“What do you want out of a float tube club?”

“If there is one thing that is very important to you about a float tube club what would it be?

Rich SCBBBC.COM”

Hey Rich, great question, I agree! Also congrads on the Prez position! Looking forward to getting on the water with you!

To answer I have to also tell you why I joined the SCBBBC. If there were just “one” thing it would be more benefits to the membership! What do you want out of a float tube club?

I joined the SCBBBC January 2005 because of Dave Sternitzke (blanket party at his site at the next camp out). Dave and I would semi-annually hang out at various functions (ok – parties) and often he would pat me on the back and say, hey John, you need to get out there and try fishing with me some time.

The other reason I joined the SCBBBC is that I work too many hours a week and don’t reward/allow myself with enough time for myself and just myself. I needed to find something to relax and most importantly to stay sane. My 2005 New Years resolution was just that. I resolved to find a monthly-organized activity that I would like. I choose the club! (Thanks to Dave’s multi-years pats on the back) There were just two things that were a must. 1. Have to be comfortable 2. Have to catch fish.

To join the club the web page gave me all the details (good job Mike). I would also need the gear, BASS GEAR. What is BASS GEAR? Oh yea, a kick boat might help too. Hummm????

I thought at that time “BASS” gear was all the stuff I have or have had in the garage and have or had inherited for 42 years of fishing fresh and salt water! But nope, gotta get all new stuff (I love that commercial that relates a rod to a golf club – the right tool for the right job). So I got what I thought I needed – basics but good and no bubbles coming from the pontoons so I thought that to be positive!

I used to live in the neighborhood behind Spring Lake for years and fished and fished it and hated fishing it because of the weeds and being a bankee. But that is where I first launched my Kick Boat 12/04, so cool! I was comfortable and I caught fish! Both resolutions met!

So, I looked up the www.scbbbc.com web site and showed up at the January 2005 meeting, not knowing what to expect but to pay some dues and see what was next. Then February meeting and off fishing I was!

What I want out of a float tube club is to show up at a scheduled event learn and fish successfully. I want to make friends and acquaintances. I want it to be organized, all the details taken care of, I want people to be friendly, I want to help others, as I would hope they would me if needed, and because there is money involved I want the biggest sack! So far, when I show up that is what happens (no not me with the biggest sack, I was lucky to weight in anything in 2005) and I’m personally jazzed Dave patted me on the back enough to finally listen to him and joined!

As I learn more about competitive BASS Fishing I am learning that I would like to see more benefits to the members of the SCBBBC like the other bigger organizations and the same thing for other tube clubs and organizations around the world (See Italy we got you covered) like us! Things like Custom Club Patches when you sign up, prizes from sponsor/s along with the already cool trophies and cash at each and every tournament. Down the road a real Boat would be nice! I would like to see the club help in some form of stocking and conservation measures for the waters we fish so hard, so we and everyone can continue fishing them as hard as we do.

Some year I would love to be the AOY or in the TOC or even TOC Winner but I know I need the time on the water and lots lots lots and again lots more learning before that could ever become a reality. But for now I like showing up, “easy” launching, fishing hopefully learning something each time and donating my money to the more experienced anglers (they know who they are), hoping like in Vegas, that just maybe, I will have the biggest bag or biggest fish next time!

John

PS: You know winning the 1997 Adv. Div. World YO-YO Championship was a big deal in it’s time, top of the ladder, TV, Magazines, Movies. But, Been There Done That (BTDT)! Now I’m fishing, near home with my desire to strive to do the best I can do. That is all anyone can do, is the best they can do! Oh yea I’m also having fun doing it! See everyone on the water soon!

"When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Kid"

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