Bass Fishing Tournaments

Arizona, and specifically Phoenix is a wonderful place to go fishing for anglers of all ages and skill levels. The climate is perfect on most days and the conditions are perfect to produce really big fish. This is why there are so many bass fishing tournaments and bass clubs to choose from.

With the number of major lakes as well as the urban lakes that are normally well stocked there is truly something for everyone, even small children.

If you feel you have what it takes to compete against the local amateurs then you might be ready to jump in. With the right timing and skills you just may be on your way to a carrier as a pro or semi-pro angler. During the months of September through May there is at least one tournament running on most of the lakes every weekend.

Most people get interested in bass fishing tournaments after seeing the pros winning boats and big checks every Saturday morning on ESPN, but as everything in life, it is not that simple.

The first thing to do is to find a nationally associated fishing club with a local Arizona chapter. There are many of them and you will be able to find one in your area. Bass fishing tournaments have really become big events for sponsors even down to the amateur and even youth level.

The annual dues will be about $75 per year for most clubs and this covers dues to the National organization your club is associated with.

Attend a few meetings and get to know everyone and find out what the rules and requirements are. Remember, this is a bass fishing club, but most clubs are pretty social, until you get on the water that is.

There will also be an entry fee for each tournament which is not part of your annual dues so be prepared for that. It will not be a surprise because the club will inform you before hand in the meetings leading up to the tournament.

One thing that makes joining a bass club unique (other than the prizes) is the dedication and commitment to the preservation of the fish you catch and the environment. All of the nationally associated clubs are strictly catch and release with strict penalties for bringing in dead fish. Depending on the club there will be many other events and activities both on and off the water. You don’t want to be the guy that hits a meeting and just shows up at the tournament.

If these types of clubs are not your style, there are a number of loosely organized clubs that also hold their own bass tournaments. These are usually smaller and attract members that do not have the available time or commitment to make every tournament.

If your goal is to truly try to make the professional circuit you will need to participate in every tournament to increase your standing at the local level, so be prepared to spend some long days and weekends on the lake.

Get out there and visit a couple of you local clubs, you may find yourself winning a bass tournament very soon.

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