Our last meeting was held on March 14, 2009. President Randy Roash opened the well attended Special Program with the flag salute and introduced our guests, RFA Executive Director Jim Donofrio and Tony Bogan from the Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund. We were later joined by State Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblyman Matt Milam who were running a little late.
Jim Donofrio requested a moment of silence in honor of our troops and then began his remarks that included an overview of the free national registry which the RFA supports. He wants anglers to fight against saltwater licenses because the money raised will not be used to help recreational fishing. He suggests a state lottery once a month and/or a special license plate that would feature a striped bass could raise money. A plan to create a state saltwater fishing license to gather fishing data is really just a way to raise money. States are using it as a cash-grab because all of their budgets are going down the tubes. He also discussed a long term management strategy for the summer flounder.
Tony Bogan discussed at length the science involved in reviewing stock assessments of flounder and how it affects the final decision made yearly of the regulations for the coming flounder season.
Senator Van Drew and Assemblymen Milam and Albano are sponsoring a bill to institute a free registry where anglers would log on to a website, enter information and have a printout of the information collected.
At the conclusion of the discussion, questions were taken from the audience. Randy then presented the RFA and the SSFFF donation checks from the SFEC. We were then treated to a terrific meal prepared by Ed & Louise Andress who always go all out with the food and was enjoyed by everyone. Our thanks go to them and everyone else who was involved in making this Special Program a success.
Opening Day Flounder – The date has been set for May 23rd so please mark that on your calendars, and come out and join us for the Herb Hollinger Sr. Opening Day Flounder Tournament.
Membership Dues – The club dues were due on Jan. 1st; there are still a few members that haven’t paid and after April 1st will be removed from the membership rolls. So for those of you, who this applies to, pay your dues, or contact Dick Shetler or Debbe Starr if you are not sure whether you paid or not. We hope you choose to continue your membership in the club.
Tournament Plaques -The plaques which hang on the SFEC wall at the firehouse are in serious need of updating with past winner’s names. Chairpersons of these tournaments are responsible for keeping the plaques up to date. If you are not sure about how to go about it please contact Randy and ask him about it.
Boating Safety Course – will be held on April 25th at the firehouse from 8:30am to 5:00pm. The cost is $50 and lunch and text book are provided. If you need to take this course and test please contact Bob Babezki as soon as possible. Bob needs to know the number of people who will be attending. You can reach him at 609-384-6225 or e-mail him at rbabezki@3bnetworks.com
Sick & Welfare– A get well card was sent out to Mike Sheridan’s wife who has been ill recently. We hope Mrs. Sheridan is doing better.
Next Meeting– Our next meeting will be held on April 18th at the firehouse at 4pm. We will be holding a final motion and vote for the club’s change to the 501C3 tax status for the club. Hope to see you all there.
Upcoming Events:
Apr. 18 Next Meeting Firehouse 4pm
Apr. 25 Boating Safety Course Firehouse 8:30am to 5:00 pm
May 16 Spring Beach Sweeps Benches & Areas clean-up 1pm
May 23 Herb Hollinger Sr. Opening Day Flounder Tourn. 6am
May 24 Star Party Randolph & Beach 8PM
May 25 Memorial Day