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.
