Welcome to the forum rsfuller. If you can and are a mind to, join us for only $15.00 and come to our monthly meetings.
Corey "Ruthless" is a rep for the Native craft and has or may have a demonstrater. Hire him for a guided day of fishing prior to the tourney and fish the tourney. You will have experience in the boat and some faniliarity with the local waters.
Oh yes, I forgot, you got to buy a boat. Well, someone is likely to pop up with a recomendation as to where to get one locally.
Good luck and welcome back to the tidewater.