Signing up to Marshal BASS events

[Dan]

aahhhh!! Just went through a frustrating morning of trying to sign up in the priority entry for Marshaling. (http://www.bassmaster.com/news/2014-bassmaster-marshal-registration-opens-today) First of all the date to do this has change yearly for the past three years. I just got an email yesterday that the priority entry would begin today. I tried to register and it said I needed Fed Nation membership. Well, I had let mine expire because it was something I had gotten explicitly to fullfil the priority registration requirement. This year I had gotten an email saying that I wouldn't need the Club Fed Nation membership for early registration. I got the email straight from the horses mouth so to speak ".....as far as next year, yes you will be eligible for priority entry by signing up as a general member. However, You would lose the benefit of competition and any other state level benefit specific to Michigan such as special pricing on sponsor products run through the president, if you are not a member of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation."
Looks like now, I am left to take my chances in a week with the general membership registration.

Frustrated, just venting,
Dan

[YpsiBass]

Do I have to put up the $125 now or is registration just to put your name in the hat?

[djkimmel]

I can't recall but I think you have to deposit the entry up front to get in. If you are scheduled to fish you can't get a refund. If you are on the waiting list you can get a refund.

Anyone who wants to sign up try going directly to this page first if you have not registered yet for anything in 2014: https://ssl.palmcoastd.com/ows-img/57000/marshal.html

[Dan]

Only Life Members and Fed Nation members can sign up now. If you get Bassmaster Magazine you are a National Member and those people can sign up one week from today. You have to pay when you sign up. You can sign up online or by phone. If you sign up by phone you have to wait three extra days for that to happen. I am trying to find out more info. Talked to Jon Stewart via email today. He has been very helpful.  I'll let you know how it goes.

[djkimmel]

It's pretty much too late this year but if at least 6 of you want to join in the future say to be eligible for next fall I would consider starting a B.A.S.S. Nation version of The Bass Boys.

[Dan]

According to Jon Stewart, you can be an at large Bass Nation Member and don't have to belong to a local club. Checking in to that though.

[djkimmel]

I remember someone telling me about that last year? Probably Paul Sacks or one of the Michigan board members maybe? That might be my present status since I hadn't joined another club yet. But I'm also a Life Member.

[Dan]

Becoming a Life Member may be cheaper than signing up as a Fed Nation member every year, especially if you have to join a club. Cost me over a hundred dollars last year to join a Fed Nation Club. May have to rethink this.

[djkimmel]

I don't know... I guess if you're going to try to get in the early Marshal period each year then it is probably a better way to go.

I like people being in the clubs and federations because that counts at meetings and public processes but I also quote the number of B.A.S.S. members in Michigan because we have sometimes been able to reach them to through the magazine or a few special mailings (not sure if they will do that anymore?).

[Dan]

Got some help at BASS and they signed me up as an at large BASS Federation member so that I now have priority access to the Marshal sign up. Couple of days late, but I was appreciative of their help. Now, I just have to come up with some cash to put down for two or three events. Going places that I've never been before, I can't wait to get on the road again. BTW it cost $30 to sign up as an at large member.

[Dan]

Well, I think I signed up today to Marshal the Table Rock and Cayuga Lake Bassmaster events. I filled out the forms submitted my credit card, but when I hit the button it sent me back to the original screen. Seems to me it did that before. Didn't want to get double charges on the card so I'm waiting till Monday to see if BASS got my info and money. They leave early on Friday so I missed them when I tried to call.

[djkimmel]

Can't you also check your status at www.bassmaster.com/marshal to see if they show in some status other than not there?

[Dan]

Good call DK. Thanks! I did check via the link you suggested and it does show that I am register for the two events. I'll have to wait and see though if I get the obligatory two days or the three days. Thanks again.

[djkimmel]

You're welcome. It feels good to be a help to someone once in awhile.