| Bass fishing tournament and expeditions are some | | | | competitive fishing tournament series. A combined |
| of the most challenging but most rewarding | | | | purse of almost $11,000,000 is a tremendous |
| experiences an angler will have. There are | | | | motivation for bass fishermen everywhere. This |
| hundreds of tournaments that take place | | | | series is held coast to coast in all seasons and |
| surrounding the country. Depending on the type | | | | bass fishing conditions, and is exactly as its name |
| of fish you plan to get, your location and just how | | | | implies - a stage for the best and brightest bass |
| skilled you are, there is likely to be some sort of | | | | fishermen in the world. |
| fishing tournament available to you. If you want | | | | * The Bass Master Opens is an opportunity for |
| to be a part of the largest bass fishing | | | | amateurs to show what they have to offer as |
| tournaments out there, you have to have skill and | | | | future pros. There are two divisions (Southern |
| know how. You also have to have a bit of luck in | | | | and Central) with a schedule of three events |
| landing the largest, best bass in the location. | | | | each. This competition is open to boaters and non |
| In order to get involved in bass fishing | | | | boaters alike, and allows amateurs a chance to |
| tournaments, most people begin as amateurs | | | | advance to the Bass Master Elite. |
| fishing with a pro in order to get experience and | | | | * Women's Bassmaster Tour has a payout of in |
| exposure to learn the ropes. Others focus on | | | | excess of $640,000 and includes a fully rigged |
| memberships to organizations and clubs that | | | | Triton boat which is worth approximately $50,000. |
| sponsor their own bass fishing tournaments in | | | | These tournaments are open only to current |
| order to get a foot in the door. | | | | members of B.A.S.S. Tournament contestants |
| The following is a list of the best known bass | | | | must be at least sixteen years old, and must |
| fishing tournaments: | | | | have competed in all the elite series events in |
| * The Bassmaster Classic: Known as the biggest | | | | which they were eligible (unless they have |
| and best of all bass fishing tournaments, the | | | | approval from the director to miss an event) all |
| classic is the most well known tournament in the | | | | applicable fees must be paid as directed by the |
| sport of bass fishing for more than thirty years. | | | | rules and regulations, an angler code of conduct |
| This event is bass fishing's only world | | | | must be obeyed, tournament waters must |
| championship to be held once a year, and has a | | | | remain off limits for the thirty days preceding the |
| purse of $500,000. | | | | event, and further rules and regulations must be |
| * The Bassmaster Elite Series: Eleven events | | | | strictly adhered to for tournament competition. |
| comprise bass fishing's most fiscally rewarding | | | | |