  When I get so old I am nor competitive I will go back to fun fishing.

Kelley

Triton 21 I really like the way you put it in your post. I think maybe I worded it wrong or people are perceiving it wrong. I am looking to see what others would have done diferent knowing what they know now  prior to tourny fishing.

D3

Well, I would have started earlier if I knew what I know now.  i think the best way that I could have bettered myself would have been fishing more tournaments earlier with different people.  

=) I love my partner and he helps me alot but, sometimes when you first start tournament fishing it is good to see how others do it as well.  So, if you join a club where it is everyone for themself, it is okay to fish with different partners and learn EVERY technique that might help you out.   (Even if you already know the technique....maybe you normally dont use it on that lake or something.....) This makes you see everyones perspective and become more open minded.

the internet is your best tool for finding a good bass club to join.

http://www.bassresource.com/bassfish/bass_fishing_clubs.html

I started in the '70s with a local club and fished every money tournament in my area. As I got better at tournament fishing I fished several tournament trails(never good enough to make the big time) and was in the money enough to cover expenses. Now that I have joined Team Depends(many, many years ago) I fish 2 0r 3 local tournaments a week, still in the money enough to make expenses). When I get so old I am nor competitive I will go back to fun fishing.

Kelley

Kelley-

Who are you kidding?

You'll be fishing tounaments at 90. Next year right? ;D

the internet is your best tool for finding a good bass club to join.

http://www.bassresource.com/bassfish/bass_fishing_clubs.html

I started in the '70s with a local club and fished every money tournament in my area. As I got better at tournament fishing I fished several tournament trails(never good enough to make the big time) and was in the money enough to cover expenses. Now that I have joined Team Depends(many, many years ago) I fish 2 0r 3 local tournaments a week, still in the money enough to make expenses). When I get so old I am nor competitive I will go back to fun fishing.

Kelley

Kelley-

Who are you kidding?

You'll be fishing tounaments at 90. Next year right? ;D

You mean he's not 90 already??

:running/:

Joined a local bass club.  

I wouldn't change a thing. I caught my first fish when I was 2.5yrs old. I started tournament fishing when I was 5 and won every shore fishing tournament I entered until age 15 which was around 5-10 tournaments a year. I also won numerous catfish tournaments. I entered the bass masters kids casting tournament and won my regional event and getting 3rd at the state event. At age 16 I got a boat and fished every open I could fishing lakes that I've never fished and didn't make the money once.

This was my worst year ever but I didn't give up. I kept fishing, talking to elderly guys, and reading on every site I could. I learned tricks to every technique and every situation with the weather and time of the year. I came back out the following year and put my knowledge to the test. I captured 2 tournament wins and 6 other top 3 finishes.

At age 18 I kept reading every article and talking to anyone that would bless me with their knowledge. If they were talking id listen/ease drop. I had a great season with a few wins and 15 top 3 finishes.

Picking up sponsors was a great thing at age 17-18 it allowed me to fish more tournaments by saving lots of money on tackle. This current season I have entered numerous tournaments. 30-40 so far this year. With I've recorded several wins with a few seconds and numerous thirds I dnt have the exact numbers with me but I do know I broke th20 top 3 finishes about 6 was ago, and got 3 more in the past 2 weeks. So Im over 50% in the money.

My next step is to save enough money to enter larger tournaments. Which is really ruffled with college. But im trying hard.

So, with that said. I wouldn't change a thing.

JJ

Thanks JJ that is what I am looking for advice like that.

D3

I skipped my 4th period Calc class as a junior in high school and went to Wal-Mart to buy some spinnerbaits. I just so happened to meet the RI BASS Youth Director buying senkos. The next two years I would go to BASS and FLW world championships and finishing in the top 10, won about 25 other t's in the past 4 years and last year won a Bassmaster Weekend Series event on Lake Champlain. Could have really done somethings last year, I qualified for the Weekend Series Regionals but couldn't go because of that dam spider.