Hey everyone I was wanting to ask a few questions, I am 19 years old and have been fishing off of a Jon boat(modified to bass boat). Im wanting to get into tournament fishing quick, I was wondering if anyone was selling any cheap boats or just any tips to get me started into the tournament world. Thanks

My honest advice for someone your age hold off a little and see whats about to happen to this economy, buying toys may be the last thing you want to worry about.

At your age you are fortunate to have a boat of any kind, so you are already ahead of the game.
Check around and try to find a bass club in your area and join them, and start to fish local monthly bass tournaments.
Talk to the members and pick their brains as to what they use and how they fish, and observation of what the experienced anglers are doing.
Local clubs welcome the youth, and most will take them under their wing and help them get started.
That's how I got started into the bass fishing game, and what boat you fish from doesn't make the bass fisherman.
I fished many years out of an old 14' jon boat before I slightly upgraded several years later.
Welcome to the forum, and keep us updated as to your progress!

This is great advice!! I fished out of a 14’ Jon for years also. Caught tons of fish in that old boat. Fish don’t know the difference. I would fish tournaments with buddy’s that had a bass rig. The cost of a bass boat is high but the upkeep is something people over look. Gas, insurance, ect. Not a cheap sport and then there’s the tow vehicle lol

All good advice. Stay in your current boat for now and just focus on fishing. There will always be boats for sale later.

what JIMBO and COOLARROW said is the best advice to follow. Bass fishing is fun and it can give you years of pleasure but it can also bankrupt you. I agree join a club would be the first move, and keep your boat for now.

I still have a 14ft jon that I take out and I have a bass boat. Little heavier to get in the truck as I get older but i can put it in anywhere and run with a small TM and battery.

Use that thing as much as you can, but buying a boat with an outboard is a bigger step, be ready for cost of repairs.

This is a great point!
By joining a club you get to know other members that have a nice rig and have already fished in tournaments.
They often are looking for a partner to fill a back seat when their regular partner maybe can't make the tournament and they need help splitting the cost of gas, food, and motel room.
Developing a friendship with someone that has a nice rig is money in your pocket, and like mentioned the sport isn't cheap.

and while in the club you join fishing as a co-angler you will hopefully fish in a bunch of different bass boats. That will help you in the future to buy the boat you want.

x2 and you will see all kinds of styles first hand. Many pro anglers started as co=anglers. It is much less expensive than keeping a rig up.