ABA – Military Team Tournament – D1

The Military Team Bass Fishing Tournament (MTBT) began in 1991 for all active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, their dependents ages 16 and over (dependents under 18 must fish with a parent or guardian), National Guard, Reservists, DoD Civilians, DoD contractors and retired military.

American Bass Anglers (ABA) started out as Military Bass Anglers Association (MBAA), in the mid-seventies as a bass fishing tournament trail to promote camaraderie among all branches of the military. Today it recognizes the ‘Angler of the Year’ from each of the military branches as bragging rights for the participants. In 2005, as a way of showing gratitude to active duty and retired military, ABA began offering “Take a Soldier Fishing” events at military installations throughout the country. The events pair a military person with a civilian as their fishing guide for the day. Since the inception in 2005, over 10,000 military personnel have had the opportunity to spend the day on a lake with appreciative citizens wanting to say, ‘thanks’

The MTBT is a team tournament that offers a fun filled week of competition and compadre. The event is 6 days long with three days of official practice and three days of competition. Practice begins Sunday the week of the event and continues through Tuesday.

Tuesday evening an onsite sign in event is held and the rules and safety briefing is given. This is also a social event with food and a chance for all of the Military Teams to meet and share a great time.

Wednesday morning the tournament launches with a salute to America and its Armed Forces. The launch of the event Wednesday morning is the start of the three-day competition held Wednesday. Thursday and Friday.  Weigh-Ins are held at 3pm each day.

The top teams win cash and draw prizes are given away. If you were ever in the military and hold a DD-214 or you are a DOD employee, you are eligible to compete in this event.

PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY: Participation is open to all active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard members, their dependents 16 years of age or older (holding a valid ID card), National Guard, Reservists, DOD Civilians, DOD contractors and retired military.  Veterans who served and received an Honorable or General discharge and possess a DD-214 are eligible to participate.  Contractors must be under active DOD contract during the tournament week.  Identification (ID) cards will be checked during the on-site registration.  Teams will be comprised of two anglers both of which must be members in good standings of American Bass Anglers, Inc. (includes any temporary membership) who are 16 years of age or older.  Contestants between 16 and 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian signature prior to entering the tournament.  Proof of age to the satisfaction of tournament officials is the responsibility of the competitor.  Tournament officials reserve the right to refund any membership and/or entry fee, if they choose for any reason not to accept the application and/or entry fee.

Entry Fee is $150 and teams members must be members of American Bass Anglers.