The importance of Youth Fishing is something I didn't realize until I was done with it. The first bass I remember catching was a 3lber on snag proof frog when I was 3, yeah what a way to start. 

 I started club fishing at the age of 11 and the people you meet and fish with in clubs will teach you things about fishing you can't learn by reading online. Clubs, the TBF, SAF, and other organizations get kids that critical thing called, Time on the Water. Time on the Water is the key ingredient to becoming a great angler.

 So if you are a kid and want to fish and get on the water, join a club. You will learn unconsciously, meaning you will learn and not even know you did. Having the ability to fish multiple bodies of water will make your learning curve explode. 

 The past few years I fished a few spots a way from Northern Divisional's, this year I fished my way to the SAF National Championship, and I give all the credit to the club I fished with, and my dad. There is no reason anyone else can't do that, the knowledge gained fishing around the country is incredible.

 One last thing.. phones, video games, iPods, etc. don't bring you nothing but a bill. If you are going to pay for something, why not put gas in someones boat to take you fishing, or fishing supplies? So be patient, persistent, and shut up & listen. Youth Fishing truly is the future of our sport.  

I'm from Detroit too.  Agree nothing beats time spent on the water learning to fish.  My dad start taking me at an early age, we went almost every weekend.  He took me every where, I was his fishing companion.  Not only did we fish local through out Michigan, we went to Canadian by car and plane, we went ocean fishing, fly fishing, ice fishing, just all kinds of fishing and places.

If here were alive today he'd be 99, yesterday was his birthday.

I only wish i could join a fishing club, the closest one i could find to me was like 35 miles away

I only wish i could join a fishing club, the closest one i could find to me was like 35 miles away

 

   Why not try starting an informal club with a few friends? If there is enough interest, it may grow to a rewarding experience. For me, I like being alone or with no more than one other interested friend - the same with my other hobby - amateur astronomy. And for a challenge, try sharing your knowledge with a youngster that's really interested in fishing. I did this once with a 14 year old and within a year he was as good at bassing as I was and a pleasant person to fish with.

   Why not try starting an informal club with a few friends? If there is enough interest, it may grow to a rewarding experience. For me, I like being alone or with no more than one other interested friend - the same with my other hobby - amateur astronomy. And for a challenge, try sharing your knowledge with a youngster that's really interested in fishing. I did this once with a 14 year old and within a year he was as good at bassing as I was and a pleasant person to fish with.

Like Mr. Q said, there is no need to actually join a club until you get older. Right now, all you need to start doing is to fish with some friends and learn.

 The importance of Youth Fishing is something I didn't realize until I was done with it. The first bass I remember catching was a 3lber on snag proof frog when I was 3, yeah what a way to start. 

 I started club fishing at the age of 11 and the people you meet and fish with in clubs will teach you things about fishing you can't learn by reading online. Clubs, the TBF, SAF, and other organizations get kids that critical thing called, Time on the Water. Time on the Water is the key ingredient to becoming a great angler.

 So if you are a kid and want to fish and get on the water, join a club. You will learn unconsciously, meaning you will learn and not even know you did. Having the ability to fish multiple bodies of water will make your learning curve explode. 

 The past few years I fished a few spots a way from Northern Divisional's, this year I fished my way to the SAF National Championship, and I give all the credit to the club I fished with, and my dad. There is no reason anyone else can't do that, the knowledge gained fishing around the country is incredible.

 One last thing.. phones, video games, iPods, etc. don't bring you nothing but a bill. If you are going to pay for something, why not put gas in someones boat to take you fishing, or fishing supplies? So be patient, persistent, and shut up & listen. Youth Fishing truly is the future of our sport.  

That is very true..... BTW nice job at Nationals that is a pretty cool feat.  What you said is so true, the things I have learned in clubs is amazing 

FYI I was in the conference tournament on Lake Erie with you, we had some troubles in the morning and had to fish that crappy river  haha 

CONGRATS