In 2006 Mainely Bass Junior Bassmasters was the largest youth chapter in the Maine BASS Federation with 31 members and we are continuing to grow. Obviously fishing is still popular with youth. Most of our members are from the Kennebunk/Lyman area of York County, but our membership is open to all youth age 7 to 17 who like fish or want to learn to fish.

The purpose of the club is to provide a venue where youth can improve their skills as anglers, learn & exchange fishing techniques and information, learn responsibility and teamwork by operating the club, and learn sportsmanship and act as stewards for conservation and youth involvement in fishing. The club is affiliated with both the BASS Federation Nation and the Maine BASS Federation Nation.

The club has monthly meetings, on the last Wednsday of the month (Jan thru Oct) at the Lyman public library at 6:30 pm. The meetings are 60 – 90 minutes long, the first portion is for club business, the second half for various speakers & "how- to" clinics (covering anything from tying knots, casting techniques, fish patterns & structure, conservation, and visits from Inland Fish & Wildlife or local "experts" or fishing industry representatives).

Dues for 2007 will be $20. $10 is for national BASS Federation dues, and the remainder will be for club costs/equipment, and prizes & awards. Club tournaments will not have an entry fee. There may be entry fees and related costs for competing in state and national tournaments.

Club tournaments provide a fun & interesting way for the youth to test their skills against their fellow anglers (as well as the fish). Current plans are for the club to have 4 tournaments a year (May thru Aug). Members currently compete in either our shore division or our Jr Pro Division. The shore division completes in one or two age groups (for example under 10 & over 10) depending on number of club members in each age group. Tournaments will be from shore at local lakes/ponds in the Lyman/Sanford area. Anglers over 10 must only use artificial baits (including Berkely "Power Baits" and "Gulp" baits). Anglers under 10 may use live worms (no minnows, shiners or other forms of live bait will be permitted). Tournaments will be about three hours long and will be catch, measure and release. Our scoring system allows anglers to catch any species of fish, but higher points will be awarded for bass.

The Jr pro division contains most of the older, more experienced anglers and they are paired up with volunteer boaters to fish four hour "boat" tournaments on local lakes.

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