OK, to twist an old saying, every tournament season begins with a single launch. (Just as every journey begins with a first step.)

Basically, you always have got to start somewhere, and such is the case with bass clubs. There has to be a beginning. They all got started somewhere.

But then, some go on to have long and storied histories mixed with untold amounts of fishing fun. Meanwhile, other clubs, well, the outboard falls off before they even leave the ramp.

So why do some clubs start-up, blast-off and succeed while others fail? What’s the secret? How to you build a winning bass club from the beginning?

Missouri bass angler Brian Sowers is a member of the Top Gun Bass Club that fishes the Show-Me State’s central and western waters. (Sowers also hosts a radio show The Outdoors With Brad and Brian; Outdoors With Brad and Brian; www.myturbonet.com/outdoors.htm.)

He said one of the first things those interested in forming a new bass club should do is to spread the word.

“Plan an organizational meeting and announce it on the local radio station and in the newspaper. Most media outlets have a ‘community calendar’, or something like that, as a public service, so this first step will not cost you at thing.”

Sowers said this is also an easy way to test the water, to see, basically, if there is enough local interest to proceed.

This strategy leads to the obvious question of, “how many anglers do you need to make up a club?” This largely depends on the initial group — the founding fathers, if you will. What do they want/expect from the club?
West Tennessee’s Joe Sills is a veteran bass angler with the Haywood County BASS Club.

Like Sowers, he said those wishing to kick things off should first spread the word. In addition to the traditional venues of radio, newspaper, etc., Sills added that organizers might also consider printing flyers.

“Distribute them (flyers) where local anglers frequent, such as docks, tackle shops, restaurants, etc.,” Sills said. “Explain to owners that a bass club will boost their business.”

He also said to consider putting out the flyers at factories or businesses that employ large numbers. But remember, he added don’t let these flyers become litter (i.e., putting them on windshields, etc.). You will be frowned upon for that. Public image can also be important to bass clubs, be they new or well established.

Fun Is Fundamental

Different clubs seek different tournament venues.

For example, Sowers said his club fishes for cash purses at its tournaments. And there is a minimum number of boats needed to make this feasible, or at the least, worthwhile, to competitors.

“Typically, if we have 15-20 boats (with everyone paying an entry fee) it will make it where we can have an added payday for guys that want to fish on weekends.”

Sowers added, however, that Top Gun members have fun fishing tournaments, regardless of payday.

“I know it is a cliché, but really the most basic secret to starting a successful club, and it is a fact, is to keep it fun. It is that plain and simple.

“Yes, we enjoy the competition, but we also understand we are not doing this to make a living. We have a great group of guys and gals that get together because they love to fish. If a member makes some money over the weekend, great, if not, no one leaves angry. We certainly don’t look at bass fishing as a way to supplement our income.”

Likewise, Sills said from the start a new club should have direction. It should be determined if the club is going to be a competitive club with the sole purpose of providing “money” tournaments. Or will it be to provide friendly, fellowship events? Or perhaps there can be a combination? Either way, it is something that needs to be addressed in the beginning.
Sills also said it is smart to design/plan for all initial club goals to be flexible. So that these goals can be altered by a hopefully, soon-growing club.

Communication, Rank, File And Future Leaders

Another key for a successful club from the start is communication. Newsletters, websites, etc., all help everyone stay linked and know what is going on. But simply hanging around after a tournament for fellowship also helps build club ties.

Sowers said it is very important for clubs to have good leadership, from the start.

“That’s probably the number one reason new clubs don’t stay afloat. It’s that they don’t have someone dedicated to be the leader. You will always have to have a go-to person,” he said.

Other reasons new clubs fail is that members don’t keep club tournaments or activities fun and/or challenging.

“In keeping a club healthy, members should want their club to stand out as one that area anglers want to join AND remain a member of.

“And finally there is the competition. If it becomes so much of a focus, that some members lose sight of what a good bass club can be — fun, camaraderie and the chance to learn more about fishing — well, you will lose membership there, too.

A new club should identify and/or select “role players” from the start if it is to see success. As in the regular workday world, different people have different specialties. Members should evaluate who does what best and assign positions according to each individual’s strengths.

It can be a lot like putting a puzzle together, to see who fits best, where?

Securing A Fishing Future

In that same vein, new clubs should realize that a change of the guard should always be planned or in the works. No new club should rely on the same individuals to do the same job(s) every year.

Relying on one or two members to do any and everything is a sure death toll for a club via burnout.

“Distribute the responsibilities, have some go on “prize finds”, some on the weigh-in team, others as officers — give them all something to do other than just come out and fish,” Sowers said.

By assigning other members various duties and responsibilities, you eliminate the possibility of burnout and also typically discover who is the heir apparent to leadership.

What’s In Your Wallet?

Sills said new club organizers should be aware of the financial side of being in a club and the expense that your membership can comfortably afford.
“The quickest way to destroy a club is to price them out by long distance travel and a race to have the biggest boat around. With gas prices at all time highs, without sponsors, even the pros would have a difficult time of it,” Sills said.

Independent? Or Join A Larger School?

“Some clubs affiliate with a larger organization such as BASS or FLW. Our club has done both. But I guess what a new club should do is find out what the membership’s aspirations are. Joining these organizations is just another resource that can make you a better fisherman,” he said.

He is a proponent of bass clubs joining a national group such as B.A.S.S. or FLW.

“They may provide your members the benefits of insurance for you and your boat. They also present your members with the opportunity to advance to national tournaments through their state and regional formats,” he said.

Civic Duties

Sowers said that anything a new club can do to help its community is always a plus. Likewise, group efforts and causes help members form tighter bonds.

“Right off the bat, you are proud to do such things, anyway. Things like Casting Kids contests, fishing derbies or helping others less fortunate — all through fishing. Also, such activities promote the future of fishing, are good for your club’s public image, and often draw interest from prospective members. People want to be a part of a program that does good things.

Local Business Relations

A new bass club should do all it can to support their area’s local businesses. Such relationships are beneficial on both sides of the boat. For example, in turn, these businesses may help with sponsorship, prizes or other needs a club may incur throughout the year.

This could be sparked by simply hosting monthly meetings at select restaurant or including a businesses’ information in all club literature or even on the club website.

In short, such relationships can also help a bass club fish for many seasons to come.

Reel In Those Recruits

Recruitment is the lifeblood of any club.

Bass clubs can encourage this by hosting annual “open” or “guest” tournaments within their regular schedule.

It gives others a first-hand look at what your club is all about.
Prior to such tournaments the membership should brainstorm a list of prospects that might enjoy fishing with the bass club.

Often the most devout would-be member isn’t in a club, simply for one reason — he or she has never been asked to participate. So, ask them!
Another popular route of assuring long-term success and longevity is to have or sponsor a junior bass club. Adult club members can mentor and even partner with the junior club members in some tournaments. This way, not only do you help promote the sport of fishing but you also provide rising ranks for your club’s future.

West Tennesse angler Joe Sills also noted that if a club’s membership has children, it should be a priority to investigate the national organization’s youth programs.

“Your club might want to sponsor a “Casting Kids” event or form a junior bass club which not only would benefit the club’s youth but could bring their parents into your club,” said Sills, member of the Haywood County BASS Club.

Then too, a few clubs simply don’t want to grow. They don’t want newcomers.

It would be wise to toss that archaic notion in the “bad idea” file.
It may not always be comfortable, but change is good, even in a bass club. New members often bring with them new ideas and inspiration — which are also good for the long-term health of a club.

— Taylor Wilson

 

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