President's Message
by Stephen Shechtel
 

It is with a religious zeal that I make the February pilgrimage to Miami for the Boat Show. One of my goals for this years show was to speak with Capt. Tred Barta about Tuna fishing. I located Capt. Barta at the Rampage Yachts exhibit. Yes, you read right... Rampage Yachts, not Hyda-Sports.

Capt. Barta was kind enough to give me some of his time to answer questions about how he fishes for tuna: Stalker Outfitters spreader bars off the flat lines, natural baits off the riggers, birds, green machines, and whatever else he feels will work. We spoke about trolling speeds (6-9 knots depending upon current, wind, and surface conditions), presentation, lure depths, and much more. Although he was very busy, I not help myself from asking one last question. "Tred, two years ago, you were high on large center consoles. Now your going to go back to fish a big boat (the new Rampage 33), what gives?" Without hesitation he whispered to me: "Steve, it's not the boat that catches fish".

I honestly think that all of us know this as true. In our Chapter alone, our membership must own boats from more than thirty different manufactures. Who in our Chapter could honestly argue that a World Cat will catch more fish than a Pro Line, Grady, Parker, Triton, Sailfish, or whatchamacallit? If it were true, then we would all be fishing the same boats.

About three weeks before leaving for Miami, I turned down an offer to sell Reel Love. I finally came to the conclusion that what I owned was a fine vessel, and that my vessel, like every other, was a compromise. If I could not get Reel Love to where the Chapter is fishing, then hopefully a member would invite me to go with them. So, if (or when) you feel the bug bite for a new, improved, or larger whatchamacallit, remember; it's not the boat.

With so much planned and going on, the wait for the start of the spring season is always difficult.

There is so much good going on with MSSA and our Chapter to report! MSSA's membership drive is a success. The Atlantic Menhaden issue is getting much publicity. The Spring Rockfish Tournament is in full gear with over 100 boats registered. Frederick's Board of Directors approved a Resolution that all Chapter Tournaments will now have a children's division. Plans were finalized for the Spring Tournament Dinner at the Solomons, the Flounder Tournament, and so much more.

With so much planned and going on, the wait for the start of the spring season is always difficult. So damn that Punxsutawney Phil. The only good six more weeks of winter will provide is extra time to get ready for April 16th. Are you ready? Have you purchased your 2005 Maryland fishing license wildlifelicense.com/md ?

I hope to see you at the March meeting. Frank Darringer, owner of Midshore Electronics will be our guest speaker.

See you at the meeting.
Stephen Shechtel

Next Meeting

March 09th 2005:

Speaker:
Frank Darringer, the owner of Midshore Electronics, in Cambridge will be the speaker at our March meeting. Frank is a fisherman and a master of all electronics so bring your questions as he is truly amazing and accurate with his answers. His talk will focus on getting the most from your depthfinder, no matter what the type or cost. He will show how to tweak the unit to get your maximum results and interpret the data on the screen. I have also heard he will bring a very nice door prize as well.



Vendor:
Ron's Fishing Supply Also at the March meeting we will have Ron's Fishing Supply and he will have everything you need for rockfishing. Ron is a fisherman as well and owns a 27" Grady White. Our very own Matt Lacey will be on hand to help Ron and rig baits. You can count on great prices for shads, parachutes, bucktails, live action daisy chains and umbrellas. Check them out on the web at: striperfishingtackle.com

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

Superbowl Sunday Football Game Book Winners
 
Josh Pratt
Ed Susa
Glen Bumgardner
Bill Walls, Sr.
Orlando James

Last Month's Raffle Winners
 
50/50 $108: Jerry Spring
Rod and Reel: Bruce Boyd
Book: Frank Molino
Fighting Belt: Jim Steward
Lure: Rob Pellicot
Tackle Container: Bill Snyder

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 March 22, 2005
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