I'm going to try one this spring for the first time. Yes it's already thinning the wallet with all the preparation and new gear for this season. But I am certainly not in it for the prize money, I'm just hoping to improve my skills, learn some new tactics and meet some new friends along the way. I fish from a small boat and don't have alot of $$ to spend on all the latest and greatest fish catching equipment. And I would tend to agree with Dave also about the costs for am's and lower divisions. That being said, If I were to win my division, the higher entry fees make for a better payday and might get me to the next tourney, who knows...