Hit me with a Club

[wclark5]

Hey guys and gals! I am posting this thread to get some of your thoughts on fishing clubs. I belong to a Fly Fishing club, (North Branch Boys) in Toledo.

I want to develop a Top Ten list of what makes a " Fishing Club" great. (comments do not have to be Fly Fishing Club specfic.)

I've just taken over as Vice Pres, and responsible for lining up speakers, head up our anual fund raiser banquet, and probably some other things that they have yet to share with me.

I've been a member for four years and have greatly benefited from the club. I want to give my best to this position, and contribute to making the club viable for years to come.

So, what ya got?????

[Jackster1]

What makes a good club? I belong to one of the best, The Michigan Fly Fishing Club and started a new club when I moved to NC.
What makes a good club IMHO are:
Members. Without them there ain't no club!
Members who volunteer! Too many wait to be entertained.
Mission statement. You have to have plans and goals.
Activities that bring members together such as tying, rod building, casting clinics.
Outings! There is no better way for members to get to know one another.
Interesting meeetings. Good topics and speakers keep membership alive.
Schedules that are met.
Planning.
Raffles at meetings. At MFFC and CFFC meetings this caps them nicely.
Communication! Newsletters, emails and website that allows members to interact.
A long-term plan for officers. It's good to have officers move up the ranks over time to lead positions. They'll know the club inside and out.

If I can make one suggestion, it's to get in contact with the Federation of Fly Fishers. They have helped create many clubs and have tried-and-true methods for helping make clubs succesful.

Good luck on this! It's not easy but it's worth it!

[wclark5]

Thanks jackster, some of the things you mention are some of the thoughts that I had as well, and thanks for the ideas ones I had not thought of. I also want to mention that the North Branch Boys are a FFF club, and have been together for over twenty years.

[steelie]

Good Day,

I agree with Jackster. Communication, volunteerism and outings. I would also add programs (youth programs, classes for memebers and the general public like casting clinics or tying classes for example), and perks (like discounts at local retailers).

Also - the club I belong to has built relationships with local fly shops. When our members purchase products the shop(s) apply ten percent of each purchase to a club account. Then the club uses this account to purchase items for classes or the annual fundraising banquet.

Steelie

[itchn2fish]

Also, it pays off to work on projects in conjunction with local watershed preservation/restoration committees.

So, a baby harp seal walks in to a club........

[wclark5]

"So, a baby harp seal walks in to a club........"

Now, that's funny!!!!:lol::lol::lol: