Joining Local Bass Club

[dougie511]

Hey just a quick little simple question here! I know it seems like a pretty obvious yes to the question i have but i just was wondering what peoples experiences have been with joining a club for the first time! I have been lucky enough to live somewhere that has a couple different bass clubs and last month i went to the meeting but was late because of it being harvest time so he told me to show back up next month and was super nice and talked to me still about everything for about 20-30 minutes! So heres what i am wondering is it worth joining a club? My experience level is still pretty low being that ive only been bass fishing for a little under 2 years and just buying a jon boat about 4-6 months ago and fishing small lakes since buying the boat, i have had some pretty decent luck especially for not having any electronics and two trips to the small lakes i didnt even have a trolley motor so we paddled everywhere and that was probably our best day out lol! So they were really excited about getting a new member especially a non boater so how i look at it is 1) Spend the day on someone elses boat which they all sound like are really sick boats! 2) pick up tips and techniques from whoever im out on the water with 3) get some "tourney" type experience which is what i really want along with more experience out on big lakes! So i know it sounds like a no brainer just was wondering what everyone thought about the idea! Thanks for your time!!

[BuffaloBass716]

I've never joined a bass club but it always sounded cool.  I definitely want to join one in the future in my area, just like you said to get some new experience and just meet other people who enjoy fishing!

[Fishes in trees]

I've had several issues  with joining a local bass club.  One, they can be cliquish.  Guys can be more interested in taking a few dollars off of each other than any actual learning going on.  In this situation, you are just considered a donator.

Secondly, local bass clubs can get stagnant, skill wise.  The last time I participated in any local bass club event was 1991 or 92.  It was pretty evident after a couple of events, that all that anyone in the club ever did was ride around and throw at the bank.  I knew how to throw at the bank.  I interested in learning other techniques, fishing open water, using electronics, fishing in "space", so to speak.  I quickly found that the local club wasn't the place to learn that.

 

Next there was the finance issue.   As a no-boater, I figured out pretty quick that aside from a slightly higher entry fee, travel expenses were the same, be it a local club tournament or a more regional event like BFL  So I decided to spend my fishing dollars in a venue where there was more opportunity to learn something - and the potential payout was greater.

 

I hope your club experiences are different.  I hope you get in with a great group of guys and experience years of friendship & fishing skills improvement.  All I know is that didn't happen for me.  The BFL became for me a more regional club, where I saw the same group of guys, more or less a half dozen times per year.  I also bought a boat and spent a lot of time learning/experimenting by myself.

 

As a postscript, since I bought the boat I've been invited to rejoin the same bass club several times, my answer  has always been the same, .i.e.  Thank you, I'm flattered you asked, but I'm really too busy right now to fit that into my schedule.   Maybe next year.

 

Let me reiterate that this was a local bass club with no regional or national affiliations.  Joining a bass club with BASS or FLW affiliations could be a different experience.  Not one available in my immediate area.  Just my opinions. . . .

[dougie511]

I've had several issues  with joining a local bass club.  One, they can be cliquish.  Guys can be more interested in taking a few dollars off of each other than any actual learning going on.  In this situation, you are just considered a donator.

Secondly, local bass clubs can get stagnant, skill wise.  The last time I participated in any local bass club event was 1991 or 92.  It was pretty evident after a couple of events, that all that anyone in the club ever did was ride around and throw at the bank.  I knew how to throw at the bank.  I interested in learning other techniques, fishing open water, using electronics, fishing in "space", so to speak.  I quickly found that the local club wasn't the place to learn that.

 

Next there was the finance issue.   As a no-boater, I figured out pretty quick that aside from a slightly higher entry fee, travel expenses were the same, be it a local club tournament or a more regional event like BFL  So I decided to spend my fishing dollars in a venue where there was more opportunity to learn something - and the potential payout was greater.

 

I hope your club experiences are different.  I hope you get in with a great group of guys and experience years of friendship & fishing skills improvement.  All I know is that didn't happen for me.  The BFL became for me a more regional club, where I saw the same group of guys, more or less a half dozen times per year.  I also bought a boat and spent a lot of time learning/experimenting by myself.

 

As a postscript, since I bought the boat I've been invited to rejoin the same bass club several times, my answer  has always been the same, .i.e.  Thank you, I'm flattered you asked, but I'm really too busy right now to fit that into my schedule.   Maybe next year.

 

Let me reiterate that this was a local bass club with no regional or national affiliations.  Joining a bass club with BASS or FLW affiliations could be a different experience.  Not one available in my immediate area.  Just my opinions. . . .

Thanks a lot man that is pretty helpful thats another problem though is i really dont have funds to buy a nice enough boat to get out on big lakes! I know i can find one for a couple thousand which wouldnt be bad but its not in the budget and i cant really afford maitenance on one right now if i do buy one so ive chosen to wait a little while!! And im hoping it all goes well!! Im a little nervous about it all and it sucks that your experience didnt go so well but how did you end up doing bfl stuff as a non boater or did you have your boat for that? and im pretty sure they are affiliated with IBN or at least the club is posted on the illinois bass nation website

[WRB]

You can join, go to a few meetings and get an idea how the group interacts with new members from others in the club. If for whatever reason you are not confortable, quite and try another club.

Bass fisherman can be extremely competitive within a club, the top 10 scenario, that never share anything in fear of someone beating them out of their ranking. Secrets, secrets, if the club has this type of pecking order, bail out fast. If the members on the other hand enjoy mentoring new members, good community feeling and you feel welcome, give it a try.

Tom

[jly]

there are good clubs and bad clubs out there.  most are pretty good and you will deff shorten your learning curve by joining one.  however the best way to find out is to join and put in some time with the club.  It might take a bit for everyone to open up, but once they realize you are a good person and become friends with you the potential for information is huge.  the first club I joined I learned quite a bit.  good luck

[Bluebasser86]

I started fishing in a bass club when I was 16. Actually took a lot of time for them to decide if they were going to let me in because of my age. Overall it was a great experience and I learned a lot as I was still pretty new to most bass fishing techniques. It was also really nice to be able to go fish some of the big lakes that I couldn't get on with my little plastic boat. I met mostly nice people that were willing to teach me but there were a couple that had no concerns other than them catching fish and how much money you were giving them for gas.

A couple things to consider, don't plan on making money in a bass club, even if I'd won everything there was to win each year I still would have been losing money because they're mostly an excuse for everyone to go fishing. Make sure you discuss beforehand with your boater about gas money and what/how much gear to bring. Most times 50-100 dollars in gas was enough depending on how long the drive/run was but a couple guys had it figured out to the nearest dollar how much they wanted and it's best if you're prepared. Most everyone I fished with told me to bring as much gear as I wanted but a couple times it was a huge deal that I was bringing 6 3700 boxes and 5 rods. Pay attention to what your boater is doing, most likely they'll be more experienced than you since you're just starting and you can really learn a lot by watching them. 

Like I said, overall it was a great experience and if you're interested in it I'd suggest giving it a shot for a season at least and see if it's something you like. 

[Sam]

Dougie, there are advantages to joining a bass club which include, but are not limted to:

1.  You get to know guys who enjoy your sport.

2.  You learn where to launch your boat.

3.  You see what the other guys throw and their techniques.

4.  You get to see Mother Nature at her best and she is beautiful.

 

Don't worry about winning the club championship; don't worry about winning any tournaments; don't worry about embarrassing your self.

 

Your goal is to learn from these guys; make life long friends; and get into the Illinois fishing industry to meet the movers and shakers.

 

As you progress and start to get better you can then talk to the guys about updating your current boat; buying a better boat; what tackle they like; where to exactly fish on the bodies of water they fish; what techniques and baits work; but most of all, who are these guys and what makes them tick.

 

I have not only found the local Zoom wholesaler in my area but know bass fisherman from every part of the state.

 

Bass fishing is an unique fraternity that you need to be involved and joining a bass club is the first step.

[KyakR]

Dougie, there are advantages to joining a bass club which include, but are not limted to:

1.  You get to know guys who enjoy your sport.

2.  You learn where to launch your boat.

3.  You see what the other guys throw and their techniques.

4.  You get to see Mother Nature at her best and she is beautiful.

 

Don't worry about winning the club championship; don't worry about winning any tournaments; don't worry about embarrassing your self.

 

Your goal is to learn from these guys; make life long friends; and get into the Illinois fishing industry to meet the movers and shakers.

 

As you progress and start to get better you can then talk to the guys about updating your current boat; buying a better boat; what tackle they like; where to exactly fish on the bodies of water they fish; what techniques and baits work; but most of all, who are these guys and what makes them tick.

 

I have not only found the local Zoom wholesaler in my area but know bass fisherman from every part of the state.

 

Bass fishing is an unique fraternity that you need to be involved and joining a bass club is the first step.

X2!

[dougie511]

I started fishing in a bass club when I was 16. Actually took a lot of time for them to decide if they were going to let me in because of my age. Overall it was a great experience and I learned a lot as I was still pretty new to most bass fishing techniques. It was also really nice to be able to go fish some of the big lakes that I couldn't get on with my little plastic boat. I met mostly nice people that were willing to teach me but there were a couple that had no concerns other than them catching fish and how much money you were giving them for gas.

A couple things to consider, don't plan on making money in a bass club, even if I'd won everything there was to win each year I still would have been losing money because they're mostly an excuse for everyone to go fishing. Make sure you discuss beforehand with your boater about gas money and what/how much gear to bring. Most times 50-100 dollars in gas was enough depending on how long the drive/run was but a couple guys had it figured out to the nearest dollar how much they wanted and it's best if you're prepared. Most everyone I fished with told me to bring as much gear as I wanted but a couple times it was a huge deal that I was bringing 6 3700 boxes and 5 rods. Pay attention to what your boater is doing, most likely they'll be more experienced than you since you're just starting and you can really learn a lot by watching them. 

Like I said, overall it was a great experience and if you're interested in it I'd suggest giving it a shot for a season at least and see if it's something you like. 

Thats super helpful man! Thanks a lot!!

[dougie511]

Dougie, there are advantages to joining a bass club which include, but are not limted to:

1.  You get to know guys who enjoy your sport.

2.  You learn where to launch your boat.

3.  You see what the other guys throw and their techniques.

4.  You get to see Mother Nature at her best and she is beautiful.

 

Don't worry about winning the club championship; don't worry about winning any tournaments; don't worry about embarrassing your self.

 

Your goal is to learn from these guys; make life long friends; and get into the Illinois fishing industry to meet the movers and shakers.

 

As you progress and start to get better you can then talk to the guys about updating your current boat; buying a better boat; what tackle they like; where to exactly fish on the bodies of water they fish; what techniques and baits work; but most of all, who are these guys and what makes them tick.

 

I have not only found the local Zoom wholesaler in my area but know bass fisherman from every part of the state.

 

Bass fishing is an unique fraternity that you need to be involved and joining a bass club is the first step.

I cant wait to join! I hope its not a fail though thats the only part im worried about! But i am def ready for the opportunity and to meet a lot of new people and a lot more about fishing!! Thanks for the insight!

[dougie511]

I agree with what Sam said. Joining a bass club is a great way to meet some local bass anglers. By fishing the clubs tourney you will learn where the boat ramps are and probably fish lakes you would other wise not fish. Yes the clubs can become very competitive and secretive, but in general most of them are fun. Another advantage is that many times online retailers and local sporting goods stores will offer members discounts. The best way is go to a few meetings before you join. Most good clubs are more then happy to have you there. You can get a good feeling for how the members interact.

One thing not mentioned so far is that for most of you guys just getting started and don't have the big fancy powerful boats, there are electric only and limited horsepower clubs. These are a great inexpensive way to find out what a membership in a club is like. My experience with attending meetings as a guest is these smaller budget clubs tend to be more open to new members.

Ron

Ive been to two meetings so far and honestly i like the group so far!! They had some discussions about the 2014 tourney schedule that led into some arguing but it was from one of those guys that just looks like hes always mad about something so i just kind of ignored it! I joined as a non boater and they welcomed me with wide open arms and even tried to nominate for a position on the board but i turned it down because i feel like i need some time to really figure out how things go! But so far everyone is insanely nice and hoping it leads to lots of learning and maybe some new fishing partners!! keeping my fingers crossed!!