My 7 year old son received a letter from North American Fishing Club (NAFC) stating someone had referred his name to NAFC as an avid and highly respected fisherman and as such, invited him to join NAFC. The enticing letter, especially for a 7 year old, promised a "Filet Knife Set", "2 bobbers", magazines, and the chance of receiving numerous other free gifts with his membership at a special $10 introductory rate for a 1 year membership, to be paid at a later time. The free gifts were suppose to include various new high quality fishing products from various manufactures who wanted to test market their products through NAFC members. How could a 7 year old resist. Even after my wife and I explained to him how if something seems to good to be true, it probably is not true. Our son persisted and agreed that he was willing to pay $10 of his own money for the 1 year membership, to include receiving the free knife, bobbers, and magazines. My wife and I wavered from our better judgment and allowed our son to send in the membership card with his signature - well knowing we were not going to let him run wild with the knife, and figuring it was only for a $10 fee which he said he was willing to pay. The decision to join was ultimately his. A few weeks later my son initially received a cheesy membership card and window decal sticker. These were later followed by his receiving a low quality fishing magazine from NAFC and a small pack of very cheap looking fishing hooks, but no "Filet Knives" and "bobbers" as noted in the $10 special they initially enticed him with. NAFC seemed to make more promises about my son's receiving bigger and better prizes if he would commit to longer membership, of course at higher prices. Recognizing that NAFC's promises were more of a scam than initially suspected, that NAFC had not fulfilled their contractual obligation, and knowing that under contract law that a contract with a minor is not binding on behalf of the minor, we advised our son that he did not have to pay the $10 membership fee until NAFC held up to their end and he received the free gifts they PROMISED, at which time he would send them the $10 they quoted to him for his 1 year trail membership. My son began receiving notices from NAFC stating he had an outstanding balance of $24 dollars and that if he did not send them payment, that it would be turned over to a collection agency. Eventually, my son received a letter from Retrieval-Masters Creditors Bureau, Inc., a collection agency. NAFC's practices are extremely questionable and appear to be more geared to extorting money from its members than providing any kind of fair product in exchange for its members dues.

I had gotten several things from north american fishing club, wanting me and my husband to join. I never did. this was back in 2008 but guess what happens today being february 24, 2011 i get a collections bill from them saying we owe 285.00 u have got to be kidding me. I called them and they tried to argue with me, but it didnt work, i was having something so stupid on my credit. she said they took it off but we will see

Wondering is anybody is having problems with the so called gifts that is sent out by this organization? (Calendars & coins etc) If you keep it you buy it. I have been a life member close to 20 years, and it has gotten bad. I have never kept anything. I automatically do a return to sender in big red letters right at the post office when I pick up my mail. I have sent letters telling this this and I continue to get bills. This last one says that they have billed me 5 times which is bull. I have sent a response everytime and have my copies. What started out as $14 for a calender, which by the way can be purchased at Big 5 for $5.00 is now up to $26.00. How do I get them off my back?
Thanks/Ken

I rec'd a postcard type mailing that promised a free gift and a chance to "pre-view" the magazine "at no cost to me".

The only thing I rec'd from this Company was an invoice for a 1 year subscription. No free gift included. Inside the invoice was a letter stating that as soon as I paid my membership dues, I would receive my gift from them as promised.
Since I had no desire to purchase a subscription, I did not reply to the letter, nor did I purchase a subscription.

1 month later I received another invoice from this Company stating that "YOUR PAYMENT IS SERIOUSLY PAST DUE". They went on to inform me that "At this point, we must also give you notice that the North American Fishing Club does retain the services of a nationwide licensed collection agency, for the purpose of pursuing unpaid debts.
As I live near a major Texas Lake, I intended to warn everyone I see.
This Company practices deceitful methods of marketing as well as threatening tactics, all in an attempt to STEAL.

I wanted to get started with the NAFC as sson as I received their mailing. Thought my grandkids would like a fishing magazine. I was in such a hurry, I quickly took $12.00 out of my wallet and put it in the envelope along with the registration blank. 2 weeks later, I got a bill for $12.00. They said if I wanted to receive my first free gift, it would be sent after they received my one year membership payment of $12.00. I HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING! They got their (my) $12.00 cash. I suppose it was toooooo tempting for someone and they just stuck it in their pocket. I have heard since, that The North American Fishing Club is only a cover for some kind of book club that you get tied into--- BEFORE you get any of the things you are to receive FREE for testing. WHAT A FARCE!!! I WANT MY $12.00!!!