Hi Zaraspook,
With the ABT, you enter as either a Boater or Non Boater- Boaters fish from their own boats and compete against other boaters for cash.
Non Boaters are paired up with a boater and fish with themfo the day. Non Boaters compete against other non boaters for prizes.
This year the entry fee was $165 for a boater and $80 for a non boater per competition. You also had to be a member of abt which is $50/ year. There were also a couple of 'major' events where the boaters competed for double prize money, although the entry fee was $330.
I would suggest fishing a couple of rounds as a non boater until you pick up the routine and then give it a go as a boater.
Hope that helps
Cheers,
Matt