Another indicator of the growth and modernization of sport fishing is the emergence of fishing clubs. The Golden Strip boasts three clubs, one each in Mauldin, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn. Many who join fishing clubs do so for a variety of reasons. Some BASS clubs exist for the sole purpose of competing in tournaments, are serious in nature and are usually small in membership numbers. These clubs exist as vehicles for serious anglers to progress through the organization's system of tournaments with a goal of reaching the national finals.
Some clubs exist independent from larger organizations.
Some are sponsored by corporations for the benefit of their employees. Local companies such as Kemet and Cryovac support fishing clubs as tools for employee relations. But whether it the professional fishing national tournaments or Andy and Opie sharing a summer afternoon on a small farm pond, a love and respect for the sport is a common thread binds all anglers. The Greenville News .