Bass Fishing Tournaments

Bass Fishing Tournaments

If you are interested in learning more about fishing tournaments or participating in a tournament for the first time, bass tournaments can be a great place to start. You don't need to have years of fishing experience to start fishing in a local bass tournament. There are bass fishing clubs in many states that welcome anglers at all levels.

While some anglers with a high level of experience may choose to fish in bass tournaments professionally, you can simply start with a fun tournament in your area to find out if tournament fishing is for you. If you enjoy largemouth bass fishing with artificial lures and like the idea of friendly competition, then find a bass tournament and get registered to participate.

How to Participate in Bass Tournaments

If you think you might want to participate in a bass tournament, you can find a local bass club, learn more about bass fishing techniques, bass fishing tricks and enter an upcoming event. Finding a local bass club isn't hard. There are many places you can get more information on bass clubs and bass fishing tournaments in your area.

• As one example, B.A.S.S. has a toll-free phone number that anglers can call to get contact information for bass clubs in their state or local area. You may also want to check with your local tackle shop or ask other local bass anglers about clubs that they would recommend.
• Once you find a club, you can join or find out if the club holds any open tournaments that allow anglers outside of the club to participate. If no open tournaments are available, you may want to consider joining. Aside from participating in tournaments, bass clubs can be a great way to socialize with other anglers, learn where to fish, and discover new bass fishing tips that apply to your local waterways.
• Check the bass tournament schedule and register to compete in your first tournament. Most bass clubs or tournament organizers will provide you with an entry form to complete and submit along with a tournament registration fee.
• Make sure you have all required safety gear, fishing licenses, and know the regulations for the waterway where the tournament will be held. Keep in mind that most tournament fishing boats are equipped with special livewell systems that keep bass alive and healthy until weigh-in time.
• Read all of the tournament rules so that you know what is expected, how the weigh in will be conducted, and what the tournament start and end times will be.
• If the rules allow, you may want to fish the lake or waterway where the tournament will be held within a few days prior to the event. This can give you a good idea of what the bite may be like, and give you clues to any particular fishing patterns that may be more successful.
• On tournament day, show up on time, be a good sport, use sound conservation practices, and have fun.

For state specific freshwater fishing information, or to get your fishing license online, check the state pages.