PACK Meeting Minutes
April 17, 2007
President Jason Talley opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests. There were 32 in attendance. PACK welcomes three new members from last night: Mike McNeff, Bill Beard, and Walter N. Jason provided an overview of the updated PACK website at www. packtx.org., and the new forum available to members and guests. Everyone was encouraged to register and enjoy the full benefits of the information available on the site. Bruce Behrens informed us of continued improvements to the site and encouraged feedback on features desired or enjoyed.
Bob Deane joined the meeting all the way from Austin and shared a recent 2+hour battle with a 70 pound black drum on light tackle. Thanks for the story and making the trip to share experiences with the group. Look forward to seeing you on future outings.
Bruce Behrens shared his success story on the Powderhorn Lake trip. He made a determined paddle and worked the shoreline of Matagorda Bay for a beautiful stringer of trouts and reds. Included in the stringer was an outstanding 28 inch trout that was professionally released while measurements were being made. Jason Talley, also had a nice limit of Reds on Sunday. Mike Emshoff was nearly spooled by a strong fish only to have it escape before sighting by breaking his line. Many others scored trout and reds on the trip despite tough conditions, strong winds, and scattered fish. The rented cabin provided a great social hub and launch point for the 22 attendees. Group meals brought everyone together for conversation and getting acquainted.
Milton Robertson and Chris Arceneaux gave updates on our upcoming outings to the Colorado River and East Matagorda. Check out the events calendar for details of these trips. Bruce Behrens encouraged all interested to enroll early for the Matagorda Island trip May 25-27. Spots for the ferry service are going fast and we need to make plans for all going on the trip. The ferry service will cost $40 per man, round trip. This is a fun outing, with primitive camping at the old Matagorda military base site. Great fishing at classic venues such as the Army Hole and Pringle Lake are close by.
Jason Talley, Ken Jennings, Ron Romeis and Milton Robertson represented PACK at REI’S Paddle Demo Day. We had a number of visitors to the booth to learn about PACK and outfitting their yaks for fishing. Capt. Scott Null gave us a preview of his upcoming book and provided a variety of kayaks for the attendees to test ride. The weather man provided a rocky start to the outing, but the crowd and their enthusiasm seemed to be only mildly effected early in the day and the rain waited until we started breaking down the booth to give us a slight shower.
Thanks to Paul Morris for the $25 coupons he gave to everyone in attendance. He spotted the coupons valid at a local merchant that carries merchandise of interest to the members and made copies for all. Belated thanks to Paul also, for obtaining cd rom copies of the Texas General Land Office Texas Beach and Bay Access Guide. All new members can obtain a copy at our monthly meetings while supplies last.
Connie Mack Moran of Creative Feathers Studio and Saltwater Fly Shop has introduced a new product. A very attractive Paddle decals has been added to his line of products. Check out his web site www.creativefeathers.com for details.
Marcos Enriquez from Orvis donated the first two prizes to be awarded in the upcoming PACK Tournament . Thanks Marcos! We appreciate the donation and your participation in the club activities.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO THANK THESE SPONSORS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF PACK AND PATRONIZE THEIR BUSINESSES WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
Jason provided an update on our non-profit status and the filing of our taxes. The financial health of the club remains strong. A vote was held to select that the upcoming members only tournament will be individual competition rather than a team event. Bruce B. has been established as the pre-tournament favorite. The challenge is out there to see who can give him a run for the money. Be advised, you’ll have to fish hard to beat the best.
Its time to place orders for PACK decals, shirts and caps. Send a message to Jason on the PACK web site to indicate your interest. Shirts will be available with the PACK logo and your name, or you may bring your own shirt to have the logo put on it. Prices will be announced soon
Ron Romeis gave an overview of the materials available in the PACK library. Anyone wishing to donate books, tapes, or other reference materials can do so by bringing them to our monthly meeting, or sending a message to Ron on the website and working out the details. Please pass along any ideas anyone has to raise funds for purchasing books, etc.
A trip leader is needed for the rescheduled day trip to Shoalwater Bay. The event was postponed last week due to weather and has tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, April 28.
The San Antonio River Authority is opening a new Paddle Trail. "Goliad Paddling Trail on the San Antonio River". It is scheduled for Wednesday April 25, 2007 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the Goliad State Park. Refreshments will be served. R.S.V.P. by April 18. Contact the San Antonio River Authority - Park Services Department's Renee Luna at 866-345-7272 or sluna@sara-tx.org. We are trying to get more information about the trail.
The speaker of the hour was going to be Scott Ezell to show us how to maintain the favorite baitcasting reel, however had to go in the hospital for some follow-up regarding a recent visit to the emergency room last Friday. Please keep Scott and his family in your prayers. We had plenty to discuss at the PACK meeting and we watched a Baffin Bay DVD that Dick McGonigle brought and donated to the PACK Library.
Ron Romeis