JOIN A CLUB: A GREAT WAY TO SPEND THE OFF-SEASON

During the warmer months of the year, most fishermen think little about joining a club. This is largely due to the fact that they are out fishing. What happens when the cold weather arrives and you have suffered through just about every fishing program you can handle? This is when you start to think about joining a fishing club where members share a common interest and the pains of cabin fever can be somewhat reduced.

Fishing clubs allow people to come together, share a common interest and expand their knowledge of the sport that means so much to them. As a rule clubs are part of a social structure that creates bonds between people and puts little emphasis on social standing. Generally, fishing clubs are created for the benefit of all, albeit some clubs do espouse to elitist groups.

Before joining any club, it is advisable to spend a little time with it’s members to see if the club is what you are looking for and if it’s members are genuinely interested in your interests. Some people enjoy smaller clubs with more intimate meetings and less crowded events while others like the hustle and bustle of larger clubs. Larger clubs will often have the added benefits of their own clubhouse and peripheral amenities. Many of the local clubs are a combination of sportsmen’s interests in both fishing and hunting. These clubs will generally cater more towards the gunners but some clubs exhibit strong fishing divisions.

The following is a partial list of local clubs on the North Shore. Keep in mind that some clubs have waiting lists and yearly dues vary greatly. This list is by no means suggests my endorsement but is meant to provide you with information.

Beverly: The North Shore Rod and Gun Club is a well established club on the North Shore and is the sponsor of the Pleasant Pond Trout Buttons, the proceeds of which are used to stock large trout into the popular pond. The club meets at the GAR Hall on Dane Street in Beverly on the fourth Tuesday of each month. For further information contact E. Manning at 3 Monroe St. in Beverly , MA 01925.

Lynn: The Lynn Fish & Game is an active club that sponsors local fishing tournaments and is responsible for the spawning of the Super Trout Fishing Derby held at Sluice Pond each spring. Lynn Fish & Game holds their monthly meetings at the K of C Hall on Lynnfield St. in Lynn.The Club’s mailing address is P.O. Box 225, Lynn, MA 01901.

Peabody: The Essex County Sport Fishermen has been on the local scene for more than twenty years. The club is both active and popular and sponsors the successful Button Tournament that takes place each year from the first of April until the end of November.

Although the club is small it’s members are a very dedicated group of fishermen that welcome any fisherman that is interested in expanding their knowledge of both fresh and salt water fishing. All fishermen are invited to join. The club meets each month at the K of C Hall, 96 Main St. in Peabody. Mail membership inquires to Mr. Stephen Smolski, 36 Turnpike Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938-1050.

Middleton: The Danvers Fish & Game Club is one of the largest sportsmen’s organizations in the area. The club’s headquarters and clubhouse id located on Birch Rd. In Middleton. There is a stocked trout pond on the premises. Membership inquiries should be addressed to the Membership Committee, Danvers Fish & Game Club, Birch Road, Middleton, MA.

Danvers: Trout Unlimited is a national organization with an affiliate in Danvers. This active club is in the forefront of environmental issues and has a large following. The local chapter of Trout Unlimited monitors the conditions of many local bodies of water and takes part in many worthwhile projects. The club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the K of C Hall, Elm St., Danvers, MA. If you wish to join this popular club contact Al Preston, 115 Western Ave, Essex, MA 01929.

Marblehead: The Marblehead Surfcasters is an active Club that sponsors fishing tournaments along Marblehead’s picturesque shores. One of their most popular derbies is the Kid’s Fishing Derby held each year at Devereux Beach. The club meets monthly at the Marblehead Recreation Building. They can also be reaches trough marbleheadsurfcasters.com. For more information call up their website.

Georgetown: The Georgetown Fish & Game Club is located on the shores of Pentucket Pond. This well known club is popular among local sportsmen. The easy access from the club grounds to the well stocked trout waters of Pentucket Pond is a definite plus for fishermen. If you wish to join the club direct your inquires to the Membership Committee, Georgetown Fish & Game, Lake Ave., Georgetown, MA.

Newburyport: The Plum Island Surf Casters is a well known and long established club with it’s principle interest strongly embedded in the sands of Plum Island. This club is very active in environmental concerns of Plum Island. The Plum Island Surf Casters has the reputation of having some of the best surf fishermen in the region.

The Plum Island Surf Casters meets monthly at he Moose Hall, Rt. 1, Newburyport, MA. New members are welcome and should contact the membership chairperson, Tom Russano, Plum Island Surf Casters, P.O. Box 364, Newburyport, MA 01950.

The Essex County Sportsmen’s Club is another club that is located in Newburyport. For further information about the club please write; The Essex County Sportsmen’s Club, P.O. 673, Newburyport, MA 01950.

North Reading: The Quannapowitt Rod & Gun Club has a clubhouse on Rt. 62 in North Reading and is a popular club. Membership inquires should be directed to the Membership Committee, Quannapowitt Rod & Gun Club, P.O. Box F, Wakefield, MA 01880.

Haverhill: The Haverhill Hound, Rod & Gun Club is located in Haverhill and has an active membership. Inquiries should be sent to the Haverhill Hound, Rod & Gun Club, P.O. Box 770, Haverhill, MA 01831.

Andover: The Andover Sportsmen’s Club is a long standing organization actively involves in sportsmen’s issues. Membership inquires should be sent to the Andover Sportsmen’s Club, P.O. Box 255, Andover, MA 01810.

As the weather turns colder and the winter winds start to blow, start to think about the many advantages that can be gained by joining a club.