April The Sportsman s Banquet was another great success, thanks to the efforts of Marty Drum and his crew of assistants.

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1 April 2009 In this issue: The Prez Sez, 2 Upcoming Events, 3-5 Show Results, 6-7 Sportsman s Banquet, 8 State Report, 11 Board Meeting Minutes, 12 New Members, MWS Sponsors, The Sportsman s Banquet was another great success, thanks to the efforts of Marty Drum and his crew of assistants.

2 The Prez Sez Jim Robertson President The following is an update of my The Prez Sez from our May, 2008 newsletter, which I think is worth repeating. Water, water all around, but is it safe to drink? I hope so, actually I believe it is, but will it be safe for our children and grandchildren? There has been much reported in the media recently about drugs being found in our drinking water. Some of these drugs, in trace amounts, get into the water supply after passing through our bodies. Another source is from disposing of unused drugs by flushing them down the toilet. Current municipal water purification systems are not designed to remove drug particles so they end up in our drinking water and our Great Lakes. I have read several newspaper and magazine articles and talked with a number of local pharmacies on the subject of proper disposal of unused drugs and here is what I have learned. 1. Don t flush unused medications. Previously we were all told to flush unused drugs and many of us still do. The experts now say don t flush them! It can have unwanted consequences for our drinking water and the fish we catch and eat. 2. Do crush the pills and capsules and dilute the particles in water. Liquid medications should also be diluted in water and the resulting compounds absorbed in coffee grounds, kitty litter or saw dust. Seal the solution in a Zip Lock bag and place in the garbage. This is the best advice I have been able to come up with after much research, talking to pharmacists and on line, this is the best advice I have been able to come up with. 3. I was previously told by CVS Pharmacy that they will accept your unwanted drugs and have them incinerated. After additional conversations with local CVS pharmacies and CVS corporate personnel, I have learned that they are working on such a service at the corporate level but do not offer it at this time. I have asked several other pharmacies and none have a program to properly dispose of your drugs. They either told me they have no program at present, or to use the methods described above. 4. Ask your Pharmacy for ideas; you may have better luck than I did. Ask the town or city where you live if they have a program to collect unused medications. If you are interested in doing some additional research, here are a couple of web sites to get you started. and Whenever you dispose of a prescription drug container you should first remove the pharmacy label. That label contains all sorts of personal information which in the wrong hands leads to identity theft. I believe we all have a responsibility to do whatever we are able to keep our lakes and streams clean. Properly disposing of unwanted drugs is a simple thing we can all do to help keep Michigan green. If anyone has a comment or other ideas on this subject, please contact me. Do you have an announcement or information for club members? Contact Patrick Braddock at (517) or patrickbraddock@sbcglobal.net Please submit all contributions for the May newsletter by April 21st. Day: April, 2009 Event: 2 Saturday, Apr. 4th Tuesday, Apr. 7th Saturday, Apr. 11th Tuesday, Apr. 14th Saturday, Apr. 25th Clinton River Outing MWS General Membership Meeting Huron River Outing MWS Board Meeting Detroit River Walleye Tournament

3 Upcoming Events Dave Strunk Port Chairman Detroit River Walleye Tournament The Detroit River Walleye Tournament is Saturday April 25th, mark your calendars. This year we will be having our weigh-in at Belinger park in River Rouge. This is a river tournament only, no lake fishing. The City of River Rouge will open the park for us at 5am. We will have to pay for launching of boats. We will be taking sign ups at the April meeting, and will also have maps, info, where to buy bait, etc. Pull lines at 1pm. We will extend weigh in time until 2:30pm to give those who fish the southern end of river extra time to travel. Must be in line by 2:30pm, no exceptions. We will also accept sign ups by phone, but we must have all sign ups no later than Wednesday April 22nd, 4pm. Dave Strunk ph# Ron Maschke ph# Jeff Bustos Port Chairman Lexington Salmon Tournament Hi, it won t be long before you here the call FISH ON!!! I will be taking sigh ups at the April meeting for the first salmon tournament of the year to be held MAY 2, 2009 the Lexington Salmon Tournament. PLEASE sign up as soon as possible. We would like to have this done before the tournament date. I will have information at the meeting on how to get there, and places to stay. So get the boat ready, tag the old girl (LOL) and get the fishing stuff ready. So stop and see us at the meeting or contact Chris Herman at (586) or Jeff Bustos (734) Jeff Bustos Metro-West Member Line Spooling We will be spooling your salmon reels at the next meeting on April 7, 2009 for $2.00 a reel. Bring your reels that you would like to put new Berkley BIG GAME clear 20lb 25lb or 15 lb on. Please have the line stripped off them if you can. This will make it faster and easer for us to do. Brian Stinnett Vice President Upcoming Speakers April's Meeting will include a fishing gear swap meet and a great presentation on walleye and perch fishing by Captain John Geer of Bulldog Charters. If you want to come by early to buy or sell at the swap meet, the doors will be open early (starting at 5:30pm). So bring all of that fishing stuff out of your garage and basement and see if someone else wants it. For those in the buying mood, make sure that your wallet's loaded so that you don't go away empty handed. The speaker is Captain John Geer of Bulldog Charters. John has spent his entire life fishing. He started out fishing on Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River for walleye and perch. For the past 20+ years John has spent his time catching large quantities of walleye and perch in Lake Erie. John will be providing all the information that you need to get out on Lake Erie and catch more walleye and perch. 3

4 Clinton River Outing Please accept this invitation to join us for the 4 th Annual Clinton River Steelhead Outing on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 9am to 1pm. This important civic event harbingers the arrival of springtime in Michigan and recognizes the importance of our water resources to the economic vitality and quality of life in our local communities. It all takes place at Yates Park, where Avon Road crosses the Clinton River at Dequindre Road, and begins with a morning of fishing. There will be ample parking, thanks to the generous participation by Yates Cider Mill. We recognize your role as an important community/civic stakeholder. Join us for a look at all the interest and activity that the steelhead spawning run generates each and every spring with the return of the Great Lakes steelhead to the Clinton River. Although it has been a designated fishery managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division for more than 15 years, the Yates site remains little-known and underappreciated beyond a rather small circle of fishermen. Activities are scheduled to raise awareness and appreciation for the recreation and tourism value of the river. Interpretive sessions will be conducted. Arrive early and be welcomed with a hot cup of coffee; mid-day attendees will be served hot soup and hot dogs. Three organizations Metro West Steelheaders Club, City of Rochester Hills, and Clinton River Watershed Council work together on this event. It is a great way to shake off your cabin fever and experience a very exciting piece of Mother Nature right here in our own backyard. Bring your fishing equipment and waders, if you are so inclined, or just your interest and a camera. Feel free to bring your family and friends. If nature s timing and weather conditions are right, you will get the chance to experience first-hand the thrill of watching an 8-pound steelhead trout leap the falls at Yates Park. We hope to see you on the river next month. No RSVP is necessary. For additional information, just give one of us a call. Best regards, 4 Phil Bustos Mike Hartner Dan Keifer Metro West Steelheaders Club City of Rochester Hills Clinton River Watershed Council Outing Chair Director Parks & Forestry Development Director parks@rochesterhills.org dan@crwc.org

5 Huron River Outing Please accept this public invitation to join us for the 1 st Annual Huron River Steelhead Outing that will take place on Saturday, April 11th, 2009 at Huroc Park one block west of Telegraph Road and Huron River Drive. It will be a morning of information and fishing to raise awareness about this great watershed with the annual spawning run of steelhead that return every year at this time. In 2008 the Huron River received 66,000 Steelhead for stocking. Four organization Metro West Steelheaders and Huron River Fishing Association fishing clubs along with the Huron River Watershed Council and the City of Flat Rock Parks & Recreation Department all working together on bring you this event. Presentations will be given at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and noon. The Huron River Fishing Association will be sponsoring a Steelhead Tournament from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm with an entry fee of $6.00, sign in at the gazebo in Huroc Park. Mid-day the Metro West Steelheaders will be serving hot soup and hot dogs. Bring your fishing rod and a camera for a spring day of fishing on the Huron River. For more information please contact. Phil Bustos, Metro West Steelheaders pbauer227@wowway.com See you on the river! 5

6 Show Results Mark Platt Show Chairman Out-Door-Rama We did well even though the only thing we were selling was ourselves. This year instead of selling raffle tickets at the shows, we were selling Metro West Steelheaders. This whole concept was started by our very own MWS State Director Lenard Pietila back in November of 08. Several reasons being the decline of memberships for MUCC and MSSFA, our voice in government for fishing and hunting or just the failing economy. The idea was good and to this day we are 20 members stronger. It was a new approach for me and seeing how I am not a salesman, my company has been built on reputation and references, I had to seek expertise. Again I went to our club, this time our Membership Director Henry Nabors. After receiving stats and advice I met with John Wright (co-chaired the show with me) laid down some battle plans and proceeded to teach the club members who worked the show how we wanted to approach the idea. First of all a huge THANK YOU to all of you that helped work the show, setting up and tearing down also. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! Our success is measured in 52 new addresses giving us a total of around 652 (people receiving our club news), 3 new members (WELCOME) and 95 people at our last meeting. OUTSTANDING!!!!! One of the main things this club does is to keep kids interested in fishing, hunting or just the outdoors. This is why we use the fishing machine at this show, to teach the kids how to fish. If points were given out for the team that did the best job on the fishing machine teaching these kids, nah, I can t just pick out one team, there were several but I think we enjoy it as much as they do. Several people expressed an idea of doing more for these kids. Since I m on the board, I ve seen the budget for this year and past years. Do we realize that last year we sent over 15 kids to MUCC s camp, gave out I don t know how many Hot Dogs and fishing poles at the kids out ing and now giving out the Tracks magazine to some of the schools. I do over dollars worth!!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. 6

7 Show Results Bill King Show Chairman Detroit Boat Show Most of us were happy to see the Detroit Boat Show arrive and even happier to see it go. It is a nine day show which created a challenge for us to cover it for the 72 hours it was open. It is incredible how volunteers from the Metro-West organization step forward to assist the club. We had twenty members support our booth distributing our state paper, working the fishing stimulator and telling everyone who chose to listen the benefits of Metro-West. This was the first time our club had a booth at the Detroit Show and very likely the last. Both Phil Bustos and myself agreed it is a boating spectator not necessarily a person who enjoys fishing that visits this event. The list of volunteers is to long to list, however they know who they are. Both Phil and I thank each and every one of you for the time you shared with us. Phil Bustos Show Chairman Spring Boating Expo This was the clubs last show for This year as a club we decided to concentrate on promoting the club and not selling Boat Trip raffle ticket, which turned out working well. At this time we have signed up 10 or more new members from all the shows. I had the pleasure of having to meet three of our new members who signed up to work for this show Mitch Curbey, Jeff Shelton and Byron Long who also owns a company that grills food. Byron brought in some of his BBQ chicken for us to try and Oh man was it good! We had a total of sixteen members sign up to work. I would like to give Ron Maschke and Dave Strunk who help me out and worked ever hour of the show with me a special Thanks. Ron Maschke also help out with obtaining some great donation for the Sportsman Banquet thanks again Ron. It's great to see the new members stepping up and getting involved and some of are existing members being so involved in making the Metro West Steelheaders the great organization that it is. 7

8 Sportsman s Banquet Marty Drum Banquet Chairman Fellow Steelheaders, I would like to take this opportunity to let everyone know what a huge success our 2009 Sportsman Banquet was. Even with the horrible economy in Michigan right now, ticket sales were up 10% from last year. We sold 330 this year compared to 300 in We ended up having a profit of $11,300!! I would like to thank everyone that helped make this years banquet so successful. Of course it goes without saying that Burton Manor did a great job and their food was fantastic. And our new club sound system, how great did that sound!!! Please remember, when possible to support our generous sponsors. Without them we would not have had as many great door prizes and raffles. Thanks again everyone for your help and support, especially my incredible wife Kelly and my not so creepy daughter Jennifer. Feel free to any comments or suggestions. Also, anyone interested in helping with the 2010 Banquet please contact me. Marty Drum Sportsmen's Banquet Director fishingod@msn.com 8

9 Info Brian Stinnett Vice President Fishin Buddy We have 3 guys for the Fishin Buddy column this month. All 3 guys are looking to crew for someone. Captains, give these guys a call and meet a new Fishin Buddy. 1. Potential Crewmember Looking for a Captain: Karl Bissell Experience: Love to fish for Salmon and Steelhead. Contact info: Home phone: ; Cell phone: Many open dates, please give me call to figure out one that works. 2. Potential Crewmember Looking for a Captain: Mitchell Curbey Experience: None yet, but I really want to get out salmon fishing. Contact info: Cell phone: Wide open as far as time, just give me a call to set it up. 3. Potential Crewmember Looking for a Captain: Rick Stanfield Experience: Salmon, Steelhead, and walleye fishing Contact Info: Home phone: ; Cell phone: Give me a call and I will check my schedule for openings. I will be announcing these Fishin Buddy entries at the April meeting and taking additional entries for next month s newsletter. If you re in need of a captain or crew you can before then, (bbstinnett@comcast.net) or you can fill out one of the forms at the meeting. Dennis Kelley Big Fish Contest Manager Big Fish Contest I will be collecting for big fish at the April meeting the cost will be $5.00 for big fish and $5.00 for jackpot. See me to sign up and pay. CATCH DATA Date of catch: Fish specie: Lake or river entry: County: Name of lake or river: Method: Bait used: BIG FISH ENTRY FORM YOUR INFO: Name: Address: City: Zip Code: FISH STATISTICS Weight: pounds: Oz.: Length: Registered scale # or Inspectors name: Witness to Weigh-in: Signature: Date: Picture of fish enclosed: Yes: No: I hereby state the above to be true, Angler's signature: Date: Remember, form must be turned In within 30 days. Register Your Catch: Submit form with picture to Dennis Kelly for official entry. 9

10 Lake Wabatonguski July 11th-19th

11 State Report Lenard Pietila MWS State Representative MSSFA State Board Meeting 03/18/2009 Notes There is interest in re-starting the Au Sable Chapter of MSSFA in Oscoda. If anyone is interested in joining as a member or associate member, I will forward your name to MSSFA to get an idea of how many would join the Au Sable Chapter. The Holland fish cleaning station is expected to be complete in late April or early May. The Holland Chapter said they want it ready for our May 16 th tournament with the Mid-Michigan Chapter. It will feature a Muffin Monster grinder with stay sharp blades, stainless steel tables and a Hobarth perch scaler. The MSSFA membership drive for 2009 is on. For the state awards, you will need a minimum of four sign ups to be entered. The prizes will be announced as Jerri from Mid-Michigan has them confirmed. Other chapters reported good numbers of new members signed up at their spring outdoor shows, but most said that spending by participants was down. DNR Will Continue Limited Walleye Production in 2009 The Department of Natural Resources will continue limited production of walleye fry for the 2009 season as a precaution against spreading viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) into inland waters, fisheries officials announced today. We still don t have all the information we d like on VHS, said Gary Whelan, DNR fish production manager. We d rather be cautious than risk being a vector for spreading this disease. VHS has been found in various parts of the Great Lakes and connecting waterways, which is where the best walleye broodstock sources are located. Fisheries staffers will take eggs and milt from walleyes in the Muskegon River and Little Bay de Noc. The Saginaw Bay/ Tittabawassee strain will not be used again this year. Only the Thompson State Fish Hatchery will be used to incubate eggs as it maintains a separate facility that will prevent the spread of potential VHS into steelhead-rearing facilities should infection occur. In addition, fisheries staffers will evaluate the feasibility of rearing additional walleye at private and tribal facilities. Walleye egg-take will be spaced out over several weeks to maximize production, which will still be limited to six million fry if the outside facilities are not used. Fry spend only three to five days at the hatchery before being transferred to off-site rearing ponds which require a large amount of DNR effort. Many external walleye rearing ponds exist throughout the state, but only those that are non-drainable will be used for rearing in Currently, there is no proven method for disinfecting walleye eggs. All adult brood stock will be tested for VHS, as will samples of walleye fry and fingerlings before they are stocked. Fingerlings will be stocked only in inland lakes in 2009 that have no inlets or outlets or into lakes with direct connections to the Great Lakes. No fingerlings will be stocked in the Lake Superior watershed. Thus, the program will be the same as was used in 2008, but is much expanded from 2007 when DNR did not raise any walleye statewide. If we can develop an effective method of disinfecting walleye eggs, we can increase production in the future, Whelan said. In the meantime, we d prefer to err on the side of caution rather than risk spreading VHS to new waters. fu- For more detailed information on this subject, the public should visit the Fisheries Division second of the DNR s Web site at The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and 11 ture generations.

12 Board Meeting Minutes Metro-West Chapter, MSSFA Board Meeting Minutes for March 10th, 2009 Attendees: Jim Robertson, Mark Platt, Tom Taylor, Matt Lubaway, Fred Bolton, Bob Olari, Lenard Pietila, Brian Stinnett, John Wright, Carmon Zirles, and Marty Drum. Guests: Ron Maschke, Jeff Bustos, Phil Bustos, Rob Nawrocki, Mitch Curbey, Dennis Kelley, and Bill King. President, Jim Robertson, called meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Vice President Report: Brian Stinnett informed us that the swap meet would be held at the April Meeting. John Geer from Bull Dog Charters is scheduled to talk at the meeting in April. Marty Drum: Sportsman s Banquet: The plans for the banquet are complete. Tickets are still available we just need to call him and he will get them to those who need them. He is getting prices for the line we will need to have at the April meeting. OLD BUSINESS: Matt Lubaway presented the participation wavers the club should use. Bob Olari made a motion to require signed wavers for each member fishing or participating in club events. Also each non-member must sign a waver to participate in club events. Seconded by Brian Stinett. Motion passed. He has also lined up a US customs agent to inform us on the latest rules for traveling in Canada, for a future Meeting. Brian has looked into putting on a Texas Holdem tournament. Phil Bustos presented the information on cost of the license s we need to secure from the state. Bob Olari will get information from the Commerce Masonic Lodge about there participation in this money making program. Brian is looking at the dates we might want to apply for and which venue will bring us the most money for the work we will need to do. Secretary s Report: The Minutes were read. Fred Bolton moved to accept them. Seconded by Marty Drum. Motion was passed. Matt also presented his findings on liability insurance for the board members and directors. A motion was made by Tom Taylor to purchase a liability policy to cover the board members and directors at the lowest possible price. This will be subject to annual review. Seconded by Fred Bolton. Motion passed. Bill King gave a report on the Detroit Boat Show and suggested we do not do it next year. Kids summer camp: Jeff Bustos and Karen Westphal will coordinate the programs and the selection of the kids that will go to the camp this year. Members who want to send kids to camp should contact Jeff or Karen and give them the names. Names will be drawn at the April meeting. Treasurer s Report: Carmen Zerles presented the treasures report. Brian Stinnett made a motion to approve the report and Lenard Pietila seconded it. Motion passed. The board will look into getting a CD after the Banquet. A copy of the report will be available at the next general meeting. The 2009 budget was passed out to the board and reviewed. Bob Olari made a motion to accept the budget as amended. Seconded by Fred Bolton. Motion passed. Membership: Henry Nabors: Henry submitted a written report. It will be in the next newsletter. We have 139 members at this time. We received 10 new members last month. State Director s Report: Lenard Pietila: His complete report is in the newsletter. Directors Reports: John Wright MUCC: MUCC survey will be ed out to members. Please take the time to fill it out. 12 NEW BUSINESS: A suggestion was made to have an orientation class for new members and to get them out fishing with some of our boat captions. We had a discussion on starting our meeting with the pledge of allegiance to the flag and the conservation pledge. A motion was made by Tom Taylor to start each meeting with the pledge to the flag and the conservation pledge. Seconded by Marty Drum. Motion passed. We also had a discussion on doing more charitable work and gifting. This discussion will be followed up at future meetings. Bill King was recognized for his work in advertising the club meetings. We have had record attendance and a lot of new members signing up at the meetings. Thanks Bill. Meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Bob Olari

13 Treasurer s Report Carmen Zirles Treasurer TREASURER'S REPORT 3/10/2009 Reporting Period Feb 1, 2009 through Feb 28, 2009 Captain's Boat Fund Checking Account Balance January 31, 2009 $ Deposits 0 Checks/Debits/Fees 0 Ending Balance February 28, 2009 $ Balance January 31, 2009 $5, Deposits $2, Checks/Debits/Fees $ Ending Balance February 28, 2009 $7, Money Market Account Balance December 31, 2008 $16, Deposits (Interest) $0.00 Withdrawels $0.00 Ending Balance February 28, 2009 $16, Follow these links to information you may find interesting and useful: DNR Fisheries Newsletter: Michigan Steelheaders Site: Prior months Metro-West Newsletters: Metro-West Website: metro_west_steelheaders_chapter 13

14 New Members Metro West Steelheaders Welcomes New Members: Keith Chisholm is from Detroit. Keith said I fish from shore on the Detroit rivers back of Cobo Hall, on Ford Lake, on the Wyandotte pier. It has been only two years. Last year I had a lot of white fish. I go for rock bass or any pan fish. I would like to go for steelhead or lake trout. Keith, glad to have you at the Feb. meeting. Looking forward to seeing you at more events. Kevin Hofmeister is from Milford. Bill King is Keith s sponsor and tell us Our next door neighbor at the farm (near Manistee) is Kevin Hofmeister and he joined Metro-West while at the Ultimate Fishing Show under the guidance of Jeff B. We got to know Kevin better when he visited us at The Farm Outing in February. Kevin and three of his friends were up for winter fishing on the Manistee for the weekend. Kevin, get Jerry and Brian to join the Club and participate in the fun this summer! Roger Hinchcliff is from Wills, Michigan. Roger is sponsored by Len White (new member in January). Roger has been fishing since he was six and still loves the sport. Roger said I have fished all over the Mid-West and Southern States for anything that swims. I have made yearly trips to Ontario and Quebec for the past 15 years. I love to fly fish on the PM and Manistee and even the pond next door for bluegill and bass. Roger also tells me his wife fishes some times and his children (10 and 14) enjoy fishing as well. He said My family and I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle very much. We have no desire to live anywhere else but the beautiful State of Michigan. We enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. Roger, how would you like to participate in Metro West? He said I would like to grow and learn with the club. Welcome to the Club Roger! We will look forward to seeing you on the Clinton and Huron rivers in April! Eric Braden is from Lambertville. Eric and I talked at the UFS and by about MW. Eric has been fishing since he was 4 and has experience on large & small lakes and salt water and has caught many species: the guy loves fishing. Captain Eric has a 30 Baja Cruiser named Lured Away and fishes Erie for walleye and Lk Mich at Manistee & Ludington for steelhead, browns and salmon. Eric dated Michelle (his wife now) on the Maumee river chasing walleye. Eric said She still out fishes me 3:1, so doesn't get asked to go on the guy's trips. Eric added I am interested in getting involved with any river/habitat restoration projects The assisting kids w/ trout pond duty sounds good. Michelle and Eric have two children, Taylor (18) and Haleigh (8) who love the outdoors as much as Mom and Dad! They help with the mini farm as well. Eric has many other out 14 door hobbies and is interested in learning a few more, incl. rod building.

15 Chris Hooper: Chris said: Thanks for the warm welcome. I don't have very much fishing experience. Growing up, we'd go fishing on some of our family vacations/camping trips. last summer, my dad and I went on a couple of fishing trips. My outdoor experience has been camping, target shooting/plinking and some biking and hiking. (For past) seven years, I've gone to a cabin in the U P, just west of Marenisco, (to enjoy the outdoors). Chris, good to have you!! New Members Karl Bissell: Karl and wife, Michelle, live in St. Clair Shores. They have a daughter Karli (7) and a son William (6) who love to fish with Dad. Karl said: I have been fishing since my Uncle Joe gave me my first pole at 5 yrs old.... I enjoy all sorts of fishing from perch to salmon & trout and when possible some salt water. I live very close to Lake St Clare and have spent many hours on the lake for pleasure and fishing. (I joined Metro West because) I would very much enjoy making new friends with the same interests as myself and learning from others who have the knowledge that I have not. I have been novice Steelhead fishing for two years now. The picture was taken at Frankfort last fall. Karl and Family, welcome to Metro West. Mike Brennan: Mike joined MW in January; he is a City of Taylor fire fighter/paramedic. Mike has a daughter 13 and a son 18 who love to fish. Mike tells us I have fished since I was very young. I started walleye fish on the Detroit river about 20 years ago and have fished Lake Erie for the past 6 years. You can find me out there several days a week from late March until early July. I also fish for salmon, which has become... a passion for me. I like... St. Joes in April and May for cohos and fish Ludington in August. I have also been out of Holland and Manistee. I am always looking for some one to fish with, especially going over to lake Michigan. I would also like to fish a few tournaments with this group. Mike, I think we can help you find a crew and encourage you to join in a few of the Metro West Outings and tournaments. Welcome! Mike Barkley: Mike joined MW in March. He and his wife, Rita, live in Southgate. Mary Drum is Mike s sponsor. Mike said: (I have) close to 50 years (of experience). I pretty much enjoy any/all types of fishing. Primarily walleye because most of the guys I fish with do! Really hooked on Erieau steelhead!! (Fly fishing is) on my list of things to learn. I'm very much into custom rod building (4 of my rods will be at the Sportsmen's dinner). Mike, we welcome you and look forward to seeing you on the water this summer - Erieau for sure. Mitch Curbey: Mitch and wife, Debbie, live in White Lake. Debbie likes to fish and join Mitch in the outdoors in their new travel trailer ever chance she gets. Mitch said: I... like to catch northern but I m willing to learn how to catch other fish. I ve been fishing since I was a kid,... but now (that) I am retired I want to get back into it. I... started ice fishing, but since we bought a new travel trailer, I want to get out more.... I just started... fly fishing. I would like to know how to fish for steelhead, salmon, and walleye,.... Mitch is interested in being a crew member on Great Lakes outings this summer. Mitch is getting involved fast; he has signed up to work the Boat Show in March to get to know more of the members and help talk to possible new members. Mitch and Debbie, good to have you as members of Metro West! 15

16 New Members Matt Lowney: Matt and wife, Merijo, live in Davisburg. Matt learned about MW at Out Door Rama and joined at the March meeting. Matt tells us: Growing up in the U.P. I did a lot of inland lake fishing, steelhead fishing a few times, and... on Superior once. I moved to SE Michigan in 96, and started fishing with my kids. Currently we do a lot of large/small mouth bass, crappie, bluegill fishing on our home lake which is Big Lake in Davisburg, MI.... We occasionally travel to other lakes close to home to fish, Maceday Lake, White Lake, and plan to try others.... I would love to get back in the woods and wade the streams for some steelhead, as well as some lake salmon fishing. I have never fly fished... my son and I have an interest, and actually checked... books and a video from our library about fly fishing. I think it would be a great hobby to have with the kids, and learn how to make our own flies and jigs. Matt is the Captain of a black 21.5 Checkmate Entertainer. Matt said: I would like to participate in the meetings..., acquire more knowledge about trout and salmon fishing, learn about locations to go steelhead fishing and... meet new people and learn and go fishing with them. Matt and Merijo, welcome to Metro West! Other New Members that join Metro West in March: First Last City Mark Davis Farmington Hills Jim Fox Brighton Mike Hartrick Auburn Hills Keith Hooper Northville Jason Krasson Dearborn Heights Bryon Long Detroit We will learn more about these new members over the coming weeks New Member Count - 23!!! For the first three months of 2009, we have welcomed 23 new members and their families into Metro West Steelheaders!! This brings our membership to 141 sports men and women plus their families. New members, get involved and meet your new friends. Introduce yourself to the folks near you at the meetings and outings. That is how you will learn about the club and about the kind of fishing our members like to do. We have ALL KINDS! Metro West Members, find these new members and invite them to participate in the Club events and tournaments. We have three super events in April - Clinton, Huron and Detroit River outings; get involved and get others involved as well!! Get the details in this newsletter!! Call a member near you and carpool to the meetings. That is what I do from Birmingham; it makes the ride shorter and more enjoyable. You get to learn more about the members in your neighborhood. Don t forget to bring a non-member friend as well. Submitted by Henry Nabors, Membership Director 16

17 Membership Henry Nabors Membership Director Please see me at the General Membership Meeting to pay your dues OR mail your payment to: Metro-West Steelheaders 1689 Norfolk, Birmingham, MI Membership Renewal List Last First Exp Dues Ron Brown Jeffrey Bustos Phil Bustos Maria Campbell Hermann Christoph Kraig L. Clements Arthur Dittmar Jr Jim Drews Jay Garcia John Gerlach Lance Hinatsu Brian Hunt Gerald Ignash Jeff Kelly Richard Kolody David Lenkiewicz Dominic Liparoto Ivan Loveless Larry Mynhier Mike Nalipi Rob Nawrocki Robert Olari Jeff Oltersdorf James Polan John Purcell Rob Schmidt David Sgromolo David Skrobot Ron Smith Brian Stinnett Paul Valentine III Karen Westphal Become a member of Metro-West Steelheaders Would you like to become a member? If so, please fill out the form and return with payment to Metro-West Steelheaders, 1689 Norfolk, Birmingham, Mi Welcome Aboard! 17

18 Metro-West Sponsors Rob Nawrocki Advertising Coordinator The following sponsors have supported the Metro-West Steelheaders, and we should support them whenever possible. When you see one of our sponsors, please thank them for supporting our club and push business their way. To become a sponsor, contact me at (734) or bigtracing@sbcglobal.net.

19 Boats for sale 1987 Starcraft Islander 221V 2.5 liter Chevy 4 cylinder ( Cheap on gas ) Full Camper Top Brand new custom made mooring cover 2 batteries 1 year-old wash down awesome range on the ship to shore radio Porta Potti Ready to fish $7, OBO Jeff Kruszewski Cell ( 248) kruszewski.jeff@towerautomotive.com Motors Classifieds 1990 Bayliner Trophy 2500 Hardtop 24 with most extras. Volvo 5.8L V8 new in 2006, runs excellent! Lowrance X-25 dual-frequency color GPS/Sonar with mapping for Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. 3 Big Jon electric downriggers, 8- rod rocket launcher, two 3-rod tree holders, planer board masts and boards, wash-down system and more. $11,000 or best. Rob Nawrocki (734) Aluminum boat with trailer Includes 52lbs. thrust Minn Kota trolling motor, 4 Cabela s rod holders, new padded vinyl seats, new pvc transom boards, battery operated lights, anchor, fire extinguisher, galvanized trailer with 12 wheels new in 06. $1400 Patrick Braddock (517) or patrickbraddock@sbcglobal.net Mercury outboard motor hp. Was used for back-up on Island property. Runs great, low hours. Comes with 2-tanks One tank needs repair. $1000 call TOM@ starwars0547@comcast.net Metro-West Sponsors

20 2009 Metro-West Schedule APR MAY 4 Clinton River Outing- 9 am to 1pm 11 Huron River Outing- 8am to 1pm 25 Detroit River Walleye Tournament 2 Lexington Salmon Tournament 9 Benton Harbor Salmon Tournament 16 Holland Salmon Tournament w/mid-mich JUN 6-7 Region 3 - Luna Pier Walleye Outing 13 Kids Fishing Outing at Kensington Park 19 Caseville (Saginaw Bay) Walleye Tourn. 20 Walleye Tournament - TBD 27 Walleye Tournament Leamington JUL 12 Club Summer Picnic (Sunday) Wabatongushi Lake, Ontario Canada 16 Erieau, Canada Mid Week Salmon Tournament 18 Steelhead Tournament Erieau, Canada 25 Salmon Tournament - Ludington 26 Salmon Tournament - Ludington - Ladies Day AUG 8 Salmon Tournament - Manistee 15 Salmon Tournament - Frankfort 29 Salmon Tournament Grand Haven SEP 12 Perch Tournament Sterling State Park 26 Walleye Tournament Vermillion OCT 10 St. Mary s River Salmon Outing NOV DEC 7 Manistee River Steelhead Outing 1 CHRISTMAS PARTY - HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7:00 PM at The New Livonia Seniors Center at the Southeast Corner of Farmington Road and Five Mile Road WEB Site: mi/livonia/organization/ metro_west_steelheaders_chapter Or go to MSSFA web site and then go to Chapter Websites, then Metro West Home Page. If you have questions, contact Henry Nabors - HHNabors@Ameritech.net or call (248) Metro-West Steelheaders P.O. Box Livonia, MI President: Jim Robertson (734) Vice President: Brian Stinnett (248) Secretary: Bob Olari (248) Treasurer: Carmen Zirles (734) The Metro-West Steelheaders meet the first Tuesday of every month at the Livonia Senior Center located at the southeast corner of Farmington and Five Mile Roads. Meetings begin at 7:00 pm and are open to the public.