General Program Questions – Teen Bass Club (TBC)

What age range do you serve?

Teen Bass Club (TBC) serves youth ages 12–16. This age range allows us to provide tournament-level bass fishing instruction that is both age-appropriate and effective for teens ready to take their skills seriously.

How long is each session?

Each session runs for 8 consecutive weeks, with one 3-hour class per week (24 total hours of instruction). Sessions typically meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, though times may vary by season.

What’s the maximum class size?

We limit each session to 12 students. Small groups allow our trained instructors and USCG-licensed captains to provide personalized coaching and tournament-style training in a safe, structured environment.

Do you accept complete beginners?

Absolutely. Our program is designed for all skill levels—from complete beginners to teens with fishing experience. Our progressive instruction allows new anglers to build a strong foundation while more experienced teens sharpen advanced tournament techniques.

What if my teen has never fished before?

Perfect! Many of our top students started with zero experience. Our team specializes in working with beginners and uses a proven approach to build confidence, technical skills, and a passion for the sport.

Safety & Supervision

What safety measures do you have in place?

Safety is the foundation of everything we do. Our protocols include:

Small classes (max 12 students) with trained instructors and USCG-licensed captains
Life jackets provided and required whenever near water
Comprehensive safety briefings every session
Emergency action plans for all locations
Weather monitoring and cancellation policies
First aid kits and communication devices on-site
Full liability insurance coverage

Are parents required to stay?

No. Our instructors provide full supervision throughout each session. Parents are welcome to observe, especially during the first class, and many choose to volunteer.

What happens in an emergency?

Instructors carry communication devices and follow established response protocols. Parents provide emergency contacts and medical information during enrollment.

Do you have insurance coverage?

Yes. Teen Bass Club carries comprehensive liability insurance covering all activities. Certificates available upon request.

Equipment & What to Bring

Do I need to buy fishing equipment?

Yes. Each student must bring their own bass fishing rod/reel combo. We’ll provide recommended models at different price points.

What should my teen bring each week?

Rod/reel combos
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
Hat & sunglasses
Sunscreen & bug spray
Water bottle & snack/lunch
Small backpack for personal items
Positive attitude & readiness to learn!

What clothing and footwear are recommended?

Comfortable clothes that can get wet or dirty
Closed-toe shoes with good grip (no sandals/flip-flops)
Hat for sun protection
Light jacket/sweatshirt for cool mornings
Rain gear if needed

Locations & Transportation

Where do the sessions take place?

Teen Bass Club meets at various lakes and fisheries throughout the DC metro region to give students experience on diverse waters, just like real tournament anglers. Families should expect to drive 30 minutes to an hour for most sessions. Our initial meeting and first session will be held closer to Washington, DC to make the kickoff more convenient.

Do you provide transportation?

Transportation is not provided. Families are responsible for getting their teen to and from the designated meeting location each week. We’ll share detailed driving directions and Google Maps links in advance for every lake we visit.

What if I can’t get my teen to the meeting site?

We understand logistics can be a challenge. We’ll help connect families interested in carpooling and will do our best to accommodate when possible.

Are the fishing locations accessible?

Yes. We select safe, accessible locations suitable for teenagers. If your teen has any mobility or special access needs, please let us know during enrollment so we can ensure the right accommodations.

Weather & Cancellations

What happens if it rains?

Fishing continues in light rain (often great conditions!). We only cancel for unsafe weather.

When do you cancel?

Severe thunderstorms or lightning
High winds creating unsafe conditions
Extreme cold (below 25°F wind chill)
Unsafe ice conditions
Any condition deemed unsafe by instructors

How are cancellations handled?

Sessions are rescheduled when possible. If not, we add a makeup class or issue a partial refund.

How much notice do you give?

Families are notified by 7:00 PM the night before via email, text, and phone.

Pricing & Payment

What does tuition include?

24 hours of tournament-focused instruction
Safety gear & supervision
Educational materials
Progress tracking & feedback
Certificate of completion
Alumni network access

Are there additional costs?

Yes, families should plan for:

Rod & reel combo (required)
Tournament entry fees (usually $25–$50 per event)
Team shirt/merch for tournaments
Optional gear upgrades or practice baits
All costs are communicated in advance.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes—flexible two- or three-installment plans, with no added fees.

What’s your refund policy?

4+ weeks before start: Full refund
2–4 weeks: 50% refund or full credit
<2 weeks: Credit toward future session
Medical emergencies handled case by case

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes—limited need-based scholarships are available. Applications are confidential.

Program Content & Learning

What will my teen learn?

Tournament casting accuracy
Lure selection & seasonal strategies
Water reading & bass behavior
Use of electronics (fish finders, GPS)
Conservation & ethical angling
Tournament prep & mental game
Safety, teamwork, and sportsmanship

Is this just fishing, or more?

Fishing is the core, but students also build life skills: confidence, discipline, patience, problem-solving, and environmental respect.

What if my teen struggles?

Our instructors adapt to each student’s learning style. Teens get individual coaching to ensure success.

Do you have a graduation event?

Yes! Each session ends with a mini-tournament and skills assessment, where students showcase their progress.

Behavioral Expectations

What’s expected of students?

Respect instructors, peers, and the environment
Follow safety rules
Participate positively
Take care of equipment
Practice good sportsmanship

What if there are issues?

We use positive reinforcement, parent communication, and clear improvement plans. Serious cases may result in dismissal.

Can friends join?

Only enrolled students may participate, but friends can register if space is available.

Health & Medical

What medical info do you collect?

Emergency contacts, conditions/allergies, medications, physician info, insurance details, and mobility needs.

What if my teen has allergies or medical conditions?

We work closely with families to ensure safety. Severe allergies should be disclosed during enrollment.

Do instructors handle medication?

Basic support (inhalers, allergy meds) is possible. Complex needs may require a parent present.

Communication & Updates

How do you communicate with parents?

Weekly email recaps
Photos (with permission)
Mid-session assessments
Final evaluations & recommendations
Immediate updates for emergencies

Can I contact my teen during sessions?

For focus and safety, contact should go through instructors unless it’s urgent.

How do I know my teen’s progress?

We provide skill updates, progress reports, and a final comprehensive evaluation.

After the Program

What happens after graduation?

Students receive:

Certificate of completion
Detailed skill assessment
Alumni network access
Priority enrollment for future sessions
Invitations to advanced workshops and tournaments

Can students repeat sessions?

Yes! Many return for multiple seasons to experience different patterns and grow further.

Do you offer advanced programs?

Yes—specialized workshops and competitive team opportunities are available for alumni.

Enrollment & Logistics

How far in advance should I enroll?

Sessions often fill 4–6 weeks early, especially Spring and Summer. Enroll as soon as possible.

Can I transfer sessions?

Yes, up to 2 weeks before the session starts (subject to availability).

What if my teen can’t finish the session?

Do you run year-round?

Almost—we offer three seasonal sessions:

Winter Bass Mastery (Jan–Mar)
Spring Bass Academy (Mar–May)
Fall Feeding Frenzy (Sep–Nov)

Summer is reserved for our summer camp 😉

Still Have Questions?

📞 (202) 703-1141
📧 info@TeenFishingClub.com