NEWSLETTER – SPRING 2005
Spring is finally here and with it comes two important opportunities for CASA members. First and foremost, the opening of our lakes allows us to get back to what we love the most – bass fishing with friends and family! Second, we get a chance to renew old acquaintances and have some early season fun at the annual AGM!
That’s right, CASA’s 16 th Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 10 th at the Grand Lake Fire Hall. As usual doors will open at 10:00 am with the meeting to commence promptly at 11:00. The agenda will be posted by the first of April on our web site – please give it a look at www.novascotiafishing.com. A complete agenda package will also be available at the door.
The Year in Review
As I look back over the year, I must admit it has been a relatively quite period with few issues requiring CASA’s direct attention or intervention. In terms of conservation, we continue to support a ban on lead weights. This is a position that the membership adopted a number of years ago and continues to support to this day. In recent months, the matter has shown signs of renewed interest with government leaders. Our intention is to continue to press for the eventual ban of this toxic substance from our lakes and rivers. Michael Robinson has been our point man on this issue and will speak to the matter at the AGM.
The regulatory side of our fishery is in good shape. Through past efforts of CASA, we have been able to extend the length of our fishing season including the introduction of night fishing on several lakes. In my opinion, provincial regulations are balanced with a focus on sustainability – the spring spawn is protected, catch & release is now entrenched in our fishing practices, slot limits and lake-specific management practices have introduced province wide. It would be remiss of me if I did not take the time to recognize the fine efforts of our friends at Inland Fisheries who have faithfully responded to our requests for regulatory enhancement. Representatives of Inland Fisheries will be addressing the members at the AGM.
On the lighter side, our club tournaments experienced a jolt of renewed energy after a few years of rather poor participation. Perhaps it was the revised prize format or the change of lake venue. Whatever the case, an exceptional turn-out for the annual “Iron Man” left everyone in good spirits and anxious to return to the fun this season. Much of the credit goes to our tournament director- Eddie Halfyard, who faithfully arranged each event with great results and smooth weigh-ins. Stay tuned – we have some great ideas for this year’s tournament schedule!
This Year’s Sport & RV Show appears to have met with good success. Many thanks to those that volunteered their time to cover the booth. A special thanks to David Upright and Steve Watson for selling so many raffle tickets on the GPS Unit.
Finally, we continue to pursue a couple of matters that were left unresolved over the winter. First, we intend to work with the Province to make repairs to the boat launch at Grand Lake. Second, we have had two meetings with Provincial staff regarding access to Second Lake. This issue is moving very slowly, however, I hope that both the Province and the Halifax Regional Municipality will agree to the permanent opening of the access road for bass fishing and canoeists.
The Year Ahead
At its February meeting, the Executive pondered two important issues that will have a direct impact on this club. First, the number of junior members in the club has been in steadily decline. Where once our club tournaments were filled with eager kids and all-too-patient parents the numbers have been falling off at an alarming rate.
With this is mind the Executive has decided to dedicate this year to our “Youth”. The time has come for all members of the Club to rally the younger generation to the thrills of fishing and the enjoyment that comes from being on the water with friends and family.
Two things will highlight our efforts to increase the number of junior members. First, our tournament format will change to encourage and reward boaters who take a junior fishing. This includes a new, never before held spring “fun” tournament on Morris Lake. See the web site for additional details.
Second, we will be arranging a special day of fishing with a local scout troop to coincide with the annual sports fishing weekend. Our hope is to hold the event on Miller Lake in conjunction with an end-of-day barbecue and badge presentation. Full details should be available for the AGM.
The second issue is one that we have pondered every year for the last five years. OUR EXECUTIVE IS GETTING OLD IN THE TOOTH AND FEW NEW PEOPLE ARE COMING FORWARD TO TAKE UP THE REINS! As I look back over the past 16 years, I am struck by the fact that many of the current executive (including yours truly) has served in one form or another on the executive since the inception of CASA in 1989. The time has come to address this issue or face the real possibility that this organization will fail to exist in the very near future. Michael Robinson has chaired the nomination committee for several years. He has written a thoughtful article on this matter, which has been posted on our web site. I would ask that you take the time to consider Michael’s observations – this is a serious matter for which the answer to the problem rests solely with the members.
AGM Agenda Items
I am delighted to announce that Butch Collins, a teacher a Gaspereau Elementary School, has agreed to be our special guest speaker at the AGM. Butch is a well-known angler and an active member of the NSSA. He has a keen interest and talent in motivating youth to participate in the great outdoors. With this year’s focus on the next generation it would be great to see a large turn out of junior anglers at the meeting.
The AGM will also address a revised format to this year’s tournament schedule. For the past 16 years, we have faithfully held to a format that rewards the best individual three-fish limit. Top juniors have also been recognized. While this has worked for most events, many of our members have expressed concern that our tournaments are becoming too competitive. Where once the emphasis was on having “fun”, some have taken to absurdly early arrivals on the designated lake – worse, kids are being left ashore in favor a more aggressive tournament style fishing. No more – we have a plan to put the fun back into our tournaments. Unfortunately, you will have to wait until the AGM to hear the new format and offer your suggestions and/or comments.
Last but not least, the AGM will conclude with our famous if not infamous “CASA Auction’. This is our single biggest fundraising event of the year. It is also a barrel of laughs with plenty of good buys along with a few “What the heck is that?” items for the more adventurous bidder. The auction is only as successful as the items that you kindly donate to the Club. Please give generously – while fishing items are always a hit any household or automotive item is welcome.
Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting!
Regards,
J. Michael Hanusiak
President.
C.A.S.A.
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