Jason Talley, 2007 Club President opened the meeting, thanking Charles and Bruce with Canoesport on Bissonet for hosting the February '07 meeting. Jason acknowledged the guests as well as the new club members. He opened the floor to those who have items for sell or trade. Announcements: Joel Berry said that he and Buzz Black are working to organize a long weekend outing on Lake Calcasieu south of Lake Charles, LA, also known as "Big Lake". Plans are to stay at Hackberry Lodge and hire the services of their guides with the possibility of working in a kayak fishing run on the last day. See Joel if interested.
Ken Jennings reported that Jimmy Hutto is recovering well from knee replacement surgery. Chris Arceneaux gave a brief report on the Feb 18th Smith Point trip. To summarize, NW wind, no water, fresh water, cold and no fish caught. They enjoyed each others company and dining at Spoonbill Lodge. Jason, Bruce Behrens, and Craig Nifong went down to Baffin Bay this past weekend to fish for trout. Fishing was slow Friday and Saturday. They experienced much more success on Sunday, catching limits of specked trout. Jason commented on the 49 degree water temperature and his discomfort wearing three layers of pants and breathable waders instead of neoprene waters. They stayed at a local inn in Riviera, TX. Jason said it's a five hour drive to Riviera from Houston. Jason reported that Craig lost a big trout to a suspected worn leader.
Ken Jennings discussed his participation as on the guest speakers at the First CKA Banquet held last weekend in Houston. He gave a presentation that included the history of kayak angling, going back to subsistence hunting and fishing by Eskimos, the development of the decked canoe by Europeans, the introduction of plastic kayaks in the 1970's that really opened the sport up by allowing kayak manufacturers and paddlers to design boats with multiple applications. Ken chronicled the growth of TKF, CCCF, PACK and CKA as websites and kayak fishing organizations that promoted the sport on the Texas coast. He included many photos in his presentation including some of over packed kayaks for extended outings. There were awards presented at the banquet in which over 100 people participated. He added that CKA is considering starting a kayak fishing club.
Membership dues have been due since January 1, 2007. All those who have not paid yet were asked to contact club treasurer Eli Rivera. Bruce Behrens discussed the implemetation of the new PACK website. 47 club members have registered so far. He said he will investigate why at least four members were having difficulty with registration. Because the board is considering adding a PayPal feature to collect dues, the club may start allowing new members to join using online registration. When this feature is implemented then their anniversary date would be set on the date they joined PACK instead of January 1st of each year.
PACK member and trip leader Vihn Ha cancelled the Saturday Feb. 24 Lake Conroe outing for striped and white bass due to a poor weather forecast. A reschedule date will be announced by email announcements.
Jason reminded the club about the Powderhorn Lake March 23-25 weekend outing. He has rented a bay house that can sleep 6-8 attendees. Some attendees have expressed a desire to camp near the bay house. He said he'll talk with the Powderhorn Lake RV park manager about these attendees using the shower facilities. He said the trip leaders have been discussing alternative meals such as Dutch oven cooking instead of fried foods.
Jeff Wolfanger was not present to discuss the March 17th Menzells / Starvation Cove day trip. Joel Berry reported that Ruben Garza at FTU said that he will have to reschedule the April 14th Shoalwater day trip due to a scheduling conflict.
Bruce Behrens is working with a local guide to arrange for transport to the old Matagorda Island State Park grounds out of Port O'Connor on Memoriald Day weekend in May. Please send Bruce an email or PM if interested.
This year's PACK tournament will take place Saturday June 9th at the Brazos County Park at San Luis Pass. This year's tournament will be a PACK CUP - "Members Only" event. Only a few key sponsors will be contacted for raffle and or door prizes. Details will follow on the PACK website, volunteers are asked to contact Jason Talley.
Charles and Bruce with Canoesport were this evening's guest speakers. They discussed what's new by providing specific detail to some of the newly released Hobie Mirage Drive kayak models by Hobie. These included the Adventure Island and the Revolution. Bruce says that they gave seen great interest in the Hobie kayaks that can be fitted with a sail that be furled and stored along side the paddler's seat. The Adventure Island model also features two retractable arm stabilizers that fold up against the side of the boat as an option for greater stability when sailing at higher speeds. Bruce also discussed kayak models that have built in rod holders and devices for keeping live bait on fishing kayaks.
Next meeting will be Tuesday March 20 at REI. The guest speaker is “Capt. Steve Coffee” with Steve Coffee's Fishing Charters
By Chris Arceneaux |