New to the tournament scene

[purduephigam]

My brother and I have been chomping at the bit to get into a few tourneys for fun. I'm confident we're both plenty good enough to compete, but I think we just kind of want to have some fun and meet some fellow bassers. We're located in the Chicago-land area without much schedule flexibility to pre-fish unless we head down there the weekend before. Just wanted any input from the tourney dabblers, or even the regulars for suggestions for fun and/or soft tourneys. Thanks guys.

Need I remind you all to Boiler UP!!

[sgt93]

My schedule (I work every other weekend) does not allow me to do any tourney trails or be competitive in a bass club. I try to fish some open or charity tourneys every once in a while. Just remember to have fun and not to let the pressure of trying to win get in the way

[lrgmth2]

check out the Anglers Dream circut. they have 3 in the chicagoland area.

[luigisbass]

IM sent.

[Needemp]

My advice doesn't mean much, but I suggest you join a club. Fish the first few tourneys you can. If you win or come close to winning, then you can go to the next level. The clubs have some good fisherman, but I have noticed that once they get really good in the club, they either move on completely or they fish the circuits, and that limits them to only a couple clubbies. Therefore, it is easier to win because there is not as much talent. But if you can't win at the club level, there's no reason to spend your money at the next level. I know a few guys that fish BWS and you have to have a descent limit to compete.

But prefishing is essential, especially at the next level. If your goal is to compete, then prefishing is a must.

[BBCJUNKIE]

Get in touch with a club from the IBF - their website is ilbassfed.com, they have several clubs in the Chicago area and would be a great place for you to start

[saugers2]

Check out MapleBassmaster, or one of the other Chicago area B.A.S.S. Clubs... lots of options.

http://www.ilfednation.com/BFN-Clubs-Region-1.htm