President's Message
by Stephen Shechtel
 

Late Thursday April 21, 2005, I met up with crew member John Sivinski at the Marina. We loaded up the boat and left the marina just before sundown. We entered the Bay at the South River just as it turned dark for a quick run to the Solomon's. Arriving a little after 10:30 PM, we attempted to locate the slip from directions that were literally "at the circle at Solomon's go right, and the slip is across from the White House that sticks out on the point...".

The land directions were just as (in)accurate. I literally stood in the middle of the street in the rain so crew member Steve Seigel could find me. After Steve located me, we loaded him and his gear on board. We left the dock at 6:30 AM. According to the VHF, Crabby, Rob, Rick, and Matt were already fishing.

The last time I fished with Steve Seigel was thirty eight (38) years ago. Back then we fished in a rented (wood) row boat with Steve's 6 hp Evenrude outboard hung on the transom. No electronics, no color sounder, nothing, not even rod holders. We would sit in that open boat all day holding our rods looking for fish until it was dusk, too rough or too cold. On flat calm days we could run over to Poplar Island. I would come home red as a beet, tired, and excited if we caught fish. No complainin', just fishin'.

After a quick (undemocratic) vote, we ran South. With the exception of Cat Attack, it seemed like the rest of the Chapter had gone North. We fished alone. From the radio chatter, the action appeared to be hot at Cove Point. We got one quick hit, then another. The fish then seemed to develop lock jaw. Everyone in the Chapter said they were catching fish but us. I could not even locate fish on the sounder. We rode around for hours as Sivinski nodded off an on, and as Seigel and I harangued each other about where the fish were. The afternoon saw three more fish caught with one break off when a Power Pro main line separated from a mono leader.

After weigh in, we cleaned the boat and went to the Fire Hall for the Chapter dinner.

We soon learned that we had the Chapter big fish. Seigel reminded me whose decision it was to fish south. Early Saturday morning we ran back South because the big fish must be South. After a very slow morning, we trolled East towards Hoopers Island Light. Nothing. Matt Lacey telephoned me to inform me all of the fish he was throwing back. Thank's Matt.

On Sunday morning we'd just set out the lines when we heard Tony Talbart's radio transmission: "what time do the scales open... I think I have a big fish" (Congratulations to Tony... 5th place in the MSSA overall!) After an hour or two later, the WWB went off. After what appeared to be an eternity, the fish came into view. A big fish. Leader in sight. Seigel was ready to land the fish when the Power Pro main line separated from the mono leader for a second time.

Somewhat agitated, I commenced a spirited discussion on knot tying. Then there was an active discussion as to why it was called "fishing" and not "catchin'". Deliberations continued as to where the fish were, the inability to tie a good knot, how to steer a boat, eating someone else's lunch, and just about anything else that came to mind. By 2:00 PM, after a weekend of name calling, haranguing, ribbing, teasing, snoring, and kidding around, it was time to call it a weekend.

Driving home, I had the pleasure to speak with several Chapter members by telephone. It was unanimous, the gods had smiled upon us. Somehow the weather cooperated, everyone caught fish, Tony had a great shot of finishing in the money, no one got hurt, the Chapter dinner was a success, Gordon did not have to be towed in, and everyone seemed to have a great time.

So the question is: was your boat powered by Bitchen', Moanin', and Whinin'g? Or did you manage to have a great time and enjoy the weekend? We certainly did.

See you at the meeting.
Stephen Shechtel

Next Meeting

May 11th 2005:
Food service starts at 6:30
Meeting starts at 7:00

Speaker:
Captain Wayne Morgan, of the Charter boat Frayed Knot will be our featured speaker in April. Wayne runs a 25' Parker from the Deale to Breezy Point area and can usually be found at the fishing shows at the Tyler's Tackle booth. Wayne will speak on springtime rockfishing, his trolling pattern that includes the use of planer boards. Wayne is a wealth of knowledge and his presentation is right before our big tournament.

If you missed last month, Frank Darringer, the owner of Midshore Electronics in Cambridge Maryland, gave a great presentation on Radar and some electronics in general. He could literally talk for hours and I think everyone walked away learning something they did not know. He donated 2 VHF Fixed Mount Radios and another weather station radio worth well over $450. The chapter gave it away at the meeting to some lucky winners listed in the newsletter. If you have any questions feel free to give Adam or Frank a call at 410-228-7335.

Football Game Book Winners
 
Week n/a: awaiting next season.

Last Month's Raffle Winners
 
50/50:
Rock Bowie

Rod and Penn 330GTI Reel:
Robert Pelicott, Jr.

PVC Rod Holder:
Roger Wheeler

Big Mouth Billy Bass:
William Sangler

Fighting Belt:
Jack Ladover

Tuna Lures:
Charlie Appleby

Chapter Embroidered Cap:
Bill Walls

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 May are due April 22, 2005
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