LBFA Member Handbook

The Standard
Behind the Alliance.

Membership in the Land Based Fishing Alliance represents a commitment to responsible fishing, safe communities, respectful conduct and positive representation of land-based anglers.

i
These standards apply to LBFA membership and participation. Detailed policies linked throughout this page provide the controlling requirements for eligibility, safety, discipline and membership administration.
What Membership Means

Membership Is
a Privilege.

LBFA exists to strengthen land-based fishing through responsible angling, education, conservation, community involvement and professional standards.

Follow the Law Members are expected to comply with applicable fishing, wildlife, access and public-use regulations.
Protect the Resource Responsible fish handling, lawful harvest and respect for wildlife are central to the Alliance.
Respect the Shoreline Beaches, piers, jetties, public access, private property and coastal habitat deserve responsible use.
Respect the Community Harassment, intimidation, threats, violence and targeted abuse are inconsistent with LBFA membership.
Represent the Alliance Well Membership carries an expectation of truthful, professional and responsible public representation.
Membership

One Alliance.
Different Ways to Belong.

Membership categories serve different parts of the land-based fishing community while remaining subject to the same core expectations of safety, honesty and respect.

Supporting

Supporting Member

For supporters who believe in the mission and want to strengthen land-based fishing.

Individual

Angler Member

For recreational land-based anglers participating in the Alliance and local fishing community.

Household

Family

For fishing families who want to participate together in LBFA and chapter activities.

Professional

Professional Guide

For professional land-based guides held to additional professional and directory standards.

Industry

Business & Industry

For businesses and organizations connected to anglers, guides and coastal communities.

Core Member Standards

Fish Hard.
Fish Right.

These principles apply across the Alliance. Detailed requirements are contained in the Code of Conduct and other policies.

1
Obey applicable fishing laws. Licenses, permits, species rules, seasons, limits, access rules and local regulations matter.
2
Handle fish responsibly. Use appropriate tackle, safe handling and responsible harvest or release practices.
3
Respect beaches and access. Do not trespass, damage habitat or create unnecessary hazards for other lawful shoreline users.
4
Leave no fishing waste behind. Line, hooks, leaders, packaging, bait containers and trash leave with us.
5
No harassment or intimidation. Threats, stalking, bullying, targeted abuse and retaliation are prohibited.
6
Represent LBFA truthfully. Do not misrepresent credentials, authority, partnerships, sponsorships or official positions.
Safety & Eligibility

Some Standards
Are Non-Negotiable.

LBFA maintains strict safety and eligibility requirements because Alliance activities may involve families, children and public community programs.

Membership Eligibility

Sex-Offender Registry Screening

Every individual member is subject to applicable governmental sex-offender registry screening. Verified disqualifying status makes an individual ineligible for membership. There are no waivers.

LBFA Activities

Drug- and Alcohol-Free

Alcohol, illegal drugs and impairment are prohibited during LBFA-sponsored, organized, sanctioned or affiliated activities.

Accountability

Strict Standards.
Fair Process.

Zero tolerance does not mean arbitrary decisions. Ordinary disciplinary matters are reviewed through a documented process designed to protect both safety and fairness.

1

Report

A concern is submitted through the official LBFA process.

2

Review

Leadership determines jurisdiction, evidence and safety needs.

3

Respond

The member generally receives an opportunity to respond.

4

Decide

Evidence is reviewed and action is taken under LBFA governance.

5

Enforce

Outcomes may include warning, restriction, suspension or termination.

Membership Administration

Know What
Membership Includes.

Annual Term Memberships are annual unless otherwise stated and begin after successful payment.
Renewal Automatically renewing memberships renew according to the terms displayed during purchase and through the membership-management system.
Cancellation Members may cancel future renewal. Cancellation does not normally create a refund for the current paid term.
Refunds Membership dues are generally non-refundable after activation, subject to documented exceptions and applicable law.
Directories Public directory participation is subject to privacy preferences, eligibility and LBFA review.
Membership Benefits Programs, kits, events, member resources and other benefits may evolve as the Alliance develops.
Member Acknowledgment

Membership Means
Standing Behind the Standard.

By applying for, purchasing, renewing or maintaining LBFA membership, members acknowledge that membership is subject to the current LBFA governing documents, handbook, Code of Conduct, eligibility requirements, safety policies and duly adopted procedures.

Read the Code