It has got to be a fear of the unknown.  Why would anyone be afraid to get together with a group of women anglers who like to laugh, talk, fish, and have fun —  just like they do?

Well, even though we may like laughing, talking, fishing, and fun (which are all a part of the excitement of a WBT tournament) we don't always like surprises.  We want to know what to expect from a situation before we get involved.  Many times we don't get involved because we are not informed.

If this is happening to you, let me put your mind at ease.  Women anglers call the B.A.S.S. line and check this website every day looking for answers to their questions and reassurance of their abilities. Both venues try to supply that boost in confidence.  Some of these inquirers are women working outside the home, some are mothers with children at home.  All of these women either love to fish or want to learn how.  Many want to try their luck along the tournament trail.

If you're an interested angler, and haven't called, here are some tips to help you get started.

There are only four necessary components:  good health, time, money, and a basic understanding of the fundamentals of bass fishing.

Let's look first at good health.  This is the most important and should not be under estimated.  It's very tiring to fish eight hours a day, five days a week - and that's the minimum along the trail. That doesn't take into consideration the healthful attitude necessary for traveling or handling occurrences such as car/boat problems.

Time:  Can you take off from your job or duties at home?  Time is needed for practice, study, and learning to use your equipment proficiently.  It takes time to travel, often several days if you live in Ohio and are going to fish a tourney in Texas.  Three days of practice and 2 - 3 days of competition also need to be allotted for.  There are variables but we're talking a minimum of five days per tournament.

Money:  You don't have to be filthy rich, but gosh, it sure would help! Money is needed for equipment, motel bills, food, entry fees, gasoline – on and off the water, unexpected repairs, and Co-Anglers fees, if that's your choice for the first time out.  The amount will range from enough to cover the bare essentials (along with lots of praying), to luxury traveling paid singularly or shared with another angler.  Some anglers can get real creative when it comes to cutting expenses.

Last, but not least, the basic fundamentals of bass fishing.  Now, let's be reasonable. You probably know how to fish or you wouldn't be utilizing this website.  You probably also know something about which lure to use in what type of situation or you wouldn't find this sport of outsmarting that ole' bass so intriguing.  Just remember to do your homework.  Even today tournaments can still be won by anglers who haven't fished a particular lake but had the foresight to buy a topo map and study.  Once you get to the lake, fish your own game.  Don't be caught up in changing your techniques because something else is working for your partner.  Make sure your equipment is in top working order and use what you have confidence in.

Normally, your health is good, you can schedule vacation time away from your job, you can save and "rat hole" money gradually and your Daddy taught you the basics of fishing fifteen years ago.  What is really holding you back?  My guess would be a lack of confidence.  Not a lack of confidence in your ability but in the situation.  Again, it's a fear of the unknown, not knowing what to expect.

Fishing your first Women's Bassmaster Tour tournament is always a big event for an angler.  You are full of questions and doubts.  But this can be remedied.

Once you consider fishing a tournament, call B.A.S.S. member services or visit with Bruce Mathis at bruce.j.mathis@bassmaster.com (he is the Tour Director) or Deb Wilkinson at Deborah.L.Wilkinson@bassmaster.com (she is the Tournament Manager) or just place an inquiry on this website.  Ask your questions of each and get the answers and reassurance you need.  Once you place an inquiry on this website, there are lots of women anglers out there who will come forward with answers
to your questions.  They tell you about rules, practice times, friendly manufacturer's representatives to answer all your questions, registration, pre-tournament briefings, F.O.C.A.S.,  new fishing techniques to observe and lots of chances to meet new friends and socialize.  Not to mention, of course, some serious competition with weigh-in, Big Bass, winnings and the adrenalin-fed excitement of fishing the Women's Bassmaster Tour.

When the tournament is over, it's time to put the gear away, load the boat, clean out the motel room and hit the long road home.  You've made new friends, tried new products, learned new fishing techniques, caught some fish, and if you're lucky, you've got a check in your hand.  And you know what?  Going home, you're going to realize those tournament jitters, that you were so worried about, were indeed exaggerated, not justified.