October President message
Club Members,
Where did summer go? Area 11 summer chinook fishing came and went, fall coho fishing is upon us, and before you know it, we will be talking about the club Christmas party. I am hearing of some club members having coho fishing success on some days, and struggling on other days. The two areas I am hearing that are producing the best are the slag pile and the Gig Harbor side. Come to the next meeting and hear directly from those that are having success.
We had a very successful picnic this past month. Even though it was lightly attended, I believe everyone had a good time. The weather cooperated, the food was good and the company was great. In addition to hamburger, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, and more, there was even a smoked salmon contest. Voting was close, with only two votes separating first and second place finishers. Ted Martinez and Ron Hunt tied for second place, while the reigning champ won again this year. Thank you to Alicia and Patrick Sanchez for organizing and planning a great picnic.
The club annual coho salmon fishing activity took place on Saturday, September 19th. 16 club members participated in the activity, with 5 fish getting weighed in. Pete took first place with a 7lb 11oz coho. Thank you to all that participated and to Ron Smith who helped coordinate the event.
The next major club activity scheduled is our annual Christmas Party on Friday, December 4th. Club member (and chef) Steve Ng, has again agreed to coordinate the food preparation. Hopefully he can again get his elves to help with food prep. Activities during the party will include: Lucky fish award, Lure Christmas tree, Volunteer Award, Pot puller raffle, club member raffle, wives gifts, and more. More information will be forthcoming.
Past president Pat Leahy has again offered to facilitate a razor clam dig for club members and their families. The dig is currently planned for Mocrocks Beach on Saturday, October 10th. The last razor clam dig in March was very successful with attendees getting clams and everyone having a good time. Pat will again have extra clam guns available and provide instruction and assistance if desired. Soda and light snacks will be provided by the club and Pat will have a bon fire. A general time line is a follows: 1:00 pm meet on the beach just south of the Roosevelt Beach access, try some surf fishing until around 3:00pm, bon fire with soda and snacks until 5:00pm, then start clamming. Sunset is at 6:41pm and low tide is at 7:02 pm. If interested, contact Pat Leahhy directly at (253) 680-9603 or via email at: patleahy71@gmail.com. An email with more information and directions has been sent to all club members.
During our October club meeting we will have nominations for the 2027 Board officers. If you are interested in volunteering for one of the positions, or if you want to nominate someone for one of the positions, please do so. Elections for Board officers will held during the November club meeting.
We have completed four Nutrient enhancement outings so far this year, with more to come. The next “fish toss” is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th, 8:30 am, (but subject to change due to the availability of spawning fish.) If you are available, and interested in helping, please contact Ted Martinez at (253) 380-8240 or by email at kobeconst@yahoo.com.
The guest speakers for our September club meeting are club member Phillip Olson and guests Alex Van Hine and Gabe Miller. Many of you know Phillip from his You Tube videos “Badger Fishing”. Phillip, Alex, and Gabe will be addressing Puget Sound chinook fishing opportunities, why our chinook seasons are shrinking, and potential ways we can be involved to support WDFW during the North of Falcon process.
The Tech Tips presentation this month will be a little different this month. We will not have a specific speaker, but it will be an opportunity for all of us to share their favorite Tech Tip or two, with those who attend. We all have something we do that helps us to be better anglers while on the water. From tackle tips, rigging tips, bait tips, to fishing tips, we all have something to share and of interest to others. So, bring your Tech Tip or two and share it with other club members. The Tech Tips session begins at 6:15 pm on Wednesday, before the club meeting.
During our September meeting, we did not have a winner in our monthly membership drawing. Through the generosity of John Hager of Southworth Marine, the next membership drawing in August will be for an amount of $480. Be sure to come to the general meeting to be eligible for the drawing.
Our board meetings are held at Ben Dew’s Clubhouse on the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. The address is 6501 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA. All club members are invited and encouraged to attend this meeting.
The next club meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 14th, 7 pm at Tower Lanes, located at 6323 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA.
Thank you,
Bill Macaras, president GHPSA