The Plum Island Surfcasters is a grass-roots fishing club with a deep history and tradition that spans over 50 years.  These years had tides full of fish.  These years had tides of change.  With each tide, the club has held true to its principles and values.  Currently, the club is experiencing a new tide of change: technology.

New and existing members have adopted technologies like email and the internet.  The board of directors hence accepted the motion to adopted these technologies.  With a budget of $0.00, the club’s website was completely rebuilt to communicate with the fishing community and members.

Visitors can now quickly view current events, articles, and news on the site’s home page.  And with just a few clicks, visitors can learn more about the club’s current programs, tournaments, and the Junior’s Program.

Members can log into the site and access the members area. This area has the current tournament standings, fishing reports, recipes, events, photo galleries, how-to videos, and club / board meeting minutes.  Novel content is posted monthly to this area based on input from the club’s old salts, who have fished Plum Island for more years then they are willing to admit.  This area is quickly becoming the club’s knowledge base, which is fully searchable.

The Plum Line, the club’s newsletter, was traditionally printed and snail-mailed to members.  This was the primary form of communication.  During a club meeting, members requested that the club “Go Green”.  Members now receive an email message when the Plum Line is published to the website.

A dynamic member-to-member network is currently being built for members.  This social network will help members connect.  Members will be able to exchange ideas, coordinate fishing trips, and find a rod builder or plumber.

The new website has not changed what the club is.  The club still has monthly meeting with a seminar from a top angler; year-round fishing trips; freshwater and saltwater fishing tournaments; annual shows that are 100% fishing; awards banquets with turkey, ham, and a plethora of side dishes; and a Junior’s Program staff by the club’s best anglers.  Members still fish for anything that swims from their boats, kayaks, and the surf.  The new website has simply improved communication, reduced costs, and increased membership at no additional cost to the club.

The tide will continue to ebb and flood.  Fishing methods will evolve.  Technology will continue to change.  But, the Plum Island Surfcasters will still be here focusing on what matters:  its members.   New members welcome.