A reader asks an interesting question: "How is the best way to improve my skills and become a better all-around anglerfi"

The quick response would be to tell him to spend more time on the water -- that practice makes perfect. But just spending time on the water won't really help unless there is a method to the madness. You must spend "quality" time on the water, not just "quantity." But how do you do thatfi

As I considered the question, I realized that joining a fishing club might very well be the best possible way to accomplish this reader's goals. Fishing clubs tend to match novice anglers with those with experience: the belief being that the less experienced angler will learn from one who has already mastered the basic skills, thus the learning curve for the new angler will be reduced. I'm sure that with an inquiry or two at the local sporting goods store, an appropriate fishing club could be located. But since I belong to one myself, let me introduce you to my first choice.

Central Utah Bassmasters, one of the state's largest bass club, draws members from as far away as Ogden, to the north and Santaquin to the south. The club is well over 20 years old and has been an integral part of the fishing community since its inception. They meet at Cabela's on the first Wednesday of the month and are committed to help people learn to catch more fish.

Yes, it's true that Central Utah Bassmasters is a "Bass" fishing club, but that doesn't stop its members as they are also some of the best trout, walleye, crappie, bluegill, perch and catfish anglers in the state. Although the club doesn't participate in derbies or fishing tournaments for other species besides bass, they do promote all aspects of fishing, from sharing techniques to catch more fish, to fisheries management plans and conservation. They work closely with the DWR to improve fisheries and to attract more anglers to the sport.

Central Utah Bassmasters has both male and female members. Members don't need to have a boat, and in fact, those without boats are sought after due to the nature of club events. Boaters are paired with non-boaters as partners, and they participate together. But the real benefit is the one-on-one attention a non boater gets from his/her partner.

The very best way to improve as an angler is to spend time with great anglers and learn from them. Participating in a fishing club will do just that. Contact me if you're interested in joining a club.

• Don Allphin can be reached at remaxdoa@gmail.com