danbouck Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 My fishing buddy and I have decided to start hitting tournaments consistantly next year. I have a 16.5' Legend with a 50 on the back and some decent gear (nothing fancy or expensive). I'm curious what exactly I would require for bigger tourneys. Would I need to drop some money on some really good gear? Is there a minimum HP for some tourneys? Do I need sponsors? Are there a lot of tourney guys that don't run bass boats? Where is a good place to start? I'm hoping to not have to drop a lot of cash for anything because I know the entry fees are pretty high already and the kids still want to eat. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest skeeter99 Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 (edited) My fishing buddy and I have decided to start hitting tournaments consistantly next year. I have a 16.5' Legend with a 50 on the back and some decent gear (nothing fancy or expensive). I'm curious what exactly I would require for bigger tourneys. Would I need to drop some money on some really good gear? Is there a minimum HP for some tourneys? Do I need sponsors? Are there a lot of tourney guys that don't run bass boats? Where is a good place to start? I'm hoping to not have to drop a lot of cash for anything because I know the entry fees are pretty high already and the kids still want to eat. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Dan nope you are fine with what you have the entry fees for bassmania are $300 a tournament so $150 per guy not to bad imo.. remember it is not the stick, but the sticker all those other fancy boats high horepower are nice and yes I have one but,, BOTTOM LINE you must catch fish remember those BIG NAMES are human just like you so DO NOT be intimidated a word of advice do lots od practice on the lakes the tournies are on and I mean lots and you will be fine for every tourney I pre fish at least 5 days, if all you are cathing is 2 pounders forget it you will not get a pay cheque one strategy is you either go out and catch fish or do you want to win five 3 pounders beats five 2 pounders everytime, go out and plan on only getting 5 bites all day of 3 to 4 pound fish Edited August 17, 2009 by skeeter99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mart Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 The bassmania 100's are the perfect level to start out at. They are on smaller lakes and there are alot of teams with boats the size of yours. You won't feel out of place there. Good Luck!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duber Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 Here on the bay in the last Quinte series bass tourney 4 of the teams in the top 10 had smaller boats under 115hp.The team that got second caught the fish that put them in second (5 pounder) just feet from the wiegh-in.Jump in and have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohhenrygsr Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 you know what the best way to learn about tournament fishing is to join a B.A.S.S Chapter. You can join as boater or a non boater. I would recommend doing at least a couple of non boater tournaments first to see what it really takes to become a tourney angler. It's true you don't need a big boat and sponsors. It's all about getting out on the lake learning it and your ambition, will power and what motivates you to finish 1st . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slayingm Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 Dan, The advise and replies thus far are great and offer good advise. I have fished Professional Bass and Walleye events for 20 years and in 1992 Won $19,375.00 fishing out of a 15.5ft Smoker Craft with a 50 Johnson. I also had a $42,000.00 winning season in a larger aluminum boat years later and as Skeeter99 stated its the Angler not the boat. You have all you need to get out, learn, compete and have some fun. Sponsorships etc. and not required and are not easy to come by in Ont. My advise to you is that you pick a couple of lakes you like (that have some tournies scheduled on them) and spend as much time pre-fishing/practicing on them using a variety of presentations and different spots as possible. Best of luck to you.... Greg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spinnerbaitking Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Here's a good option too http://cbaf.ca/ find a club close to you & get started, there is a tourney almost every weekend & affordable, guest speakers at meetings & then try the BM100's next year Thanx Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockeyplayerz_14 Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 I know it will be hard but try the bm100 it is a under 100 hp and from what i know you can maybe enter a under 50hp even if you dont win it is a amazing day out on the water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbouck Posted August 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 Thanks for all the help guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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