Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Don Alcala. There were 26 members and guests in attendance.

Approval of Minutes

Jeff Mills motioned to approve the minutes from the December meeting. Tom Turner seconded. Motion passed.

2012 Board of Directors Introduction

• President – Don Alcala
• Vice President – Tom Turner
• Secretary – Sydney Alcala
• Treasurer – George Board
• Membership Director – Steve Utley
• Youth Director – John McCain
• At-Large – Steve Wells
• Immediate Past President – Jeff Mills

Board of Directors and Member Reports

President

Waldron Pond isn’t going to be stocked this year by TPWD. The January trout stockings will take place at West Guth (off Up River Road) and Lakeview (Rodd Field and Holly). The January youth event will be held at West Guth on January 28, beginning at 8 am.

Trout Fest is Feb 24–26 at Rio Raft Resort in New Braunfels. Friday is a banquet and auction (tickets are $100 each). Saturday and Sunday is a tent event. Saturday night is the film festival. Members who attended last year were very pleased with the expo and film tour. More information about Trout Fest can be found at their website http://grtu.org.

Vice President

No report.

Secretary

No report.

Treasurer

Membership cards are available when you pay your 2012 dues. You get a discount on fly fishing items at Roy’s Bait and Tackle when you present your LMFFCC membership card.

Membership Director

Steve U is looking for speakers for the upcoming year. We got 2 new members last year and 1 so far in 2012. When you give people a LMFFCC card, make sure to put your name on it and tell them to give you credit for referring them. We are doing another membership drive this year, prize undecided.

Youth Director

John McCain applied with the Boy Scouts to be able to be a fly fishing counselor. The club purchased bug launchers for kids from TFO at a heavy discount. He is trying to setup more youth events for 2012.

At-Large

No report.

Immediate Past President

No report.

Jim Schramm with FFF

Member Jim spoke about the Federation. There is a national fly fishing fair in Spokane in July. There are grants available from the FFF for conservation efforts.

Bonnie Barnes

Bonnie proposed a chili cook-off in February (3rd Saturday most likely) at Jerry B’s Kayaks. Details to be worked out before next meeting.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.

A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.

9906 South Padre Island Drive

Corpus Christi, Texas  78418

 Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting

November 10, 2011       7:00 pm

Nolan’s Restaurant

 Call to Order:

 The meeting was called to order at 6:55 by Don Alcala in place of Jeff Mills. There were 12 members and guests present.

 Approval of Minutes:

  No motion was made to approve the November minutes.

Officer Reports: 

President – Jeff Mills is absent due to illness.  Don Alcala is filling in tonight in Jeff’s place.  Don began by announcing the results of the Nov 3 BOD meeting regarding nominations for the 2012 year.  The nominating committee has made the following recommendations for club officers:

President – Don Alcala

Vice President – Tom Turner

Secretary – Sydney Alcala

Treasurer – George Board

Youth – John McCain

Membership & Events – Steve Utley

At Large – Steve Wells

The above members as well as any other nominations made from the floor will be voted on at the December 8 meeting.

Don brought up the idea of having a club Christmas party at the December meeting.  The party will be a “White Elephant” party with a $15 limit.  A motion was made by Tom to have the Christmas party at the Dec 8 meeting.  A second was made by Steve.  Motion passed.

Vice President – No report.

Secretary – No report.

Treasurer – George announced that the club has $2704.26 in the bank account.  The club has applied for a PO Box to have to receive mail at the Flour Bluff Post Office.  George also announced that LMFFCC membership cards are available to paid members for the remainder of 2011.  The 2012 membership cards will be given out when member renew.

Events/Membership – Steve mentioned that the Caller Times will be printing a schedule of club events in the paper and that David Sikes is willing to come to club events if he is notified ahead of time.

On Dec 2, the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation will hold their annual banquet at the Ortiz center.  A table for 8 is $750.  This would be a good public relations event and if the club does get a table we would get a banner with our name on it.  See Steve if you are interested.  Steve also brought up the idea of having a spey rod demo in the future.  Don thought possibly in Dec.  There was some discussion of an outing for either the Guadalupe River or South Padre Island.  More info will be given later.

Youth – John McCain has already been in contact with the Boy Scouts about becoming a merit badge counselor to enable him to be able to work with scouts to achieve the fly fishing merit badge.  The next youth event will be the TPW youth fishing event at Waldron Pond.  The date is to be determined.

At Large – No report.

  Speakers:

  There was no guest speaker tonight.

 Raffle:

 No raffle was held tonight.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.

A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.

9906 South Padre Island Drive

Corpus Christi, Texas  78418

Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting

October 13, 2011       7:00 pm

Nolan’s Restaurant

 Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by President Jeff Mills.  There were 12 members and guests present.

 Approval of Minutes:

 Jeff asked for a motion from the floor to approve the minutes from the September meeting.  A motion was made by Steve U. and seconded by Waukeene V.  Motion passed       

Officer Reports: 

President – Jeff began with an announcement that there will be a “Fly Fling” at Roy’s Bait & Tackle on Nov. 19 from 9am to 5pm.  Jeff turned the floor over to Waukeene to talk about the nominating committee.  Waukeene announced that there will be a meeting for the nominating committee with the BOD on Nov 3 at 7pm tentatively scheduled for Jason’s Deli.  The purpose of the meeting will to discuss the nominations of the 2012 LMFFCC officers.  Jeff mentioned that Sydney has agreed to help the club with some marketing to help get the club’s name out.

Vice President – No report.

Secretary – Ron announced that the newsletter is now out.

Treasurer – George announced the balance in the club checking account is $2626.26.   There is still $90 held from the cancelled St. Joe Island trip and $40 in cash and checks.

Events/Membership – Steve talked some about the Fly Fling at Roy’s on Nov. 19.  Roy’s is trying to get more involvement from other clubs in the area and would like to see club come down for the casting competition.  Don said that the Oct 22 outing to PINS would probably be cancelled due to the red tide going on.  A trip to Light House Lakes was proposed and on Oct 15 and any interested in going can meet at the Flour Bluff Whataburger at 8am.   Waukeene mentioned he would like to have some kind of BBQ at the next casting clinic at Roy’s.  The club could cook fajitas, etc.  Steve U. said that he has a pit that he would be able to let the club use if it could be moved to Roy’s.

Youth – No report.

At Large – No report.

 Speakers:

 Tonight’s speakers are LMFFCC club members Steve Wells and Waukeene Vinson.  Waukeene talked about recent trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and showed pictures of some of the fly fishing he was able to do.  Steve showed the club how to make knotted leaders.

Raffle:

A raffle was held for donated flies and gear.  $52 was made from the raffle.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.
A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.
9906 South Padre Island Drive
Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting
September 8, 2011 7:00 pm
Nolan’s Restaurant

Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by president Jeff Mills.
There were 17 members and guests present.

Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the August meeting. Motion was passed.

Officer Reports:
President – Jeff started by announcing that tonight’s meeting will be the “Dinner and a Movie” program. Next, Jeff brought up that the club will hold elections for the 2012 BOD. Jeff asked for volunteers to form a nominating committee to put together a list of members interested in serving on the BOD. Waukeene Vinson, Tom Chrobocinski, Don Alcala and John McCain agreed to be on the committee. Jeff announced that the club will hold a casting clinic at Roy’s on Sept. 10 from 9am to around noon. Roy’s has requested the club to hold a clinic the first Saturday morning of each month. Jeff asked for a motion to approve the club’s involvement. A motion to have the club conduct a casting clinic at Roy’s the first Saturday of the month was made by John McCain. Second by Robert Halbrook. The motion passed. Jeff said that Roy’s will be giving a 10% discount on fishing gear to LMFFCC members. We will come up with a membership card for club members to present.
Vice President – No report.
Secretary – Ron said the newsletter will be out at next meeting.
Treasurer – George reported the bank balance is $2626.26. This amount still includes $90 in monies paid toward the cancelled St. Joes Island trip.
Events/Membership – Don announced the next club outing will be Sept. 17. This will most likely be a surf trip with a location to be announced on the club website. Our October event will be Oct. 15 and will be our annual trip to PINS to fish the seashore. Don and Austin will be heading up the trip so check the website for more info. We will need people with 4×4 willing to drive. Don announced that the St. Joe’s Island trip is officially cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.
Youth – Austin announced that he and Don had just returned from attending a meeting with the Port Aransas Junior Boatman club. This was a first time contact with the group and they are interested in possible future events with the club. Austin said he will have more info on this in the future. Austin then introduced a guest from the angler’s club at TAMUCC. Dan Norris is the president of the university’s fishing club and mentioned that their club is interested in future events with the LMFFCC.
At Large – No report.

Speakers:
There was no guest speaker tonight. Instead the club watched the new video “Chasing Silver” from the Versus Network series on Tarpon fishing.

Raffle:
No raffle was held tonight.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.
A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.
9906 South Padre Island Drive
Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting
July 14, 2011 7:00 pm
Nolan’s Restaurant

Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by president Jeff Mills.
There were 12 members and guests present.

Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Harris to approve the minutes of the June meeting. Seconded by Austin. Motion was passed.

Officer Reports:
President – Jeff congratulated Austin for becoming a FFF certified fly casting instructor and also for catching his first tarpon on fly last week. Next Jeff mentioned that since the St Joe’s Island trip was cancelled it will be rescheduled for September. Jeff reminded the club to please keep Susan Utley in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
Vice President – No report.
Secretary – Ron mentioned that the July newsletter is now out and available.
Treasurer – George announced that the club has $2678.21 in the bank. This also includes $160 collected toward the St. Joe’s Island trip.
Events/Membership – Austin mentioned that he is now available for casting instruction. Austin also gave a fishing report. Tides are running very low, fishing later in the day has been better. Reds have been spooky lately, not tailing much. We have new members – Bill and Virginia Gallager and Bill Renfrow.
Youth – No report.
At Large – No report.

Speakers:
Our guest speaker tonight is club member John McCain. John is the Texas rep for Hells Bay Boats. John gave a presentation on picking out a skiff and information about boat construction. John also gave some pointers on fly fishing from his over 30 years of experience.

Raffle:
A raffle was held for donated flies.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.
A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.
9906 South Padre Island Drive
Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting
June 9, 2011 7:00 pm
Nolan’s Restaurant

Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by president Jeff Mills.
There were 20 members and guests present.

Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Austin to approve the minutes of the May meeting. Seconded by Waukeene. Motion was passed.

Officer Reports:
President – President Jeff Mills started by thanking new member and chairman of the Casting for a Cause tournament Steve Schmidt for buying dinner for all in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Steve was then given the floor to address the club about the upcoming tournament on June 24 at Bluff’s Landing. The tournament supports the Heroes on the Water and the MS Society. There are details on line and in a recent email that Jeff has sent out to club members. Jeff announced the upcoming trip to Mud Island on June 18. Don will post up on the club website any additional info regarding the trip. Jeff then had Waukeene talk a little about the club table at the recent FFF Gulf Coast Expo in San Antonio. Waukeene described the club’s first expo as a success and we were able to get the club’s name out to many people. Waukeene has posted pictures on the club website. Jeff thanked those members who attended the expo for their hard work. Jeff announced that two club members are in the hospital. Please keep Susan Utley and Tom Turner in your thoughts and prayers. Congratulations to Austin for passing his FFF certified casting instructor test.
Vice President – No report.
Secretary – Ron said that he is writing the newsletter every two months to have enough to write about. Next one will be in July.
Treasurer – George announced that club’s bank account balance is $2,465.21. The club had to pay the premium on the insurance policy and also sent flowers to Susan U.
Events/Membership – Don announced the upcoming Mud Island trip on 6/18. The boat will depart Fulton Harbor at 6am and pick up at 3pm. The cost is $40 if we have at least 10 going, $50 if less than 10. June 16 is the deadline to sign up. In July we are scheduled to have a trip to the North Jetty at Port Aransas. We had three new members join the club.
Youth – No report.
At Large – No report.

Speakers:
Our guest speaker is Beau Hardegree with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This is the federal agency that oversees our coastal wildlife preserves and fisheries. Beau talked about some of the programs that he is involved in to conserve our local fisheries.

Raffle:
A raffle was held for donated flies.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.
A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.
9906 South Padre Island Drive
Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting
May 12, 2011 7:00 pm
Nolan’s Restaurant

Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by vice president Tom Turner.
There were approximately 15 members and 1 guest present.

Approval of Minutes:
There was no approval of the April minutes.

Officer Reports:
President – President Jeff Mills was absent. Vice President Tom Turner filled in his place.
Vice President –No report.
Secretary – Ron Russell being absent there was no Secretaries report.
Treasurer – George announced that club assets were at $2,720.55.
Events/Membership – There were 4 new members signed. They are Bob Shirley, Gwen Hansen, Michael Henry and John McCain.
Youth – No report.
At Large – No report.

Speakers:
The guest speaker for the evening was Chad Leister, the Coastal Training Program Director for the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The NERR develops and facilitates partnerships that enhance coastal decision making through an integrated program of research, education and stewardship. The website is www.utmsi.utexas.edu/manerr.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.
A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.
9906 South Padre Island Drive
Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting
April 14, 2011 7:00 pm
Nolan’s Restaurant

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by president Jeff Mills. There were 22 members and guests present.

Approval of Minutes:

Jeff called for a motion to approve the minutes of the March meeting as submitted. A motion was made to approve by Susan U. and 2nd by Jim. Motion passed.

Officer Reports:

President – Jeff started his report by recognizing the club members who were present at the recent TPW hatchery event where the club taught the scouts of Boy Scout Troop 162 about fly fishing. Those present received their “Old Goat” merit badge. Jeff then reminded the club about the upcoming Spring Fling at Roy’s Bait and Tackle on Friday and Saturday, March 15 & 16. The club will have a table set up for tying and volunteers are needed. See Steve Utley for more information. Jeff then talked about the upcoming FFF Gulf Coast Council Expo in San Antonio on May 5-7. The LMFFCC will have a booth. Anyone interested in volunteering during the event see Steve Utley. The expo will be held at the Crowne Plaza on the River Walk. Rooms are available at a special rate. Volunteers are needed to help set up on Thursday. Jeff then showed a custom fly rod donated to the club that will be part of the incentive award given to the member who recruits the most new members in 2011.
Vice President –No report.
Secretary – The newsletter is now available on the club website on the newsletter page.
Treasurer – George announced that club has $2,659.76 in the bank after the most recent reimbursements.
Events/Membership – Steve announced that the club membership is still at 45 members. He reminded the club of our goal to double the membership this year. Members don’t forget to write your name on any card you pass out to prospects. Austin mentioned he is working on putting together a freshwater trip. Check the website for more info.
Youth – No report.
At Large – No report.

Speakers:

Our guest speaker is Banning Collins. Banning is a TFO rep, guide and life long fly fisher. Banning shared many tips from his experience as a freshwater trout fisherman.

Raffle:

A raffle was held for donated flies.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.

A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.

9906 South Padre Island Drive

Corpus Christi, Texas  78418

Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting

March 10, 2011 7:00 pm

Nolan’s Restaurant

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by president Jeff Mills.  There were 20 members and guests present.

Approval of Minutes:

Jeff called for a motion to approve the minutes of the February meeting as submitted.  A motion was made to approve by Steve U. and 2^nd by Tom T.  Motion passed.

Officer Reports:

President – Jeff began by talking about the planning meeting held by the Events/Membership committee on Feb 25. The club now has a list of events planned for the next six months.  Jeff said that he will allow Steve and Austin go into more detail during their reports.  Jeff reminded the club of the incentives for getting new members into the club, 3 new members you receive a club hat, 10 new members you get dues paid for 1 year.  Make sure you put your name on card when handing out to prospects.  Jeff said that club is actually up to 45 members now.  We would like to see that doubled this year.  Jeff thanked Waukeene for the beautiful wooden reel box that he made for the club to keep reels and gear in.

Vice President – No report.

Secretary – Ron announced that the newsletter is now available.  Copies are on the table.  Copies will also be at club booth at the Hunting and Fishing Expo this Saturday.  Anyone having pictures, news, etc please send to the club secretary at lmffcc_secretary@yahoo.com.

Treasurer – George announced that the club has a balance of $3361.91 in the bank.  If you have not paid you dues for 2011 please see George ASAP.  The club will be purchasing more hats, cards and such soon.  There have been a few reimbursements to members for expenses.

Events/Membership – Austin began by mentioning the many events planned for this year.  One change may be the Choke Canyon trip may not happen.  Check the website for more info.  Next, Steve U. thanked all those who attended the planning meeting.  Steve also mentioned that we have a lot of events in the works.  Steve displayed the new banner purchased for the club to display at events.  The next event is the club booth at the Hunting and Fishing Expo, Saturday March 12 at the Al Amin Shrine pavilion.  We will have a table with fly tiers, pictures and casting instruction.  We have volunteers to man the table but any club member is welcome to come out and help.  Steve asked that any members with pictures of past club events, fish caught, etc. be sent to seutley@grandecom.net so they can become part of the club’s photo display at the expo.  The next event for those interested will be the Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Clean up on March 19.  Those wishing to take part can meet at Jerry B’s that morning or the PINS parking lot.

Youth – Austin mentioned that TAMU-CC has a fishing club.  He has talked to them about possibly doing a joint event in the future.

At Large – No report.

Speakers:

Our guest speaker tonight is Capt. Aaron Reed of Kiskadee fishing and bird charters.  Capt. Reed is also the director of the Texas Snook Alliance, an organization dedicated to research, education and conservation of Snook.  Capt. Reed specialized in Snook fishing in the LLM and is here to share his knowledge and experience with the club.

Raffle:

There was no raffle held tonight.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10.

Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, Inc.

A Charter Club of the Federation of Fly Fisher’s, Inc.

9906 South Padre Island Drive

Corpus Christi, Texas  78418

Minutes from LMFFCC Meeting

February 10, 2011 7:00 pm

Nolan’s Restaurant

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm by president Jeff Mills.  There were 19 members and guests present.

Approval of Minutes:

Jeff called for a motion to approve the minutes of the January meeting as submitted.  A motion was made to approve by Robert H. and 2^nd by Sherry H.  Motion passed.

Officer Reports:

President – Jeff started by announcing that the club membership as of now is 42 members, not 34 as mentioned at the January meeting.  Next Jeff announced that Russ Bradley will be temporarily stepping down from the BOD due to work requirements.  The BOD agreed to combine the positions of membership, events, youth and education together until Russ returns or a volunteer if found to fill in.  No members volunteered to step in when asked for by Jeff.  Jeff mentioned that he would like to see the club have at least one event per month.  Next Jeff reminded the club of the incentives for recruiting new members.  It was agreed that the club would pay FFF member dues as well as LMFFCC dues for members who recruit 10 members.  Members should put their name on the back of the LMFFCC cards given out to potential new members.  Jeff displayed a shirt embroidered with the club logo.  Jerry and Debi B are now embroidering shirts if anyone is interested.  Due to some spamming of the club website, we have asked for moderators to monitor what happens on the site.  Jeff announced that due to a conflict with the Rockport Fly Fishing club’s general meeting the fly tying round table at Jerry B’s will be moved to the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Vice President – Tom is not present at the meeting.

Secretary – Ron announced that the secretary has an email address at llmffcc_secretary@yahoo.com.  Any club business or info for the newsletter can be sent to this email now.

Treasurer – George started by thanking Sherry for her hard work being the club’s first treasurer and doing all the hard work to set everything up.  He announced the club has $3143.96 in the bank.  The club account was moved to Frost Bank as the old bank was charging too much.  We have 3 new members and 7 renewals.

Events/Membership – Steve U. announced that he has speakers lined up for the next 3 meetings but anyone with ideas for speakers please contact him.   This Saturday, 2/12, the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation will be planting marsh grass on the new fishing area between CC and Portland.  Volunteers are needed to help and can shop up at 10am.  On 2/18-19 the GRTU Trout Fest will be held in New Braunfels.  The Drake film festival will be there.  Steve mentioned that he has talked to the people at the Drake Film Festival about the possibility of the LMFFCC hosting the event in Corpus.  We would need to find a venue, sponsors, get insured and advertise the event.  Jeff asked for volunteers to form a committee to investigate what it would take.  Robert H, Waukeene V, Tom T, Don A and Steve U will make up the committee.  Steve allowed Waukeene to talk about an upcoming event.  Waukeene mentioned there will be a Hunting & Fishing Expo on March 12 at the Al Amin Shrine Pavilion.  The club can have a table at the show for $35.  This would be a good place to recruit new members, do fly tying demos, drawings for prizes, etc.  Waukeene will need 6-7 volunteers to help coordinate the event.

Youth – Austin is not present at the meeting.

At Large – No report.

Speakers:

Tonight’s guest speaker is George Board, LMFCC member and treasurer.  George will be demonstrating how to make furled leaders using a jig that he made himself.

Raffle:

A raffle was held for donated flies and gear.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47.