President's Newsletter.

June 2007 

CONCLAVE CAPERS

Well, from all accounts, the 40^th Anniversary Conclave was a success. A lot of fish were caught and I might add that a significant number of them were of decent size. The bass ranged from 30” to schoolies in the 18” to 20” range, all of which were released in good shape. The 30” Bass was caught by new member John Kelly with the aid of a kayak so it did not count for the tournament. That didn’t bother John one bit since he won it anyway with a 29 incher. Brian Bifano had the second largest fish that measured 26.25” which he caught on his infamous black deceiver. He must have used a digital tape measure but to no avail. He could not squeeze another 3.751” out of it.  Mike Wolyniec  and Jaiem Fleishman were right behind Brian, each with a 26” Bass.

Saturday morning was eventful as Mother Nature provided a spectacular fireworks display with thunder and lightening which hit a power pole near the Sound View Restaurant and knocked out the power. So much for David Skok’s slide presentation! But that did not deter us as Jose shifted gears and set up his condo (nice digs Jose) for David to show us how to tie his famous mushy fly. Yours truly, as well as a few other attendees tied along with David. We indulged in some group therapy as we learned David’s technique for blending super hair.

We broke for lunch, decided to skip the presentation and headed for McCabe’s Beach for a casting clinic. David was to start at the East end of the beach and work his way West helping casters along the way. Well someone at the east end must have needed a lot of help!?...... No matter, we caught more fish.

Saturday night turned out to be the time and Goldsmith’s the place. The big Bass were rolling and quite a few were caught including the tournament winner. Rino is still trying to figure out what he was doing wrong as he couldn’t buy a hit. For those of you who might not know, Rino Bratteli was inducted into the Salty’s Hall of Fame. Congrats Rino. No more dues!

Let’s see, what else is there? Oh yeah, The Avondolio clan was present in full force and Don Jr. out fished Dad with a 25“ Bass vs. a 22” Bass for Dad. Wait till next year JR! Also, Salty Hall of Fame member, Tom Cousins and his lovely wife, Barbara, joined us for dinner. Can you imagine? Tom at 78 years young won the LI Senior Game’s Golf Tournament, for his age group, with an 87! Show us the way Tom!

Congratulations are also in order for Clyde Seibert, from Delaware, who won the Scott rod. His wife Loretta quipped “I wonder how much the new reel, which of course he will need to go with the new rod, is going to cost us”? Happy shopping Clyde!

Twenty two of the thirty-five attendees turned in fishing reports and the results are attached.

Many thanks to all who participated in the week end, especially those who made it happen. It is no small task to put an event like this together but our board members make it look so effortless. Thanks again.

Next meeting is Wednesday, July 11 at APEC. There will be a SWAP MEET and a General Meeting so bring your surplus gear and some new ideas for improving the club. If you have a fly line and you are not sure of its weight, bring it along. The club now has a scale and together with Dave Sekeres’ chart we can figure it out.

Keep ‘em tight,

Bill