Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Reminder - getting your TBF dues AND FLW Outdoors membership in by 12/31/08 for the 2009 club year is critical to the funding of our TBF Inc operations and federation programs.

The bulk of our national operating money, and monies for important youth and conservation projects comes from the number of members we have in by 12/31 to TBF Inc and FLW Outdoors. All the money is budgeted based on that date for the entire 2009 club year.

We take members after that time of course, but we do not get the membership rebates for members who join after that time because budgets are already set. The TBF of Michigan state dues early discount ends for all members on 12/31/08 also so regular state membership of $25 applies rather than the discounted $15 dues you pay prior to 12/31.

Members of The Bass Boys can pay online if they want to get in on time at http://www.greatlakesbass.com/bassboys/ for their convenience.

I realize things are tight and it's a busy time of year, but please remember that organized bass federations just in Michigan are what have brought us the statewide early bass season, dropshotting regulations, less tournament permit requirements and a much better relationship with the MDNR. All critical to the enjoyment of our sport. Please be a part of the solution and join. When we are better funded for our core and critical projects in youth and conservation, we can do more for the fishing side too.

TBF Inc (national) dues are $15 per year per adult. TBF of Michigan (state) adult dues are $25, but discounted to $15 if you join before 12/31.

Youth dues are $5 national to TBF Inc. and free for TBF of Michigan state membership. We have 1 state youth club any child can join - contact Dennis Beltz (TBF of Michigan president) at DennisBeltz@michigantbf.com or 586-286-3523. We also have a youth club in the Oakland County area with 2 more clubs coming on board in 2009. See http://www.michigantbf.com  - Youth for more information as we get it on the new youth clubs.

Club administrators can follow this link - https://tbfwebservices.com/app.php to go directly to the online roster system, login and update your club, or it is available from TBF Inc website at www.bassfederation.com. After you update your club, you can print a roster invoice to send in to TBF of Michigan with your state and national dues.

We are at the end of the year roster update time and want to encourage each of you to get your clubs updated by Jan 1 online so your insurance coverage does not lapse. Use the link above to do so. Thanks.