Bob, I have to disagree with your comments about clubs. IMO, clubs are far
more than what you say they are. Every club I have been in contact with have
great meetings, fun tournaments, usually with camping and cookouts, other club
get togethers and usually a few public community functions. For example, our
club holds a casting kids event, a fishing derby for the Brooke's Place youth
and this year we will also add a casting and fishing booth for kids at a local
church community fair. Yes, clubs have tournaments and "political disputes",
but they are usually much more than just that.
Our club gets a few new bass fishermen each year, and about 99% of them have
remained in the club year after year. A few have even won some events out of
the back the boat or spanked their boater more than a few times.

Though I did not start bass fishing in a club, I started seriously fishing for
bass when I joined my first club. I will honestly say, if I had not joined, I
would not be anywhere near as good at bass fishing as I am now. I learned tons
by fishing in club tournaments as a non-boater, which BTW, all beginners should
start as a non-boater and stay a non-boater until they are comfortable with
their bass finding/fishing skills.

Clubs are competitive, but the majority of them are friendly competition and
most club members want their other members to have fun and become better
anglers. I never fished with anyone in a club who was not willing to answer
questions, demonstrate something, show me how to rig something, why to rig it
that way or why we were fishing where we were, etc. I've had guys share baits,
rods, reels, line, etc. just to help me get fish in the boat and to learn.

I started boating after 5 years as a non-boater. I treat my partners the same
as my boaters treated me. My tackle box is open, the front deck is open, ask
whatever you want and expect to receive some suggestions.

Begining bass fishers should realize that they are not going to go out and win
club events - they are beginners. They should know they are there to have fun,
learn and they need to ask questions, be involved and pay attention. They
should not have high expectations and always have an open mind. They have to
start somewhere, and fishing in a club is one of the best ways to do it IMO.

I have always had these goals in my club fishing and in this exact order:

1) Have fun
2) Learn something
3) Catch some fish

Brad Coovert
2003 Angler of the Year, Greenfield Bassmasters
http://www.greenfieldbassmasters.com