1. Call to Order: Bob Seidell, Vice President for Jim Holmes, President Bob Seidell called the meeting at the Enrichment Center to order at 9AM and requested that all cell phones be silenced. There were 68 members in attendance. Bob reminded everyone of the importance of signing in and to update any email or phone no. changes on the roster. Bob also introduced and welcomed any of the new members who were present for the first time, and presented each with the new 2016 Member Book and a BFC cap. 2. January 12, 2016 Meeting Minutes: Roger Whited, Secretary Roger called for the approval of the January 12, 2016 meeting minutes, which were approved by the members. The approved minutes will be posted on the BFC website: www.brooksfishingclub.com. Roger also reported that there are currently about 30 persons on the BFC wait list. 3. Financial Report: Tom O Dea, Treasurer Tom reported that the BFC finances are in good shape, with a current balance of $8,423. 4. Guest Speaker: Melissa Crouch, FWC Marine Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Biologist Melissa Crouch presented the very interesting and informative session about how the FWC regulates not only all of the State waters, but many aspects of the State s wildlife too, with the goal to manage and preserve Florida resources, present and future. Melissa discussed the differences of the many fishing regulations in State waters (9 miles out from shore in the Gulf, but only 3 miles out on the Atlantic coast side) vs. Federal waters that extend beyond the State limits. She also discussed how FWC uses a 10 year model when it assesses the stock of the many fish varieties and how that assessment may differ for each type of fish, e.g., Snook vs. Spotted Seatrout vs. Goliath Grouper vs. Barracuda, and so on. In addition, Melissa presented many tips regarding Fishing for Conservation, ideas about how everyone who fishes can help Florida maintain its Fishing Capital of the World reputation by using best practices when fishing, such as using circle hooks, crimping hook barbs, proper handling of any fish caught, and practicing Catch Photo Release (CPR). Melissa also fielded a variety of questions regarding various topics, such as Lake Okeechobee water releases, its effect on fishing, red tide, fish kills, etc., as well as other topics of interest. Page 1 of 5 Minutes February 9, 2016
5. Fishing Trips (See Dates on BFC Calendar): a. Pontoon Fishing: Tom Heaton Tom reminded the members that these trips are usually on the 2 nd Thursday and the 4 th Tuesday of the month and each will be announced via a Gmail blast with complete details. Members will confirm attendance by email reply so that there are enough boats and bait to accommodate the number of reservations. Members are reminded that it is important to show up on time or they will be left behind. Next trips are scheduled for Thursday afternoon, February 11, and Tuesday afternoon, February 23. b. Offshore Charter Fishing: 1) Capt. Marvel: Joe Shannon Joe reminded the members of how comfortable the Capt. Marvel vessel is and indicated that the next trip, which is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, is now full. He also has a trip scheduled for Thursday, March 24, which is available for signup at any time. 2) Sea Legs: Joe Kallial Joe indicated that they had to cancel the February trip due to weather, but encouraged members to sign up for the April 11 trip on this very comfortable boat, since the March 14 trip is already full. 3) Sea Breeze: TJ Wright TJ indicated that these offshore trips are now with the Sea Breeze again and while the January trip had to be cancelled, he has trips scheduled for Tuesday, February 16; Wednesday, March 2; Wednesday, March 16; and Wednesday, March 30; for which he will provide more details and solicit signup via BFC Gmail. 4) Findictive: Jack Paster Jack related that because offshore charter captains are strictly bound to their federal fishing licenses, they are constricted to federal fishing regulations (size, season, and bag limits) no matter where they fish; even if fishing in FL State waters (up to 9 miles out), they are still bound to federal rules and regulations. He also indicated that all of the Findictive trips scheduled for this season are now full. c. Guided Back Bay Fishing: Phil Ferrara Phil indicated that the February trip with Capt. Larry was excellent, and he has two more trips with Capt. Larry available on Monday, March 14 and Wednesday, March 23. Phil also related that while the recent trip with Capt. Russell in the Pine Island area was good, it wasn t great due to weather. The next trip with Capt. Russell on Friday, February 26 is full, however Phil has scheduled another trip with Capt. Russell on Monday, April 11. Phil indicated that he will provide more information via a Gmail blast. Page 2 of 5 Minutes February 9, 2016
d. Beach Fishing: Phil Ferrara Phil indicated that the February outing was pretty slow, with dirty water and cool temps. The next beach fishing opportunity is set for Tuesday, March 1. Members and those on the wait list will receive a Gmail blast about a week before, which will provide complete details regarding this event. e. Big Bass Contest: Larry Winston While Larry related that there have been a lot of weather problems lately, he did have some timely tips on how to deal with all the extra water, ie, fishing the flow way. Larry also responded to questions regarding weed issues, etc. Tom Heaton also clarified some issues regarding the snake infested area near the flow way next to the boardwalk preserve. Larry reiterated that participants in the Big Bass Contest should submit a photo of the fish next to a ruler to clearly show size, and that the winners would be determined by the largest single bass, and the largest group of 3 bass. 8. Social Events: a. BFC Instructional Luncheons: Bob Seidell 1) Several members congratulated Bob on the superb instructional luncheon that took place on Tuesday, January 19 at the Shadow Wood Country Club. Bob, of course, gave full credit for the great cooking demonstration and luncheon to SWCC Chef Rich Crisanti. 2) Bob announced that the second instructional luncheon scheduled for Friday, February 12 at The Colony Bay Club is sold out and that they are looking forward to this great luncheon. 3) Bob also announced that the third and final instructional luncheon for this season, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 10 at The Rookery (formerly Rosie Spoonbill s) is now sold out. Further details will be announced soon. b. Annual Dinner, Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Shadow Wood Country Club: Jim Deneffe and Russ Achzet Jim announced that the signup and payment deadline for the Annual Dinner, which will start with cocktails at 6PM and dinner at 7PM, is Monday, February 29. A flyer has been sent out to all members with full details regarding menu and entertainment. Russ also indicated that there will be several door prizes this year. Cost for members is $10 and $35 for a spouse or guest. Reminder: Appropriate club attire is required. c. Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Meeting at the Koreshan State Historic Site: Gordon Kreth Gordon announced that the meeting would start at 11:30AM, with a pig roast lunch served after the meeting at 12:45PM. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members on the wait list or a member s male guest. Capt. Larry is the scheduled speaker. Signup and payment deadline is Friday, February 26. Page 3 of 5 Minutes February 9, 2016
9. New Business: a. Call for Nominations for BFC BOD Positions: Bob Seidell, Vice President Bob announced that the two year terms of Tom O Dea and Roger Whited to the BOD would expire at the end of this season, which makes it necessary for the BFC members to nominate and elect two members to fill these two positions, both effective for the 2016-17 season, at the Tuesday, March 8 BFC meeting. Both Tom and Roger have agreed to continue to serve on the BOD, and will therefore stand for election for these two BOD positions at that time. Bob indicated that if anyone else would like to be considered for election to the BOD, they should make themselves known as soon as possible during the nomination period, which will remain open until the next meeting, at which time a final call for nominations from the floor will be made, immediately followed by a vote of the members. b. BFC Raffle Winner: Ken Gundersen c. Next Meeting: 11:30AM, Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Koreshan Historic Site: Speaker to be Capt. Larry, with a Pig Roast to follow the meeting. Minutes submitted by Roger Whited, Secretary Brooks Fishing Club Calendar 2015 2016 February 2016 o 1 Monday Capt. Larry Charter o 2 Tuesday Cuda Charter o 4 Thursday Beach Fishing o 8 Monday Sea Legs Charter o 9 Tuesday Club Meeting at Enrichment Center Rich Adams, Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission o 11 Thursday Pontoon Trip o 12 Friday Instructional Lunch at The Colony Bay Club o 16 Tuesday Sea Breeze Charter o 19 Friday Findictive Charter o 23 Tuesday Pontoon Trip o 25 Thursday - Capt. Marvel Charter o 26 Friday Capt. Bill Russell Charter Page 4 of 5 Minutes February 9, 2016
March 2016 o 1 Tuesday Cuda Charter o 2 Wednesday Sea Breeze Charter o 5 Saturday BFC Annual Dinner at SWCC o 8 Tuesday Club Meeting at Koreshan State Historical Site 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Captain Larry Regienczuk will talk about understanding the impacts of winds and tides on Back Bay fishing. Pig Roast lunch to follow meeting. o 10 Thursday Pontoon Trip o 10 Thursday Instructional Lunch at The Rookery (formerly Rosie Spoonbill s) o 13 Sunday Daylight Savings Time Begins o 14 Monday Sea Legs Charter o 16 Wednesday Sea Breeze Charter o 17 Thursday Findictive Charter o 24 Thursday Capt. Marvel Charter o 27 Sunday Easter o 29 Tuesday Pontoon Trip o 30 Wednesday Sea Breeze Charter April 2016 o 5 Tuesday Cuda Charter o 10 Sunday Final Day of Masters o 11 Monday Sea Legs Charter o 12 Tuesday Club Meeting at Enrichment Center Darren Rumbold, Director of the FGCU Vester Marine Station and Professor of Marine Science o 14 Thursday Findictive Charter Page 5 of 5 Minutes February 9, 2016