belonging to organizations?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Russ Kroeker on November 18, 2013 at 10:55pm

I think that every bass angler should at least try a club for a time.  I did it for 3 years. Had my ups and downs.  I'm not very competative, so joining a very competative club sorta burned me out on the whole club thing.  I do believe that you learn more, and for sure meet like-minded people.  Some are friendly and helpful, some are paranoid secretive.  I suppose, it's just like any individual sport.  

I did give me the confidence to go out and fish by myself more (something I learned to really enjoy).  I had 10+ years of taking other adults and children fishing in my church, so it was a welcome change to just meet some people that really care about bass fishing as much as me.  Now I have a few long term friendships that I really value!

However...there's absolutely TONS of info, people, products, and various other ways to gain fishing information on the web.  The fact that someone is reading this is a prime example.  I find this website a suitable replacement for the club atmosphere for me right now.  And I think there are some other people out there that feel the same way.  Plus, I simply don't have the hours in the day for anything more in my life anyway.  You get a little older, you get a little fatter, than all your spare time is spent fishing.  Not so bad...

Permalink Reply by Darren Thomas on November 20, 2013 at 10:42am

I've been trying to figure out which club is right for me. I fully intend to join one to learn and help others learn as I do.

Permalink Reply by Harold Erickson on November 20, 2013 at 12:15pm

Darren Thomas said:

I've been trying to figure out which club is right for me. I fully intend to join one to learn and help others learn as I do.

Permalink Reply by Donny Simpson on November 21, 2013 at 12:57pm

Harold, I'll share a little about my experience as I'm still a relative newb and can still fully relate with the "average" fisherperson. This past year was my first year in a fully dedicated bass club (Spokane Bass), and it has been the best investment I've made for the hobby. It's the friendships and mentors I've gained this year. Every tournament has connected me with another high quality person I didn't know very well... yep, out there competing with the guy in the boat with me, and it's been great every time so far. Maybe I've just been very fortunate, but this club has taught me to get out there and always have fun with it.

I've had previous involvement with the EWU Sportsman's club before Spokane Bass, and both have been very positive experiences. Even if I wasn't looking to compete I'd still recommend the club, and that's where I suspect the average angler will shy away. They see club dues and tourney entry fees as additional costs that are naturally expected in the club. And if you aren't going to fish the tourney, then why be in the club? Well, that's partly true, and I can understand not making that investent. Who doesn't count the costs in advance?

As someone who didn't fish many tournaments before this year, it was absolutely worth every penny. Had a great year. Didn't win any tourneys or prizes. Great year though.

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