ARTICLE AND. PURPOSE
ARTICLE:
It is the foundation of this club to share a common desire among anglers in the pursuit of warm water game fish (bass etc.) i.e. to enhance ourselves in fellowship, the community by our support and the future of our sport by participation and conservation.
It is also the desire of the club to make these pursuits within the guidelines of federal, state, and local governments.
PURPOSE:
1) To stimulate public awareness of bass and warm water fishing as a major sport.
2) To bring into light the importance of "catch and release' fishing on major species.
3) To offer our state agencies our organized moral, ' physical, political support and information.
4) To promote full adherence to all conservation codes and to lobby for adequate water standards.
5) To bring attention to potential criminal wrong doing associated with our sport.
6) To enhance our angling skills, promote and encourage youth fishing through organized activities.
7) To promote fishing and outdoor activities as a means of support for family and community.
8) To accommodate the competitive nature among anglers by way of contests (bass tournaments).
BY-LAWS
MEMBERSHIP
There shall be no limitation on the number of members unless a limitation is added to these by-laws by amendment.
SECTION 1:
REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERSHIP
To become a member of the Central Valley Bass Club, a person shall:
a. Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership activities.
b. Attend three consecutive meetings prior to membership approval. If already a BASS member three meeting will not be required.
c. Membership will be accepted by majority vote at the end of the trial service.
d. Voting will take place at the end of the 3rd meeting with membership present only.
Membership acknowledgments will be promptly mailed. If accepted, membership
becomes activated at following meeting where dues are paid and membership
packet is presented.
e. Be a willing participant in "catch and release" bass fishing.
f. Be a member in good standings with Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society.
SECTION 2:
MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE
The membership dues shall be as follows:
a. Club fees $17
b. State Federation fees - $10
c. National Federation fees $20
d. Total membership dues $47
e. Annual membership to be paid up no later than December meeting.
* f. If member is voted in after Oct. 1st, dues are good through next year.
These dues provide:
a. New member packet (Article and Purpose, by-laws, tournament rules, and
Boater, non-boater etiquette.
b. Copy of membership roster.
c. Monthly newsletter.
d. Access to all projects, tournaments, and activities associated with this club.
* Treasury will maintain dues and combine with following year’s general roster.
Revised 3-30-05
SECTION 3:
OFFICERS
The officers of the Central Valley Bass Club shall consist of:
President
a. Presides over all meetings.
b. Directs all official business.
c. Appoint members of all committees.
d. Supervise all club functions.
Vice President
a. Presides over all committees.
b. Assist the president in his duties.
c. Preside in the absence of the president.
Secretary/Treasurer
a. Maintain accurate minutes of all meetings.
b. Maintain accurate financial records and report at each meeting.
c. Maintain receipts and records for all purchasing.
D. Maintain membership roster.
E. Maintain membership renewal records.
Activities Director
a. Devise and maintain activities schedule for club.
b. Be a contact person for information regarding club activities.
c. Assist president in selection of members for this committee.
d. Appoint assistant in your absence.
E. Keep Club Scrapbook
Note: Activities schedule may be altered for club convenience.
On a quarterly basis and make available to members.
Newsletter Editor
a. Print and distribute newsletter in a timely fashion.
b. Maintain a copy of each issue for archives.
Project Coordinator
a. Maintain current roster of committee members.
b. To be the contact person regarding projects within the club interest.
c. To be actively seeking projects within the club interest.
d. Assist president in selection of members for this committee.
e. Appoint assistant in your absence.
f. Be prepared to report on projects or potential projects at meetings.
Raffle Coordinator
a. Make purchases based on popularity of club
b. Maintain records (receipts) of purchases and all money associated with raffle.
c. Record and turn in to secretary/treasurer any money received from ticket sales
d. Appoint assistant in your absence.
Revised 3-30-05
Tournament Director
a. Conduct tournament entry procedure for each tournament at meetings.
b. Receive, record, and distribute money associated with tournaments as required.
c. Maintain accurate and up to date records of tournament point standings.
d. Have prepared report of each tournament at following meeting.
e. Be responsible for attaining awards.
f. Make awards presentations to individuals at following meeting.
g. Maintain tournament report mailings with O.D.F.W.
h. Assist president in appointing tournament committee volunteers.
i. Appoint assistant in your absence (assist. tournament dir.)
j. Maintain current roster of committee members
k. Conduct tournaments in an orderly fashion.
l. In the absence of the tournament dir., the next highest official present will substitute.
m. Mail tournament schedule to State Police.
SECTION 4:
ELECTIONS, VACANCIES AND ELIGIBILITY
The elections of officers shall be held annually at the regular meeting during the month of
November. Nominations will open in October and close on the November meeting.
ELIGIBILITY OF VOTE:
Each member is entitled to one vote.
TERM OF OFFICE:
The term of office is for one year which shall begin after the November meeting or when the successor can assume office. Members must hold an official position before being eligible for Presidency.
REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP:
a. Failure to pay dues within the first two months of the new year.
b. Any action or violation that would reflect dishonor and disgrace to this
organization, by majority vote.
c. Majority vote may also remove officers.
SECTION 5:
AMENDEMENTS
Any writ of this organization may be amended at any regular meeting by a 2/3
vote of the members present. Amendment must be in writing and presented at
least one regular meeting prior to the vote.
Revised 3-30-05
SECTION 6:
CLUB ASSETS
Any asset controlled or contained by this club shall be appropriated by its
own procedure. Any misappropriation shall require a review of the
member{s) involved.
Revised 3-30-05
BOATER / NON-BOATER ETIQUETTE
CATEGORIES
1. Communication 5. At the ramp
2. Cost 6. While fishing
3. What to bring 7. When in transit on lake
4. Time and place to meet 8. Calling it a day
1. Communication: By far and away is the most important aspect of any trip. It is the key to success in all categories. Being positive with communication increases your chances of having a more successful trip.
2. Cost: Non-boater needs to ask how much he is required to pay towards the trip before you leave. It is best to get the money part out of the way. Usually ½of tow vehicle and boat fuel is appropriate unless you make other arrangements to balance the cost.
3. What to bring: Bring your own rods, reels, tackle, lunch and rain gear (if necessary). Don't over do it. Talk about the possible techniques to be applied and the room to accommodate them and the rest of your gear.
4. Time and place to meet: Agree on a departure time and be prompt if not sooner. It’s generally best to meet at the boater’s house.. If other arrangements are to be made, make sure that the boater has ample room to maneuver or turn around. Make sure directions are clear. If there are any changes or cancellations, notify each other at the earliest possible moment so that other arrangements can be made.
5. At the ramp: Boater needs to know if non-boater can back a boat trailer. Don't say you can if you can't. It's not necessary that you be able to do this. What you can do is ask the boater what can you do to get the boat ready for launch? Where to stow gear? Ask about the boat plug, you never know!
6. While fishing: Rule of thumb here states that the boat owner controls the boat and in many ways how you will be fishing. Taking notice of the things he is using at the time and fish accordingly, i.e. he throws spinnerbaits; you throw spinnerbaits; crankbaits, buzzbaits. etc. He throws jigs, you do something similar. He fishes fast; you fish fast. He fishes slow; you fish slow. If you communicate, you can successfully mix them. Ask the boater if you can fish up front also, if you want.
If what you've been doing hasn’t been working feel free to make a suggestion, after all, you're out there to catch fish. The most important thing is to have fun, so if you've worked hard to no avail, don't be to discouraged, the bite may be off.
Fishing from the back of the boat, you need to pay attention to where the front guy is casting. Not to cast where he does and not to cross his line. There are instances where two people have fished together for a while where this is acceptable. You can both fish the same piece of cover effectively if you communicate.
ITEM OF IMPORTANCE: Casting accuracy can make the difference between catching and not catching bass. When casting towards cover, take care not to get snagged on it. It can be very inconvenient trying to remove it. A $3.00 lure is no comparison to a $100.00 scratch in a fiberglass boat. Not to alarm you because snags are unavoidable. If you get snagged, tell the boater immediately so he doesn’t keep fishing on down the shoreline while your drags a singing. There are proper procedures for retrieving snagged lures. Most cases use snagless lures for moderate to heavy cover. I addition to snagging lures, caution needs to be observed with exposed hooks when it comes to upholstery. It could be an issue of contention if torn upholstery is a result. Lure wraps are always a good investment.
Don't be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions. Just because the boater owns a boat doesn’t mean he knows everything.
Most boat owners appreciate a little tidiness as to where to put garbage, stow gear, etc.
In addition, one should practice caution in controlling beverages and food items as to avoid being strewn or spilled.
If you find yourself fishing with someone that doesn’t communicate, share information or just ignores the fact that you're even there, you don't have to go with them again. But if you draw them in a tournament it will be necessary to do your best.
7. When moving from place to place: When on the lake and its time to move to another spot, the boater will give you an indication that it’s time to move. At this time you should stow any gear you have out on deck. A timely manner is essential in tournament conditions. Most bass boats can attain high speeds and anything left unsecured will certainly blow out.
8. At the ramp (end of day): Ask the boater if there is anything you can do to make the boat road ready. Again, you’re responsible for your own gear. Ask the boater where to stow gear. Should be same as when you arrived. Be sure to thank your partner for the trip.
THIS FORMAT IS BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE OF VETERAN TOURNAMENT ANGLERS AND WORKS FOR TOURNAMENTS AND FUN FISHING TRIPS.
TEAM TOURNAMENT RULES
1.ENTRY FEES: The entry fee of $25.00 per person must be paid at the meeting prior to the tournament. No refunds will be given unless agreed upon by tournament committee. Any non-refunded monies will carry over to the next points tournament.
This $25.00 entry is dispersed as follows: $7.00 to 1st place, $3.00 to 2nd, $3.00 to big fish. (amended 3-18)
2. PARTICIPANTS: Any paid member in good standings over the age of 16 years.
3. SPORTSMANSHIP: Any contestant who displays poor sportsmanship, intoxication, violation of these rules, or violation of fish and game laws will be disqualified.
4. SAFETY: Safe boating procedures and conduct must be observed at all times by all contestants. All contestants must have their "Coast Guard" approved life vest on and fastened when the outboard (gas) engine is running. All other Coast Guard requirements will be observed. Any boat equipped with a "kill switch" shall have it in operation. Anchor light will be "on" in night tourneys, and all navigation lights must be on from blast off to first fishing spot in any club tournament.
5. TACKLE: Only artificial lures may be used. No prepared or live bait is permitted except pork-style strips or rinds. Only rods and reels are permitted. Any number of rods may be in the boat but only one rod may be in use per participant (in the water) at any given time. (State Law)
6. PERMITTED FISHING WATERS: All water accessible by boat except the following; 50 yards of another tournament boat predetermined by the "first come" rule, waters posted by State and local agencies and private postings recognized by the club. Contestants may fish along with another boat maintaining the 50-yard minimum. Private postings on tournament waters will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting at the ramp. Boats may not be trailered during tournament hours to another location.
7. FISHING HOURS: To be announced at meeting before tournament. Contestants must check in no less than 20 minutes prior to blastoff for safety and livewell check by tournament official. Tournament director’s time is official.
8. PRE-TOURNAMENT MEETING: There will be a pre-tournament meeting at the ramp 10 minutes before blast off. Time to be announced at meeting prior. Time check and other orientation will be done. Any contestants late for blast off shall locate tournament official for livewell check to compete.
9.TEAMS: Teams must remain together in the boat throughout the tournament hours, and can not leave the boat to push into a fishing spot but may leave boat to free from obstruction, or when nature calls. All fishing is to be done from boat.
10. PENALTIES: Contestants who are not in the official checkpoint area at the tournaments end will be penalized 1 pound per minute to be deducted from the total weight of the teams catch, inc1uding any " big fish" weight. A 1-lb. penalty for each fish weighed in under the minimum length will be imposed. A 1-lb. penalty for any dead fish weighed in. Any contestant attempting to weigh in more than maximum bag limit will be penalized their biggest fish.
Dead Fish: A fish that cannot swim or remain upright on its own power.
11. LIVEWELLS: An aerated containment large enough to sufficiently support a teams daily catch is a requirement for all tournament boats. The club maintains a portable livewell for use by reservation.
12. OFFICIAL BOATS: Official boats will be on the water during the contest hours and may observe or approach contestants at any time. Contestants are expected to cooperate with all reasonable requests of the officials.
13. "BAG" LIMITS" :Is only 10 fish in the boat at one time for 2 contestants. all tournament fish to be weighed in must be 12 inches in length or longer determined by a "belly board" .No Culling Deat Fishat any time!!!
Maximum limit will be a participant’s 5 biggest fish.
"Culling", The method of releasing smaller fish as bigger fish are caught to maintain catch limit, not to be done at or near weigh in location and to be done before weigh in time.
After weigh in, fish are to be released away from weigh in site to be
determined by tournament committee.
14. TIES: Largest single bass among contestants will determine the winner. If still tied, the second largest and so on until the tie is broken.
15. DAMAGE, THEFT OR INJURIES: Of any kind are the sole responsibilities of the contestants.
16. BREAKDOWNS: In the event a contestant experiences mechanical failure (outboard engine) it is that teams sole responsibility to be at the weigh in site on time. Common procedure is to fish your way back to the weigh in site and remain in that area. In the event another contestant (team) chooses to assist failed boat, this is a courtesy not associated with tournament requirements.
16. COMPLAINTS: Complaints must be submitted no later than 30 minutes after the weigh in to the tournament committee. Their decision will be final. Violation of any rules may lead to disqualification.
17. VIOLATION PROCEDURE: A tournament committee of three, which includes tournament director, will handle any protests or violations. The next highest club official may substitute in the absence or lack of committee members.
18. “ANGLER OF THE YEAR” POINT SYSTEM: Place is determined by the individuals total weight per tournament in Boater and Non-boater categories. Points are accumulated throughout tournament year. Points are assigned as follows:
1
Points accumulation:
1. Points shall be accumulated according to each individual contestant's total catch weight per tournament: There will be 8 tournaments per year and 2 through out tournaments per year.
a. First place individual shall receive 105 points.
b. Second place 104 points.
c. Third place 103 points, etc.
2. Any participant who does not weigh a fish gets half the number of points awarded to the lowest finisher who weighed fish.
In the case of a tie, see rule # 14 "ties" for resolve
3. a. Contestants shall declare either boater or non-boater category at the beginning of the year and will carry their individual points in their respective
category towards angler of the years titles.
b. A contestant shall not be disadvantaged if he/she fishes in a different category if asked to do so to promote participation at an event.
c. His/her points shall go towards the category the contestant normally competes in. (Revised – 6/15/05)
Bragging Rights Tournament
Any menber in good standings will be eligible to fish the Bragging rights tournament. There will be no money given out but the winning Team will recieve free entries to all club tournament the next year.
Big Fish Awards
Yearly big fish pot will be won only by the catch being in a points tournament.
The qualifying catch will be: Largemouth, 6lbs or more. Smallmouth, 5lbs or more. The big fish pot entry fee is $10 at the beginning of the calendar year or when dues are paid and if won to re-enter the pot the fee's must be paid prior to the next club tournament. In a Two Day tournament the overall biggest of the two days shall win the pot. (Installed 6-5-10)
Post Season Qualifiers
For N.W.C.C. For purposes of qualifying for the Northwest Club Classic , the contestants who fish will be the AOY point leader from the year before. 2 top NON-boater and 2 top boater. The club will pay entry for boath teams. ( Installed 3-18-09)
who finish with the most individual points at the end of the year shall be selected as club representatives to these events The Following year. the club shall pay entry for two teams. (installed – 6/15/05)
.
AOY Awards
Angler of the year awards will be plaques/trophies down to three positions and cash awards down 2 positions. $100 for 1st place and $50 for second place for both boater and non-boater
(Revised – 08/18/09)
19. DRAW TOURNAMENTS: Draws for tournaments will be held on the meeting prior to the scheduled tournament. It is the luck of the Draw who you fish with even if it is two tournaments in a row. Blast off is also drawn at the meeting. If a two day tournament the Blast off order is reversed. (installed 06/05/10)
Draws are random from boater to non-boater categories. Non-boaters not chosen shall have automatic berth for next draw tournament. Boaters may not enter draw tournaments as non-boater unless all non-boater slots have been filled.
Boaters, be able to provide the Tournament Director with your proof of $300,000 minimum liability insurance and have all State required permits and licenses to operate a watercraft and fish its waters
(Installed – 6/15/05)
