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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.
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