It may surprise you to know that not every angler is aware of the many fishing clubs that exist across the USA.
Yes fishing is often a solo activity performed either alone, with your kids or with a close group of friends. But it doesn’t have to be!
Every state in the USA has fishing clubs that are open to the public to join. Some fishing clubs host weekly tournaments, and some fishing clubs provide private fishing lakes for their members to use.
And some fishing clubs just provide a great watering hole to have a drink at amongst friends.
These organizations are a great place to meet some like-minded fisherman and to share your knowledge and experience with those who are still learning. And you might even pick up a few tips yourself.
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National Fishing Clubs in the USA
Check out these fishing clubs that operate nationwide across the USA. Some of these organizations focus specifically on one type of fishing such as bass fishing, whereas others are dedicated to the sport of angling as a whole.
B.A.S.S. – Bass Anglers Sporting Society
The cleverly named Bass Anglers Sporting Society (BASS) is associated with the Bassmaster magazine publication which you may have seen at newsstands or your local tackle store. Becoming a member of the BASS fishing club gives you access to national fishing tournaments for professional anglers, as well as regular local fishing tournaments for amateur fishermen.
At the time of publishing annual dues are $15 per year, although there are discounts if you join for multiple years. There is even a lifetime membership option for those who know their love for fishing won’t die until they do!
US Angling Confederation
The US Angling Confederation is a fishing club that develops teams to compete in amateur sport fishing tournaments. This club is for those who take their fishing a little more seriously! US Angling also hosts tournaments including the World Championships, National Championships and National Team Qualifying events in sport fishing.
If you’ve ever wanted to get a start in the world of competitive fishing tournaments then the US Angling Confederation is for you.
National Bass Anglers Association
The National Bass Anglers Association is a fishing club that hosts the annual NBAA National Championship. There are also active NBAA divisions in over a dozen states right now, and the NBAA will support you to start your own NBAA division if your state doesn’t yet have an angler’s club running.
The NBAA fishing club is based out of Ponca City, Oklahoma and can be contacted directly on 580 765 2319.
Annual membership dues starts from $40 at the time of posting.
The Bass Federation Fishing Club
The Bass Federation (TBF) is one of the oldest grassroots fishing clubs around. Since 1968 incarnations of the Bass Federation have been operating across the various states of the USA. The Bass Federation is 100% member owned and they are currently partners with Major League Fishing.
If there isn’t a Bass Federation near you, TBF will support you in getting one established as long as you have six anglers with you. Annual membership dues are $50 at the time of posting, and due to their current partnership with Major League Fishing your annual dues get you a subscription to the MLF digital magazine too.
Student Angler Federation
The Student Angler Federation (SAF) is a youth fishing club that aims to promote education through fishing to high schoolers. High School Fishing Clubs are one of the fastest growing youth movements across the country as more and more teenagers get interested in the joy of fishing.
Anyone can set up a branch of the SAF, and teachers and parents can register the organization for their local school with dues starting at $25 per student per year.
Members of the Student Angler Federation can participate in the High School National Championships, as well as a slew of other tournaments that are held across the country throughout the school year.
The Last Cast
Fishing clubs can be a great way to meet new friends and to turn what is often a solo pursuit into a more social event.
If you are growing tired of spending time on the banks of the river by yourself, but haven’t grown tired of the thrill of the catch, then check out one of your local anglers clubs to find others near you who share the same interest.
Sharing your passion with others is a great way to improve your social life and teach the younger generation a few of the skills that you have picked up over time. Or if you are still a spring chicken yourself, then fishing clubs are the place to go to draw on the experience of those who have been casting lines in your local area for decades.
These fishing organizations and professional associations also provide the pathway to competitive tournament fishing if that sort of thing is down your alley.
Give your local fishing club a call today. You’ll never know where it will take you!
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