Golden Rods and Reels Meeting Minutes February 11, 2025
Meeting was opened at 10:00 am by Bill Thomas
Member sin attendance: NOTE FOR FUTURE SIGN IN SHEETS PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME AS SIGNATURES ARE UNIQUE TO YOU BUT ARE DIFFICULT TO READ. THANK YOU
Mike Galbraith, Ken Evans, Lyle Freeman, Barry Freeman, Rick Greenhorn, Norman Kent, Pierre Malo, Dale Scheel, Ian Cameron, Rick Cohen, Florin Sebac, Ted Leaker, Wayne Lee, Lee Takayanag, Tim Witoski, Sandy Raven,Mohamed Docrat, Kobus Erasmus, Winston Jackson, Peter Laughren, Dave Robinson, Jim Scott, Ryan A., Peter Nelleweg, Norm Jackson,
Via ZOOM Brian Canfield, Dave Cooke
First order of business was a raffle draw for some Maxcatch goodies donated by the supplier, Wayne won the sun protection hoodie, Peter won the sun protection gloves, Dale and Barry won a fly tying mat each and Lyle won a ball cap
The minutes of the last meeting were accepted, moved by Ian Cameron and seconded by Rick Cohen.
Treasurer's Report: Sandy Raven presented the Treasurer's Report- see previous submission by Sandy for details.
Social: Mike Galbraith reported nothing but later in the meeting it was noted that there is a fish out at Prospect Lake February 27, details to follow assuming it's not too cold.
Fresh Water:
1) Dale Scheel has not been fishing as his truck is out of commission but he did have a Tip of the Day- basically if you have some fishing knowledge share with your fellow fishers. He told a story of fishing off a pier in Alabama where the locals did not share any fishing insights and Dale was told not to share his insights that he managed to glean from watching others. Bottom line is Dale is a good Canadian and shared his knowledge with a new guy to the pier and the new guy hooked up a coveted Kobia fish. Fortunately for Dale and Canada USA relations the fish got off or Dale may have been sent to Pier Fishing Court.
Salt Water Fishing:
1) Peter Laughren reported that it's slow everywhere right now and with the cold weather he has not been out. Halibut fishing is currently closed and the total allowable catch has been decreased by 15% across the board. Coming in March you can retain 2 hatchery chinook over 45 cm length
2) Norm Kent reported that Sydney Anglers had a derby recently and good numbers reported with a 13 pound Chinook being the winner. Hoochies, anchovy and skinny G's were popular bait.
Fly Tying: Dave Robinson will be tying an early season soft hackle May fly and Florin Sebac will be tying a Goat's Toe pattern.
Hatchery: Bill Thomas reported that the eggs are eyeing up and will be ponded soon. They have 200,000 Chum and Coho eggs progressing. The hatchery supplied 100 local schools with a total of 81,500 eggs. Another round of clipping is pending and Bill will keep us advised on that and will be looking for volunteers A once weather warms as the fish are too lethargic currently.
BCWF Dave Cooke reported that there is an area 1 AGM meeting in Nanaimo March 15-16 and hopefully someone from the club can attend. BCWF AGM is set for April 25-27.
ACS meeting was canceled due to weather.
WCFA has a meeting Thursday at 7:00 pm at the clubhouse with a fly tying demo post meeting
Environmental: Mick is away, no report
Sportsman show is set for April 25-27 looking for volunteers
Sayward River: Rick Greenhorn made a motion and it was seconded by Dave Robinson that the club make a donation of $100 to the Sayward Salmon River group to aid efforts of maintaining the steelhead salmon runs I that river.
Sidney Anglers will be holding a Boat/ Fishing Swap Meet May 3. Also noted was that the Sidney Anglers are great supports of the Goldstream Hatchery and have made a donation of $850
New Business:
1) Lyle Freeman noted that Dale Scheel will be doing a presentation next week, Lyle will be doing a presentation on herring February 25, and Tim Witoski will be presenting on Pontoon Boat Modifications in March
2) Lyle will represent the club at an upcoming meeting on herring fishery where he will voice opposition to any harvesting of herring in the Salish Sea, including all commercial fisheries.
Motion made by Peter Nelleweg and seconded by Norm Kent
Tim Witoski mentioned that he is doing 2000 Push Ups in 18 days to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Any donations are welcomed and see the link below. www.thepushupchallenge.ca/fundraisers/timwitoski/the-push-up-challenge
Dave Cooke mentioned a concern that there are a number of non Canadian residents that come up to our waters and fish with a guide and can catch salmon anywhere in BC waters without repercussions.
Sunshine: Christopher Wade is not doing well and Wendy will send out a card.
Other Business:
1) Peter Nelleweg expressed concern regarding American Canneries and that we should push back against them where possible.
2) Mike Galbraith asked if anyone has fishing equipment etc for sale to let him know for the upcoming club sale.
3) Ken Evans asked about expanding a general social chat time at the meetings. Florin suggested an earlier start vs extending the meeting longer.....?
4) Ian Cameron will look into the club having a booth at the Ogden Point swap meet assuming they are still happening.
5) Peter Nelleweg is looking for a good reel 8-10 if anyone has one for sale.
Meeting terminated at 11:02