Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Steelhead Society of BC on January 12, 2012, 10:11:32 PM
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The Steelhead Society of BC is presenting the annual general meeting on January 28, 2012.
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa378/chromemykiss/PosterIMAGESML.jpg?t=1326428362)
Time: 10:00 am
Location: BCGEU Fraser Valley Area Office , 8555 - 198A Street, Langley, BC
There will be a summary of this past year's actions and progress of the Steelhead Society of BC (SSBC). We will have membership renewals and SSBC swag on hand for purchase. Please note only SSBC members in good standing can attend the business meeting and elections proceedings. The business meeting consists of the president's report, the presentation of the Cal Wood's Award, treasurer's report, bylaw change and membership report. Also, there will be a briefing package and letter writing session regarding the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project. We will also have some great raffle prizes available.
Presenters:
Mike Wallis and Shawn Bennett, Wallis Environmental Aquatics Ltd: "Spius Creek Restoration Project"
Bob Hooton, former Steelhead biologist for the Ministry of Environments's Skeena region and author of "Skeena Steelhead": "State of the Skeena Steelhead"
Rob Bison, fisheries biologist for the Ministry of Environment managing the Thompson river Steelhead: "Current Science Re: Thompson River Opening"
We hope everyone can attend this exciting AGM. Thanks for all your support!
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Winter steelheading is in full swing in the Lower Mainland right now, but I hope you guys can come out to the AGM next Saturday. There are many issues going on in our province that threaten Steelhead at this present time. The Kokish river on Northern Vancouver Island is on the brink of being funnelled through a pipe and through a run of the river power project. The Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project is a 1,177km long pipeline that will carry 525, 000 barrels of petroleum per a day from Edmonton to Kitimat. This pipeline will wind it's course right through the watersheds of the Fraser, Skeena (Babine, Morice, Bulkely and Copper) and Kitimat rivers. The Skeena is home to the greatest intact wild Steelhead populations left on earth.
Please come out and listen to our great speakers and learn a few things about issues that threaten steelhead in BC. Also come out and see what you can do to help out our steelhead. If you want to continue to angle for these majestic fish in the future we must do what we can to protect and rehabilate the their home streams. We spend so much effort in pursuit of these great sport fish, can we not spend some of this effort to protect them? It's true a lot of us have only seen Steelhead on rivers in Lower Mainland streams, but can you imagine if the only Steelhead left are the hatchery supplemented runs in BC? These fish have evolved and adapted since the last ice age, will they survive the plight of human society?
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Kinda depressing theres so much attention to river conditions, weather updates, steelhead info and reports on here right now and theres not one member whos commented on this, other then the people who are allready involved in attending these and other SSBC get togethers I know of who will be in attendance(you guys know who you are).......very sad.
See ya there.
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i might go !
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I'll be there, pen at the ready ;)
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Kinda depressing theres so much attention to river conditions, weather updates, steelhead info and reports on here right now and theres not one member whos commented on this, other then the people who are allready involved in attending these and other SSBC get togethers I know of who will be in attendance(you guys know who you are).......very sad.
See ya there.
Yep. Look how many people jump on someone wearing a glove holding a fish... the number of replies is huge relative to any conservation-related thread.
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Yep. Look how many people jump on someone wearing a glove holding a fish... the number of replies is huge relative to any conservation-related thread.
haha so true. I wonder what people will attack each other for on here when the resource is gone?
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Kinda depressing theres so much attention to river conditions, weather updates, steelhead info and reports on here right now and theres not one member whos commented on this, other then the people who are allready involved in attending these and other SSBC get togethers I know of who will be in attendance(you guys know who you are).......very sad.
See ya there.
No easy answer or solutions to this situation as it happens all the time on so many environmental issues. For example in 10 years and with close to 40 cleanups on the Chilliwack Vedder River put on by the Chilliwack Vedder River Cleanup Society it always surprises us considing this river is on the most heavily fished river in BC used by thousands of fishers how few anglers do come out to these cleanups. Saying that there is a few FWR forum members that make most of the 3 cleanups we hold each year or have come to the odd one over the years.
Being involved for 30 plus years in many environmental issues over that time I have seen over that time what you are faced with. As I say no easy answers so all you can do is do the best you can and hope the few dedicated people in the many organizations like the SSBC will be able to preserve the environment, our wild fish stocks and fishing opportunities that so many of us hold dear to our hearts. It of course is a difficult task as they are under attack more and more each year as it seems the almighty dollar always comes first.
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Nice post Chris :)
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No easy answer or solutions to this situation as it happens all the time on so many environmental issues. For example in 10 years and with close to 40 cleanups on the Chilliwack Vedder River put on by the Chilliwack Vedder River Cleanup Society it always surprises us considing this river is on the most heavily fished river in BC used by thousands of fishers how few anglers do come out to these cleanups. Saying that there is a few FWR forum members that make most of the 3 cleanups we hold each year or have come to the odd one over the years.
Being involved for 30 plus years in many environmental issues over that time I have seen over that time what you are faced with. As I say no easy answers so all you can do is do the best you can and hope the few dedicated people in the many organizations like the SSBC will be able to preserve the environment, our wild fish stocks and fishing opportunities that so many of us hold dear to our hearts. It of course is a difficult task as they are under attack more and more each year as it seems the almighty dollar always comes first.
:'( that was beautiful.
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AGM is today guys!
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Kinda depressing theres so much attention to river conditions, weather updates, steelhead info and reports on here right now and theres not one member whos commented on this, other then the people who are allready involved in attending these and other SSBC get togethers I know of who will be in attendance(you guys know who you are).......very sad.
See ya there.
and where were you today ?
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i am not a member of the ssbc . but I do donate .
my opinion , as a outsider ..... Reading the Advertising poster for the "annual general meeting" just seems so boring that i would not even look twice or think about attending .
if membership and attendance is declining , why not try to make it more enjoyable to attend . don't take my suggestion as a insult to the hard work and dedication the people of such committee and societies do . they are saving this province fisheries and rivers . no doubt . But what about taking a different apporach to bringing awareness . other than stuffy "meetings"
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i am not a member of the ssbc . but I do donate .
my opinion , as a outsider ..... Reading the Advertising poster for the "annual general meeting" just seems so boring that i would not even look twice or think about attending .
if membership and attendance is declining , why not try to make it more enjoyable to attend . don't take my suggestion as a insult to the hard work and dedication the people of such committee and societies do . they are saving this province fisheries and rivers . no doubt . But what about taking a different apporach to bringing awareness . other than stuffy "meetings"
What would you suggest should be done to make it more enjoyable for more people attend? I am sure people that put similar meetings together would appreciate some positive suggestions and ideas.
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Chris , I think the young fellas wont relise till its gone..............remember what it was like ?
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Hi James,
As Chris stated, feedback is good and always appreciated! As per your post, thanks for donating as this is what keeps the front-line work for steelhead rolling along. Nobody enjoys attending a boring or stuffy meeting, but an annual AGM is part of the process with any charitable organization, just as it would be with any corporation. As the process dictates, we must stick to a fairly strict set of formalities with an event like this in order to take care of the business at hand. All that said, what we can do, is invite guest speakers, have raffle and 50/50 draws, and try to keep the mood as light as possible. In the case of this years AGM, we had Bob Hooton author of "Skeena Steelhead - Unknown Past, Uncertain Future"(great book by the way!!), Mike Wallis and Sean Bennett discussion current and past restoration projects incl. our Spius Creek Project, and Rob Bison. Rob Bison is the fisheries biologist with the Ministry of Environment, whose work gave way to this year's Thompson opening. He gave us a look at just why the Thompson was opened, the science behind it, and what we might be able to expect in upcoming years. Quite a unique opportunity to hear a few of the top steelhead experts speak and get a far better understanding of what is going on with the Thompson first-hand.
As far as finding more enjoyable ways to get people to attend and get involved; that's the idea behind events like our Spius Creek - Pub night fundraiser that was held at the Bourbon a short while ago. Lots of fun, and no particular agenda other than rasing awareness and funds to get the most important work done.....on the rivers themselves. Look for a LOT more events like this in the future from SSBC!!
Our ears are always open to any suggestions you might have, and I encourage anyone that would like to get involved to become a member. Many hands make light work.
Cheers!
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I apologize for the negative comment referring to the "stuffy" room etc ... it wasn't my intention to cast negativity about what the ssbc is doing . I guess I should have been there to be able to better relate to the atmosphere . I din't realize that there were rules/guidelines that needed to be followed as far a the AGM .
I think the ssbc is doing a great job , and it is appreciated by many .
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Hi James,
No sweat whatsoever. The kudos on the SSBC's work are completely appreciated!
The best thing for any of these organizations is membership....and we simply can't get enough. Just remember, more members = a louder and stronger voice for all things steelhead. Also helps if we can spread the word far and wide when it comes time to raise funds and awareness for various issues. Here's a link: http://www.steelheadsociety.org/become-member
As far as positive suggestions for getting folks involved and to come out to our events, again, we're all ears :)
Cheers!
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Why have the AGM on a saturday? Most people work monday-friday and spend their weekends broken between chores around the house, family and fishing. Also I only ever hear of the AGM is there no other meetings that my membership money would go to? More than just sign up pay your membership fee and see you next year would be an idea too. Have a summer BBQ maybe where families can get involved. Heck the summer event could even be on a river or stream that the SSBC is doing some work on or at a hatchery possibly. The only time I ever hear of the SSBC is this time of the year when they whine that their membership is down and can't get the "younger generation" into the society. Maybe it's not the younger generation, maybe it's the fact that the society is not in touch with the younger generation by not being out there with some advertisement, events or something.
But that's just my thoughts and opinion. Maybe I just live in a cave and don't get away from family, work and fishing enough to see some advertisement or attempt to appeal to the younger generation.
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Why have the AGM on a saturday? Most people work monday-friday and spend their weekends broken between chores around the house, family and fishing.
If it was durring the week you would complain because you had to work. There is no one day that will work for everybody so you have to pick A day.
The AGM is a meeting that all members are invited to, but there are meeting every month that directors attend to discuss the best ways your money can help steelhead and what projects to get involved in.
Through out the year there are projects posted that volenteers can help out with.
There was recently a spius creek Thompson river steelhead fundraiser pub night in Vancouver at a good pub with live band and auction.
There are call outs to help by sending letters when there is an issue they are trying to build a voice against.
They are present at the M&Y spey clave which is a popular well attended event.
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I thought the speakers were awesome and actually leaned a lot at that meeting. The "formal" part of it was much shorter that the guests speakers, and in fact there were so many questions that the meeting went Well over the projected time. Unfortunately I had to leave before I heard the society-specific information and election part of it, but I know that the majority of the meeting was far from boring.
I believe the SSBC does great work and am both proud and happy to have paid my dues and bought a hat in support to their cause and to help spread awareness on the rivers, and encourage others to do the same - for, as Rob Hooton said: "these are the good old days", and we as anglers should make every effort to conserve the resource which we care so dearly about, for we too are taking from it.
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again I hear it ...."whats in it for me" how about looking at the SSBC web site and READING about the various projects your money goes to.
how about do it for the fish ! you take from them all year long and spend thousands doing it , but wont donate a few hours to find out whats really going on.
like I said I would have rather gone fishing too.
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that the SSBC is doing some work on or at a hatchery possibly.
if you read about the SSBC you would see that they do not support a hatchery program.
WILD FISH WILD RIVERS
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If people came to these maybe, like you say, they would see what's really going on and theoretically have a stronger voice tht may be better heard and lead to better returns for us to take from as a result of say, commercials and FN negotiations
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if this thread were to have taken place before the agm , maybe more would have attended ?
this kind of "talk" is what gets peoples attention and gets people out to meetings .
Publicity is publicity , regardless if it is good or bad , here we are discussing the bad side of the meeting . but it is making wish I had gone to the meeting .
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if this thread were to have taken place before the agm , maybe more would have attended ?
this kind of "talk" is what gets peoples attention and gets people out to meetings .
Publicity is publicity , regardless if it is good or bad , here we are discussing the bad side of the meeting . but it is making wish I had gone to the meeting .
True. IMHO it was very informative. I'll never get another chance to ask fisheries biologists questions in that setting again. I was impressed. Free food was also a bonus ;)
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I had hoped to make this meeting (and to renew my membership) but my wife was called in to work so I had to stay home with the kids. It sounded like as interesting a AGM as one could hope for. Not sure how you could make it more interesting without hosting it streamside.
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if you read about the SSBC you would see that they do not support a hatchery program.
WILD FISH WILD RIVERS
I have read the SSBC and understand wild fish wild rivers. However I only mentioned at a hatchery because the opportunity to have younger children at a hatchery where they can see fish and capture their attention is a GREAT way to have them get into the sport. I guess me having some kids from the "younger generation" which the SSBC so badly wants to have as members wouldn't care for some input on how to get those members. I never said they had to support a hatchery, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a BBQ where kids can see fish and learn about them to get them hooked on the sport. Then depending on their age take them out fishing weeks or years later and explain the SSBC angle to them. I have also been to an AGM and found that if I didn't prance around with feathers and a spey rod that I was a lesser angler. That is the impression that I got and maybe that's why membership numbers are down, as there is less gear guys going these days? I'm all there for helping steelhead however I have never seen any notices on fishing forums about events or meetings or anything.
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"I have also been to an AGM and found that if I didn't prance around with feathers and a spey rod that I was a lesser angler"
well over half of the room is gear fishers.....like me.
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"I have also been to an AGM and found that if I didn't prance around with feathers and a spey rod that I was a lesser angler"
well over half of the room is gear fishers.....like me.
Hahahaha... Very well put Jim!.....Hahahaha ;D
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members of the SSBC have hosted youngsters at the Fraser valley hatchery in the recent past, for the very reasons you stated; I hope we can do so again in the near future.
Not to be confused with supporting the use of Hatchery Steelhead in wild rivers. I would rather see monies and time spent on habitat restoration or protection, with the aim to encourage the growth and quality wild steelhead populations. Science seems point out that over population can also be a detriment to the surviving wild populations of wild rivers.
As for what you do to help, that is up to you, the SSBC is just one of the many groups. I'd encourage any parent to involve their kids as joint family effort. Who knows, maybe one or two of them just might be the Fish advocates that take over from those of present day folks. I'd be really happy if Kids had credits for doing so at school; Hey sports does ,why not River/fishery advocacy?
What it boils down to, is that being involved at least you can have input; giving up a day on occasion is a cheap donation towards the Stewardship cause. I certainly would be happy to compile a list of those that are able to be called on should the manpower be required.
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So you only gear fish Jim? No fly or spey? When I was there and said I only gear fished I was looked down upon it felt like. Sort of the same way as when trying to fish the "Y" run on the Thompson or the graveyard run. All the spey guys get in a HUGE huff even though I come in the run behind them, take my time and keep my distance from them. I still have had threats of smashed windshields and flats tires from anglers wearing SSBC hats. Maybe you're an individual that truely cares for the fish and don't care what method is used to fish for them though.
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It would be easier and more informative for one to check something out before reservIng judgement based on assumptions and generalizations. Jus sayin'
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Sandy - WVSS has a EPN (environmental protection network) class for high school students. It's partnered with a small organization I belong to in west van. Students get credit for the course and conduct spawner surveys and small habitat restoration projects on small creeks - such as invasive species removal, planting shady trees for rearing fry etc. it would definitely be nice to see more schools come on board.
float fisher - anyone can buy a SSBC hat online... it's a shame they threatened you though nonetheless
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Sandy - WVSS has a EPN (environmental protection network) class for high school students. It's partnered with a small organization I belong to in west van. Students get credit for the course and conduct spawner surveys and small habitat restoration projects on small creeks - such as invasive species removal, planting shady trees for rearing fry etc. it would definitely be nice to see more schools come on board.
float fisher - anyone can buy a SSBC hat online... it's a shame they threatened you though nonetheless
That is good news! I'm not sure how one would try to take this further with the other SB's or schools. Is it the headmaster's discretion or is it from the school board or even the province. Ecology ?
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fishunter I guess you're right about buying the hat online. It never popped into my head when I typed what I did while I recalled the memory. But yeah why do the spey anglers think they're far superior to gear guys and think they own the "T". A different time in a different thread I guess, but I think it would get too heated and be shut down lol.
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"I have also been to an AGM and found that if I didn't prance around with feathers and a spey rod that I was a lesser angler"
well over half of the room is gear fishers.....like me.
and me allbeit part time.
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it's a shame they threatened you though nonetheless
I agree. As a fly fisher, I am shocked and appalled. I hereby revoke my membership in such a narrow-minded and elitist institution. :-[
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I agree. As a fly fisher, I am shocked and appalled. I hereby revoke my membership in such a narrow-minded and elitist institution. :-[
I'd suggest folks ask around especially so with the BOD, yes there are many flyfishers, some even are spey caster, BUT I think just as many are gear fishers. I know I fish with either, depending on conditions ,mood or health on that particular occasion.
ALL are doing it because they care about the Fish and it's habitat.
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Sandy - WVSS has a EPN (environmental protection network) class for high school students. It's partnered with a small organization I belong to in west van. Students get credit for the course and conduct spawner surveys and small habitat restoration projects on small creeks - such as invasive species removal, planting shady trees for rearing fry etc. it would definitely be nice to see more schools come on board.
There are a whole bunch of schools involved in fisheries programs tailored to different age groups. Check out this website... http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/education/index-eng.htm
No need to reinvent the wheel. Other organizations also have curriculum aids focusing on aquatic environmental education (TU for example)
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Sandy - WVSS has a EPN (environmental protection network) class for high school students. It's partnered with a small organization I belong to in west van. Students get credit for the course and conduct spawner surveys and small habitat restoration projects on small creeks - such as invasive species removal, planting shady trees for rearing fry etc. it would definitely be nice to see more schools come on board.
We have one high school here in Maple Ridge that has a course that is geared towards the enviroment. It is run by KEEPs at Samuel Robertson Technical school and is a great program.
This year the school district started a partnership with SFU and started an Enviromental school for kids in K-Grade 7 and it is an amazing program. My son is in it and he loves it. It is a 5 year pilot program with hopes that it will really catch on and it will become a permament program. These kids spend their entire day everyday outside in the elements. They have started working with the Alouette river management society doing work in the upper reaches of the river. I could go on and on about what great things they get to do.
I hope that in the future it will be in alot more of the school districts as this will get that younger generation involved.
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fishunter I guess you're right about buying the hat online. It never popped into my head when I typed what I did while I recalled the memory. But yeah why do the spey anglers think they're far superior to gear guys and think they own the "T". A different time in a different thread I guess, but I think it would get too heated and be shut down lol.
Haha...I think that has come up several times in other threads lol so...no comment ;D
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The same discussion is taking part on flybc and I've posted my thoughts on this subject over there because most participants in that thread are SSBC members, take a look if interested:
http://forum.flybc.ca/index.php?s=&showtopic=35452&view=findpost&p=417551
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Those that are inclined to join (details)
http://www.steelheadsociety.org/become-member
The Form ( with paypal details)
http://www.steelheadsociety.org/sites/default/files/SSBCMembershipForm.pdf
or to donate
http://www.steelheadsociety.org/donate
joining up is great ,joining up and being active and involved is better :) As for the negative talk of methodology of Angling, most could care less, as long as it;s legal within the regs.
The Past? is what it is, we have to learn from past mistakes to plan for the future.
Finaly got an idea or have a project that you need help with?? get in touch !
got questions , get in touch with me or any other Director on the list.
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So you only gear fish Jim? No fly or spey? When I was there and said I only gear fished I was looked down upon it felt like. Sort of the same way as when trying to fish the "Y" run on the Thompson or the graveyard run. All the spey guys get in a HUGE huff even though I come in the run behind them, take my time and keep my distance from them. I still have had threats of smashed windshields and flats tires from anglers wearing SSBC hats. Maybe you're an individual that truely cares for the fish and don't care what method is used to fish for them though.
flyfish and gear fish....still manage to go through 50 lbs of roe a year.
if guys look down at you they have a problem.....heck I might fish the thompson with bait next year just so i can brush up on my boxing....lol
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Its funny how some guys pick up a fly rod and are all of a sudden expert steelhead fishermen,that know more then the other guy who has been doing it for 25+ years
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if guys look down at you they have a problem.....heck I might fish the thompson with bait next year just so i can brush up on my boxing....lol
Love it!
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I'm hoping to take my new jetski out there and flog away.