This Week @ Bass Edge

Bass Club Safety

Throughout this series we will touch on many challenges that face Bass Clubs and their officers. One of the biggest challenges can be tackling issues of safety. As a club officer you have to remember that you can be held responsible for not only your actions but the actions of any club member while they are participating in club activities. The best case scenario is to “lay down the law” up front when you start your club and anytime a new member joins.

The best place to address safety issues is in your club rules; stiff penalties, disqualifications and dismissal from the club for violations of safety issues are a must to protect club members, officers and the general public. Take a look at your rules when you set up your club, make sure every member is aware that infractions of safety rules could result in there dismissal from the club. Rules need to be written clearly and concisely to eliminate any grey areas or “wiggle room”.

Safety Rules and Concerns:

• Life Jacket (PFD’s): Specify in your rules what types of life jackets or PFD’s you will allow club members to use. Most clubs will simply require members to utilize Coast Guard rated PFD’s either Type II or Type III. These are easily recognized and available anywhere.

• Life Jacket (PFD) Use: When your club members are required to wear their PFD’s is another issue. Most clubs require a PFD be worn whenever the “big motor” is running above an idle speed. While you may get some resistance to this rule it is always better to err on the side of safety.

• Kill Switch: The motor kill switch must be operational and be attached to the boat operator whenever the boat is running above an idle speed.

• Boat Operation: Any member seen operating their boat in an unsafe manner must be penalized. Set ground rules with your members and include what is and is not acceptable. Obviously any member breaking a law or being sited by the Water Patrol for unsafe operation needs to be penalized. Remember the tournament officials have the final say as to what is and is not a rules violation.

• Coast Guard Ratings: Allowing an angler to utilize an over powered boat should never be allowed.

• Safety Inspections: Every boat should have a fire extinguisher, working bilge pump, operational kill switch and a throw floatation device. While it is not necessary to conduct inspections every boater should be aware these are requirements.

• Emergency Numbers: Tournament officials should provide all anglers with an Emergency Phone Number(s) to call in case of a break down or other emergency situation.

• Check In: Require that everyone check in at the end of the tournament. Use paint stir sticks or other numbered paddles that anglers turn in when the check in. If they leave early have a set location for them to leave their paddle so officials know they are not still on the water.

• Solo Fishing: While not a true safety issue every club should prepare for tournaments where an angler will wind up fishing by himself. Reiterating safety procedures and carefully selecting which anglers fish solo can help limit any problems.

Safety needs to be a priority when you are starting your bass club. While not every safety issue is addressed here or can be addressed by rules allow common sense to be your guide. Build a culture of safety and respect for other anglers and the general public and you will have few problems. Utilize your rules, penalize those that break them and you will build a successful club that is safe and respected.

Eric Prey is a Professional Angler and Coast Guard Licensed Fishing Guide. Annually Eric competes in over 30 Regional Tournaments, conducts over 150 guided fishing trips and writes over twenty published fishing articles. His knowledge of both techniques and technology make him a trusted source of information regarding fishing techniques and marine electronics.