In 2009 I randomly met a York Bassmaster member. I was passionate about recreational bass fishing but until that point I had been content fishing from my tin boat on Georgian Bay. I had just recently started collecting (too much) gear, fishing for largemouth, and reading about bass fishing on-line but I had never fished a tournament and most certainly had never ripped across a lake in a bass boat. I was extended an invitation to join the club for the next monthly meeting. I did. A professional angler was present at this meeting and spoke about catching largemouth bass on Georgian Bay. I was hooked. I joined the club soon after that.

Prior to the start of the bass season I had joined the team at their meetings as well as their community events. Such events included tree planting at a conservation area, pond sampling and restoration, and various youth events. These were always more fun than work and a good way to interact with the other members.

The bass season was approaching and the tournament schedule was laid out. I was anxious to see how accepting the "boaters" were of their "non-boater" counterparts when competition was looming. Apparently,  boaters, especially in the club setting, demand as little as common sense and common courtesy to join them for a great day on the water.

For non-boaters tournament registration is based on whoever commits first and is limited only by the number of boaters. I was able to fish every tournament I signed up for my first year. Pairings are made by draw before every tournament and non-boaters get to fish with a different boater every tournament that year. The pair fishes as a team and the 5 best fish caught between them are weighed against the other team's limit.

Prior to my first tournament my boater approached me and told me the way he plans to fish so I could bring the right gear. He also told me how many rods would be crowding my back deck, and what to bring in my fishing bag. This allowed me to be completely prepared. This friendly communication is common place.

The day of the tournament I came a few minutes early to the ramp so I could help my boater prepare his rig. I loaded my stuff and we launched the boat together. Once everyone had their boats wet the tournament began. While I was fishing my boater gave me a few tips and tricks he had learned in his experience fishing tournaments. I was never "back-boated" and even given the chance to make the first cast to the productive structure. Although we both enjoyed the competition of tournament fishing there was no tension on the lake that day.

Everyone met back at the marina to weigh in their fish. The entire team enjoyed the weigh-in joking amongst each other and congratulating the winners. I chatted openly with everyone about their fishing patterns, lures, and day on the water as I helped prepare my boaters' rig for the road. It was a great way to end a great day of fishing. Two years later I have had nothing short of a good time fishing with the York Team.

If ripping across the lake at 60+ mph, catching fish all day in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere, giving back to the community, and camaraderie with good people excites you then I look forward to seeing you at the next event.

Adam Roberts
York Bassmasters