...To improve skills as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of bass catching techniques and to preserve the future of Bass Fishing through conservation, youth and public awareness.
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 Mark Scocco |
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Greetings to all Bergen Members
February is here and the 2007 year is officially under way. Our first meeting is behind us with a decent turnout and the board announced a lot of great things in store for this year. At the last meeting, we voted in our first ever husband and wife team as Lou and Stacy Zhelesnik were approved by the membership to fill two open slots. Congratulations to those two, they are both great additions to the club. Andy's cousin signed on as a new observer quickly jumping to the top of a very short list. Of course, we are looking to add a few prospective new members over the next couple of months so bring anyone you know!The February meeting is on the 15th so be sure to take care of the Mrs. for Valentines Day so you won't catch any grief about going out the next day. At the meeting, we will be holding our annual Swap Meet so bring your used or unwanted rods, reels, and tackle. Rumor has it one member sold over $100 worth of goodies last year. I hope to see everyone in attendance, especially those couple of guys who have not made the past few. You know who you are! Come on down...we miss ya!
Although the first road trip of the year only had a few guys take the ride, we're expecting a good sized group to join the 2nd outing to Cabela's and Anglers Paradise in Pennsylvania. The outing is scheduled for Saturday, February 17th. The carpooling will depart from the Montville Diner on Route 46 west in Montville. Breakfast is at 6am and leaving immediately after we eat. Both locals are offering a group discount so it's a great chance to stock up before the season starts!
On Sunday, February 11th a total of 26 Bergen Bassmasters, along with family and friends, will be taking in a New Jersey Devils game. Hopefully, the first place Devils will not disappoint and score a lot of goals for the group to cheer! Many of our resident expert tailgaters plan to be stoking up a fire in the parking lot beforehand and the kids will be playing street hockey! Weather permitting, it should be a great outing.
We're also rapidly coming into show season. With the Timonium, Maryland show behind us, Suffern is on the horizon. Show dates are March 1st - 4th and once again, your truly, along with Brian Mahoney and Kirk stober will be representing Daiwa at our huge booth! Be sure to stop by and say hello. Former member Bob Puente and his partner Danny will have a booth for their tackle shop, and of course, the NJ Federation is always looking for volunteers to put time in at their booth. The show is essentially a kick off for many members as it indicates that ice out is soon to follow! Zoar and Lilly are usually open early and some guys have even discussed a live bait outing to the Hudson since there is now a Catch & Release season in NY.
Nick Albano and his tournament committee are getting permits back confirmed and our tournament trail is looking good for 2007. The Champlain Classic should prove once again to be memorable. Can John Hart repeat his consistent top performance from last year? Will Pat Van Wettering break through to capture his first ever Angler of the Year title? Or, will an old veteran like Kirk Stober or Nick Albano return to the winners circle? Can Stinky Steve capture his unprecedented 5th straight Classic? What non-boater will rise to the top this year like Renato did in 2006? With so many storylines to follow, I'm looking to a great season. Hopefully, I can somehow manage to find a few more fish than last year myself. Regardless, as long as my good friend Eddie Schickman is back after his accident, I'll have a great time no matter what!Eddie, get well soon.
Respectfully submitted,Mark Scocco
President - Bergen Bassmasters