December 2005 Meeting Minutes

Members Present:

Bill          Cal          Allen      Eric         Mickey     Brent      Mike B      Paul B     Mike D    

Paul N    Dale        Carey      Pat          Dan         Rory G   Clay

President Report (Paul Becka):

• State of the National BASS Federation - instructed members to review and comment on articles posted on the MN Bass Federation site at the next club meeting. More information and updates will follow at future club meetings.
• Pomme de Terre rooming and attendance update.  Six rooms reserved.

V.P./T.D. (Carey Nordling):

No Report

Secretary/Treasurer (Allen York):

• Balance is $1306.83

Special Projects (Clay):

• TOC tournament:  Tentative participants include Paul B, Clay, Mickey, Mike D, Paul N, Bill and Cal.  Mike B may have reserved rooms for TOC?
• Clay sent out an email notifying members of the available menu at Fong’s for the club banquet.  Banquet date is February 18^th at 6:00pm.  Please choose your menu items and pay to the club by the next meeting.  A check will be cut to Fong’s once all dinners have been paid for.
• Dale mentioned inviting former members of the club to the banquet…no objections noted.

Data (Cal):

No Report

Internet (Mickey):

• Gave update on DNR creel surveys--104 records submitted to DNR biologist.
• Renewed club website/domain for another year.

Federation (Mike B):

• Cal gave report in Mike’s absence--MN BASS Federation minutes are available here
• Dale discussed a modification to the dead fish penalty in the club rules.  The change would be a moderate increase of 2 ounces in the penalty for each dead fish weighed in.  4 ounces for the first…6 for the second…8 ounces for the third, etc.  A secret vote was taken…results will be given at the next club meeting.

Education (Dale):

• Clay -  Shared helpful information on pitching docks/boats with bait caster.  A few pointers were: engage all 6 pins on magnetic brake, leave spool tensioner loose.  He prefers using #11 pork trailers for his jigs.  Also, practice, practice, practice!
• Dale is putting together the Year-In-Review and is looking for any information that will help in putting this together.
• Dale asked the club for other ideas for future education topics.

Conservation Director (Matt H):

No Report

Youth (Brent S):

• Bill Young:  Holy Family HS in Victoria is hosting a Casting Kids event.  The event will be held on February 4^th, 2006 from 1 - 4pm.  Children from Cub Scout Packs 303 & 330 will be attending.

New Business:

• Rory Gunderson was admitted to the club by a unanimous vote.  WELCOME RORY!!!
• Bill brought up for discussion about bringing in too many new members too quickly; doing so, could affect the club’s harmony.
• Sportsmens Bassmasters nominated and voted unanimously that John Murphy should represent the MN BASS Federation as it’s East Region Director.
• Mike B mentioned that the 2006 Sportmens Show will be coming the end of March.  The club will have Sunday, April 2, 2005 from 10-6pm to man the MN BASS Federation booth.  Attendees and times TBD.
• Mike B notified the club that there will not be a Bass & Walleye Expo this coming year.
• Dale brought up the $5.00 increase in BASS Federation dues for 2006.  After some discussion Cal seconded and the club unanimously voted to pay the increase.  This increase is due not later that 3/31/06.

Old Business:

• None

Next Meeting:

• Fong’s on January 26^th at 7pm.
• With no further business to report the meeting was adjourned.