Maine Outdoor Journal

Although Maine is well known for it's trout and salmon fishing, Maine is also one of the top states for quality size bass, most averaging between 2-3 lbs with several in the 4-6 pound range and always a chance at some between 7-10 pounds. How do you catch those bigger bass?

A bass angler has many options on how to learn new techniques to catch bass, one is to read books like Bassmaster Magazine, and In Fisherman Magazine, good choices, and watch all those stocked pond bass fishing TV shows that Bill Dance and other famous anglers host. Yes you can learn a few good things from these shows and probably more from the magazines. I prefer the time spent on the water technique. To do this, I can't think of a better way to learn than by joining a local bass club.

In Maine there are two major bass organizations, The Maine B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, which is affiliated with ESPN/BASS. In this organization there are over 20 bass clubs throughout Maine all unique in there own way.

The other organization is The Bass Federation of Maine, they are affiliated with FLW. The Maine TBF has fewer clubs but the concept is relatively the same.

Both organizations play a large part in conservation efforts across the state, doing projects that include shoreline erosion, aquatic plant inspections and education, and other projects that are needed which are done by volunteer members.

Youth programs are also on the minds and in the hearts of members. Newly formed junior bass clubs such as the L/A Junior Bassmasters, casting skills competitions, fishing outings and state tournaments keep volunteers busy and the kids learning throughout the season. The reward is the look on these kids faces when they catch the fish of a lifetime or win a club tournament!

For the members it's great. You get to talk fishing during meetings, fish with anglers who may be more advanced than you which gives you a chance to learn new techniques or their knowledge of fishing may be less than you, meaning you can be the teacher. Either way you will get more time on the water which means you will learn a lot quicker, a definite hands on experience. You also do not need a boat to join a club, most clubs have room for so called non boaters or co-anglers that are paired up with club members for tournaments. Fees for clubs are inexpensive as well ranging from $20 to as high as $100 per season.

Clubs are also a great way to advance to the next level in tournament fishing. A member can fish the club, and state tournaments and if you qualify you can move onto the regional and then to a national championship, ever heard of the Bassmasters Classic or the FLW Forrest Wood Cup?

Each club is unique in the projects and the way they run their club but they all have one thing in common, the ability to help you become a better angler in a down to earth friendly atmosphere. So check them out today to catch the fish you've been missing.