Dan B:

Your first concern should be whether or not there are age limits in place for the tournament. If there are not, than consider signing up. You will have to pay the same entry fee as the experts, and follow the same rules, regardless of your age or inexperience. Any of the better Bass Pro shops or other tackle and marine dealers in your neighborhood should be able to tell you when and where the tournaments are going to be and who the contact personnel are. If not, ask for them on Google. Once you find a tournament close to your home base, check the qualifications you must meet to get on board. Sometimes, there are novice and advanced competitions where one may or may not be allowed access to. Each tournament may have its own rules in that regard, so you will want to check them out pretty closely. Once you have found an organization that will talk to you, go for it with a gusto. They will always be looking for the newcomers with your kind of interest and determination. That’s where every champion came from yesterday, and where they will come from again tomorrow. Best of luck to you.