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Like DL, I was one of the early 15 viewers, and I also considered it wise to give some thought before replying. To use one of DL's terms, KUDOS to matt, DL, and Barry on their responses. All are correct. Our goal is to improve muskie fishing in our local waters, and we've made great efforts in that area. We're on the right track there. DL is also right about apathy being one of our problems, but there is little can be done about it.(I don't want to open the givers-vs-takers argument, but this is an example where it applies, also) As for growth, large membership may impress some, but it's the number of active members that really matters. Let's grow by letting everyone know that we are here, what we do to improve local fisheries, and ask them to join us. If they are interested they'll join, and hopefully will join our efforts as well, not just to suck all the info they can from us. If you have to beg them to join, you'll have to beg them for everything else, too.

I am glad Tom put this post up on the board. Asking this question is not a once a year or monthly event. We should always be thinking of ways to improve our club our just think of how our club is "living". My friends, (as I feel that everyone I have met at the club so far I would consider a friend) this club is no different then starting a small company. A group of bright eyed and hard working people looking to make a dream a reality. Along with this reality comes frustrations and hardships on growing / maintaining this club into a well established / running organization (be it small or large). We are at this inflection point. We can remain relatively "small" but highly productive with the members we have, but we risk the potential for burnout of members (and that will happen regardless of whether we change or not - its natural for people to get burnout - think of how many different jobs/ careers / wives we have had over time). What we need to do is prepare the club to "live" beyond us. How can we make the club bigger then the few? We need to mechanize everything (we need to document everything we do and streamline the club). This may sound difficult, but its pretty easy. If everyone knows of their responsibilities and everything is maintained on file (in a notebook on a labtap, etc.) then we can keep members fresh by allowing others to contribute that may not currently know how or be willing to take on an unknown role with unlimmited accountability / responsibility. I suggest that we start the process. Each officer or person that is performing a role for the club, write down what you do as if your letting a 2nd grader take over your role (i.e. part of my job is to call fishmaker and MI22 contact on a monthly or bimonthly basis and provide info to the club on NJ fisheries - so in my write up I will provide phone numbers, internet addresses and questions to ask). I encourage all of the officers and club members to bring your "mechanized" roles on paper to the next meeting or e-mail Dieter with the details. If you have any questions on what to prepare, again - think of a 2nd grader asking you all those questions. If you would like to discuss further, contact Dieter or myself and we can help get the ball rolling. We could even do it over a day of fishing. Once we have created our "playbook" we will find how easy it is to keep the club on course for growth (think of Andy Reid and his master book for success, no different).

Also, we need to take a moment and smell the muskie, I mean the roses.... This club has accomplished a significant number of its short-term goals, specifically making our local fisheries a better muskie fishery as well educating current / future muskie fisherman and providing a great organization for people to join and bond. I am proud to be part of this club. For only being several years old, I feel it is many years the wiser.

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