Spookyant0270 Loc: Oregon

CAUTION: this is a long post, if you’re sensitive to verbosity, this one takes a minute to read...

So, I have belonged to a bass club in my city for 5 years now. Originally, the format was one meeting a month. Boater’s and non boaters all put their names in a hat (literally a hat) and we would draw to match up a non boater with a boater. Random, but usually, no one got left out.

For 2020 they have decided to change their format to an “open door” sort of thing. No memberships, no dues. Pay at the ramp for an event, and you’re a member. You have voting privilege, etc.

When first presented, the idea was to increase the amount of boats that show up for tournaments because our memberships were declining rapidly and we would get an average of 3-6 boats per event.

The club president suggested that our turnout per event is ridiculously low and almost not worth all the effort. I understood that, so I voted (it was unanimous anyway) to switch to the new format. I predicted that I would be “left at the ramp” for most of the events because our group is more of a clique than a club...I was mostly kidding when I said it aloud to the group at the meeting... but it has happened as I predicted...exactly.

The group communicates through a page on Facebook. I didn’t know that and I nearly missed the first event of the season because I didn’t know they were announcing it on the Facebook page. So, I was put into a boat, last minute, by the President. I know the boater I was placed with pretty well... we’ve gone to the delta and clear lake and even Shasta together. Long truck rides, hotel stays, hours together on the boat. We know each other. He was a little perturbed about getting “stuck with me”... Fine. So, bad start to my season. I got over it.

Next tournament, I’m a non boater begging for a ride. I had my request on the page for a month prior to the event and finally got an invite on the Friday before the show. I had no time to prepare. I had given up on my chance to even get a ride!

So, here we are. We’re set to have another one at the end of August. I put up my beggars sign again...a month ahead of time, and no biters still. I just took down the post yesterday out of embarrassment after two weeks of nothing. I’m contemplating quitting tourney fishing because this s—t is not what I signed up for! I wanted to get in more bass fishing and to learn from the experienced anglers in the club. One event at a time. Different angler each time.

It worked for almost five years! I’ve learned a lot, but mostly I’ve had a blast with these guys and gals.

BUT, I’m done begging. In the beginning of this new “club” (they call it a league now) I was advised to try to “sell myself” on the Facebook page. No more. That’s just begging...

So that’s my rant. Thanks for “listening”!
Advice????

- Jeff

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Jeff: Have you thought of offerring a round of beer to the boat owners? Might help. Just Sayin...RJS

Howfisher Loc: Citrus Springs Fl. 34434

Interesting. I had a similar experience with a bass club in Fl. I, actually, had a boat. But, I didn't know the area, and had never tourney fished before. Stupid me thought these guys would be happy to show me the ropes. Not the case at all. I felt very discouraged, and thought it was just me. Anyway, good luck, and if ever in Central Fl., I would be happy to take you out there.

BullG8r Loc: Navarre, FL. (Panhandle of FL)

I have had the same experience over the years - no offers to participate. I live in a huge subdivision (4,500 homes) and when I first arrived I drove around, introduced myself to homeowners with a boat, informed them Iwould help with fuel costs, bring sandwiches/drinks, whatever I could do to make their day enjoyable and affordable. All of this has provided me with zero opportunities to go fishing, fresh water or salt.

I have also made this same offer to nearby members of this forum with the same results.

I always said to myself when I was forced to bank fish that if I ever got a boat I would cruise around and pick up every fisherman/woman on the bank and take them along.

I often see people fishing ALL ALONE in a beautiful boat and I wonder how much more fun it could be with a partner, not to mention how much safer.

I always laugh to myself when I read/hear about how good outdoors people are with sharing Mother Nature's bounty with others.

Jeremy Loc: America

ALL THE BEER...GAS....FOOD...bait. Makes ya wonder. I always bring way than my share of everything if I am getting on someone else's boat.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Hey BullG8r,
Try sharing your location with the FS members by putting it in your profile with your username. It will make you feel more personable to other members, and just might help. Just a thought.... 🤔 Randy

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

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Hi Jeff, please let me ask you a few questions so that I can help you out with the problem that you are having. Okay here goes, did you fish with any of these bass fishing clubs, Central Valley Bass Club, Columbia River Bassmasters, Emerald Bass Club, and Umpqua Valley Bassmasters?


Ron620DVS

"Gone Fishing!!-----~~~<*))}}}}>><{{ 🎣🐠🐸🦞

BullG8r Loc: Navarre, FL. (Panhandle of FL)

My location has been entered along with my name since Day 1.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Well there's nothing on your title line,like everyone of ours, so I'm sorry but it's not!

BullG8r Loc: Navarre, FL. (Panhandle of FL)

I would have bet serious money my location was listed. Thank you for straightening me out Fredfish. I have updated my home info. Hopefully this might help me to get invited on a fishing trip and help me to make some new friends.

Spookyant0270 Loc: Oregon

Excellent idea. Unfortunately, I would have to be invited to one of their “get-togethers”.

I really have a Sad Sack attitude about it right now. Walking down the driveway kicking rocks over it.

I honestly have way too much money invested in it to quit.

CharlieWV

I would find a new bass club, doesn't sound like a very good one to me. I fished in the same bass club here in WV for 20 years. We belonged to the state federation and had a charter on how we operated. I started off as a non boater not only to learn techniques but also the waters we had tournaments on. Gas for vehicle and boat were split and the non boater had the right to the front of the boat for half of the day and their choice of fishing spots as well. We had a great club and all got along, we were mostly middle aged men 25-45 . We met once a month and drew partners for the up tournament or two if they were before the next meeting. I hope you can find one like that in your area, good luck.

whtoak Loc: South Carolina

I had a math teacher in the sixth grade that didn't like me, and the feeling was mutual. I could understand. I was somewhat talkative, mischievous, and at times unconcerned for my fellow students learning environment, while math itself was not a problem for me . (My first grade report cards had all A's except for "Conduct" grade, which was D, just above failing- CONDUCT). I came home with my first report card with a C in math. Now that meant a spanking, actually two whackings, one from mom and one from dad. I tried to explain my situation to my mother ( no explaining to my dad- his policy was "it's your job to make the grades I know you can make, so get it done.") telling her that the teacher just didn't like me and I simply didn't want to work for her. She pointed out that I was going to have to deal with her and the way to do it was for me to make her like me. I said, "I can't do that." Mother: "Oh yes you can. You always have your homework completed with everything right, if she asks for someone to go to the board to work a problem, you raise your hand first. When you enter her room, you say. "Good Morning Mrs Harvey. How are you today? How's your family. Can I do anything for you Mrs. Harvey?" You keep your mouth shut and behave, never ever let her see you do anything out of line. You be on your best behavior the entire time you are in her class and be the perfect student. You treat her so kindly that she can not dislike you." I answered again," I can't do all that." Mother:" You can do all that and you are going to do all that, or else." Well later that evening I thought about all that and said to myself "OK I'm gonna do just that." I started the very next morning. It turned out to be a BLAST. I actually enjoyed kissing Mrs. Harvey's behind every single moment. It wasn't long that when I walked into her classroom, she started smiling and was most kind to me, speaking soft and gentle instead her hateful attitude. My math grade went back up to an A next report card and I learned a valuable lesson that I have implemented over the last 50+ years since Mrs Harvey. You gotta make em like you. Since a boat is a considerable expense, I figure if I were "boatless", I could either cash up for a boat (and all associated expenses) or I can help the boat guy offset some of his- starting with all fuel/oil cost. I'd have my wife whip up a compact but butt kicking lunch pack and snacks that nobody could refuse. (when I explain to her how much money we're saving by not buying a boat, she be all in) I'd be on my absolute most polite and gentlemanly behavior while on board, careful to ask the "Boat man" where he wants me positioned, not moving ANYTHING in his boat AND MAKING SURE I KEEP HIS BOAT CLEAN- starting with checking my shoes for dirt or mud BEFORE i get in. I'd offer to clean or at least help clean his boat afterwards. Then, I'd catch fish! I'd read and study and pay close attention and become a good fellow to have around.

whtoak Loc: South Carolina

Or, you can just move down to the DEEP SOUTH, where we love everybody

tumhoefer Loc: MPLS/St. PAul Minnesota

I get it - spent my youth having the same problem with so called "friends"
Did a lot of things like golf or bicycling that were individual sports.
I think a lot of people worry they'll have to spend 3 hours with someone who does not meet their lofty expectations ( typically of themselves by the way ;) )
I also believe that an equal number of people are probably worried that you will find out they are NOT exactly "pro fishermen" either and would be embarrassed if they didn't "produce". Hell, the old adage still stands " my WORST day fishing is better than my best day on the job"
I fish alone 80 % of the time. Been out 43 times since May 18. I throw an invitation to ANYONE, especially at work. If the truck and boat are parked in the lot when you get here (usually the first or second person on site around 6:45 am) I AM GOING FISHING.
You don't need an invite, just call, text, email and ask, "what time are we leaving the dock?" Would love the new company and, like you, can ALWAYS learn something new from others. Have a brand new 18' foot Lund, plenty of room, ALL the equipment - you don't to bring anything - still no takers.
I go with my sons and my wife when they can fit it in and a couple of friends up North of me when their schedule permits. People Say THEY WANNA GO but I never get any takers.
I volunteer to be boat captain for our high school team for those kids that have no boat in their lives so that is fun. ( picture is my old boat) I have learned TONS from them by the way.
My co-worker, her granddaughter and her first Bass.
Me and one of my "friends"
I chalk it up to MN nice and afraid to ask but it's probably that i'm just an a - -hole or something :)
Karma exists and if you are ever coming to MN in the Mpls/St. PAul area when the water is not frozen (hell we'll go ice fishing if it is) feel free to send me notice - I'll take ya fishin!