Sam Rayburn Guide - Should I Join a Bass Club?

OK, you are an average East-Texas fisherman, watch all of the available fishing shows on television, and wet a hook just about every chance you can (even if it does mean that the lawn won’t get mowed for awhile). Should you join a bass club? Is there anything a bass club can offer that you don’t already have? The answer is – Yes.

Alex

One of the most important benefits gained will be additional knowledge. This knowledge can’t help but allow an angler to enjoy his sport much more. Fishing with others enables a fisherman to pick up different techniques that could turn out to be invaluable for future fishing trips.

For example, the angler that fishes a plastic worm or jigging spoon the majority of the time will usually have his technique pretty well “fine-tuned”. It may be possible to learn more in one trip fishing with this individual than in many trips fishing alone.

Chances are that certain club members will also know specific lakes like the back of their hand. Trying to catch fish on new water is always tough, so fishing with a few of these guys will be a tremendous advantage. Their knowledge of fishing patterns, lures to use, productive areas, etc., will go a long way in making you a much better angler.

Most of these fishing trips can really be a success without even catching many fish. If you’ve fished any length of time you know that there are days when the bass are not very considerate. They have lock-jaw for everyone. But after all, learning what to do and how to do it is the real key and will definitely contribute to your future success.

A number of clubs also have tournaments where the anglers draw for partners. Even if the person you draw is a novice you may come away with a fresh view point on how to do things a bit differently.

(If you happen to fish with some of the guys I have shared a boat with you will also learn new things such as – how to get a lure out of the top of a tree, how to make an anti-backlash reel “bird-nest”, or possibly other important items such as how to launch a boat without having the drain-plug in.)

Fishing in a club will also allow you to share the cost of fuel and travel expenses. At almost $3 per gallon, any help is greatly appreciated. It is expensive to buy, maintain and operate a fishing rig these days, so sharing expenses will take a bit of the strain off the ol’ pocketbook.

For those of you that don’t have a boat, being in a club could have even greater benefits. Non-boat anglers who belong to bass clubs have the opportunity to fish in a number of different rigs. This is a perfect time to evaluate boat designs, motors, etc. This knowledge will come in handy when shopping for a boat of your own.

Being in a club also allows anglers to see and possibly use new fishing tackle. Most fishermen won’t mind if you make a trail cast or two with their new rod and reel, in fact they are probably looking for a chance to show it off. And what better way to stay abreast of the latest baits, fishing lines and other gizmos. There is no possible way the average fisherman could afford to purchase one of every lure on the market, however, in a bass club the word get’s out pretty fast regarding those baits that are producing well (or perhaps not at all).

But most important, the real plus in joining a bass club is for the fun and fellowship. Fishing together and perhaps sharing “tall tales” will build friendships that usually last a lifetime. Since many clubs are also active in other functions such as invitational tournaments, safety and conservation, it’s pretty obvious that club members learn more than just fishing.

But fishing is definitely what bass clubs are all about, and those who enjoy the sport can find enhanced fishing opportunities by becoming a member. I am a firm believer in the old theory that if the good Lord didn’t want us to fish, he wouldn’t have put so much water on the earth. (I am however concerned at times when he doesn’t add a bit more to Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn).

For those interested in joining a bass club and don’t know how to go about it – here is what to do. Check with your local tackle dealer, marina operator, boat dealer, conservation officer, or just grab that guy with all the patches on his shirt or boat and start asking him questions. I can even make it more simple for you anglers on the lower part of Toledo Bend . The Fairmount Bass Club has just been formed and they fish every Thursday evening from 4pm-8pm. After you join the club, the cost is $10 for each tournament plus an optional $3 side pot for Big Bass. I know most of the anglers and they are a great bunch that you would enjoy fishing with. For more information contact Chuck Earwood (579-2610) or Chuck Russell (579-2018).

Fishing is much more than just a sport, it is a wonderful activity that can be enjoyed by all family members. Some of the moments I have shared in a boat with friends are priceless, and after all – isn’t sharing moments such as these what it’s really all about?

My advice is that if you want to get the maximum enjoyment from fishing, -- join a bass club. Good Fishing JB

Future Pro Angler