CONTENTS CONTENTS HOW Coalition, D.C. Trip Report, 15-16 MWS Board Minutes, 17 MSSFA Executive Director’s Report, 18-19 MSSFA Board Minutes, 20-21 Big Fish Rules and Form, 22 Classifieds/Pays to Belong, 23-25 Sponsors, 26-29 Calendar and Upcoming Events, 2-5 MUCC Rod and Gun Raffle, 6 Membership Renewals, 7 Mount Your Big Fish for FREE!, 8 Tournament/Event Reports, 9-11 LSSU Gratification Letter, 12 Monthly Featured Articles, 13-14 April, 2015 April, 2015 April, 2015
Transcript
CONTENTSCONTENTS
HOW Coalition, D.C. Trip Report, 15-16
MWS Board Minutes, 17
MSSFA Executive Director’s Report, 18-19
MSSFA Board Minutes, 20-21
Big Fish Rules and Form, 22
Classifieds/Pays to Belong, 23-25
Sponsors, 26-29
Calendar and Upcoming Events, 2-5
MUCC Rod and Gun Raffle, 6
Membership Renewals, 7
Mount Your Big Fish for FREE!, 8
Tournament/Event Reports, 9-11
LSSU Gratification Letter, 12
Monthly Featured Articles, 13-14
April, 2015April, 2015April, 2015
2 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
The Metro-West Steelheaders meet the first Tuesday of every month.
Open to all members and public. Location: Livonia Senior Center,
Southeast corner of Farmington & Five Mile Roads.
15218 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
Date: 1st Tuesday of each month.
Time: 7:00 pm
For further information, call Larry Tabaka,
517-546-2824 or 313-215-8879
Metro-West Steelheaders
Web Site: www.metroweststeelheaders.org
MSSFA Web Site: www.michigansteelheaders.org
APRIL 11 Detroit River Walleye Tournament Chair: Bill Gagnon/Lucas
18 Muskegon River Tournament Chair: Adam Trenz
25 Brown Trout Tournament Manistee Chair: Zawacki/Ringer
MAY 5 General Membership Meeting
9 Toledo Beach Memorial Walleye Tourn. Chair: Larry Tabaka
16 Benton Harbor Salmon Tournament Chair: Chris Thompson/Kruszewski
23 Kelley’s Island Walleye Tournament w HV Chair: Phil & Dennis Kelley
JUNE 2 General Membership Meeting
6 Lake Erie Walleye Tournament - Sat w/HV Chair: TBD
7 Lake Erie Walleye Tournament - Sun w/HV Chair: Dennis Kovacs - HV
13 Kids Fishing Outing at Kensington Park Chair: Jim Robertson/Brad Allan
20 Lake Erie Walleye Tournament Chair: Fabian Sepulveda
JULY 7 Club Summer Picnic Chair: Jeff Kruszewski
9 Erieau Tournament - Erieau, Canada Mid-Week Chair: Jim Robertson
11 Erieau Tournament – Erieau, Canada Chair: Chris Christoph/Ron Bellemore
18 Clinton River Clean Up Day Chair: Adam Trenz
23 Ludington Salmon Tournament – Thu w TCAS Chair: Gale Frazee/Tom Abdelnour
25 Ludington Salmon Tournament - Sat w TCAS/HV Chair: Mark Platt/Dave Zawacki
26 Ludington Salmon Tournament - Sun w TCAS/HV Chair: Dave Zawacki/Ted Ringer
AUGUST 4 General Membership Meeting
8 Salmon Tournament – Manistee - Sat w TCAS Chair: Eric Braden/Bill Gagnon
9 Salmon Tournament - Manistee - Sun w TCAS Chair: Chris Christoph/Henry Nabors
15 Salmon Tournament - Frankfort w TCAS Chair: Tom Hesch/Bill Dodge
22 Salmon Tournament – Holland Chair: Larry Tabaka
SEPTEMBER 1 General Membership Meeting
12 Salmon Tournament – Frankfort w/TCAS Chair: Mike Hartrick
19 Manistee River Tournament w/TCAS & Fishin’ Michigan Chair: Mark Lewallen
26 Muskegon River Tournament Chair: Bob Thomas
OCTOBER 3 Steelhead Alley River Tournament (Include Elk Cr. PA) Chair: Phil Bustos
10 Vermillion Walleye Tournament w HVS Chair: Jim Robertson
17 Au Sable River Tournament Chair: Dave Novelli/Adam Trenz
24 Pere Marquette River (Flies Only Section) w TCAS Chair: Phil Bustos
NOVEMBER 3 General Membership Meeting
5 Captain/Crew/River Angler 2016 Calendar Meeting
7 River Tournament Manistee w DS Chair: Mark Platt
boat. I will also have forms avail to fill out at the March
and April meetings. Standard mws rules apply. Cost
$10.00 a head and $10.00 per boat for big fish optional.
Looking forward for some fish on!
Bill Gagnon
2015 Metro West & MSSFA Membership Challenge
The Membership Challenge for 2015 is off and running!
We anticipate a lot of visitors at the upcoming General Meetings - and lots of new members joining at those times. Talk to visitors at the meetings and become a sponsor of a new member. Help the club grow AND get a chance to win one of the prizes. The same contest rules will be in affect as used in the 2014. See Henry Nabors to learn more about how
to participate in the contest if you have questions!
All members are eligible to participate in the challenge!
Muskegon River Tournament, Saturday April 18th Event Chair: Adam Trenz
6 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
7 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Membership Renewals
Please see me at the May 5th meeting to pay your dues. You can renew by cash, check or credit card. If you do not plan to be at the meeting, please mail a check or credit card info to MWS, 1689 Norfolk, Birmingham, MI 48009 or call credit card info to 248 225 4964. The Expiration date is YY MM. Henry Nabors, Membership Director
Last First Exp Dues
Makowski Scott 15 02 40
McCaffery Terry 15 03 40
McCoy Dave 15 04 40
McGregor Robert 15 04 40
Mills Bob 15 04 40
Nelson Rod 15 04 40
Ocharleus Nick 15 04 40
Olari Bob 15 04 40
Posa Chris 15 04 40
Power Jim 15 04 40
Prieur Larry 15 02 40
Ringer Ted 15 04 40
Rood Daniel 15 04 40
Rossetti Remo 15 03 40
Rutledge Robert 15 04 40
Schroeder Adam 15 04 40
Sheeran Margaret 15 04 40
Simko Jr. George 15 04 40
Skrobot David 15 03 40
Stav Todd 15 02 40
Surma Ron 15 03 40
Traczyk Dennis 15 02 40
VanDeWater Roger 15 03 40
Welch Paul 15 04 40
Werner Jerome 15 04 40
White Len 15 03 15
Yoo Jim 15 04 40
Ziemba Frank 15 03 40
Last First Exp Dues
Alexander Nick 15 04 40
Baker Dave 15 04 40
Barone Clement 15 02 40
Bissell Karl 15 03 40
Bolton Fred 15 04 15
Boulter Al 15 03 40
Burcar Joseph 15 04 40
Bustos Jeff 15 04 25
Bustos Phil 15 03 40
Ciesla Jerome 15 04 40
Clark Evan 15 02 40
Dougherty Kevin 15 03 40
Drews Jim 15 04 25
Flavin Steve 15 02 40
Glowski Kenneth 15 04 40
Gobhardt Scott 15 03 40
Gordon James 15 04 40
Gordon Stephen 15 04 40
Gregalit Ron 15 04 40
Jackson Phil 15 04 40
Jansen Phil 15 04 40
Kelley Dennis 15 03 40
Kipp Ernie 15 03 40
Klei Eric 15 03 40
Koziol Lenard 15 02 40
Lengyel John 15 04 40
Liparoto Dominic 15 04 40
Lubaway Matt 15 03 40
Macek Ken 15 04 40
Makowski Mark 15 04 40
8 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Time to Update! WANTED! Big Steelhead & King Salm-on for Display Mount Updates! Get Your Trophy Mount-ed at NO COST to YOU!
The Plan: Jeff Bustos is heading up the effort to replace the clubs current Steelhead display mount. During the January 2014 Board Meeting Jeff made the pitch for three new mounts. At the May 2014 Board Meeting funding was approved for Taxidermy and transport cases for one fish. Funding for the remaining two pro-posed mounts will be reviewed and approved as the process progresses in 2015. A Taxidermist has been selected to pro-vide “skin on” mounts, for a Winter Male Steel head (Pink/Red Cheeks), a Summer Big Lake Steelhead and a Summer Big Lake King.
If you decide to “Donate” your fish for update of the MWS Show & Outreach Display’s:
What you get: Bragging Rights!! Your name w/ date caught & weight, will be engraved on a brass tag located on the display base.
Criteria: All submittals must be in good condition (No broken backs, prop or lamprey marks… please). Winter River Male (Pink/Red Cheeks): Minimum Weight (Close to): 14 Lbs Summer Big Lake Steelhead: Minimum Weight (Close to): 14 Lbs Summer Big Lake King: Minimum Weight
(Close to): 27 Lbs [Silver phase only] Note: 1) Selection will be based on a first
come first served basis, except where more than one fish may be available. If more than one fish is submitted, say at a MWS event, then the “Better Looker” will be selected, 2) Minimum Weights: We want a “Big Fish”, but also want a mount ready for the 2016 shows, so if you get a 12.5# Steely, or a 25# King, send a Pic to Jeff for a ruling (May be accept-ed).
What to do: 1. Confirm weight of Fish. 2. Take a picture and send it to Jeff Bustos ASAP for a ruling (accept/decline) and so he can get word into the Taxidermist to coordinate pick up & drop times. 3. Follow the attached instructions for care & transport. Field Care Guidelines: Any questions, call Jeff Bustos at (734) 968-6143, or E-Mail at [email protected]
Sammy Steelhead is being retired
9 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Out-Door-Rama Wrap Up Report Event Chairman: Mark Platt
Congratulations Metro West for putting on another great
show, Out-Door-Rama was a huge success. I say the same
thing every year,we put a smile on at least 1,000 kids faces
with our fishing machine. A really big THANK YOU to
Hermann Christoph for helping me run the show and for
putting in as many hours as I.
Another Thank You to John Anderson for all the hours you
spent there impressing the crowd with your fly-tying talents.
Another Thank You to the Bustos brothers Phil and Jeff for tak-
ing care of our electronics and fishing machine. These two guys
not only store this stuff in their homes seeing how it would not
last very long in the storage shed but then they bring to the show
and set it all up and take it down when the show is over. Speaking of storing stuff, Thanks Jim Robertson for storing the
backdrops and other stuff in your boathouse. And a REALLY BIG THANK YOU to the 40 members who worked the
show, I'm pretty sure that's the most help I've ever had!
I want to say the best part
of the show (Now picture
this in your mind) we got a
kid sitting in the chair (we
should get a better chair)
Bob Thomas is showing
this kid the ropes, Fran
Gee has the remote. She
pushes the start button, the
fishing machine goes
through the beginning song
and than WAM the fish
hits, the rod and kid comes
flying out of the chair so as
Bob is trying to catch the
kid Fran is hollering FISH
ON and the battle is on.
I'm not sure who is having
the most fun?!?!?
10 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
By now you have
probably heard that the
Sportsman's Banquet was a
huge success. It really
was. There were many, many
people who contributed their
time and their hard earned
money to make this work.
The committee who put this
together had a their number
one goal to run the banquet as
much like Marty and his wife
Kelly Drum did as possible.
We really wanted live up to
their phenomenal standard.
Marty and Kelly created and
documented the process for us and checked in with us to make sure we got it right and we did!
The net proceeds from the banquet after all costs were $24,600 plus. We are going to be able to send a lot of kids to camp this sum-
mer, among other good works.
At least two dozen people did all
the work to run this event. We had
a committee of board members
who each took on important
tasks. We had members shop for
the vast number of prizes. Mem-
bers printed, counted and distrib-
uted the thousands of raffle tick-
ets. Members started putting to-
gether prizes at 10:00 am Satur-
day and didn't stop until after 4:00
pm. Finally members and others
ran the event for about 300 folks
to have a great party.
We are still working on a docu-
ment that properly credits all the
people who contributed to the
event. Thank you Marty and Kelly
for laying the groundwork so we
could pull this off. We could not
have done this without you!
Sportsman’s Banquet; Another Success for MWS! Submitted by: Mark Davis
11 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Thanks to my wife and I we had some warm spring weather for the spring steel-head challenge, brought it back from Puerto Rico we did! Came home Monday and headed up to Manistee on Friday. Tournament day was Saturday so I did want to head up earlier to get in some practice but the job I had going wouldn't allow it. Both Adam and Bob got some practice in on Friday but it sure didn’t help them out on Saturday which happens quite regularly, you do well on practice day than do nothing on tournament day. With the warmer weather the ice was breaking up fast, according to the reports the lower half of the river opened up Friday, we put in at Rainbow on Saturday
and only saw a couple chunks of ice come floating by all day. The warmer weather and no rain made the snow melt slow so the river was in good shape, only 200 cfm's higher than normal and coming up a degree a day, things were look-ing pretty promising. Metro West had a pretty nice turnout, missing a couple of our big hitters but we still had a good line-up. The Detroit Steelheaders on the other had did not have a very good showing and was missing their big hitters making the challenge a little un-even, you know it's been this way before and we still end up losing. This time was no different except we lost by inches, to be exact 1 and a quarter inch! We did have two fish caught and measured but only the steelhead counted be-tween Detroit and ourselves. Catherine Withrow caught a 16 inch brown trout which beat out everybody else in Metro West because the steely that was caught by the crew on MY BOAT was not a member of Metro West. Phil Bustos does the final paperwork but I believe that puts Catherine in second place, knocking me down to third, one point behind Adam. Congrats Catherine! Still bad day fishing is better than a good day at work!!! I want to pass out a few Thank’s You, first one going to Adam for all the help in
putting this thing on. Second one going to his significant other for the delicious Chile, Thanks Krissy ! Third one going to John And Joyce of North Woods cabins for helping us out with cab-ins and propane and wood for the campfire, Thanks. Last but not least, to the Good Lord for a Beautiful River, fishing boat and the fish that it catches.
Manistee Steelhead Challenge Tournament Report Event Chairman: Mark Platt
12 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Lake Superior State University Letter of Appreciation for Donation
13 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Once upon a time my Wife (and Captain) Michelle picked out a little
more boat than I wanted to handle. I joined Metro-West 7 yrs ago to
learn about the many ports around Michigan, so that we could get as
much use out of our new vessel, as a Family (and minimize the learning
curve). I started Crewing for Captain Herman “Chris” Christoph
(Copied in Henry’s E-Mail). Chris was very open and willing to share
responsibilities on board his boat. Being a crewmember you will get a
chance to do everything that you would do owning a boat, but have the
security of being with a bunch of other knowledgeable fisherman. I still
crew on board ether “The Reel Affair” , or “The Fisheye” at least twice
a year, as well as run my boat the “Lured Away” at several MWS
events each year.
Crewman Stuff: At launch getting lines ready, taking care of ramp fees, or
actually launching the boat & parking the truck & trailer while the cap-
tain brings the boat around to the slip. Docking: Grabbing anything you can reach for a safe stop in the slip, as well as running dock lines & bumpers for tie up. Rigging rods & pulling lures for the first trip out. Provisions: icing up the coolers, bring along some favorite snacks to share! You share the trip cost. The captain generally
includes all of the cost and divide by the number of crew members. Gear: Generally speaking you do not bring any equipment because the captain has his set up. You can ask if you should
bring any but usually you do not – unless you have something you have used and like and want to give it a try. I like to bring some-thing to the table w/ each Captain that I fish with. Everybody fishes differently, has different gear & even uses the same stuff differ-
ently. I try and bring something new to the game weather it’s a hot lure found on the internet, or a recent scouting, or weather report
(You will be part of a team and be asked to help w/ decisions. The lakes are big and picking your spots that everybody feels good
about are a big plus). There’s nothing like catching a fish on a rig or lure that you may have shared for the trip. Setting lines: If you’re not familiar with all the methods & gear, no problem. That’s what’s great about MWS, everybody
wants to share & see you have a great time.
There all kinds of secrets for setting up this type
of down rigger release, or that copper line &
board combo (Tons of fun to learn ). Fish on: Now this is what you joined up for! The rod goes off and everybody does
something, whether it’s trying to get the boat
speed down w/ an extra bag, clearing lines, or
finding the net and clearing it from all the stuff
it just got stuck in (Organized chaos at it’s best).
Over the course of a trip everybody get’s to do
everything: running the boat, gathering intel on
the chart plotters, keeping an eye out for dead-
heads, or other boats planner boards, listening to
the radio & gathering intel from other boats,
cleaning fish, scrubbing the deck and on &
on…………… It’s an awesome break from real-
ity! I thoroughly enjoy crewing, probably more than
running my boat (A lot less stress )!! As you can guess I’m a fish-a-holic and love what
Metro-West has shared w/ me in my short time
as a member.It is a great learning experience.
Big Lake Feature; What to Expect as a Crewman aboard an MWS Boat Based on email correspondence with inquiring member. Credit to Eric Braden and Henry Nabors for content
14 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
This take on one of Julia Child’s favorite dishes is at first glance intimidating. Don’t let the fan-cy French name scare you! None of the steps are difficult or technical; it does though require planning. It is not to be made in a hurry, but have no fear there is plenty of down time in between steps to enjoy a glass a wine or other potent potable. This recipe also lends itself to substitutions and ex-perimentation. If you are look-ing for something a little more refined than the usual fish fry, this is definitely one worth try-ing. It should be noted that while the original recipe suggested this served six, at my home (consisting of two people) there were no leftovers because it was so delicious we couldn’t help going back for more! 1.5 lb skinless trout fillet 1 cup dry white wine or dry vermouth 5 bunches (handfuls) baby spinach 2 tbsp olive oil 4 slices bacon 1 finely chopped onion 5 cloves chopped garlic 6 anchovy fillets ½ cup orzo or rice 1 sheet puff pastry ¼ cup chopped flat leaf parsley 1 egg for egg wash
Fit trout snugly in a non-reactive dish. Add wine or vermouth, refrigerate to marinate for 1 hour Blanch spinach. Crain, then squeeze excess water from spinach and chop. Refrigerate until required. Heat olive oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon and onion and stir until soft (about 8-10 minutes). Add garlic
and anchovies; stir until anchovies break down (about 1-2 minutes). Drain excess fat and transfer mixture to a bowl. Cool slightly then add spinach and refrigerate until required.
Cook orzo or rice according to directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll pastry sheet, place onto non-stick cookie sheet or a cookie sheet lined with parch-
ment paper and refrigerate until chilled (about 30 minutes). Arrange spinach mixture in even layer along center of pastry sheet. Drain trout, pat dry, and place on top of spinach.
Combine orzo (or rice) and parsley in a bowl, place in an even layer over trout. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. After chilling, brush one long edge of pastry with egg wash. Roll pastry over to form a cylinder, joining the longest sides together and rolling so seam lies underneath. Refrigerate until chilled (30 minutes). Score top of pastry and brush with remaining egg wash, season with sea salt. Bake until golden and cooked through (20-30 minutes).
Featured Recipe; Rainbow Trout Coulibiac Submitted By: Adam Trenz
We asked Congressmen and Senators to maintain Great Lakes keep funding at $300 million level, continuing to protect and restore the most significant freshwater resource that provides drinking water for more than 30 million people.
The coalition asked Congress to support a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF), which communities depend on for low-interest loans to implement costly wastewater infrastructure projects, maintaining level funding to provide approximately $500 million for the eight Great Lakes states.
Great Lake Restoration Legislation HR 223 & S 504: New legislation to create a permanent framework to guarantee con-
tinued restoration success. Asian Carp and Invasive Species: The serious threat Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes is immediate and foot-dragging is
not acceptable. The Army Corps study concluded that separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins was the most effective way to prevent Asian Carp into the Great Lakes. We asked Congress to immediately ensure $8 million to fund study for implementation a medium term solution; additional containment measures at Brandon Lock dam. Then followed by meaningful actions to move forward towards permanent hydrologic separation of the Mississippi basins from Lake Michigan basin without any delay for a long-term solution to keep the Asian Carp OUT.
Great Lakes Watershed Nutrient Pollution: Lake Erie Algae Bloom was highlighted in Toledo last year when more than
400,000 people were without safe drinking water. Knowing that a major source phosphorus for the Blue-Green algae and microcystin toxins is improper application in farming operations. We pressed Congress to ensure that Farm Bill Conser-vation funding is directed at the Great Lakes problem areas. Programs must ensure they are reducing phosphorus and nitrogen run off.
Farm Bill Conservation Programs: The farm bills need continued support for Great lake restoration. President Barak Obama proposes $800 million in cuts; this funding must be maintained and targeted to;
Conservation programs help to curb manure and fertilizer runoff into regional waterways and the Great Lakes. Strong conservation incentives to encourage to encourage farmers to reduce pollution, improve the environment,
wildlife and soil. Regional Conservation Partnership Programs coordinated four existing programs into a single partnership, improv-
ing leverage, direction, and progress. Sewage and Fresh Water Infrastructure: The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative does not currently address the aging wa-
ter system. The President has called for cuts to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund CWSRF by 23 % (loans to munici-palities to rebuild their sewer treatment facilities). We asked to maintain current funding levels for CWSRF and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund DWSRF (loans to municipalities to rebuild their fresh water systems)at current levels.
Waters of the United States Rulemaking Recent decisions by the Supreme Court have cast uncertainty over EPA’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. We will ask
Congress to keep out of the way as EPA finalizes this proposed rule later this year. Support on the Waters of the United States Rulemaking remained spotty. Opinion of some was that the EPA has and would overstep such legislation. They say that this legislation may open the door to taking control of any water (puddles, ponds, rainwater, roof water runoff). On the issue of Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund I was shocked when there were intentional proposals to divert some of the loan funds to pay the water bills residents inside cities with greater than 600,000 citizens in Michigan. However, it appeared as if this was not the intention of our delegation, rather a separate agenda by un-official delegates. Great news before I even returned from Washington DC, the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission beat me to the punch an-nouncing that Legislation introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Representative Candice Miller (MI) focuses on short- and long-term solutions to invasive species transfer through Chicago waterway. However, behind the scenes, I learned that all the Great Lakes States and Ontario continue to support this position. However, with Illinois’ opposition a majority of the other state legislators are unlikely to oppose such a powerful state in a “regional” squabble. So we might be in for a long haul. In February I sent an email congratulating Metro west for the progress we helped bring to fruition. So take your high fives and let’s be ready to carry this battle forward. In the end there was good and bad results. Our Michigan team found support for all most of these issues. Overall I found re-sults were encouraging. We put our message out there and we will wait to see how they progress on Capitol Hill and with the President. Matt Lubaway, MUCC Representative
17 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Attendees: Mark Davis, Larry Tabaka, Caryn Davis, Carmen Zirles, Eric Braden, Matt Lubaway, Roger Hinchcliff, Brad Allen,
Dan Hesch, Mark Platt, Herman Christoph, Adam Trenz.
Absent: Henry Nabors (excused)
Guest: Phil Bustos: Presented River Committee Meeting minutes from January 6, 2015. Topic: Schedule, Rules, Tourney updates. )
It was suggested to consider participating in river clean up after July 4. (July 11, 2015)
President, Mark Davis: Called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. No previous minutes were available for approval. Introduced and
welcomed Caryn Davis as new appointed Secretary. No discussion, leaving time for focus on banquet and guest.
Vice President, Larry Tabaka: Next month guest speaker, Mark Martin focus on ice-fishing and walleye. March DNR speaker on
Agriculture concerns.
Secretary, Caryn Davis: No previous minutes to present.
Treasurer, Carmen Zirles: Carmen presented handouts of the Treasures Report reporting Dec 1, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2014. Car-
men presented the 2015 Sportsmen’s Banquet budget and list of needed purchases/donations.
Membership, Henry Nabors: Absent (excused) Report submitted.
MSSFA Rep, Eric Braden: Eric presented rough handouts of the Ultimate Fishing Show report. We received 60 email listings, 9
memberships, 1 Associate, and 1 Renewal. He will present a summary of events at the Presidents Meeting. He inquired if we were
going to donate again this year to the Tribal Fund. We need to find the amount of last year’s donation prior to confirmation of a do-
nation for this year.
MUCC Rep, Matt Lubaway: During the Ultimate Fishing Show 362 raffle tickets were sold in 4 days for the hand crafted rod.
Resolutions were given to Amy Trotter. Matt suggests discussion for connections regarding captain commitment for future events.
Need to get someone to contact and help Maggie Sheenan at Novi Middle School regarding care of the tanks. (Jim Maddux was sug-
gested)
Stream Committee, Roger Hinchcliff: Nothing to report or discuss.
Brad Allen: Nothing to report or discuss.
MWS Wearables, Dan Hesch: Suggested getting more exposure via media. Email for articles to Dan at: [email protected].
Tournaments, Mark Platt: Mark’s email: [email protected]. Discussion was open regarding needing a location for an up-
coming ice-fishing outing. Leonard needs a place, Matt offered a suggestion. No decision has been made. Erieau Tournament Fish
Specials to be determined by Port Captains and published by April 1, 2015. Reminder that Karen’s event Comedy with a Cause, is
coming up. Numbers have been down and reconsiderations of continuing this event may need to be revisited.
Fishing Machine and Equipment, Hermann Christoph: Herman thanked everyone for the set-up at the UFS.
Adam Trenz; The deadline for the Newsletter is one week prior to the general meeting. A motion was made by Larry to purchase
‘The Publisher” software. The motion was seconded by Eric. The motion was moved and passed.
Old Business: We will need ice fishing supplies for the tackle raffle at the next general meeting.
New Business: Discussed list of items Carmen presented that have been taken care of, and the items still in need for the 2015 Sports-
men’s Banquet. The Bi-Laws need to be updated on the website. Matt/Carmen will send Mark a copy for review.
Meeting adjourned: Larry Tabaka entertained motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:42pm. Motion 2nd by Roger Hinchcliff, and was
carried.
Respectfully submitted, Caryn M. Davis, MWS Secretary
Metro West Chapter, MSSFA January Board Meeting Minutes
Executive Director’s Report Jan/Feb 2015 Dennis Eade, MSSFA
I, along with vice president Scott Stoney attended the Battle Creek Chapter membership meeting on Feb. 17th, the Holland Chapter board of directors meeting on Mar. 2"d and the Region II presidents and directors' meeting in Grand Rapids on Mar. 9th. We were there to answer Questions regarding the strategic planning committee's recommendation for a $10.00 dues increase beginning in2016. Scott also discussed a state wide raffle to jump start the design of a new MSSFA website to better engage members and attract corporate sponsors More discussion will take place at the state board meeting on March 18, 2015. In early February, MSSFA was invited to be part of a steering committee sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) to form an Invasive Mussel Collaborative. The collaborative is Composed of scientists and stakeholders whose common concern is finding a scientifically sound technology for invasive Dreissenid mussel control. Quagga mussel infestation in the Great Lakes has reached inconceivable levels and the problem is beyond the scope of any one state or provincial agency to tackle. It is estimated that there are eight hundred trillion tons of mussels covering the bottomland of the Great Lakes. The Collaborative came about partially motivated by a recent breakthrough in control techniques, namely the EPA-approval of Zequanox Application in open waters. The next step in the process is establishing a Science Team Comprised of agency and academic researchers with expertise in Dreissenid mussels. The Tourism Industry Collation of Michigan (TICOM), of which MSSFA is a member, has had a Legislative Advocacy Committee working on a new website, www.mitourismadvocacy.com/. This website provides an advocacy toolkit to better engage legislators in Lansing on issues that concern us. The website went live this month and as chairman of the committee, I will be Encouraging adding more links and tools, like the legislators' committee assignments, voting record on environmental issues and individual biographies so we can be more confident when calling or engaging these policy makers on issues. TICOM also held a legislative breakfast meeting on February 25th at the Michigan Restaurant Association headquarters. I attended and it provided an opportunity during introductions to remind the attendees of how important sport fishing is to tourism in the state. I was able to meet some of the new legislators including Rep. Danielle Garcia, Rep. Christine Greig, as well as second term representative Wayne Schmidt of Traverse City. After the breakfast meeting, I visited Sen. John Proos from St. Joseph, MI. and attended the Michigan Legislative Consultants budget briefing which included presentations from Sen. Dave Hildenbrand, Appropriations Committee Chair, and Governor Rick Snyder on the need to make cuts in his proposed budget recommendation because of unanticipated short-fall in revenue due to tax credits. Rep. Greig's legislative director, Heidi Zablik, contacted me about a pending bill to ban plastic microbeads from the marketplace because of the microbead pollution in the Great Lakes. I told her that MSSFA would support the legislation because microbeads threaten the environment and the economy of Michigan, as microbeads are entering the food web and carrying toxins that. can enter through fish gills and digestive systems.
19 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Executive Director’s Report Jan/Feb 2015 (Continued) Dennis Eade, MSSFA
I encouraged.Zablikto get Rep. Andrea LaFontaine, Chair of the House Natut'al Resources Committee,t o co-sponsorth e bill. Rep. LaFontained eclinedt o co-sponsorb ut did agreet o a hearing before the natural resources committee. This is an encouraging development because the bill stands a much better chance of being positively voted out of committee and presented in the house for a vote. I will be contacting Rep. John Bumstead, who chairs the Natural Resources Sub-Committee ol Appropriations, to see if MSSFA will be able to testify before his committee in support of redirecting DNR funding to support raising an additional 150,000 steelhead. With some annual budget dollars and a thirty year bond proposal, the Thompson State Hatchery in Manistique, MI can be renovatedt o raise enough steelheadt o have a"fall back" sport fish Species if Chinook salmon continues to decline. On March 4th, Scott Stoney, Jim Marohn, president of SW Michigan Chapter, Winn Wolf, SW Board Member, Jay Wesley, MDNR and I met with Sodus Township Supervisor, Michelle Bennett to discuss how the township could purchase property at the confluence of Pipestone Creek and the St. Joseph River which includes a boat launch and land for, a park. This "Happy Landing Property" is currently for sale and the SW MI Steelheaders would like Sodus Township to purchase the property for a public boat launch and park. Bennett was very receptive to the proposal citing that-it has been a township objective over the years but hadn't come to fruition. Jay explained the Natural Resources Trust Fund grant process and provided a name of a grant writer for Bennett to contact. Jim and Winn encouraged the supervisor to explore a "lease to buy" proposal to the landowner to insure the property is not sold to another buyer before the grant process is completed since the process can take a year or more to be finalized. Finally, I had the chance to visit the Flint River Valley Steelheaders Birch Run Show as well-as Northwoods Outlet in Pinconning, MI. I met with Northwoods owner Capt. Marty Hornacek and store director, Jim Krevinghaus. At the show I visited with vendors and advertisers and was able to deliver some trade merchandise to Great Lakes Bay Region Steelheaders for their auction on March 21st. It was a very busy two months since our presidents' meeting.
20 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
3/18/15 MSSFA Board of Directors Meeting
MUCC Offices
2101 Wood St.
Lansing Mi. 48912
MWS Attendees: Eric Braden
Special Presentation: Dr John Dettmers Sr. Fisheries Biologist: “Top Down / Bottom Up Predator Prey pressure in the Great
Lakes”. Dr Dettmers presented a slideshow outlining the content of the Great lakes food web from 1990 to date, using graphs with
interrelated curves for each member of web from Phytoplankton, Zooplankton as well as deep & shallow water species of fish. Be-
low is just a brief collection of comments that I obtained through the presentation. In 1990 the Great Lakes food web was made up of
Phytoplankton at the base, Zooplankton, Mysis & diporea in the next level up with Yellow perch & whitefish (near shore) and six
species of siscoes (deep water) and Lake trout at the top of the food chain. It was noted that of the six original species of siscoes, all
are presently extinct but bloaters. In the early 20th century things began to change. 1950 brought commercial over fishing , lampreys
& the alewife. Lake trout & ciscoe numbers began to drop. By 1965 the lamprey was the top predator in the Great Lakes. The ale-
wife were eating the young of all native species. It was noted that the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission controls the Sea Lamprey
and their population is down 90% since the 1950’s. By 1985 Salmon become the top of the food web. The Eco system changes. It
was noted that Kings became 50-80% natural reproducing by 2005. The Lake Michigan Spring Phosphorous loading is key for the
plankton to eat. There has been a steady decline in the amount of phosphorous in lake Michigan from the 1970’s to 2014. The overall
watershed phosphorous loading had been stable for about 20 years but began dropping due to invasive muscles filtering it out. Less
phosphorous means less everything else all the way up the food web. In 2014 Lake trout & walleye are the top predator in Lake Hu-
ron. The Alewife collapsed in 2003. The MDNR stopped stocking kings in 2006. The remaining middle of the food web has been on
the rebound ever since. Lake Huron hours fished is down an estimated 73% since the alewife collapse in 2003. It has been noted that
catch rates are currently the same as before 2003, but have shifted from non-natives to native species. 2013 & 2014 had bad alewife
spawning classes due to the cooler temps. It was noted that females mature at age 5 and males at age 4, so maintaining a viable
spawning class becomes more difficult with each year that passes. It was noted that the king salmon’s diet is made up of 85-90%
alewife & rainbow smelt. Since the alewife collapse in lake Huron all other native species have improved. Steelhead & Coho will
improve with the decline in alewife’s. Steelies are doing well in lake Huron, so they might be a good replace species to stock in lake
Michigan.
Presidents Report, Ken Merckel: Ken has been working with Jeff Schaffer to send a letter to Washington to support funding for
the Great Lakes Science Center. Aquaculture will be the topic for discussion at the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission meeting next
week. Data will be discussed for a Resolution Presentation in June. Ken indicated that he has reviewed the Gary Towns Metro-West
Aquaculture resolution and considers it very good. Ken added that he is not opposed to closed systems, but open water net pens are
the “Kiss of Death”. Ken indicated that Canada moves their net pens to get around issues related to big waste build ups on the lake
bottom. Ken mentioned that Open water pens need to be placed in Bays to protect them from storms. This will cause added issues
with boaters. Ken added that there is currently an aquaculture lawsuit being pursued on the hatchery at Grayling, regarding waste
into the Ausable River. Ken is also working on a net pen relocation in Saginaw Bay.
Membership, Greg Gumbrecht (Absent): Dennis Eade indicated that January membership was at 1,427 up from 1,350 in Decem-
ber.
Financial Report, Dennis Eade: Dennis reviewed the 2015 Jan-Feb financial reports (Profit & Loss-Proof of Cash, Profit & Loss-
Two Year and the Income by Chapter Summary).
Executive Directors Report, Dennis Eade: Hand Out Submitted (Separate MWS Newsletter Release).
Committee Reports: Lake Erie: Gerry Sickon indicated that the next Citizens Advisory Committee meeting will be in four weeks.
Lake Michigan: Dennis Eade indicated that the next Citizens Advisory Committee meeting will be held the 1st of May. Ken Merkel
added that it is believed that Perch numbers are way down due to Walleye predation. Lake Huron: Ken Merkel indicated that the
January Citizens Advisory Committee meeting was about Saginaw Bay Walleyes. The 4/13/15 meeting will be to resolve 2016 rules
& limits for Walleyes. Ken mentioned that the Thumb Area Seagrant meeting will be held on 4/30/15 at the Bay City KFC Hall on
River Rd. Ken added that Lake Huron has gone from 900 down to 500 charter boats, since the alewife collapse.
21 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
3/18/15 MSSFA Board of Directors Meeting (Continued)
Old Business: No old Business.
New Business: a) “May Meeting” discuss possibility of MSSFA Name Change. b) Scott Stoney Chapter meetings (Dues increase
reviews): Scott indicated that he has visited with all of the West side chapters and has a near future presentation scheduled with Met-
ro-West. Scott added that he is more than willing to visit and make a presentation to any of the remaining Chapters. Scott reviewed
figures from the 2014 MSSFA Annual Financials report: 50% of the annual budget is made up of contract services, 28% is taken up
in travel & mtg’s, that leaves < $7,000 to pay bills, which has not been enough to maintain the organisation. c) MSSFA 2015 agenda:
Scott Stoney presented for comment: 1) Fix the Annual loss & create a surplus. A) Selling 300 raffle tickets state-wide at $60 each.
There will be a monthly drawing for a $500 Cabela’s Gift Certificate. [Discussion was held, reviewing each of the raffles general
rules. Comments were made and updates will be made. Any other ideas are welcome for submittal. The Raffle is a method to gener-
ate revenue yet in 2015 & is considered needed “in addition” to the proposed Dues increase. A vote was taken and approval was
agreed to proceed with progressing the State Lottery permitting process]. B) Reducing Travel Expense (Didn’t discuss), C) Follow-
ing through with the dues increase: E. Braden asked why we (MSSFA) are printing & sending out hard copies of the GLSFN? It ap-
pears based upon the annual financial reports that there is a great deal of expense to be saved by E-Mailing the already electronic
prepared versions of the GLSFN. A brief discussion followed with one comment being, “It would be tough to sell advertising” with
electronic copies. The Questioned was tabled. Mike Batista-Flint agreed that they along with Metro-West have gone to E-Mailed
newsletters to cut costs. 2) Membership Drive, Youth Member Program Creation, College Program Creation (No discussion). 3)
Increasing Communications between MSSFA and Chapters: A) Designing the future website (No discussion), B) Possibly post
Chapter Minutes on State Website. 4) Lake & Stream access initiatives: A) St Joe river boat launch/access point, B) Hamilton Dam
removal preliminary look, 5) Advocate for additional Steelhead rearing Facilities (No discussion). 6) Removing Commercial nets
from Saginaw Bay (No discussion), 7) Advocate against open system aquaculture (No discussion), 8) Advocate for Micro-Bead ban
(No discussion), 9) Organizing Chapters to take Legislators Fishing (No discussion), 10) Continue with the Tribal Negotiations Plan
and Fundraising (No discussion). 11) Environmental & Invasives: Metro-West added the Clinton & Manistee River Clean ups for
2015. Another Chapter added to further pursue the Asian Carp topic. Vote was held, passing the 2015 MSSFA Agenda with updates
as noted. d) Dues increase discussion: (No further discussion).
Chapter Reports: Grand Haven: Mentioned that they have a new video posted on their website. Flint River: Has just finished up their Birch Run
Show & next month will be their “Annual Meeting”, Grand Rapids: Their participation in the Grand Rapids Ultimate Fishing Show
starts tomorrow. South Haven: Has their first two day tournament 5/16 & 5/17/15. Metro-West: [Hand out submitted] (28) new
members to date in 2015. “Comedy for a Cause” event raised $1,200 to help send kids to MUCC Camp. Held “Member Service
Awards” drawing w/ (9) members being pulled for MSSFA, or MWS Memberships. 3rd Salmon in the Classroom program to start
Fall of 2015. Sportsmans Banquet to be held 3/21/15. Handed out the Matt Lubaway “Healing Our Waters” report and briefly re-
viewed his recent activities in Washington DC. Huron Valley: Will have the Michigan Seagrant organisation & Dr. Ken Merkel as
their April & May General Meeting Speakers. 3/31/15 will be the 1st SIC Release on the Huron River. Battle Creek: Just wrapped
up their Gull Lake Ice fishing event & will have their Kalamazoo river Spring Steelie event on 3/28/15. South West: They will have
their St. Joe river Steelie tourney this week end. Holland: Will be holding their “Kids & Kings” event 6/26/15. They had 109 kids on
50 boats last year. Each kid weighs one fish. Thumb: They will hold their net pen release on 5/1/15. They are awaiting the survival
results of last year’s net pens releases (Harbor vs out in the lake). They will be taking on more of a lead role in this years “Can to
Can” tourney. They will be holding their 1st Veterans outing meeting on 3/19/15 (usually have between 17 & 19 boats). The Thumb
has had good turnouts of around 50 kids at their past kids outings, but may be looking to rework the event for 2015. South West:
Has added two additional SIC programs to bring their present total to seven classes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eric Braden
Metro West State Director to MSSFA
22 METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Big Fish Rules 1. Participant must be a member in good standing, spouse or child of a member of Metro West Steel headers. 2. The contestant must be registered before the fish is caught. 3. The entry fee of $5.00 must be paid by the April membership meeting. A new member of Metro West must pay the entry
fee within 30 days of the membership registration date to qualify. 4. Fish must be caught in Michigan waters or during an official Metro West Tournament in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania,
or Canadian waters. 5. Fish must be caught by sport fishing method only. All DNR rules apply. During tournaments outside of Michigan, the lo-
cal sport fishing rules will apply. 6. The length of the contest is from Jan. 1st through Dec. 1st 2015. Each entry must be submitted within 30 days of
catch. Entry form must be complete with picture attached. 7. Eligible species include Walleye, Coho, Chinook, and Atlantic salmon, Brown or Lake trout, and Steelhead trout. 8. There are two divisions, lake and river; the above species can be entered in either one or the other division, not both! 9. In case of a tie, the first fish entered will win. Post mark on mailed entries will be the entry date. Entries can be mailed to:
BIG FISH CONTEST/ 32160 W. 11 MI. RD. FARMINGTON HILLS, MI. 48336, OR TO: [email protected]. 10. All money will be distributed equally among winning fish. 11. A registered scale with serial number, or the Metro West scale must be used to weigh the fish, and signature of witness
must be given. 12. One person may win a maximum of two categories.
Big Fish Jackpot –Separate contest
1. Entry fee $5.00; largest fish wins. 2. All regular Big Fish rules apply except for 8, 10, & 12.
(Prizes will be awarded at the Christmas Party)
April 1st is the deadline for Big Fish sign-ups for existing members. If you are new to our club, you will have 30 days from your joining date to enter the Big Fish contest. If you cannot make a general membership meeting, but would like to enter the Big fish contest, you can send your entry fee to: "Big Fish contest"
32160 W. 11 mi. rd. Farmington Hills Mi. 48336
Entries must be postmarked within 30 days of joining date. Make sure you write the check to Karen Westphal, with "Big Fish contest in the memo por-tion of your check. The fee is $5.00 for the Biggest fish in all categories, and $5.00 for jack-pot, which is the biggest fish caught over all. If you don't want to enter both categories, please specify which category you are entering. Most every-one enters both Big Fish and Jackpot to increase their chances to win more money. Thank you, Karen Westphal
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Motor, 60 Hp Johnson Out-
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Boat, 16 Ft Silverline, New
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Trailer, Pamco, Tilt, Good Tires, New Axel &
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FOR SALE 40 Acres Hunting Land (I75 exit 244 N Higgins Lake Between Roscommon and Grayling). This property is surrounded by state land, there are marked snowmobile trails. This property is class 401 residential. $98,000 call Ty 586-247-9473 home or 810-923-0280 cell
Cottage for Sale Lakefront cottage on Lake Missaukee. Furnished 3 bed 1 bath on maintained private road with sandy beach, dock, older pontoon and lift. Approx. 840 sq. ft. $239,000. For more info and pics, e-mail [email protected] (517) 285-4497.
50642 Oregon Novi, 48374 10% except down riggers and rod holders Big Papa Sport Fishing http://local.yahoo.com/info-27493394-big-papa-sport-fishing-novi?csz=Novi%2C+MI
Boat U. S. Insurance
Statewide $12.50 Membership Due. Use membership # GA83723B
Michigan Steelheaders Discount $50.00 off the total trip price Phone 248-252-1277 www.fishwithjimoutfitters.com
Gordon Food Service
Statewide Earn discount points for Metro West on your purchases at the cash register. (Just tell the clerk you are a Metro-West Steelheader Member) www.GFS.com
K & M Marine, Inc
14990 Telegraph Road, Redford, MI 48239
10% off on all merchandise except sale items - Includes engine or trailer parts and labor cost. www.kandmmarine.com
MC Sports
Major Locations See MSSFA “It Pays to Belong List “
METRO WEST STEELHEADERS
Livonia
Free: 1) July Family Picnic; 2) Kids Fishing Outing/ Picnic/ Prizes; 3) Chance to win week at MUCC Camp for family member; 4) Luna Pier Picnic; 5) Family Christmas Party/Kid gifts w Santa; 6) Monthly Newsletter; 7) Great Lakes Sports Fishing Newspaper - Monthly Contact Henry Nabors - [email protected]
Statewide Free if a METRO WEST STEELHEADER, May 1 each year. See MSSFA Pays to belong List www.michigansteelheaders.org
Richfield RV
Statewide See MSSFA “It Pays to Belong List “
River Raisin Marina & Campground
2502 E. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48161
Buy One Get One Free Includes campsite, dock and launch. Call for availability 313 575 4367. See the add in MWS Newsletter
RX Optical Statewide
See MSSFA “It Pays to Belong List “
Slamco, Inc. “Slammer Tip-Up” Internet Sales
10 % Discount www.slammertipup.com
If you know of a location that gives a discount to Steelheaders, please let us know If you have a business that might, contact Bill on how to proceed with getting the business involved.
