The federation is a blast. I fish in the San Diego region and we just finished up our year a couple weeks ago. They are very low stress tournaments, unless your battleing for Angler of the Year. Not to mention, there is the chance to make it to the Classic. Every year 5 guys from the Federation fish the Classic, so whos to say it wint be one of us California boys.... I am looking forward to the Delta and our State Fish-off. Finishing in the top 12 against those Delta rats will be a difficult thing, but it can be done.

A club is a great thing to join as well, its a great way to meet people who fish and to get your feet wet in the tournament scene. One thing to remember about the tournament thing, is its still just fishing. Dont put any extra pressure on yourself, or you might find it is not as much fun as just going fishing. And, I dont know how well you fish, but dont get discouraged if you dont do so hot in the first couple of years. You will hear it refered to as "paying your dues". Not too many people burst onto the tournament scene and have instant sucess. I started fishing tournaments when I was 15, and it wasnt till I was 19 that I got my first Angler of the Year title in our club in SD.

Join a club and check out the Federation. Those 2 should get you alot of tournament knowledge, and you'll be on your way....

Cam
ps. I plan on fishing the last region 7 tourney at Castaic, havent fishied with that region yet, should be fun.