Currently in 2025 the club has roughly 18 Fishouts on the calendar from still water to the surf.
A primary reason I joined the club was to participate in the Fishouts. We are fortunate to have members here who are and have been willing to share some of their favorite places with those in the club. We have members that have been hosting the same trip for over 15 years and every year they sell out with a waiting list. As a club we have the unique opportunity to utilize the vast experiences and knowledge those in the club share. This goes with out saying that with larger groups we are able negotiate better pricing for most of these trips making them much more affordable and accessible to those who might not be able to make such trips a reality. As an example take a look at Rich Hughlett’s Loreto trip in Mexico coming up in July. This is a smoking deal with almost all expenses paid with your buy in. All one has to do there after is save the date. Here you join group of anglers that have visited the same location for over 20 years and they are more than willing to share their advise and help getting you to their honey hole.
I recently hosted my first Fishout. The Yuba River Private Water trip. For those of you who were on the originally scheduled date and those of you who were able to attend, you know that this was a trip 3 years in the making! Due to high waters and weather we had to postpone the trip and reschedule, but it happened and it was a blast. Granted the fishing was not great, but it was my first camping trip of the year and I am grateful for that alone. Besides that, I was able hang out and talk with folks from the club that during meetings or online has been fleeting at best. During the Fishout there is no hurry or expectations share a drink or a meal and you really get to know your fellow club members.
When I first took on the position of Fishout Committee Chair my predecessor John Cook would advise me to make sure I let everyone know that the Fishouts are the best way to meet new friends, get to know others in the club in a relaxed environment and that there is no better ice breaker than sharing a beer and talking about “the skunk that followed you around all day”.
I personally have always considered myself an introvert. I fish and camp alone or with my dog and or maybe a friend. Taking on the Fishout was a step out of my comfort zone, but I am glad I did it and plan on organizing another soon.
I hope this article inspires some of you to join a Fishout, offer to host one or even offer suggestions on a great location for a Fishout. New to the sport or a salty dog, you can’t catch a fish if you don’t get your line wet.
Posted on March 26th, 2025