2025-04-08: GRR Weekly Meeting, Minutes

[John Pierce]

GRR Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025

Meeting called to order 10:00 am by Bill Thomas

Members in attendance: Rick Greenhorn, Colin Chadwick, Ian Cameron, Ken Evans, Barry Freeman, Lyle Freeman, Sandy McElroy, Gerry Walsh, Ted Leaker, ,Gary Floretine , Tim Witoski, Lee Takayanagi, Kobus Erasmus, Sandy Raven, Ryan Arsenych, Jens Kristensen, Tony Otten, Bill Thomas, Mike Galbraith, Norm Jackson, Peter Nalleweg, Dave Robinson,Winston Jackson, Mohamed Docrat,Lee Foot, Danny Lazvin

Via Zoom: Mick Collins, Ron Estey, Mohamed Docrat, Peter Laughren, Wendy Gedney, Michael Corey, Dave Cooke, John Francis

Motion to accept last weeks minutes: Ian Cameron seconded Peter

Items Arising: Moe noted that he has new Cowichan River maps for sale $20 each.

PSS: volunteers are still needed for Colquitz on Wednesday morning

Outdoor Show: Scheduled for April 25,26,27. Volunteers are needed and Mike will be looking to sign up all those interested and even those that are only partially interested.

FishOut: This year's April 17 Fishout is more than just a day on the water. It's a heartfelt celebration honoring both past and present members of our club. Ken and Chris Carnes will be presenting another generous donation to our Legacy Fund, contributed by the Estate of their father, Bill Carnes. Bill was a dedicated member of our club for over 20 years, and his love for the community was matched only by his passion for cooking. Bill was the grill master at every event, always serving up hot dogs with a smile. This cookout is their way of honoring Bill's legacy and his deep love for the club and, of course, hot dogs. In addition to this, we will be recognizing two long-time senior members by presenting them with Honorary Membership plaques in gratitude for their years of service and dedication. Even if you're not fishing, we strongly encourage all members to come out, show your support, and help us honor these individuals who have contributed so much to our club. As with any outing, please bring something delicious to share—whether it's a dessert, chips, salad, or anything else. Don't forget your plates, cutlery, your beverage of choice and a chair to relax in! Thanks to the generous contribution of the Carnes family, who will be providing the wieners, buns, and onions, we're happy to announce that there will be no charge for the usual $5.00 contribution. See you at Hampsterly Beach 11:30, serving lunch at noon. We hope to see as many of you as possible to celebrate and support the club! RSVP to treasurer@goldenrodsandreels.com

PSS: It was determined that GRR will be volunteering on Wednesday mornings

Casting Seminar: A list will be compiled next meeting for those interested in participating with plans to hold it at Hamsterly Park date TBD

Sunshine: Wendy had nothing to report but Dave Robison spoke of recently loosing a dear friend Bruce from Edmonton. Dave expressed how valuable the cards and well wishes are to those involved with a loss or illness of a close friend or family member.

Freshwater Fishing:
1) Mike reported that Pierre was out to Elk lake recently and got a few on on a boobie eye fly, also noted that the lake is very green with algae now.
2) Tim was out to Thetis lake and landed 10 with a low profile woolly bugger. Most were in the 12 inch range with one 14inch, mainly caught between the 2 islands.

Salt Water Fishing:
1) Peter reported that halibut fishing is good out in Sooke and Jordan River area. Salmon fishing is good at Pedder bay, Otter point and the waterfront, success with jigging deep.

Fly Tying: Dave Robinson will be tying a Christmas Choronomid. Florin will hopefully be tying something if he gets his gardening done.

Casting Session: Casting tips and lessons from Dave Robinson is scheduled for May 15 there is a sign up sheet at meeting.

Hatchery Report: Bill Thomas noted that they are ponding Chum and Coho. They are planning on releasing Coho soon and this aids the odds for those fishing sea run cut throat trout.

BCWF: Dave Cooke asked if the membership has been receiving the magazine. If you're not let Gerry know as it is a membership communication issue. Peter N asked if the club via BCWF could pass along a request for candidates in the upcoming election address the fishing regulations.

Gillie: Dennis Gedney was not at the meeting so Wendy passed along that Dennis has sign up sheets for Cluxuwe and Campbell River trips. He will be bringing in old club newsletters to show and looking for any topics or questions to address from the members.

Speakers: Lyle Freeman noted that in 2 weeks there will be a speaker on the Colquitz River.

Environmental Report: Mick Collins report below
1/ Mick attended the Beaver Elk Environmental Stewards (BEES) AGM . Good turnout of members . They have an agreement with CRD Parks to do work on land in the park including invasive species removal. They also do extra lake monitoring over and above CRD work, including sampling Beaver Lake. Jill Robinson and Avalon Shavers gave an excellent presentation of CRD Parks Western Painted Turtle monitoring program.
2/ Next Tuesday April 15 Mick is meeting Neil Fletcher and Becky Dodge , BCWF Wetlands program, at the Ruby restaurant on Douglas Street at 8:30am .BCWF is meeting with CRD Parks to plan a wetland project around Haliburton Brook in Elk/Beaver Lake Park.
3/ Tuesday April 15 evening members are invited to attend the Colquitz Coalition Annual meeting at Pearkes Arena from 6pm to 8pm.
4/ Preparations are being made for further engagement with BC Transportation Ministry in the Bus on Shoulder project and an email was sent to Dr. Tanya Brown at SFU enquiring when her toxic tire compound sample results will be available.
Mick

Meeting closed at 10:32 Motion by Mohamed seconded by Barry