New HS bass team!

geneinnc · August 27, 2022, 03:06:24 PM

The meeting with the principal and AD at Fred T Foard high school was a huge success. Barring some last minute disaster, I'm the Coach and in charge of getting the school's first ever Bass Fishing team off the ground.

I've had this in mind for a while. My dad had me bass fishing at 4 and I smile every time I think about him having the patience to teach me.

Now comes the hard part. We have no clue how the school will handle funds. I went into this figuring I have to handle the funds. I have no problem with that, none at all. My wife is good with that. We have no children and if I can pay it forward a pray I can handle that since we are retired on fixed income.

I REALLY need everyone's advice and tips on how I can pull this off. If I have to loan a rod and reel to every kid who can't afford one I have zero problem with that.

The next step is figuring out what all I need for the team. Culling tags, fish bag and scales.

If anyone has any experience forming a team and making a list of must have gear please step forward. I guess the cheapest way to get their tackle will be a must.

I appreciate your suggestions!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

geneinnc · August 27, 2022, 03:08:03 PM

I got a weird error, making sure I did everything correctly.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

BassmanRudy · August 27, 2022, 05:38:54 PM

Awesome deal you starting up a club!

Your inbox is full- wanted to send you some info.

Eric-Maine · August 27, 2022, 05:47:28 PM

Building a network of boat captains who can help out those who don't have a ride will be important.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

FD · August 28, 2022, 03:59:42 AM

Quote from: Eric-Maine on August 27, 2022, 05:47:28 PM
Building a network of boat captains who can help out those who don't have a ride will be important.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

This is the most important task.

Im certain there are many like you who want to help but dont want to lead the charge. Get in front of every local bass club at their meetings and tell them you need their help. You dont have to do it all yourself

Sent from the very edge of civilization...where I belong

coldfront · August 28, 2022, 06:30:52 AM

just had a rather large (250 boat) georgia high school event here on chickamauga.
one of the overlooked aspects of high school fishing (and ANY tournament) is that it's shared water with the public. etiquette still goes. maybe even more important for tournaments to follow strictly.
all's 'reasonably well' at first... then about 10 boats start flying all over the place as competitors amp up looking for kickers or to even just fill out 'five'.

blowing in and out of pockets where other anglers are... running closer to anglers than they should... basically, in their haste, their NEED to compete, they do stuff that they'd really not appreciate if it was happening to them.

etiquette. give space. consideration.

geneinnc · August 28, 2022, 08:26:55 AM

I cleaned out my mailbox! SMH!!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

BassmanRudy · August 28, 2022, 12:34:41 PM

It's saying I sent it but I'm not seeing it in my outbox so just posting it here.

Hey. Awesome deal starting a fishing club!! This is a link to another fishing site(yikes) but they've got a ton of answers to questions on there from high school clubs starting up. I'm sure some of your local coaches can help as well with setting up rules/waivers/insurance stuff/etc.

https://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/forums/75/1/high-school-bass-fishing

topdsm0138 · August 28, 2022, 12:39:54 PM

Good deal!

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

geneinnc · August 28, 2022, 01:29:54 PM

Quote from: Eric-Maine on August 27, 2022, 05:47:28 PM
Building a network of boat captains who can help out those who don't have a ride will be important.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

Eric that will be pivotal. Principal has a 21ft center console stored on the coast so there's a start. School just started back Friday so we haven't had time to judge interest and that part is up to the school! I'm not soliciting captains until we know how many are needed.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Mike Cork · August 29, 2022, 08:47:13 AM

Talk to the clubs. Talking with the president is good but getting to the meeting and speaking for just a minute or two is even better. Problem with club presidents is they will claim to be willing to help but once the conversation is over they forget. If you go to the meetings, tell the members you're willing to go to their house to get donated equipment, you'll get a lot more support. Ask for phone numbers to coordinate a pick up time. Everyone has a rod or two they will never use again...

Promise the clubs you'll work your tournament schedules around their tournaments. If one club says, "yeah we'll definitely help with a couple boats!" Make sure not to schedule the kids event on their dates.

Fund raising is tough, but one of the best ways to make pure money (meaning you don't have to split it) CAR WASH, get the kids to was cars. Do it cheap and you'll get more money... below market value LOL... but sell a hot dog for a couple bucks at the same time and you'll make big money.

A lot of clubs like to hold tournaments to fund raise. But, unless you have a network that can provide a ton of prizes so that you can keep all the money, this is a 50 50 deal. Lots of work for half the purse.

Local sponsors, non endemic are usually big to help out the schools. Look who is sponsoring the football team and other school sports. Hit those guys up with your new idea. Know what you want from them though, you can't go to them and say I need money, their first question will be how much? So start by saying I need a thousand to buy rod and reels (keep in mind the price of a cheap combo, maybe even know what you want to buy when you talk to them) Offer a banner and jersey spot (but that adds to the cost, you have to buy a banner and jersey's) Our local schools, have tons of sponsors, just takes digging. Kids parents generally have great networks you can lean on. One will own a restaurant, one a hardware store, one a pediatrician, they all need to advertise.

Hobious · October 03, 2022, 11:08:11 AM

Quote from: geneinnc on August 27, 2022, 03:06:24 PM
The meeting with the principal and AD at Fred T Foard high school was a huge success. Barring some last minute disaster, I'm the Coach and in charge of getting the school's first ever Bass Fishing team off the ground.

I've had this in mind for a while. My dad had me bass fishing at 4 and I smile every time I think about him having the patience to teach me.

Now comes the hard part. We have no clue how the school will handle funds. I went into this figuring I have to handle the funds. I have no problem with that, none at all. My wife is good with that. We have no children and if I can pay it forward a pray I can handle that since we are retired on fixed income.

I REALLY need everyone's advice and tips on how I can pull this off. If I have to loan a rod and reel to every kid who can't afford one I have zero problem with that.

The next step is figuring out what all I need for the team. Culling tags, fish bag and scales.

If anyone has any experience forming a team and making a list of must have gear please step forward. I guess the cheapest way to get their tackle will be a must.

I appreciate your suggestions!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Hey Coach!! i usually fill a box with soft bait i suck (for the year) with and send it to a HS team. i will keep you posted. let me know when you start the bait inventory.