a great tool for finding fishing partners during a health crisis

By Todd Pond

The one tool not in your fishing vest: the membership directory

It’s not been almost a full fishing season since our club has been able to hold official outings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s a shame, because these trips are among my favorite things about the club: a great way to discover or rediscover great places to fish, and especially to enjoy the company of club members.

But while the club has no current plans to start holding events again, it does offer a valuable tool you can use to set up trips and make new friends. I’m talking about the member directory.

I know plenty of members who have gone on trips, either alone or with close friends, to rivers including the McCloud, the Upper and Lower Sac, the Pit and the Trinity River, to name a few. I’ve yet to hear anyone say they regretted going, despite the extra hassles involved with fishing during a pandemic.

But not many people are thinking much about expanding their social circles these days. That’s one of the worst things about this pandemic. I have made life-long friends since joining GPFF - people I can call anytime, for any reason. The outdoors, camping, nature, and fishing creates bonds between people that are special.

That’s why I urge you to consider using the membership directory. It’s a great resource to find someone interested in enjoying a COVID responsible trip. Keep in mind that the directory is only open to members. Once you log onto the site, go to the home page, click member pages, then member directory.

So the next time you’re thinking of going fishing, please think about reaching out to other club members. I can guarantee you that many club members will welcome your reaching out and with the directory they are only a click away. Just as you never know when a fish will strike, you never know when a lifelong friend may be the other side of that click.