Finding outing leaders has been an age old challenge for Texas FlyFishers. During a time when we had this challenge in 2010,  the Treasurer, Harry Crofton, and the Saltwater Outings Chair, Chris Sumers, put together a presentation and presented at a monthly meeting.  It was well done, informative and worthy of a resurrection! So below is a recap of some of the key points that are worth putting in front of folks that didn’t attend that meeting.

What do you need to know to lead a freshwater or saltwater outing?

Preparing for the outing

• Make sure to give the Outings Chair has the plan for the outing, in an email, or in writing
• Become familiar with the published plan
• Get a list of participants website, email, phone calls etc.
• Talk to previous leaders
• If a guide is involved: call and discuss outing and make sure you understand payment arrangements
• Confirm shuttle arrangements if required
• Confirm website notice has your correct contact info
• Get any last minute changes posted to website
• Print out extra copies of the blank waiver
• Get a copy of the club insurance accident report form

On the day of the outing

• Arrive early at the designated meeting place
• Collect signed waivers – no waiver, no fishing
• Collect fees, if any, associated with the outing
• Give a briefing on the outing
• Review the safety considerations and participants responsibilities for the outing
• If a guide is involved get them to participate in the briefing
  assign a sweeper
• Stay to the bitter end to ensure everyone is off the water

Typical briefing issues

• General plan for the day including lunch plans
• Reminder that a valid license is required
• Expected time off the water
• Anyone planning to leave early?
• Safety
  • Review safety responsibilities
  • Hydrate, sunscreen
  • Buddy up
  • Known hazards
  • PFD requirements
• Fishing tactics
• Ask for questions from the group
• Close with reminder that the members are responsible for their own safety and that the leader is just facilitating the outing

Other things to consider

• You are there to facilitate the outing – you are not a guide unless you want to be.
• Submit a report with photos for the website.  Gather photos from participants if you can.
• The Club provides the third party liability insurance. Members are not third parties.
• Report any incidents to the Outings Chairperson.
• Scan and turn liability waivers over to the Outing Chair.
• Have fun and catch fish.