On Joining

As discussed on the Home page, we are a diverse group of individuals, dispersed over a large geographical area. So, you might ask, "If I can't attend meetings and meet other fishermen, why bother?". You might think Trout Unlimited is a club for wealthy, elitist fly fishermen -"I wouldn't fit in". You might just think "It isn't important to me". The reasons are as varied as the individuals who don't join. However, the reasons to join are compelling.

First, lets address a common misconception. Trout Unlimited is not a fly fishing club. It is an environmental organization, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of cold water fisheries. While TU was initially formed by a group of northeast trout fishermen that were dedicated to fly fishing, promoting fly fishing itself was not the goal. How you fish for trout is not what is important. The fact that you fish for trout and care about trout fishing is important.

Why does it matter? In a nutshell, we must realize that the number of cold water fisheries in the country is limited and that those fisheries are vulnerable. Unlike most other sports, our resources are relatively finite. We cannot create new waters. But, we can lose waters. Many great fisheries have been lost to the building of dams and lakes. Others to development and privatization. Others yet, to environmental damage and warming temperatures. These things will not stop. At the same time, the number of fishermen grows. This also will not stop. The pressure on our fisheries grows. This means that the sport needs both management and oversight. Trout Unlimited is involved in both, at the national, regional, state and local level. In order to meet this challenge they need support. Real, grass-roots level of support. That's us.

Let it be you too.