Are you interested in joining a Bass Club? Shawnee Mission Bassmasters has put together some information to hopefully answer questions on what it is involved in being part of a Bass Club.

1.What exactly does a Bass Club do?
Well first and foremost we FISH! The purpose of Shawnee Mission Bassmasters is to promote public awareness of Bass Fishing as a major sport. We offer support to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks by promoting conservation and regulatory standards as well as the Principles and Purpose of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. (B.A.S.S). Shawnee Mission Bassmasters is also here to improve our skills as anglers by friendly exchange of tips, techniques and ideas of Bass Fishing. We are also involved in promoting and encouraging Youth Fishing to our future generations.

2.Does it cost a lot of money to be a member?
Actual Membership dues help cover the payouts in our tournaments held during the season. Normally dues are $85.00 per season for new members and $75.00 for membership renewals. Since we are Kansas Bass Chapter Federation Club, you must be a member of B.A.S.S. (Bass Angers Sportsman Society) to join the club, which involves subscribing to the B.A.S.S Magazine. You will need to have the appropriate fishing license required in the states we fish (Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.)

3.What is involved in Fishing Tournaments?
We fish about 8 tournaments a season on some of the best lakes in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. We fish a Boater/Non Boater format in which every paid entry is paired. You will need to have the appropriate fishing license required in the states we fish (Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.) You do not need a boat to participate in our club. Each paid entry fishes against everybody else. All tournaments are Catch and Release format. You will need to have basic fishing equipment to participate. We are basically encouraging everyone to have a great time, promote fellowship and learn to improve our fishing skills!

4.What else is involved in participating in a Bass Club?
We have monthly meetings usually on the first Tuesday of the month @ Bass Pro Shops 7 p.m. in Olathe, Kansas in the Conservation room. We highly encourage attendance, however it is not mandatory. We are Sponsors for our Junior Kickback Youth Bass Club. We also support a Fishing Derby for kids during the season as well. We are active in Conservation projects during the season. We have several members who are active on the Kansas Bass Chapter Federation Level encouraging other venues to fish in. At the end of the year we have a great Awards Banquet to honor club members.

5.What do I need to do next??
Contact Club President - Matt Lynch 913-484-5110, or stop by and sit in on a meeting on the first Tuesday of each month @ 7:00 p.m. at the Conservation Room at the Bass Pro Shops in Olathe

We would like to thank our fine sponsors! We wouldn't be able to do it with out these people.