Q:  Can anyone join the club?
A:  The club is open to anyone over the age of 18.
 

Q:  Who runs the club?
A:  The Executive Committee will function as the governing body of the club, using guidelines from our clubs Constitution (our clubs rules).  This committee shall consist of the four Officers of the club and three members elected at large.  This system should promote fairness for everyone involved.
 

Q:  What are Officers of the club?
A:  There are four Officer positions in our club. They are -  President, Vice-President/Public Relations, Secretary/Treasurer, and Tournament Director.  The club will hold elections every year so the members can vote to fill the various offices.  To see a description of the various duties for each Officer, please see our Members page.
 

Q:  Can I become an Officer in the club?
A:  It's possible!  In accordance with our club constitution, elections will be held by our members each year to elect Officers.  However, since I am just now forming the club, I am looking for members and for Officers.  If you are interested, please e-mail me.  At this time, I am acting President of the club.  But who knows, maybe next year YOU will be President!
 

Q:  What types of things will a member do in this club?
A:  Members will attend monthly meetings to have fun, discuss and vote on club business, and possibly learn a few things about catfishing from each other.  Our constitution lists the clubs purpose as "To improve our skills as catfishermen through fellowship, and to exchange catfish fishing techniques and knowledge."   Members will also have the opportunity to participate in monthly fishing tournaments against their fellow club members (during the pre-determined fishing season).  One of the main ideas I had behind this club was fun!
 

Q:  Can I get a copy of the clubs Constitution before I decide to join?
A:  Yep!  You can find a copy of our clubs Constitution online!  Just visit our Constitution Page, or click here.   I'm convinced that once you read our constitution, you'll see how well thought out this club really is - and you'll be hooked!
 

Q:  Does it cost anything to be a member?
A:  Yes, there are annual dues.  Cost of yearly dues are:  New members  $20.  Returning members $15.
 

Q:  Where does the money go?
A:  All the money collected from dues is used in the club.  Our constitution calls for an elected Secretary/Treasurer (one of the officers) to keep track of all money and all expenses.  Up to this point, I have been paying out of my pocket to try and make this club.  However, once the club actually has members, it will also have more expenses and must pay for itself.  I would like to see an end-of-year banquet, prizes or trophies for top fishermen, etc.  But before we can do that, we need members and we need to build up some club funds.  Therefore, I can't guarantee anything at the moment.  Ultimately, it will be 100% up to the members how the club money is spent.  All club funds will be spent by the club, for the club, and by the years end so that we can remain a non-profit club.
 

Q:  Where did the idea for the club come from?
A:  I have been wanting to start this club for the last 5 years.  I got the idea from a former boss who was a member of a local Bass fishing club.  That club was very successful!  Every year they have member awards, an awards banquet, etc., and they donate a nice sum of money to a worthy charity (such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation for kids) at the end of each calendar year.  I borrowed their club's constitution (with permission), made a few necessary changes, and finally got around to trying to make this club work.  I can only dream that it will take off and maybe one day be as successful as that Bass club.  Together, we can make it happen!
 

Q:  Who the heck are you?
A:  My name is Rick.  I am the founder of the club, acting President, and the webmaster.  I am 33 years old, married, and have an 8 year old boy.  I am currently employed at UPS, and I am a licensed EMT in the State of Illinois.  I live in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.