April Newsletter 2013 - Columbia River Steelheaders

President’s Message Continued.....
Those of you that did this event last year might remember the “KARMA” story of the guy not happy with us last
year… he ended up falling o the dock as he went to step on his boat???? Well… let’s just say Karma is alive and
well and obviously on our side. Again this year we had 1… just 1 guy that was not a happy person, did not like that
we were doing this for the Vets. He made it clear also that he did not like us there for many dierent reasons. He got
on his boat, started his big motor and pulled away from the dock. He slammed the accelerator to the oor in a
show of disgust and promptly “blew his motor”. He had to come back to the dock on his kicker, yelled at folks to
clear the way, loaded up his boat and left. Hmmmmmm I’m sensing a pattern here.
We had a donation jar out there this year, as last year many folks wanted to donate to help us. I think we collected
$150.00 in unsolicited donations. Again… incredible.
We made some great connections for next year and learned a little more that will make this event better and easier
to do again. We will hash out what worked and what didn’t at the next meeting, please come and add your two
cents worth, all constructive criticism and comments are welcome.
Here’s a few I have heard already in no particular order of importance…
1. Move it to Kalama Launch and have a BBQ for lunch or after the event
2. Go with Wounded Warrior Program for a year and see if they can deliver enough people (we had 15 no
shows again this year)
3. Use 40 et 8 (Bill Sartorous) to get local disabled Vets that want to sh
4. Several people asked if we would do this event again in the FALL when shing is better. Just on a smaller
scale.
Baring a last minute cancellation, our guest speaker this month is Joel from Joel’s Jigs. Those of you that are bobber
and jig shing have certainly heard of him. His jigs are becoming quite famous and work extremely well. Joel was at
one time, one of the owners of North Fork Bait and Tackle. His jig business has skyrocketed and he now
concentrates solely on building the nest jigs made in the NW. Joel will show some of his top producing jigs and
demonstrate shing tips and technics for using them. This should be an excellent meeting for both “bankers and
Boaters”.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Holiday and look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting, April 10.
Oh… because I know everyone wants to know… I’m 0-16 on Springers, Yup… you read that correctly…0-16
trips. Sigh…..
Tight lines,
Keith Hyde
Side Note......
I’d like to announce a new chapter sponsor. Welcome and Thank you to Kodiak Custom Fishing
Tackle! A care package will be sent in time for the next rae and chapter meeting in May. Currently
their spinners and bottomsh jigs are not sold in stores in the lower 48, but that is something that
we are currently working on now that I’m here in Alaska working with them. In the meantime, you
can get them at online at www.kodiakcustom.com......and if you have any doubts if they work, just
ask Keith about the day I was shing them on his boat with him and Donny :)
Tight Lines and Enjoy- Kristin