NEW MEMBER INFO
Here are some basics about the club and things you should know and do before, during and after fishing a tournament.
CLUB MEETINGS
- Meetings are always the first Wednesday of the month, 6:30 pm at the Round Table Pizza, 9500 Greenback Lane in Orangevale.
- Attend meetings and support the club in any way you can. Participation improves your angling skills and knowledge of the club.
- Ask questions at the meeting and get to know some people.
PREPARING FOR A FISH TOURNAMENT
- Exchange contact information with your tour partner at the meeting if possible. Ask the club secretary if you need your partner’s information.
- Talk to your partner about the following
- Will you pre-fish?
- Where will you meet tournament day?
- How much space is there for the co-angler?
- Splitting expenses (see topic below).
RAMP EXPECTATIONS
- Learn to back the boat down the ramp as well as drive the tow vehicle with the boat. Let the boater know if you are not experienced in doing this.
- Turn off headlights while backing down the ramp and launching, use only the parking lights only when on the launch ramp.
- Do not lower tailgates on trucks unless specifically asked to do so by the boater.
- Be patient and show great care for boat/trailer/truck.
- When returning to the boat, store the keys in a safe place or return them to the boater.
BOAT CARE
- Be considerate of the boat’s interior
- Do not track dirt/mud on the boat.
- Don’t step on seats.
- Cover trebles as to not snag upholstery.
- Pick up your used baits/hooks/line, as well as any trash.
- After the tournament help wipes down the boat and assists the boater in any way needed.
- Do not smoke on the boat without permission.
FISHING EXPECTATIONS
- Learn to tie your own knots – ask your boaters to show you the ones they use!
- Learn to net fish properly – ask the boater if he has a specific type of net and how to use it.
- Learn to care for the fish, including culling fish, deflating the fish’s air bladder (i.e. fizzing fish & have your own needle), understand how the boat live well works.
- Talk with the boater about expectations up front – understand the type of fishing you are going to be doing for the day. Be honest about your skill level!
WEIGH IN
- Get club weigh-in bag from weight master.
- Assist in bagging fish and carrying them to the weigh in.
- Use common sense when carrying bags to the weigh-in – i.e. don’t rest bags on hot pavement in the summer! Fish should only be in the bags for 3 min at the most.
- Assist with releasing fish after the weigh-in. Make sure you know the rules for where and how to release the fish for that particular body of water.
EXPENSES
- Discuss with boater what the day’s expenses are expected to be ahead of time – the boater and co-angler are responsible to split the daily expenses! This can include gas, oil/additives, launch fees, and other expenses.
- Either bring your own food & drinks or talk with the boater ahead of time. Ask about bringing a cooler or if they have room in theirs.
- If you and your partner are both in the big fish pot, discuss if you will split it or if its individual.
WHAT TO BRING
- Wear appropriate clothing/shoes for the time of year, dress in layers. In the winter the mornings can be 20 degrees, in the summer it’s over 100 during the day.
- All year long its appropriate to wear a full rain suit for the morning.
- Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, food, and drink.