Got a packet in the mail today inviting me to join, 13 month membership for only $12! They are supposed to send out gear to test that I get to keep for free if I send them back an evaluation form on how the stuff performed. Did some research and found a WHOLE BUNCH of people claiming this is a scam. Also cannot find how much the dues are after the first year which leads me to believe they are very high. On the other side though, if I sign up I will receive a welcome pack valued at about $50.
My questions...is anyone on here a member? Is it worth it? Do I really get free gear if I just test it out first, simple as that? Any bad experiences?
Got a packet in the mail today inviting me to join, 13 month membership for only $12! They are supposed to send out gear to test that I get to keep for free if I send them back an evaluation form on how the stuff performed. Did some research and found a WHOLE BUNCH of people claiming this is a scam. Also cannot find how much the dues are after the first year which leads me to believe they are very high. On the other side though, if I sign up I will receive a welcome pack valued at about $50.
My questions...is anyone on here a member? Is it worth it? Do I really get free gear if I just test it out first, simple as that? Any bad experiences?
I'm a Life Member. Don't sign up counting on getting anything good like most people do. I don't think I've every recieved anything over $5. The magazine they publish is worth the membership price. I can't remember how much it was a year but I think it cost me $250 for the Life membership.
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fishintiger
Graduate of the Misfit school of Crappie and Saugeye fishing.
I'm a trophy life member. The NAFC is good if you like a club where you don't have to do anything but send money. The magazine is top notch covering allot of species and topics. The product testing is good if you like that sort of stuff. The downside is that it is a front for selling you crap. They will send you books, knifes, saws, and try to get you to become a member of other clubs like handyman and hunters. There are local groups that get together and such. If you don't have allot of money save it for better fishing gear.
I am also a Life Member, not on purpose though, as it was a gift. And to be honest, I would of rather had the $250 in cash with all things considered.
The "magazine" for the most part is junk, the same way with most fishing magazines, as nearly every article is just a rehash of previously known knowledge. Unless you are a total beginner then you wont learn much from NAFC Magazine. And frankly, if you are a beginner, you can learn much more on your own via "Google", OGF, and your own personal experience.
But no one becomes a member for the magazine, it is the shiny diamonds called "FREE GEAR" that sounds so enticing. NAFC points out things like, "NAFC member Dave Smith got to keep an outboard motor", but they never sent me anything but damn-near literal "junk". Oh but they did send me a custom NAFC fishing rod (with my name on it WOW) paired with the cheapest Shimano available for being a life member. The rod snapped 8" down from the tip in what can only be described as a "miracle" as it seemingly broke all by itself --- cheap, defective graphite.
Worst thing about NAFC is that they will send you a "new hardcover book" every month and bill you $30-$40 for it, and it is up to you to make them stop sending them each month. And the hardcover books are complete garbage to boot. Some of the information is so archaic in those books, for example on a section regarding spinnerbaits, they show pictures of spinnerbaits for bass, all with the "hula popper" type skirting material used back in the 70s. I had to laugh.
I joined at the beginning of the year for 2 years for I think $25 and there deal would send me a free rapala and a couple fillet knives, and some $5 gas card rebates and a scale. Sent them the check. Check was cashed and Magazine arrived. No knives-so I did a little research and found their active website and left a message you cashed my check where is my "free stuff". Lo and behold about 2 wks later the Knives showed up. They I got my Rapala in a box with a "book' for me to enjoy and purchase...or keep the lure and send the book back to them on their post paid postage. NOTE: YOU MUST CHECK THE BOX AND TELL THEM THAT YOU DO NOT WANT ANYMORE BOOKS OR BELONG TO THEIR BOOK CLUB. So far okay. Sent them the Gas receipt and waiting for my $5 rebate-we will see.
They are a joke. Joined a couple years ago. Even if you ask they don't stop sending you crap. Do a google search first couple links are complaints. Don't waste your money.
I am A Life member since 1977 and also a trophy member since they started that also. I joined without any expectations of getting anything except the mag and like weasel7 said, if thats what you like then you'll be happy with their mag. I have gotten to test some neat stuff. A prototype lure that was completely differant than anything I had ever thrown. Its good for the summer dropoff catch. Knifes, hooks out the backside and lots of other things. You must remember that as soon as you test something you have to fill out the form and send it in right away, THEN you need to update your profile for them to start sending you stuff again. Most people dont do that last bit. Let them know the hooks are dog poop and then follow the rules till you get something new. If you are new to fishing you might learn from the books and videos the send you. You can check out the stuff and return it if you dont want to keep it and pay for it. BASS will send you a bunch of books and DVDs also. Every bodies got game going for something to help you out and take your money.
Hope this helps ya.
later ya'll
donm
It looks to me like the packs of hooks they like to send you are factory rejects. The magazine has too wide of a scope. I don't really need to know which rigs are working for yellow tuna or where to wade in the Colorado River.
A subcription to Ohio Outdoor News or Ohio Fish and Game is a much better investment.
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I just like the free clear fish sticker they send me once a year without becoming a member. It appears to be one of those, you bought something from a store related to fishing and the store sold your information and a packet showed up in your mail. Bass pro did it to me. I might peel the sticker off since I've read these negative reviews.
Agreed it's a joke...My wife signed me up years ago, and it took me months to get them to stop sending/billing me for those books. I wouldn't take em for free.
If they do send those books they will send something that appears to be a collection notice if you don't pay for it. Without having your SS number the collection notice can't be put on your credit report. The only way they will stop sending crap is when they realize you aren't going to pay for any of it.
Thanks for all the replies! After reading all of your thoughts and doing a little more research, I don't think its for me. I'll save my dollar for another day! Thanks again for taking the time to read and comment
North American Fishing Club - any thoughts?
North American Fishing Club - any thoughts?
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