While becoming a Federation member is easy, there is more than one way to get there. The most common method is to join or form a local chapter. These are individual Federation affiliated clubs scattered throughout New Jersey with their own officers and tournament trail. Search this list of chapters for one close to home and find the listed contact person for chapter information.

As a chapter member, you can attend Federation meetings as your chapter representative, qualify for the Top Six Tournament, continue to divisional and national tournaments, and finally, the prestigious All American tournament itself! You are eligible for all tournament payouts and qualify for the points circuit when you enter Federation events. This is the true beginnings of professional fishing.

Another method is to sign up as an Affiliate member. This allows you to fish the New Jersey Bass Federation point circuit. To qualify for the divisional and national events and try for the All American, an angler must belong to the FLW as well as THE Bass FEDERATION.

The final method is to fish tournaments as an Observer. In this situation, your privileges are very restricted since you are not a Federation member, but there is no tournament entry fee. Of course, the tournament payouts do not apply to the Observer.

The Observer slot is the ultimate entry level for would-be tournament anglers who are unsure of whether or not to take the jump. An angler can fish a tournament with an experienced tournament fisherman, ask questions and learn how it all works, participate in a weigh-in and possibly take home some prize money. Talk about trying something before you buy!

So, pick the method that most appeals to you, and fill out an application. Send a check or money order to the person shown on the application and you are there.

Tournament fishing awaits!