I am curious how many of you belong to a fishing club or team. I am thinking of joining the Illinois BASS Federation Club. They meet near my house and fish tournaments all the time.If you do belong to a club or team what are some of the benifits that you get from it?
not sure what your level of fishing is but back when i fished in clubs i found it very enjoyable, lot of fun and a great way to meat new people and learn new things, or if your at the top of your game you can teach new anglers things
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John 3:16
things are more like right now than they've ever been
It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.
William James
I don't belong, but an aquaintance of mine does. {Whom I've beat in every personal tournament }
Anyway...while fishing together in my boat I used to ask alot of questions because I was also interested in joining as well. I'll give you the pros and cons..
He was a decent fisherman and belongs to Bass Masters.
Pros..
1.He's a non boater. His name goes into a hat and he is selected monthly to fish in the back of someones boat.
He is expected to pay the driver 20.00 which is very reasonable to me.
2. There are dues but that is also expected. At the end of the year there is a big party and everyone wins BIG prizes like digital scales /G Loomis rods etc. He's brought home many nice rods and reels.
3. Extreme excitement..nothign like busting across a lake in a fast boat and fishing against the clock. That part was exciting. If you happen to be in a boat with a smart fishermen ..you may win money..if your in a boat with a newbe..you may not.
4. You will learn alot of new bass tactics.
ok take in mind I'm a very conservative Christian ...and may be reason for some of the following negative remarks.
Negatives.
1. Some of those fishermen have a filthy mouth on them.Take in mind you will be stuck with that person all day. You will fish with a different person on each tournament {At least in thi sparticuliar club} I will not put up with filthy language.,,especially God's name in vain.
2. Incident #1 Reemmber..it's every man for themself. The other boat man is not goingto try and help you out ..accordingto my froiends expereince.
a. Most Floridians pitch or flip. The driver will nose the boat into the shore line and leave your butt out away from the structured shore.
b. Another time..the driver stepped on my friends rod and broke it and said?Oh well."
c. My friend hooked a nice fish once and ask the driver to net him ..driver just smiled and ignored him.
d. I fished one as a non boater..I literally had a fish on{He saw me fighting the fish}and the boater took off..my rod and fish got tangled up in the cat tails.[:@]That was enough for me..I got to fish as a guest once,
HOWEVER; we have about 5 different clubs here and some are more laid back and cheaper..This particuliar club I was mentioning is a nationwide club.Bass Masters. I believe it's the largest club in the world.
I am a charter member of the Florida Pier Anglers Association.
We have several charity tournaments, and there are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. The bulk of the money goes to charity. You do not need to be a member of the club to enter any of our contests, but club members do get a discount on entry fees. We also have classes for people to learn more about fishing from piers. These classes are open to the public and are free. HEY CHUCK...One of our rules prohibit foul language! Another rule prohibits violating Florida FWC laws. Violating any of our bylaws, or rules can result in expulsion from the club. We are growing very fast for a new club. our 1st year we had 30 members, we haven't completed our 2nd year yet and we have close to 60 members. www.pierangler.org
Location: On an Island in the west coast of New England
Posts: 13,132
RE: Fishing clubs/teams
I joined a BASS club one year and didn't have that good a time. I didn't know any of them and it was a little hard to break into the circle so I stopped going and didn't rejoin the following year. I am avery goodbass fisherman but all the tournaments were partner tourneys and they weren't blind pick so all the buddies keptpairing up and I felt like the kid in school that nobody ever picked. About all I ever heard from them is you can't tell anyone about where they fished or what lures they used. I just like to fish not play games.
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Too busy with fishing to spend much time here.
your right CI, only type club to join is one that uses a draw type format, with a limited number of family/guest passes, the buddy stuff is a good way to ruin a good thing[&o]
__________________
John 3:16
things are more like right now than they've ever been
It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.
William James
Fishing clubs/teams
, or if your at the top of your game you can teach new anglers things
