Golden Rods and Reels Feb 25, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order by Bill Thomas at 10:00 am
Attendance: Mike Galbraith,Rick Greenhorn, Norman Kent, Fred Albrecht, Ken Evans,Pat George, Colin Chadwick, Ian Cameron, Norm Jackson, Gerry Walsh, Wayne Lee, Ted Leaker, Barry Freeman, Lyle Freeman, TimWitoski, Lee Takayanagi, Danny Larvin, Mike Corry, Winston Jackson, Ryan A, Peter Laughren, Jens Kristensen, Mohamed Docrat,Tony Otten, Mick Collins,
Via Zoom: Sandy McElroy, Ron Estey, Dave Cooke, Dennis Gedney, Brian Canfield.
Motion to accept minutes of last meeting, moved by Ian, seconded by Rick, carried.
New Members: not really a new member but rather a guest- Pat George representing Haig Brown Fly Fishing Club, he was welcomed by the group
Fin Clipping: Bill Thomas reported that the session was a success with 2992 fish clipped with Zero morts!
Fairway Grocery Cards, Bill encouraged the members to load up the card available via Sandy as the club receives 5% of whatever you load onto the card which is then used just like cash.
Rick Greenhorn will be at the Sidney Fishing Swap Meet scheduled for May 3, if anyone is going and provide a ride for Ryan he would appreciate it.
Sunshine: Christopher Wade is still receiving treatment but was able to travel to the mainland recently.
Social: Mike Galbraith is looking into a St. Patrick's day pot luck to be held at the meeting location on Monday March 15, 2025 at 5:30. Please email Mike with your intentions to attend.
Fresh Water Fishing: Tim Witoski fished the Cheekye River near Squamish with success using a simulated flesh pattern fly, landed 1 good sized Bull trout and played 3 more before loosing them.
Saltwater Fishing: Peter Laughren reported that he has not been out much due to the cold weather but fishing is fair overall. Average catch is around 5-10 pounds, with a 19 pound salmon winning a local fishing derby.
General discussion surrounding halibut season start dates, rumored is that it may start April 1 with a size limit of 102cm but that may change as dates approach.
Peter also mentioned that there are a number of technical help videos on the web dealing with overhauling Scotty downriggers.
Fish Out: Fish out scheduled for this Thursday February 27 at Prospect Lake, hotdogs in the park. Weather forecast is looking pretty good for Thursday- fingers crossed!
Fly Tying: Dave Robinson will be tying a Klinkhammer fly and Florin will not be tying as he is back in chilly Alberta this weekend.
Hatchery Bill Thomas noted that there are 7000 mote clippings to be done but the hatchery has all in hand. There is a planned March release date for the fish that were recently clipped at the hatchery.
BCWF Dave Cooke will be attending the region 1 AGM in Nanaimo March 15-16 and there is an agenda available for those that are interested, contact Dave Cooke.
Gillie: Dennis mentioned that there was some discussion surrounding a post meeting fly tying / fishing story session. There seems to be some general interest in this concept and Dennis will try to line something up for the group.
Presentations: Lyle presented today on the topic of Pacific Herring and Roe, excellent presentation with the real desired take away is that our herring stocks are dangerously low and we as members and individuals should take issue with any type of commercial fishing of herring on the BC coast.
Tim Witoski will present March 18 on Pontoon Boat Modifications
Environmental Report: Mick Collins was down in Mexico and managed to land a fish after about collective 20 hours of fishing, congratulations Mick!
Mick's notes of his presentation
Mick attended 3 meetings yesterday-
1/ he summarized the conservation work of the club for the two BCWF representatives who organized the meeting. He suggested they produce a 10 minute video explaining the BCWF insurance coverage and post that on their website.
2/ along with about 40 representatives from different groups, he participated in a feedback and input session on the Gorge Creek Green Shores project in Esquimalt Gorge Park. The meeting was organized by Gorge Waterway Action Society (GWAS). A summary of the meeting notes will be distributed to the club.
3/ along with two Beaver Elk Environmental Stewards (BEES) we provided input to Jill Robinson, CRD Parks biologist , on Eurasian Milfoil control which is part of the Elk /Beaver Lake management plan implementation.
New Business - No new business was noted
Cowichan River maps are available through Moe Docrat
BCWF Club Meeting Bill Thomas attended a meeting with various other clubs allowing BCWF to collect the clubs wants from BCWF- a chance to let what we would like from BCWF.....Points noted were insurance coverage and its clarification, salmon quotas, the stoppage of herring/ roe fishing and a request for a list of potential speakers that could be called on by clubs for presentations.
Donation: Motion was put forward by Bill Thomas that GRR donate $500 to the BCWF Children's Camp. Motion made by Moe Docrat and seconded by Norm Kent, motioned carried.
Meeting closed at 10:42 am
Lyle Freeman presented a historical talk on Herring/ Roe fishery and our current need to stop all herring fishing due to dangerously low numbers.