I started a club for tournaments 2 years ago. We average about 8-10 boats. There are no membership dues, and all tournaments are 100% pay back, as in every dollar paid for entrance into the tournament is paid out to the top three winning teams. I solicited ehlp from others and put them in charge as they voluntered. We as a group put on the tournaments. In fact this weekend I couldnt attend Saturday tournament and one of the others voluntered to be in charge.
DO I wish more would attend, you bet. However I realize life sometimes gets in the way and they cant make it. That's OK, maybe they can make the next one. One thing I learned as the ScoutMaster, if you are consistent and provide a good program, they will come, and come they did. We heald a capmout one weekend of the month every month of the year. Word got out, and out Troop grew from 12 active Scouts to 43 active Scouts. Some campouts we had more adults than youth.
Last year was our first year and we didnt advertise too well. This year we set the schedule in Jan-Feb, and started promoting immediately. One member volunteered to print up material, he works at a commercial print shop. Thanks to his companies kindness, we now have letterhead, printed schedule, and sent out printed letters to about 3 dozen potential sponsors. I have head from 2 so far.
Our nearest Crappie club is over an hour away, and they fish akes even further away. Our challenge is hp restrictions in the immediate area. Most the lakes within 1 hour drive have 40hp, 25hp, and 10hp limits. Tough to get gentlemen with large boat to attend due to the restrictions, however those are the bodies of water in the area, and our tournaments are geared to those who live in the area. Our tournament entrance fee is $20 per boat, and $10 for big fish per boat. We split $140-$200 between the three winning teams, 50%, 30%, 20% respectively. First place could walk away with $100 for 5 hours of fishing.
I like to go one step further, and do a reflection. At the end of the day or at the next meeting we do a round robin and I aks one simple question. What did you like, and what should we change to make it better? The only rule is no personal attacks, this is about the tournament and not personal differences. This gives the participants the opportunity to offer up suggestions to make it better, then we take those suggestions and make the changes.
Two keys to sucess, consitency and customer satisfaction.
You also have to consider the economy in your local area. Fishing is NOT at the top of thier budget when money is tight. Especially tournaments.
HOI Crappie Club
Where family and friends come to compete for a little more than bragging rights.
Quick, someone teach me how to fish so I can win this tournament!!!