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Canadian
Association of Smallmouth Anglers
PO
Box 2051, Fall River, Nova Scotia, Canada B2T 1K6
NEWSLETTER
- OCTOBER 2004
My,
how time flies!!
It
seems like only yesterday that the Executive published its spring
newsletter. At that time we reflected on the long winter that
we had collectively endured and spoke of hopes for a warm spring
and productive summer. While spring failed to live up to our
expectations the balance of the summer rebounded to produce
several weeks of fine weather and equally fine fishing. From
what I, and other members of the Executive have heard, most
people are reasonably pleased with this year’s fishing.
But
wait, the season is far from over!!
Nova
Scotia is fortunate to have warm fall weather with slow-to-cool
lakes. This all adds up to some very fine fishing when smallmouth
are at their peak of aggression and their stomachs overtake
their brains relative to plastic lures and shiny spinner-baits.
Which brings me to the first order of business – the infamous
IRONMAN!
Many
of you may not be aware that the extended fishing season in
Nova Scotia is the direct result of CASA’s lobbying of
the provincial government several years ago. To celebrate this
accomplishment, we created a one-day tournament that flies in
the face of whatever Mother Nature may have in store. From the
warmest of fall days to the dirtiest and coldest northeaster,
the brave souls of CASA have gathered each October for one final
test of their competitive (if not morbid) spirits – a test
of man or woman against the elements, a test of machine against
nature, a test if you can fish the best while complaining the
least about the weather!
This
year’s IRONMAN is scheduled for Sunday, October 17th, from
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Grand Lake. The IRONMAN will be followed
by our annual fall meeting to be held at the Grand Lake Fire
Hall, starting at 3:00. Entry is $20.00 payable to Eddie Halfyard
at the main boat launch.
At
a recent Executive meeting, it was decided to spice up the event
with some additional prizes and a guaranteed payout of $300.00
to the winner. Cash prizes will also be paid-out to the remaining
top five anglers as well as for the lunker. The awards ceremony
will take place at the fall meeting. In addition, we will have
a few door prizes along with a raffle. You must be in attendance
to win! Not planning to fish but planning to attend the meeting?
No problem – everyone who participates in the IRONMAN will
have their name entered into the door prize hat twice. Those
attending the meeting only will have their name entered once.
What better incentive for braving the elements!
Ken
Enta has once again agreed to supply his finest chile and rolls.
Add to that your preferred beverage and you are all set for
a brief but important update on matters important to the membership.
Some of the topics to be discussed:
* Mid-year financial report.
* New format for next year’s CASA tournaments
* Boat Launch initiatives.
* Changes to fishing regulations
* Update of various policy initiatives
Other Important Business
Let
me use the remaining space in this newsletter to update you
on a number of important items.
First,
I would be remiss if I did not bring to your attention the bravest
of struggles faced by one of our charter members over the past
several months. Many of you are aware of the extraordinary contributions
that Michael Robinson has made to our organization over the
past 15 years. Always in attendance at our key functions, Michael
has been at the centre of every policy initiative and regulatory
discussion of interest to CASA members. Whether writing letters
on our behalf, attending meetings with government agencies or
lobbying members of government behind the scenes, In many ways
Michael is responsible for the incredibly progressive and responsible
fishery that we all enjoy.
Many
of you will recall that Michael along with his younger brother
Tony, received lifetime memberships to CASA at our annual AGM.
What many of you were not aware of was the significant health
issues that Michael was facing including a very serious operation
that followed shortly after the AGM. Fortunately, through the
support of his family and the talents of his health providers,
Michael endured a difficult surgery and several weeks of recuperation.
Michael is now back on his feet and looking forward to resuming
his role as CASA’s primary government liaison. On behalf
of everyone at CASA, I want to extend our kindest wishes to
Michael and his courageous family.
Catch & Release Awards
Don’t
forget the important changes we have made to the annual Catch
& Release awards. Members are allowed to enter as many 18”
fish caught in Nova Scotia and 19” inch fish caught in
New Brunswick. All entries will be formally recognized at the
annual AGM, with the Catch & Release award to be decided
by draws from the various entries. Please forward all entries
to Marty Dodge.
Nova Scotia Sportfishing Weekend
Unfortunately,
this event always falls prey to late planning and poor advertising.
Not so for next year. The Executive wants to get an early jump
on this event in order to have a clear plan in place by the
AGM. Please give it some thought so that we can discuss ideas
at the fall meeting.
Jazzing up our CASA Tournaments
Let’s
face it – our numbers aren’t what they used to be.
With the exception of our Grand Lake event, our tournaments
at Little River and Porter’s Lake saw moderate attendance.
True, there are plenty of tournaments to choose from and the
cost of participating in tournaments has increased. Nonetheless,
CASA three family-oriented events serve as our primary fund-raisers
next to the AGM auction. Equally important, they are designed
to introduce juniors to the fun and excitement of tournament
fishing! The Executive has discussed this issue at great length
and has some ideas aimed at boosting both attendance and fun
levels. We would like to introduce these ideas at the fall meeting
with the view to finalizing plans at the AGM.
Tournament Standings
The
results are in! Unfortunately, only the Tournament Director
knows for sure who’s at the top of the standings. This
includes the top five juniors. While Eddie would be pleased
to share his information with the membership, the Executive
has decided to keep the standings confidential until the AGM.
The excitement must be unbearable!
Grand Lake Launch
The
launch (specifically the handicap access ramp) has been deteriorating
in recent years. CASA was the driving force behind this facility
– it now finds itself at the forefront of repairs. It’s
truly unfortunate that the Province cannot find the monies to
maintain or repair this ramp. Brian & Bryan Naugle have
agreed to look at the ramp with the view to costing required
repairs. We will then approach the Province with a cost-sharing
proposal to undertake repairs next spring.
For
those of you who are attending the IRONMAN, dress warm and take
lots of hot chocolate! For those unable to attend the tournament
or fall meeting, enjoy the rest of the season and stay in touch.
The best way to stay current is to visit our website via “novascotiafishing.com”
All
for now,
J.
Michael Hanusiak
President
C.A.S.A.
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