Did you know that most of the bass pro's on the tournament trails have honed their skills through the ranks of local b.a.s.s clubs?

Joining a local chapter of your city or state's b.a.s.s. club is as simple as making a phone call or two, and with the many clubs located throughout the country it's almost a certainty that there's one close enough for you to join.

Most bass clubs hold anywhere up to 10 or even more bass tournaments per year for members of that club to participate in. Many of these clubs send the top anglers to compete in state finals where the top 5 or six anglers from each club all compete against the top anglers from selected clubs throughout that state. Winners of the championships all face off in one large season ending finale.

These are the grass roots of working your way through the ranks and getting familiar with tournament dynamics. 2003 Bassmaster Classic winner Mike Iaconelli worked his way through the NJ Bass Federation along with pro's Robert Soley, and PETE Gluszek who are all fishing top b.a.s.s. tournaments today as professionals.

Joining a b.a.s.s. affiliated bass club wont guarantee you a spot in the next bass master classic, but it can provide you with a lifetime worth of knowledge and friends. Then again, who knows? You may just become the next b.a.s.s federation angler to make it all the way to the professional level. Check your area for a bass club near you, or call b.a.s.s and they can guide you in the right direction towards finding a club for you to join.

Mike Panek