April 2025 message
Well, spring has spring and we can get back on the water this month. Blackmouth season opens for areas 10 and 11 on April 2nd, and our annual Dick Smythe Blackmouth outing happens on Saturday April 5th.
I would like to thank Jeff, Dave, and Pat for their presentation on Columbia River springer fishing at our March members meeting. It was very informative, timely, and some great hints on how to be successful were shared. As I write this, Patrick and I are putting some of their tips and practices to the test, but unfortunately we must not be good students.
As previously mentioned, our annual Dick Smythe Backmouth derby is Saturday, April 5th. To participate, please email me ahead of time at: WMacaras@centurytel.net to sign up. The fee is $10 and must be paid not later than at the weigh-in, 11:30 am, at the Boathouse. We will meet at Ben Dew’s restaurant at 12:30 pm for the “award” ceremony and the annual sharing of the award by all participants. It looks like the weather will be cooperating.
Also, don’t forget about the clam and spaghetti dinner on Wednesday, April 9th. The dinner time is 6:00 pm and is at the VFW hall, at 4741 N. Baltimore St., Tacoma. The dinner is in place of our monthly members meeting.
Heads up for our May members meeting. Our guest speaker is our very own Art Tachell, and the topic is on an Area 11 historical fishing topic still in practice by many area 11 anglers, Meat Lining. Bet you didn’t think you would come to a club meeting and get a history lesson. The Tech Tips topic is another one of interest to us in the south sound. Tom Sullivan will be discussing area 13 fishing. More on these topics in my May President’s message.
One of the things members liked about our club, and brought up numerous times in the February questionnaire, was the fact they learn from our members. Hence, Tech Tips. These are short, pre-meeting topics of interest to us, as anglers. It is presented as an open discussion and time to share information with fellow club members. I am always looking for volunteers to share on a topic of their choosing. Hopefully you were able to come away with at least one idea from the March Tech Tips.
We need your donations. The Point Defiance Boathouse swap meet is Saturday, May 10th. Many of us have tackle, fishing gear, and other items we no longer use. If you do, please donate it to the club. We will be collecting items the night of our clam/spaghetti dinner and the morning of the swap meet. We will also need volunteers to help with the swap and help with the trout pond, which the club is sponsoring and facilitating.
Lastly, thank you to the many volunteers who have helped with the Cabellas trout pond and the two work parties to clean and reassemble the salmon smolt nets and pens. Remember, every time you volunteer with a club project, your name is added for the end of year drawing for a Scotty 1106B down rigger.
Thank you,
Bill Macaras, president