How to pick a club? Any club suggestions?

[SLOreefer]

I am in the East Bay area, more specifically, Hayward, Ca.  I have found a number of clubs within 30 minutes of me and haven't found much info on any of them.  I am 28 and am interested in a club as a non-boater.  I want to learn to be a better fisherman and have some fun competing at the same time. 

How do I pick a club to start with? I guess I could just go to a meeting with all of them and see where I feel like I fit in. 

Does anyone have any recommendations on a club in my area? There are at least a dozen and none of them have good websites to get a feel for who they are, or the ages of the guys or anything.

Help!

[RobbyZ5001]

Definitely go to the meeting. You will get a feel for the guys, and how they run the club. From the websites you may be able to tell how committed they are to learning, and if there are good sticks. Check the tournament records, and schedule. Email the president or tournament directors saying you are interested in the club, and want more information regarding tournaments/fees/meetings/activities/schedules/etc..

[Sam]

SL, picking a club is not an easy task.

As stated above, you will need to visit the clubs and ask some fundamental questions:

1.  How many tournaments and what bodies of water are fished?

2.  What are the annual dues?

3.  What are the nonboater fees per tournament?

4.  Is it a B.A.S.S. or FLW or both club?

5.  Will you get to fish any of the B.A.S.S. or FLW tournaments with one of the club members?

6.  Look at the guys for their ages and guess their experience. You will need to fish with guys who know the waters and are willing to help you while on the water.

7.  Any other queries you may have.

My club has 22 guys. Our dues are $145 a year and include the FLW dues.  We have a B.A.S.S. club, too, and you pay those dues to B.A.S.S.

Guys like to prefish and fish the various B.A.S.S. and FLW tournaments so find out if this is done.

Good luck.