Do all or most bass tournaments require someone in the boat to be at least 18? My son and his best friend, who lives on Lake Conroe, wanted to fish the Sunday morning tournament today. They are both 15 years old, sophomores in high school, and fish Lake Confoe a lot, especially his friend who lives on the lake. They have both completed the boaters education course. They could not enter the tournament due to not being 18. So, the other kids father and I both volunteered to take them out to fish the tournament and they were told no more than two people in the boat.

I'm not asking for opinions on whether two kids 15 years of age should be out in a boat fishing. It's legal, they both have the states requirements, and they fish all of the time on Lake Conroe. But, is this 18 year old requirement normal for all tournaments? Just seems odd to me but maybe their insurance prohibits it. The fact two kids can't fish the tournament with a parent taking them out is ridiculous. We should be encouraging our young kids to get involved, not excluding them. Just my opinion and I understand if it's an insurance issue, nothing can probably be done about that and I am not familiar with the tournament sponsors liability and maybe this is the norm, just trying to learn. Thanks.

I think there are issues with under age due to the money pay outs as well.

Thanks, that may be an issue and I hadn't thought of that either. . I know it's their tournament so they can make whatever rules they want. I'm not trying to make an issue out of it at all, just didn't know it would be an issue. I thought maybe a waiver would need to be signed but I can also see the negatives of having someone under 18 also.

I would imagine it's a money thing. I've seen small local working man tournys let teenagers that age fish before as a team. Or at least 16 because they drove themselves there. Maybe look into something local and small like that for them.

Thanks, I believe this particular tournament is very small, I was told one of the smallest, but I'll look in to some others. My sons friend is on the Montgomery High School fishing team and my son and I are starting one at Magnolia High School. They want to do some local tournaments together also. They're both obsessed with fishing and I'm glad they both like doing such a great thing. They've been out on Lake Conroe since Friday, both morning and afternoon, then fishing again tomorrow also.

I would call around ahead and explain to the td and see who will let them in. Hopefully someone will. Until they start taking those grown men's money anyways

I fished numerous tournaments on Rayburn when I was 16 and my partner was 15. Both our parents had to sign a wavier though, this was back before high school fishing existed.

Has nothing to do with money

If they won prize money, it would likely affect their status in the event they wanted t play any amateur sports.

This could be a great opportunity for "Pro-Teen" tournaments. Pair 'em up! Pros and teens fishing for college money together. Would even be great TV. Has this already been done besides saltwater?

it has more to do with liability than anything else with our lawyer up society anymore most folks that run tourneys don't want the headache.

Consider joining a local bass club. They generally fish monthly tournaments. Would probably still require an adult in the boat, but would get them tournament experience. PM me if you are interested in some more info on a local Conroe bass club.

I'll sign up to be the adult in the boat if they show me where the fish are on Conroe!

I sure wish I knew where the fish were, heck I'd be happy just knowing where I am half the time. I'm still learning my way around the lake. The thing with being 15 is they think they know where the fish are and everything else. I will admit they catch way more fish than I do though, makes me mad!

Not at all