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By Bob Lechel
Southwestern Staff Writer

May 24, 2010

The Wikipedia definition of a club states as follows: “A club is an association of two or more people united by a common interest or goal.”  Every weekend, thousands of competitive bass club anglers across America head out with a common interest or goal; to try and fool green fish into biting their artificial offering.  Whether they fish only on their home pond or travel to other locations, the majority of all competitive bass anglers have at least one thing in common; they are currently involved or were introduced to tournament bass fishing through a local club.  I would also bet most were mentored by their fathers, uncles, coworkers, or friends who were initially influenced by a local club.  Clubs can provide a myriad of opportunities if you find the right one.

Personality of a Club

Clubs are as varied as the people and personalities that make them up.  Some are extremely laid back with very few rules or by-laws.  Just a bunch of gold ole boys and girls getting together to see who can catch the biggest five fish and take home a few bucks or bragging rights for the effort.  On the other hand, some can be very organized with mandatory meetings, by-laws, youth clubs and mentoring, charity support, and extensive club tournaments.  Others may exist primarily to allow the anglers to fish non-club events affiliated with state or national organizations.

Clubs may be any combination of the above and this makes up their “personality”.  If you are a recluse and only want to fish state or national tournaments, the club with monthly or bimonthly mandatory meetings and a large club circuit may not be for you.  If you want to fish primarily club-only tournaments and fish locally, the club that doesn’t have many or any local club events also might not be a good fit.  Here’s the bottom line: If you’re looking for a club, you need to shop around, talk with existing club members, attend a club meeting, contact a club representative, ask the local tackle store and see which club matches “your personality”.  Put forth a little effort and you’ll find one that meets your needs and provides a positive experience.

The Hook

First and foremost, clubs provide a social opportunity for people with the same passion for the sport to gather, compete, have meetings, share a meal or a drink, and tell stories.  A key element of this socialization is the sharing of information between club members.  Everyone is all ears when the person who “sacked them up” in the last tournament talks about their pattern with 4” green pumpkin Senkos dead-sticked in the salt cedars, or the Lucky Craft Pointer 100 in Ghost Chartreuse Shad color that caught them ripped erratically on windy points.

The information sharing through stories alone isn’t the only way members learn from their club.  There are usually members more than willing to share their years of knowledge on the water with eager and respectful (this is important) members.  Notice I said “respectful”.  The quickest way to burn someone who is sharing his or her knowledge with you in the boat is to not respect that person who shared it.  It might have taken years of experience for that particular angler to obtain that knowledge (whether it is a specific bait, a technique, or even a fishing location) and they chose to share it with YOU.  Respect that fact and you will find yourself on the positive side of information sharing and healthy on-the-water relationships within the club.  It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned bass veteran or wet behind the ears, the fishing tournament game is constantly evolving and clubs assist in the education of their members.  It’s up to the members to put forth the effort to obtain this education though.  It isn’t going to land in your lap.

The Youth, The Future

Many clubs have a youth contingent or program associated with the adult club.  Some have incorporated junior anglers who fish with and against the adults.  Other clubs may provide an entire youth program with junior tournaments, outdoor education, and youth driven conservation projects.  Other clubs might hold junior-only open tournaments to introduce youngsters to fishing.

One thing for sure, the immediate effect that the junior anglers have on a club is an instant infusion of excitement and energy.  It’s almost like getting your old dog a new puppy.  You’ve never seen old Fido so spry.  It’s also amazing to see some of the typical standoff-ish folks (just about every club has a few) absolutely open up when it comes to mentoring the junior anglers.  I’ve seen some adults become pseudo-adoptive parents to these kids.  They are so proud of their accomplishments; one would think they were blood related.  They have the right to be.  Their “baby” has grown up and learned how to fish.  Often, they have learned so well that they are outperforming the adults.  Another added benefit is that once the kids are hooked on bass fishing, usually it isn’t long before it’s a family affair and mom, dad, and siblings are all joining in.

Strength in Numbers

Clubs can provide a unified voice for local and national issues and causes.  Once a club or organization gets behind a cause or issue the message has a larger effect than an individual carrying the same message.  I believe the saying is, “The whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts.”  Well, it’s true.  Whether its fisheries/wildlife management, access to public land and water, charity fundraisers, or conservation projects the message resonates more with the decision makers coming from a single voice representing many with the same views -- a club.