Why Join?
Why join the Midwest Angler Chicago Fishing Club?

Some common club questions:

C: "Fishing stinks around Illinois, I never catch anything"
A: Wow, that is the reason we started the club. I used to think that, and then I discovered I was using lures from Texas, Florida and Tennessee- that is why I didn't catch any fish. They worked great on TV, but non on a lake in Illinois. I used to fish all weekend for one or two fish. Would it make you cry to hear that one of our guys caught 112 lb. of fish in 4 hours in Addison, IL? How about 512 fish in 4 hours from a Park District pond in Alsip? 7 lb. to 25 lb. fish, yea we lock into those too. Fishing is incredible around the Chicago area and we can put you on the fish, with some helpful tips you will be holding on for dear life- it is very possible to drive under :25 minutes to the most awesome fishing you have ever had!

C: "You Guys fish that European Style Gear"
A: Our tackle is US-style! European fishing tackle is DRAMATICALLY different and we are fishing park district lakes in Illinois- not Europe. You will learn techniques from experienced anglers including a member of the US Fishing Team (US of A)- not European which means you will learn to catch fish around here- American fish.

C: "I am not into catching a lot of small fish"
A: The methods we use and teach often catch the largest fish in the area and can be applied to big channel catfish, large bass, huge walleye and even giant muskie. I don't think the (6) 24" walleye I caught on a recent fishing trip were small- or the 29.75" monster.

C: "I go mainly for bass"
A: I will be the first to admit- our local lakes are so pressured for bass, it makes it tough on the angler to catch them- but our club even counts bass so if you want to come out and try it, we welcome bass anglers. Truth is bass account for fewer than 5% of the fish in the lake- so we figure, why limit ourselves to a handful of fish or one species.

C: "It's expensive to fish these club competitions"
A: Is a $65 membership expensive for several seminars, and fishing outings as well as an online magazine and lake tip sheets? Many Bass-based tourneys cost you $250 - $500 per outting!

We offer many discounts including a 2-angler for $37.50 each. There are zero fees the rest of the season including our annual club outing/social. You will also have the benefit of being able to learn during club events, from other members as well as receive a 25% discount on all private sessions.

C: "I don't want to compete"
A: Valid point. A lot of our members come for the seminar and the fishing. Some clubs can be really intense and they focus on rules, weights - let's face it, getting crushed by a couple of serious anglers with specialized gear and rules on their home waters is no fun. There is no pressure at all to compete- ever! The reason we fish w hours and "draw" is so you can see what was caught by your neighbors and how they did it.

We gather at the same time so you can adjust your fishing, improve your tactics and transition some of your gear to catching more fish. It is pretty neat to look down the row and see someone landing a big fish. Many an angler came "just to watch" and now has caught the fishing bug. Truth is, you only compete with 1 person, yourself.

We are easy going and unlike European anglers in every way.

C: "You fish those Thill -style floats"
A: Yes, we do- but we also fish other methods. The truth is the Thill -style floats you buy in the store aren't as good as some others we have. But, the concept is the same and if you really want to learn how to float fish- come on out. This year we are also adding lures to our teaching so you will have a well-rounded angling education for fishing our local ponds

C: "I fish in Canada & Wisconsin "
A: Wow, reason number 2 for the club- it made me a much better angler when I went on any fishing trip! Also, how sad is it to only go fishing for 7 days out of a year? With great fishing nearby, a group of people willing to show you some local fishing rigs, why don't you get out the stuff. A wise old angler said to me many times- they don't just go out and play a baseball game and hit homeruns. If you want to get better, you need practice and experience.. There are so many great places to fish, you might be 5 minutes from a lake that has really great fishing, why do you need to drive 14 hours? Get out here and fish.

C: "I don't want to catch hundreds of fish"
A: Fine, come out and fish and learn a little.- we still think catching a lot of fish is a good problem to have..

Click here to sign up.