How to Start a Scholastic Fishing Club

One personal mission led to the start of a fishing club at University of South Florida-St. Petersburg.

August 18, 2025 By G. E. MaGrath

Fishing clubs can be a positive environment for young anglers by fostering an exchange of knowledge and providing  opportunities to get out on the water.

The University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus (USFSP) overlooking Bayboro Harbor and the Port of St. Petersburg is minutes from productive fishing spots in the Tampa Bay area. When I started classes there in the spring of 2022, there was no active fishing club. I made it my personal mission to get one started. I am happy to hear that it is still active today. This is a recap of my experience and the basics of what you will need to get a fishing club started.

Members & Officers

The basis of a fishing club is its members and officers. This is the outreach stage. My first step was noticing a classmate wearing a worn-in Guy Harvey tee and asking if he’d be interested in starting a fishing club. From there, we put feelers out across campus. We found most of our initial members through the owner of a car in the student parking garage with rods poking out the back window. We left a note on the windshield, and word spread from there.

Leadership needs will vary based on the nature of the club. Some officer positions to consider are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Safety Officer, and Marketing Manager. Duties of each position should be specified in the bylaws.

Once founding officers and members are established, you can go through the proper channels to form the club with the necessary paperwork, bank account, and anything else required by your institution.

Mission Statement

A mission statement will guide the club’s focus and set expectations for members. We centered USFSP’s Fishing Club around inclusiveness, education, conservation, and having fun. If you want a competitive club, this is something you should write in the mission statement.

Funding & Sponsorship

Funds are generally available for university and college clubs and can be used for most things, from terminal tackle to tournament entry fees and travel costs. In our first year, we purchased club gear, took 16 students on a headboat out of Tarpon Springs, and let’s not forget the pizza (and greasy fingers) at knot-tying night. Fundraising will also be a part of your club’s journey. To increase the potential for donations, clubs can apply for a 501(c)(3) status.

When requesting sponsorships from shops, brands, or local businesses, communicate your mission, members count, growth potential, and plans to return the favor. Donations of items, food or services, annual spending stipends, and member discounts are all fair asks. In return, mention the partnership in meetings, email blasts, and social media posts, and include their logos on ID cards, flyers, and signage.

Trips and Tournaments

Most importantly, go fishing! A large, club might plan a half-day trip to the pier, whereas a smaller club may plan a day trip to the Everglades. Meetings can be used to discuss trips and check that everybody has a valid fishing license. You can use club funds to get members out fishing from boats or kayaks. Ask headboats and kayak rentals about group rates. Find guides willing to offer discounts to student clubs. They exist!

Off-the-water clinics empower members with knowledge and time to practice important skills. These can be turned into fundraising opportunities by opening them to the public for a suggested donation. One monumental USFSP Fishing Club event was a day-long seminar with student and guest speakers, a catered lunch, and a cast-netting clinic. We doubled our fundraising goal in one day!

Internal club tournaments with prizes are a fun way to encourage participation. These can be single-day events or take place over weeks or months. We hosted a summer-long, saltwater/freshwater tournament through an app and invited the USF Tampa Fishing Club to participate.

My advice to anyone who wants to set up a fishing club: for longevity, lay down the structure for events that can be easily repeated, and for growth, don’t be afraid to change course and shift your mission.