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6:32 pm
August 9, 2006
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Its been driving me kinda nuts the past couple of years knowing there is a musky club in the state but it was a little to far to really be an active member. After this weekend I have made the decision to contact Muskies Inc. and get information reguarding starting a chapter in the Harrisburg area. I am being sent all the information needed from Muskies Inc at the end of the week and have been put in contact with the Regional officers. What can you guys tell me about the process of starting a new chapter? Anything I should know?
I know there are a ton of musky guys here in the capital area, but they choose not to join the club because its not benifiting the waters in their back yard. I think I can safely say I can get close to 20 members within the first month just out of my friends. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!
Ken
4:57 am
March 26, 2004
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Ken,
Out here in NM, we've been at it since 2009, and have been hanging around 50 members for a few years. I've served on the MI59 board in various ways since 2009, and prior to that, I was a member of a few different chapters (22,16,44) depending on where I lived at the time. From what I've seen in most of these chapters, your biggest challenge isn't starting the chapter but will be maintaining enthusiasm and involvement after the first year or so. I think there's a number of factors in this, but I've seen many guys that were new to muskie fishing get all excited, join for a year or so, and then disappear when they realize how hard it is to actually catch fish consistently. Also, people sink a bunch of effort into the club and get burned out, so you'll need at least 10 really involved people to really make it work, and make sure that you're bringing up the next generation of leadership; life changes, and people will come and go. Assuming the 80/20 rule holds here to (and it does), that means you need at least 50 members to make a go of it.
Honestly, unless you're certain you can get a critical mass, I think you're better off trying to make a go of it with MI50. These guys are pretty well-established, have been doing a lot of great things, and love the river too. My opinion is that the region is better off with one really strong chapter than with two smaller ones. By the way, there was a Bloomsburg Chapter once, but it was gone by the time I joined MI 17 years ago.
I don't mean to discourage, but make sure you have the energy and people to pull it off. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.
Chris
3:26 pm
August 9, 2006
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Looks like we are going to just try and start a musky club in the Harrisburg area. I have posted this in a few places already, but for all you Central Pa guys, heres the info. We are going to try and have a meeting on July 18th at the Dugout Sportsbar and Grille in Duncannon Pa. It is pretty much right next to BigBee Boats in the little strip mall on 11/15. Meeting will start at 7pm. If you think you can make it, please email me so I can make a reservation. wardgraphics@gmail.com Thanks in advance!
2:54 am
August 9, 2006
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The meeting is being "sweetened up"........if you can make the first meeting, you will get a free t-shirt, and I will buy the first round of beer!
Thanks in advance! Remember to email me to reserve a seat and give me your shirt size.
12:57 pm
April 2, 2008
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Kenny, how did the meeting go ? Been working 18 to 19 hours a day six days a week 🙁 was gonna bring a friend, he had to work late also. no free time, no fish, all work, can't wait to retire !!!! 🙂
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