The state of Ohio has many beautiful lakes, rivers and streams where bass fisherman may enjoy the outdoors. Bass fishing provides you with a hobby that is both challenging and relaxing at the same time. Joining a bass fishing club provides you with many benefits and opportunities for exciting bass fishing, as well as the opportunity to meet fellow bass fisherman who also enjoy the sport.
Membership
Most Ohio state bass fishing clubs require an application for membership and payment of fees or dues upon acceptance into the club. Applications for membership require such information as your name, address and an agreement to abide by the club's by-laws. Membership fees vary but are generally around $20 to $30 per year, as of 2010. Some bass fishing clubs in Ohio require prior membership to the Bass Angler Sportsman Society, or B.A.S.S., which is a national bass fishing organization. B.A.S.S. requires annual dues in exchange for access to newsletters, tournaments and other bass fishing activities.
Benefits
Bass fishing clubs in Ohio state offer you the opportunity to enjoy the sport of bass fishing alongside fellow enthusiasts and nature lovers. Most Ohio bass clubs put on tournaments or competitions throughout the year to challenge members and entertain members of the community. Fishing clubs in Ohio also provide a sense of camaraderie, fishing challenges such as competitions, skills training, youth fishing opportunities and a fun environment to enjoy your bass fishing hobby.
Geography
Fishing clubs are located all over Ohio. The Ohio Bass Federation has divided clubs into six regions including Columbus and Central Ohio; Toledo, Lima and Northwestern Ohio; Akron, Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio; Cambridge and East Central Ohio; Cincinnati and Southwestern Ohio; and Gallipolis, Marietta and Southeastern Ohio. These regions each have a board of directors that helps to organize the various clubs within the regions, as well as regional meetings for those interested in attending. Each region has a number of more localized clubs that you may be interested in joining depending on your location in Ohio.
Considerations
Bass fishing clubs in Ohio have differences such as locations, amount of involvement, membership dues, number of yearly tournaments and number of activities for youth. Number of tournaments per year can also vary between clubs considerably; one club may have one annual tournament while another may have up to 10. Location is a big consideration for most; being an active part of a club is much easier if the club is in close proximity to your work or home.
History
Official bass clubs have been in existence in Ohio since the beginning of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, or B.A.S.S., chapter program began in 1968. At this time B.A.S.S. decided to help unite the smaller clubs so that greater event planning and organization could take place within Ohio. Currently Ohio has more than 25 bass fishing clubs, and new clubs are formed on a regular basis.
Member Comments