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postcard · 03-19-2002, 01:23 AM

If you enjoy something strongly in a personal way, then you constantly explore ways to make it better and better because you strive to understand empirically what you've seen so you can apply what you've discovered. The challenge is personal and that challenge is the unknown and the mysterious. Nature can astound. I've belonged to fishing clubs for 15 years and have never found so many people stuck in a habit of fishing that's beyond belief, namely, follow the crowd, worship the pros and hope lady luck rubs off. I sometimes feel sorry for anglers who are primarily, gamblers who see fishing only as competition for awards, money and recognition. Boys with toys and big dreams. I'm a life member of BASS and believe that the organization has provided the means for people to forget their childhood enjoyment of the sport. I don't blame BASS. It's brought economic success to the industry of sport fishing, allowing money to flow into research and development of every aspect of angler equipment. But I've seen the worse side of people in every club I've belonged to. I won't let them in my boat much less share my knowledge with them. I know from experience that the flow of info is really only one way and that winning is their primary reason for asking how I did and 'how did you catch that lunker'? There once was a club in Sullivan C., N.Y. that was as friendly and fun as any you could want to be in. A few guys in the federation decided that they were going to impose mandatory federation tournaments on all chapter clubs. Fed. tournaments usually meant fishing hundreds of miles away on strange waters to the north. The old timers rejected the idea and the club split in two just like many clubs in southern N.Y. My first club lost half it's members, members that only wanted to have fiendly outings with different guys having the same interest and love of the sport. Not one of the original guys belongs to any club anymore and some have given up the sport altogether. We had some great times. If you find the boater your with, ignoring your casting space and hogging it for his own, chose not to fish with him again if he doesn't take the hint. If he doesn't want to try your suggestions on how to find fish because he's been successful doing it his way, call in sick next time you get picked to fish with him. Don't ruin your day off pleasing someone who is more focused on winning than fishing for the love of it. Two heads are always better than one when it comes to learning new things and I think many of the pro's know how to enjoy the sport when not fishing tournaments. Many can't, and reveal how shallow they are when they don't win. In computer jargon, KISS - [keep-it-simple-stupid]. Simply stated, enjoy something that you've been blessed with the opportunity to involve your heart, soul and brain into, something that has a perpetual draw on you day after day, that gives you solace, excitement and pride of personal accomplishment. If you can fish alone and enjoy the sport almost as much as fishing with another, you've got the bug that was implanted in you the first time you caught that sunny when you were 5. Don't allow anyone to corrupt your love of the sport.

ssor · 03-19-2002, 02:48 AM

Good post. Add this : Remember this above all else. Do what makes you feel good and every outing will end with a Smile

. I found that this works in fishing and alot of other things too. Texas gulf cost fisher.

ChrisP · 03-19-2002, 11:20 AM

i kin relate 2 that....sum of da REASONs i got out of a CLUB fu years bac.....took da FUN outa it.....Bsafe!....C-Ya!....

03-23-2002, 07:51 AM

I can totally relate on what you are saying, I went to one of the local saltwater fishing clubs here in Virginia, and I have notice that there are the guys who think they know it all and the guys who listens to their "B.S." .... the feeling that I got in that club was almost disgusting because I have never heard some much crap in my life... I love fishing for the sport, the feeling of being on the water with your closest fishing buddies, and of course the meal afterwards from the catch of the day...too bad there isnt more "so-called anglers" who has the same views that you have....

03-24-2002, 04:03 AM

Postcard, I'm really sorry to hear about all this club stuff. I haven't been fishing but three years but it rules my brain. I read everything I can and I'm also a member of BASS. This was the year I was really thinking about joining a fishing club. I must say, after reading these posts about clubs, I am even more reluctant than I was about joining a club. I haven't had the luxury of fishing from a bass boat yet. I have a 16' Old Town Loon Kayak that I fish from, and I love it. It's actually like fishing from a coffin. I have an 18' jon boat and trailer, but haven't the money for a motor yet. I would give anything to be partnered with someone with a bass boat and go fishing for a day. That was my main reason for wanting to join a fishing club. I have a limited education on the water because of the limitations of my kayak. Don't get me wrong, I can really get that yak hauling across the lake, and fish some great points and docks on the south side, but I'm still limited. I have what I consider a tremendous amount of BOOK smarts. I am trying new things all the time on the water in my yak. And I can spot a BS artist from miles away. I may not have a lot of ON THE WATER smarts but............. Anyway, I'll keep fishing from my yak, and if I get an invite to join someone on their boat some day I will take them up on it. I just may shy away from this club business. Really thought it would be a great way to increase my knowledge of the sport though. I have really enjoyed reading all your posts. Sharing your knowledge like you do is an immeasurable service to all of us that love to fish. As with all the reading I do, I take what I can use and leave the rest. Respectfully, Joshua

postcard · 03-25-2002, 12:31 PM

Don't give up on clubs yet! Do join one, as long as you know in advance what it will cost in all expenses per year. You'll be there to evaluate it's rules, membership, competiveness between members, laid-back verus cut-throat etc. You must fish with them at a tournament at least 2 outings to see what I'm talking about; (which is usually the try out time for new members to be evaluated before being voted in.) If there is any possibility that you can overlook some of the deficiencies for a tournament year, by all means join. Your learning curve will sky rocket because seeing even an [censored] catch fish is a valuable learning experience that, for better or worse, will stay with you for the rest of your life. On the other hand, if you can get a to go with someone regualrly, (friend, neighbor, stranger you happen to invite to fish with you while in Walmart's fishing dept.), do it. Club fishing is your first option because of the exposure to talent and varied experiences, as well as fishing a variety of different waters. You'll never realize how important those observed lessons are, with major emphasis on observed versus expecting to be taught. Share info and experiences, but observe and make notes of what worked, as well as what variations pop into your head. Fishing is all about imagination (even when your daydreaming at work), confidence building, experimentation, open mindedness at all times and the life-long quest for the solutions to the infinite questions that come at you as you fish more and more. Fishing alone may be alright for some, but fishing with an avid, experienced angler is the ultimate learning experience, even if they're an [censored] bent on winning the classic.

ssor · 03-25-2002, 02:23 PM

postcard, you have done it again, with a great post. Any place you can find something new ( be it good or bad info. ) It is a learning experionce that will stay with you. Again, thanks for the post. Texas Gulf Coast Fisher.

03-27-2002, 04:04 AM

Thanks Postcard, I will be talking with someone from a club soon and I'll be sure to ask about all the expenses involved. Thanks again, Joshua

SHAKA · 03-27-2002, 08:49 AM

WOW, WHAT A REALITY CHECK. SOME EXCELLENT INSIGHT. I GUESS I WAS KINDA LOSING FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERED. NOT THE MONEY OR THE ACCOLADES BUT THE ENJOYMENT OF THE SPORT... HAVING FUN. I THINK I DID BETTER WHEN I DID IT FOR THE FUN RATHER THAN TRYING TO "WIN". MAHALO PLENTY BRAH.

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