President's Message
by Stephen Shechtel
 

2005 is already shaping up to be a tremendous year. The January dinner meeting was a huge success. Everyone had a great time and a first class meal. Congratulations and Awards went to: Dave Griffin , Charter President; Robert Pellicott III, Chairman's Award; Todd and Kim Houser, President's Award; Maureen Appleby, Robert Pellicott III, Rick Etzler, Dave Griffin, Jim Stevens and Stephen Shechtel, King Mackerel T-Shirt Artwork; John Traver's, Tuna Cup; Tom Musser (and Crew) for MSSA Captain of the Year; Felipe Ordono, "Oops" (Horse's Wrong End) Award.

At the dinner, I outlined my goals for 2005. It was noted that two goals were already coming to fruition. Rick Thompson and the Board sponsored Resolutions to have the Frederick Chapter become an RFA Affiliated Chapter and to donate 10% of Chapter Tournament Entry Fees to charity. I hold out hope that every Chapter member joins the RFA. It is imperative that our voices be heard in Annapolis and Washington to protect recreational fishing. There are far too many people and organizations whose agenda are to shut out the recreational angler from the fishery. RFA's Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. I cannot urge you enough to join the RFA. My goal to promote family fishing is coming together with Board's Resolution to have a Summer Children's Fishing Tournament.

The Pellicotts are already hard at work lining up a great Spring program schedule. Frank Daringer from Mid Shore Electronics will be here with a factory representative from Furuno. Scheduled visiting vendors are: Capt' George Klein of Tyler's Tackle Shop, Ron's Fishing Supply, and Matt Abell of Sea Hawk Sport Center. All will be setting up shop to offer us deals on new tackle.

On a different note, and in keeping with the season, perhaps everyone should consider adopting a few "easy" resolutions for 2005. Here's some suggestions: [1] I will join RFA; [2] I will take a child fishing to catch a fish, whether the fish be large or small; [3] I will use circle hooks; [4] I will release what I cannot eat; [5] I will avoid killing mature breeding stock; [6] I will practice safe boating by not going fishing when conditions are poor or predicted as dangerous; [7] I will not imbibe alcohol while at sea (1/3 of all boating accidents involve alcohol); [8] I will bring a new member to a chapter meeting; [9] I will volunteer to help the chapter at least once; and, [10] I will be thankful for every morning that I see the sun rise over the horizon, on a calm sea, while on my way to the fishing grounds.

Have a healthy and happy year.

See you at the meeting.
Stephen Shechtel

Next Meeting

February 09th 2005:

Speaker:
Captain Steve Seigel will be the speaker for the February Meeting. Captain Steve has been a charter boat captain on the Chesapeake Bay for decades. He has retired the 'Misty Gail' for a smaller vessel 'Chartreuse Lady' where you will find him most every weekend, jigging, trolling, and catching the 'big ones'. He's been making custom rods for years and now is the President of Bass Kandy Lures at:
basskandydelights.hypermart.net



Vendor:
Tyler's Tackle will be the vendor for the February Meeting selling all the hot rockfishing lures. George Kline the owner will be on site with tons of shad, bucktails, umbrellas, parachutes, daisy chains, nets, reels etc.

If you have any special requests call him at 410-257-6610. For those of you who don't know, Georgie makes the best parachutes around and he will have a bunch at the meeting.

Football Game Book Winners
 
Week 16: Steve Trimble, Mary Klinp, Gonzalo Ramirez.

Last Month's Raffle Winners
 
OBE: OBE

Newsletter & Notices Online The MSSA Frederick Chapter Newsletter is available online at: http://www.mssafrederick.com Hard copys are available by special request. To get on the "mail to only list", contact the MSSA Secretary or see me at a meeting.
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Newsletter Items: for March are due February 22, 2005
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