be carefull what you wish for,tournament fishing is a sickness or addiction once u start you can't get enough.stick with the loc it's a great way to play and if your lucky you might cash a check.if your fishing anyway you might as well have a chance at some dough.
talk with your local clubs and see if they offer 1 day derbys quite often their cheep to enter and lots of fun.everyone has to start somewhere
as far as someone to fish with ,post (looking for someone to share expences with)or something like that on lou and i'll bet tones of guys will be happy to help with costs for the chance to go salmon fishing on your boat.
just a thought