Jan 2nd 2024
Paradise Bay Sarasota Bay Boating and Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: Chris Matteson
Treasurer: Kevin Sullivan
Secretary: George Mullen
President Ron Prieskorn started the meeting at 9am with the pledge of
Allegiance and the Fisherman’s Prayer. There were approximately 76 members in attendance.
Ron asked to approve Dec 5th 2023 meetings minutes that were printed on tables for the membership review, a motion to accept was made by John Hopkins and 2nd by Jim Gath, all were in favor.
Chris Matteson talked about the frank and bean dinner and the importance of selling tickets to support the club. He thanked all volunteers that make the dinner a great success and passed around a signup sheet for volunteers. Chris explained how the different chairs of the club really make the club function smoothly. He also asked others to consider stepping up for chair positions as well as being future board members in training. He introduced John Hopkins as a future board member.
Ricky Baer talked next about the safety classes and the importance of this class. Ricky then reviewed the upcoming Coast Guard boat inspections and the need to check your expiration dates on safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and flares. Both of these events will be scheduled soon.
Dan Wilder was not present to talk about boat trips so Ron talked about the next upcoming trip. That trip will be to Egmont Key between 10:30 to 11:00 am within the next two weeks, date depending on weather. Egmont has a nice beach and points of interest on the island to explore. Dan will have signup sheets on Teamreach for boaters and non-boat owners to connect and provide rides.
Mike Dunn talked about the kayak trip 1/1/24 to Tide Tables restaurant. He reported it was a beautiful day on the bay. He is planning another trip by Jan 15th that will be posted on Teamreach app. Reminder, that Mike can usually find a loaner kayak if you’re in need of one. You can contact Mike on the Teamreach app.
Kevin Sullivan reviewed the club’s efforts to get the bayfront kayak launch and transport trailer. He reported the club needs a couple volunteers to get the project completed. We need someone with experience to manage the construction of the dock and launch itself, and someone to evaluate and repurpose a kayak trailer out of an older retired trailer the park has donated to the club. Kevin then said the park board had approved $5000.00 for funding permits and expenses for the launch project. The exact location of launch has been narrowed down to two spots.
Kevin then revealed our new 2024 Club shirt design, We had a small initial run-on hand and from the reaction of the club members all were impressed. The back design is from pictures of our own bay front by the boat launch looking out at the long Boat
Pass. Full shirt order should arrive in the next couple weeks and be available for sale. Price is $25.00 each. Short sleeve and larger sizes will be special order.
Kevin gave the financial report which was available on the tables. He asked if there were any questions, there were none.
Ron asked for a motion to accept the financial report. Jim Gath made the motion to accept and was seconded by Stan Hellenbrand, the motion passed.
Sheila Gilstrap got up and talked about the ongoing fishing regulation changes, After reviewing a couple of changes she said your best bet is to always check the myfwc.com site for current rules. Sheila had also provided printed copies of current rules on the table with the other flyers. She also pointed out you could take a picture with your phone to keep on you.
Ron reviewed fishing contest changes the club has made, they are posted on the fishing club board on the water front and on Teamreach. Ron also thanked Stan Hellenbrand for posting all the fishing contest information and putting up fish contest flags the morning of contests to show if the contest is a go or not.
Stan then got up and talked about going 35 miles out in the gulf fishing with Steve Lucas. Stan said everyone caught the limit of red grouper and had a great time.
Ron then talked about January fishing contests, the one day contest will be the 17th with Friday the 19th being the rain date.
Club is starting a Kayak fish contest that will span 3 days, 23rd, 24th, and 25th. After meeting Ron was informed that the club will have to move this contest to February due to scheduling conflicts.
Scotty Yates was not present so Ron reviewed a couple items he thought Scotty would have reviewed. Ron asked everyone to please review all the boating rules and under any circumstance NO POWER LOADING AT THE BOAT LAUNCH! Ron thanked all who have helped repair the boat launch current washout issues from power loading.
Norm Kitchens talked about the great information found in the Coastal Angler that Sheila Gilstrap has delivered and set out for the club. Norm mentioned articles like Tide charts and fishing tips.
Ricky Baer did the auction again to the amusement of all attendees.
He auctioned Club Gear, A Fish Trip with Stan Hellenbrand for $170, outside fish fry cooker my wonderful wife bought for me. Really Fun auction again.
The 50/50 Drawing Winner was Carl Shedden for $73.00
Meeting was adjourned by Ron Prieskorn at 10:00 am
Respectfully Submitted
Secretary George Mullen