Bass on Hook is Supported by our readers.

As an Amazon Associate We earn commissions from qualifying purchases with no extra cost to you.
For more informtion read our Amazon Affiliate Disclosure and Affiliate Disclosure Policies.



Pro Staff Question - Where Can I Find Fishing Tournaments In Western Washington

Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart's Answer

Pro Bass Angler Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart

Hi Aaron!

Reading your e-mail makes me think of an old expression I heard when I was about 25 (that was 25 years ago!).

The expression was, "I wish I knew then, what I know now" and I think that applies to you!

Use The Vast Resources Of The Internet To Find Local Tournaments

I really do wish I had the Internet and the resources that are now available to have helped me when I began my fishing "career" at the tender age of 16.

I have told the stories often of the way in which I searched locally to find fishing clubs went to their meetings and then made a choice to fish with one of them.

I had a rough start!

I caught NO fish and watched in awe as my fishing partners would swing in bass after bass into the boat.

All I can say is that it made me more determined than ever to "get it right".

You are at the right age to "drill down" and study the various techniques.

Bass On Hook is a great Internet resource and should be your starting block.

Make sure you ask all the fishermen and women what they did and I am certain that you will see a pattern.

WE all started like you and we all kept being put down, push down or just plain falling down, but we kept on going.

The dedication to this or any sport is the key to your success!

I too have a knack for catching large bass, but the key is consistently catching quality fish and then a “kicker” to take you over the edge of your competition.

A Great Test For Rating Your Tournament Potential

What I am going to suggest may sound easy, but trust me it's not!

Choose a lake you have not fished.

Buy a map of the same lake.

Select 8 places where you think the fish might be.

Drive to the lake, run your boat to those locations and fish all of them for 8 hours only.

If you can come away with 5 keeper (122 or 15 inches subject to local rules) you just might have a shot at the tour circuit.

So to recap, find a club, learn from the membership and then go out on your own for a day or two and see if you “can go it alone”.

Tight Lines!

Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart
BassonHook Pro Staff

Back to Questions