Canadian Association of Smallmouth Anglers

PO Box 2051, Fall River, Nova Scotia, Canada B2T 1K6

NEWSLETTER - September 2005

Presidents Message

Tournament Scene

The October Meeting

CASA’s Future

Catch and Release Awards

The Nova Scotia Recreational Fishing League

Contact us!

Presidents Message

Once again, it’s that time of year. The air is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter and last but not least the “Ironman” is drawing near. Again, this year, it will be held on Grand Lake. It will be followed by a short meeting and Ken Enta’s famous chili and chowder at the Grand Lake fire hall.

Our tournaments this year have been poorly attended, resulting in a loss of money. I hope to see a big turn out at the Ironman and hope that the meeting after is full of new ideas and plans for the years to come.

See you there,

Martin Dodge

Tournament Scene

Our annual Ironman tournament will again be held on October 16 th 2005. If last year was any indication, Grand Lake will fish well! In fact, the weights from the previous Ironman were some of the best all year. Tournament hours run from 0800h to 1400h and the “by-the-boat” format will be continued. Also, as the Ironman is a money-in money-out tournament, the purse can be substantial with over $1000 going out last year!

As Martin stated above, the attendance thus far has been less than desirable and we have yet to realize a financial gain. In fact, money has been lost. As tournaments and the AGM auction are the two main money makers for the club, this should concern us.

A reminder to all that with the new tournament structure, Anglers-of-the-Year awards are non-cumulative and all it takes is one big bag to be in the lead. The same can be said for the Tournament-Season-Lunker award. Grand lake has the potential to break open both categories and as the Ironman counts in these categories, everyone should be gunning for the top! Also, Angler-Participation-Awards and Junior-Angler-Participation- Awards

The October Meeting

Again, following the Ironman tournament there will be a short yet important meeting discussing some of the following issues:

• Mid-Year Financial
• Direction of Club/ Volunteers
• Tournament Schedule/ Format 2006
• Lead Ban, Grand Lake launch, other initiatives

The meeting will be held at the Grand Lake firehall and the meeting will begin at 1500h. Graciously, Ken Enta has agreed to again supply us with goodies to greet our stomachs after a day of fall fishing. Add to this the prizes and draws, and you have a meeting you can’t afford to miss! Don’t forget, bonus tickets for the draws will be given for those attending both the tournament and meeting. Those attending only the meeting will however receive a single ticket.

CASA’s future

Once again, the season draws near and thought of fishing will be replaced by other past times and commitments. This coming off-season, give some thought to volunteering for the clubs executive. Whether its helping to organize events or lending ideas and resources at meeting, everything that CASA has become is because of volunteers. If CASA has provided you and yours with enjoyment over the years, perhaps its time to consider an executive position and ensure that the club we all love continues into the future. More on this at the October meeting!

Catch and Release Awards

As per usual, CASA members successfully catching and releasing a Smallmouth either in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick are eligible to enter the Catch and release award. As the current format allows for multiple entries, don’t be afraid to enter all qualifying fish to up your odds. I know that everyone has landed their share of lunkers this season so enter as often as you like.

* Please refer to the attached form.

The Nova Scotia Recreational Fishing League

I would like to take a little time to point out a proposal put forth by our own Michael Robinson. Michael has invested a great deal of thought and time into this latest project and the Nova Scotia Recreational Fishing League ( NSRFL) has amazing potential. The premise of the league would be that teams of 4 to 6 youth are mentored by at least 2 adults. These teams would then fish, on their schedule, once each week from May 14 2005 to June 24 2005.

Points would be awarded for the number of fish caught, number of species caught, length of each species etc. The team with the most points at the end of the season would be crowned champions. The time commitment involved is relatively low and the costs associated with fishing within the league would be minimal.

As Michael explained in the proposal set forth to the executive, “the league offers species equality, open to all junior anglers in the province and the opportunity to fish anywhere in Nova Scotia. Because this is also a team endeavor, the experience (or lack thereof) of an individual is equalized over the whole team - all skill levels have an opportunity to participate”.

I would encourage anyone interested to talk to Michael as the premise and potential for this league is amazing. I know adults and children alike will enjoy this program.

Contact us!

Don’t forget, you can always access up-to-date CASA information, day or night, on the webpage www.novascotiafishing.com/clubs/casa/ , or enter via www.novascotiafishing.com ! All executive contact information and more can be found on this page.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the 2005 bass season and look forward to seeing you at the Ironman tournament and meeting!

Canadian Association of Smallmouth Anglers

I, ______________________________________, declare:

1. That I caught a Smallmouth bass by legal angling methods on ______________, 2005.

2. That the bass was ____________inches and the girth was _____________inches.

(Closed mouth, pinched tail)

3. That the fish was caught in a public lake or watershed known as:

_______________ and successfully released in the same body of water.

(Lake or Watershed)

I declare the above statement to be true and correct. Dated the _____ day of _________, 2005.

Signature of Declarant: _____________________________

Certificate

I, _____________________________________, certify that I was present and witnessed

_________________________________ measure a Smallmouth bass which had a length

of __________ inches and a girth of _____________ inches.

__________________________ _______________________________________

(Date) (Signature of Witness)

________________________________________

(Address of Witness)

________________________________________

________________________________________

(Telephone Number)

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