FAQs
General Program Questions
What age range do you serve?
Capital Bass Academy serves youth ages 13–16. 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 20 students with a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio. This ensures every teen gets personalized coaching and tournament-style training in a safe 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 coaches specialize in working with beginners and use 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:
- All lead instructors are CPR and First Aid certified
- Maximum 20 students per session with multiple instructors
- 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 certified instructors provide full supervision throughout each session. Parents are welcome to observe, especially during the first class.
What happens in an emergency?
Instructors carry emergency communication devices and follow established response protocols. Parents provide emergency contacts and medical information during enrollment.
Do you have insurance coverage?
Yes. Capital Bass Academy carries comprehensive general and professional 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 combo
- 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 sessions take place?
Our primary training location is the Potomac River, one of the nation’s top bass fisheries. We also use select private waters around Washington DC to give students diverse tournament-style experiences.
Do you provide transportation?
Most families meet us directly at the fishing site. For certain sessions, group transportation may be offered from a central location. Details are provided with enrollment confirmation.
What if transportation is a challenge?
Contact us—we can help coordinate carpools with other families or suggest alternative meeting points.
Are fishing locations accessible?
Yes. We choose safe, accessible locations for all students. If your teen has mobility needs, let us know so we can accommodate them.
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?
Contact us—we may offer makeups or partial credit.
Do you run year-round?
Yes—we offer four seasonal sessions:
- Winter Bass Mastery (Jan–Mar)
- Spring Bass Academy (Mar–May)
- Summer Bass Intensive (Jun–Aug)
- Fall Feeding Frenzy (Sep–Nov)
Still Have Questions?
📞 (202) 703-1141
📧 info@capitalbassacademy.com