Another club educate question

We have a small club and do not fish for money but we do fish for prizes.
We spend a potion of our dues towards 1st to 3rd gift certs from a local tackle store that supports us. These are monthly prizes.

Also at the end of the year we buy from the same tackle store, A.O.Y. and through 3rd gift certs but they are larger.

The club gets along well and is enjoyed by all. Of course thre is an occasional bit of friction over one thing or another, but in general we enjoy each others company.

I am not sure I want to open this can of worms, or for that matter am I convinced it is even a can of worms http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

It was brought to my attention that another club member frequently makes calls during a tournament, he could call his good friend who is a member and frankly a much better angler. Or he could call a guide he knows etc.

So my question is how would you receive and otherwise act on this information.
Would you say;

it's a great group that fishes for fun a small prizes so leave it alone.

Or would you talk tot he angler and tell him what he is doing is ethically wrong and could be considerd cheating?

If it is not in the rules. Leave it alone.

Wichibass,
That is a good point that I neglected to mention; it is not in the rules.

While I dont agree with it, it is not in the rules so he is not breaking anything or cheating. I would leave it alone and find a better guide to call while your fishing.

our club is individuals only. My dad and I call each other throughout the day to see how the other is doing. I don't think it hurts anything, especially if you aren't fishing for money.

Turn him in and ban him from the club. Don't let one bad apple spoil it for everyone.

This is exactly why most of us run from bass clubs. Everyone is worried about somebody getting an unfair advantage, etc. The guy can call 39 different experts in a day but he still has to figure out how to put them in the boat. Worry about what you're doing and let the rest worry about themselves. It's supposed to be for fun for petes sake.

Well...if it's not in the rules, whenever it comes time to adopt the rules or amend them per your club's annual schedule...I would motion to have no non emergency phone use allowed during the event. Family issues and / or work related issues would not be subject to the restriction...but if your club "ignores" this sort of thing...it will only get worse. Just like the above statement about calling his dad...in the same event...not a good thing http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthdown.gif. Now, you're helping your father beat other competitors regardless of what REALLY happens, that is what the field will think. Perception is reality.

Vote to amend the rules and he'll know why it's being done without any confrontation...it's really better regardless of the level of prizes. Pride is the biggest purse anyway http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif .

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by smalljawguy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">This is exactly why most of us run from bass clubs. Everyone is worried about somebody getting an unfair advantage, etc. The guy can call 39 different experts in a day but he still has to figure out how to put them in the boat. Worry about what you're doing and let the rest worry about themselves. It's supposed to be for fun for petes sake.</td></tr></table>

+1 Well said.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by smalljawguy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">This is exactly why most of us run from bass clubs. Everyone is worried about somebody getting an unfair advantage, etc. The guy can call 39 different experts in a day but he still has to figure out how to put them in the boat. Worry about what you're doing and let the rest worry about themselves. It's supposed to be for fun for petes sake.</td></tr></table>

Yep http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

I appreciate the thoughts and will leave it alone.
We do have a great group and there is no upside to bringing this up and making it a potential issue.

More than likely he is asking "White or whole wheat?"

Leave it alone since it's not in the rules. The pros pay for waypoints but they still gotta catch em.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by smalljawguy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">This is exactly why most of us run from bass clubs. Everyone is worried about somebody getting an unfair advantage, etc. The guy can call 39 different experts in a day but he still has to figure out how to put them in the boat. Worry about what you're doing and let the rest worry about themselves. It's supposed to be for fun for petes sake.</td></tr></table>

That kind of thinking is exactly why I quit fishing clubs and tournaments. Too many guys get their panties in a wad over the dumbest things. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthdown.gif

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bassngolfer &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Well...if it's not in the rules, whenever it comes time to adopt the rules or amend them per your club's annual schedule...I would motion to have no non emergency phone use allowed during the event. Family issues and / or work related issues would not be subject to the restriction...but if your club "ignores" this sort of thing...it will only get worse. Just like the above statement about calling his dad...in the same event...not a good thing http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthdown.gif. Now, you're helping your father beat other competitors regardless of what REALLY happens, that is what the field will think. Perception is reality.

Vote to amend the rules and he'll know why it's being done without any confrontation...it's really better regardless of the level of prizes. Pride is the biggest purse anyway http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif . </td></tr></table>

You must be a lot of fun in your local Bass club. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthdown.gif

Another reason I don't belong to a Bass Club...as far as getting advice from a guide or another fishermen you still have to catch the fish and who says they are still where the other guy caught them a few days ago?

4 years ago the wife and are fun fishing on Sunday afternoon there is a pretty good sized qualifying Tournament going on. I'm making an effort to stay out of everybody's way and fishing out on a weed line as they only have two hours to left to fish and I just got started.

Two guys ask me if I'm a local and say they didn't get to pre-fish much and they are really struggling and need some pounds quick. I tell them a spot just up ahead of us and give them instructions on how to fish it as they were fishing the right bait and color. They go to the spot all right but do the opposite of what I told them as they were sitting right on top of where the fish should be and casting in the wrong direction. After five or six casts they crank up and blast down the lake and I ease up to the spot and proceed to catch and release a limit doing exactly what I told them to do. So much for information helping

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by aussiebasser &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

You must be a lot of fun in your local Bass club. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthdown.gif </td></tr></table>

How's that Dale?

Because I was a TD for a LARGE group of whiners? Because when considering what it is you're actually doing in a bass event, it doesn't include trying to acquire fishing info by phone during the event? Because some of the responses take "the high road" and just don't fish clubs anymore...when in reality, it's BECAUSE of issues like this...and NOT just because they all think it SHOULD BE okay? I don't fish with "a club" anymore myself...for a few reasons, but because I'm not any fun isn't one of them...tyvm... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eyes.gif

A "club" here in North America generally models itself after larger entities in it's rule making and when those larger entities announce that getting information by phone during tournament hours is okay...then it will (or might) be okay in a club setting too...but until then, I'll stand behind my stance regardless of whether it elicits a negative comment from you http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif. I don't prethink my responses based on their potential acceptance by those who read them.

If you think it's no big deal for someone in a bass event to make phone calls during tournament hours for the purpose of gaining information because "it's just a club", then I'll HAVE to believe it's ONLY because your typing it here and not actually getting beat because of it http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif. When that happens and others know it and the club does nothing about it...anglers leave http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthdown.gif .

Sorry I couldn't be more "fun"... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/glasses.gif

I know of several guys in the club I am in that will call each other during the day about what they are doing. I could care less, I am fishing in a bass club for enjoyment. Them talking to each other on a phone in no way can effect my enjoyment. Someone crying and bitching about someone talking on a phone would ruin my enjoyment for sure. So I can say for sure that I would never want to be in a club with someone like you.
Comparing a bass club to the "larger entities" REALLY???????

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Flipping57 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I know of several guys in the club I am in that will call each other during the day about what they are doing. I could care less, I am fishing in a bass club for enjoyment. Them talking to each other on a phone in no way can effect my enjoyment. Someone crying and bitching about someone talking on a phone would ruin my enjoyment for sure. So I can say for sure that I would never want to be in a club with someone like you.
Comparing a bass club to the "larger entities" REALLY???????</td></tr></table>

I'm going to work this one backwards for you, as it appears you'll understand it better. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

Did you by any chance help start the club you fish with? If you did, then "cell phones" may not have ever been in the picture when your rules were adopted(believe it or not, if you have a "club", you have bylaws and rules http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif). Anyway, you may want to check those rules to see if there are any rules on "information"...or...if the phone calls have been working for you...you may not http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif. That's what some do...they plead ignorance about their own club's rules. Not you... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/glasses.gif other members... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif Those "larger entities"? Many, many clubs use their rules as a template and add or subtract certain rules to best fit their club. Not believing that has me thinking you had nothing to do with the rule making of your club...and quite possibly even less with the rule following... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eyes.gif

I can't say that there aren't clubs out there that just gather to fish a tournament for pure "enjoyment". There may very well be some that have no entry fee, no rules and no prizes, cash or otherwise. If that's what you fish, then what I say doesn't apply to your "club". I apologize for assuming clubs still had some level of entry fee and payback. That's what I refer to, always...as I never fish a tournament purely for the enjoyment. If it were just the "enjoyment", I could do that on my own. I wouldn't have to pay an entry fee just to be "around" others who were fishing purely for the enjoyment too.

I think you just helped me understand the meaning of a "Sunday Drive"! You know...those folks everybody yells at because they can't follow the rules of safe driving? Well, I see it now! They're just out driving for the enjoyment! They don't have any rules! 53 years...and I learn it on BBC! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif

Let me get serious for a moment...does YOUR club have an entry fee for their events? Does YOUR club have any sort of payout? Regardless of what YOU'RE THERE FOR...is there anyone else actually trying to win YOUR club's event for the purse? If you answer yes to ANY of those questions, then chances are, your club has rules either allowing phone use between competitors, or it has rules disallowing phone use by the same. I don't care if they do or if they don't...it just needs to be addressed so that all members are aware and don't make assumptions. THAT is what angers members, whether you agree with me or not. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

OUr club was established in 1992. Since you seam to think that we must just be a bunch of dumbass rednecks would you please read from our club by-laws and tell me if it is against our rules for old Billy Joe to call Jim Bob and tell him how he is catching his fish.

http://www.monroecountybassanglers.com/News.html

PS. the reason our club has been around for 20 years is we don't put up with people BITCHING about petty crap.

If it's not in the rules, then there is nothing wrong with it. If you feel that it may become a problem, address it when you have your club meeting where by-laws can be amended. For those of you say it's no big deal there must be a reason BASS says:

(v) During the official competition days of the tournament, a competitor may not use
a CB radio, a VHF marine-band radio, a cellular phone, or any other type of
communication device, for the purpose of locating or catching fish. Competitors are
permitted to transmit by radio, telephone, or any other type of communication
device, only in the event of an emergency. If so equipped, competitors may listen
to the marine-band weather information.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Flipping57 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">OUr club was established in 1992. Since you seam to think that we must just be a bunch of dumbass rednecks would you please read from our club by-laws and tell me if it is against our rules for old Billy Joe to call Jim Bob and tell him how he is catching his fish.

http://www.monroecountybassanglers.com/News.html

PS. the reason our club has been around for 20 years is we don't put up with people BITCHING about petty crap.</td></tr></table>

Tell me how whatever I've said equates to calling people what you say I called them? Because I haven't called anybody anything. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eyes.gif

I looked over your bylaws and rules. No...it doesn't state anywhere in your rules that you cannot call another competitor. But, what does have to do with how I answered earlier posts? I clearly stated that clubs may or may not have phone rules in place...and if they don't, they should address them whenever applicable, as it does affect participation. Look at your own results! Terrible turnouts IMO. Is it because you allow phone use during events? Maybe not...maybe so...? Ask ex members to be candid with what they DON'T like about your club...you may be surprised to hear what those willing to be honest will say. They don't leave because of people, they leave because of procedures they disagree with and how the officers / board deals with those issues.

I see your club is a BASS affiliate club and that you have to be a BASS member in good standing. Well, for whatever reason, BASS hass cell phone use restrictions in their rules. Why do you reckon that is? Is it because they don't fish for "enjoyment" either? Or is it because it makes for a more level playing field across the board, 5 boats or 50...?

You know, I also saw that your club makes no mention of the necessity of insurance. Is that something your club is comfortable with? Because (I'm helping you out here BTW) if a member has an accident and he or she is to blame, your club's getting sue'd. And you know who else? The officers. They'll be sue'd too...all because your club makes no specific mention or requirement to have insurance.

20 year old club? That's still a baby in the club world... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/ohwell.gif

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Basscatfrank &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">If it's not in the rules, then there is nothing wrong with it. If you feel that it may become a problem, address it when you have your club meeting where by-laws can be amended. For those of you say it's no big deal there must be a reason BASS says:

(v) During the official competition days of the tournament, a competitor may not use
a CB radio, a VHF marine-band radio, a cellular phone, or any other type of
communication device, for the purpose of locating or catching fish. Competitors are
permitted to transmit by radio, telephone, or any other type of communication
device, only in the event of an emergency. If so equipped, competitors may listen
to the marine-band weather information.</td></tr></table>

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif ...pretty much what I've been saying all along... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/ohwell.gif

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Wichibass &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">If it is not in the rules. Leave it alone.</td></tr></table>

Exactly right. A very thorough set of rules for a bass club keeps everyone happy. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

i would bring it up at a meeting not bring up any names and ask everyone what there thoughts are on it ..... that way everyone knows...... but you have no rule on it

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bassngolfer &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
20 year old club? That's still a baby in the club world... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/ohwell.gif </td></tr></table>

How old is yours. Oh yeah you don't fish with one anymore, I can see why.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bassngolfer &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Look at your own results! Terrible turnouts IMO. Is it because you allow phone use during events?</td></tr></table>

Have you heard about a bad economy? Fatory closings have cost a lot of our members thier jobs and they cannot afford to fish every tournament any more. Not something as silly as a phone call.

I have more confidence in my own fishing ability to worry about others in the Tx. I always laugh at the guys at the weigh in ranting about someone in their spot, or someone must be cheating, or they must have gotten help from someone, etc. They never do well bc they spend all day looking at what others are doing and not concentrating on catching fish.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bare2 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I have more confidence in my own fishing ability to worry about others in the Tx. I always laugh at the guys at the weigh in ranting about someone in their spot, or someone must be cheating, or they must have gotten help from someone, etc. They never do well bc they spend all day looking at what others are doing and not concentrating on catching fish. </td></tr></table>

+1 Get off my hole Bare! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif

Bassgolfer, I fish tournaments for enjoyment. I love the competition and want to win every one but its not about the money. If it was, I would have quit a loooooonnnngggggg time ago. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif I really dont care if others are calling each other. I have a few that call me from time to time, but am I really gonna tell em what I am doing when we are competing against each other.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bare2 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I have more confidence in my own fishing ability to worry about others in the Tx. I always laugh at the guys at the weigh in ranting about someone in their spot, or someone must be cheating, or they must have gotten help from someone, etc. They never do well bc they spend all day looking at what others are doing and not concentrating on catching fish. </td></tr></table>

+1 http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by PumaMatt &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

+1 Get off my hole Bare! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif </td></tr></table> sorry I did not mean to single you out http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by smalljawguy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">This is exactly why most of us run from bass clubs. Everyone is worried about somebody getting an unfair advantage, etc. The guy can call 39 different experts in a day but he still has to figure out how to put them in the boat. Worry about what you're doing and let the rest worry about themselves. It's supposed to be for fun for petes sake.</td></tr></table> ^^this^^

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bare2 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> sorry I did not mean to single you out http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif </td></tr></table>

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

Now I am positive that I am right in never fishing Tx's!! It pisses me off to have anybody calling me when I am fishing http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/USA1.gif

I say let it go. You worry about fishing your own tournament. I could call KVD, have him tell me what rod, reel, string, bait, exact place on the lake, exact way to fish, and I still could not catch a dang thing!

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by LSU24 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I say let it go. You worry about fishing your own tournament. I could call KVD, have him tell me what rod, reel, string, bait, exact place on the lake, exact way to fish, and I still could not catch a dang thing!</td></tr></table>

Me, let it go? There's nothing to let go of...You see, most of you are piling on because Flipper wants you to think I'm against clubs that allow anglers to call other anglers during events (just for their enjoyment of course)...when in fact, I don't care what each of your clubs do. I only say what I say because there are many folks that WILL NOT FISH with a club that doesn't at least address it. Jump on if you want. I have big shoulders. But don't pretend when you address me that any of you wouldn't have a reaction when you found out that your winning bag of fish got beat out by another guy who called his buddy over to a bedding fish so he could catch it and have a better bag...then split the pot if he cashed. Every one of you are hypocrites if you say that wouldn't bother you. It won't bother me, because I wouldn't be fishing an event that DID allow cell phone use between competitors in the first place...but all you that say that laughable line..."you still gotta catch em"...don't admit it here, because I know you won't anyway...but you'd definately have a different take if you lost out that way. It doesn't even have to be that way...it's what I said earlier...perception is reality. If there's a few that just THINK someone is using a phone for info purposes, whether "allowed" or not, it still isn't what they are used to...and I have no clue how some of you feel like it's no big deal, when BASS and FLW have specific rules against it. Fish with them or not, they know why it shouldn't be done and a club really should use the same logic.

So Flipper...what's with the (lack of) insurance paragragh in your club's rules? Oh, that's right...you just fish for "enjoyment" and no one EVER gets hurt just enjoying themselves http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif Be the hero in your club and inform the officers of what I said (after you check it out of course). It would be pretty bad if they all were made to suffer because someone had more "enjoyment" that they could stand and decided to sue... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/ohwell.gif It will be our secret...you can get all the credit! http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

dude, you need to seriously relax. You're taking this whole internet forum thing way to seriously. I could care less if someone called his buddy and told him about a bedding fish and lose to them. Hell, I call my buddies all the time and tell them I'm if I'm catching and where (but only if they are my buddies). You see, in club tournaments most of us are fishing for the pure joy of beating our buddies. The money doesn't mean squat to me. Most of the time I'd be lucky to win my gas money with the winnings. So hell yes I'll call my buddies and tell them to meet me and lets see who catches the most. If thats wrong in your eyes, so be it. I'll choose to have fun and not worry about other people.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by LSU24 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I say let it go. You worry about fishing your own tournament. I could call KVD, have him tell me what rod, reel, string, bait, exact place on the lake, exact way to fish, and I still could not catch a dang thing!</td></tr></table>

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bassngolfer &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Me, let it go? There's nothing to let go of....

.......But don't pretend when you address me that ....... </td></tr></table>

I don't think he was addressing you, Mr. Big Shoulders. Looks like to me he was referring to the OP.

I think there are alot of unwritten rules in small fun tourneys. I fish in a little club with low entry fees. Dont really enforce or watch any rules very closely. If somebody is suspected of bending the rules or getting close to the line than we all make fun and http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif at them.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by smalljawguy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">dude, you need to seriously relax. You're taking this whole internet forum thing way to seriously.</td></tr></table>

I agree.... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/doh.gif


http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/duty_calls.png