Happy New Year!

 Our January meeting kicked-off the New Year with packed house and a bang!  The membership drawing, proudly sponsored by Southworth Marine Service, was for $700.00 and went to chapter member Rick Whiton who was in attendance.  What a way to start the New Year! Thank you Southwest Marine for making our monthly membership drawing a huge success!

 Bruce Warren, owner of Fishing For Fun Guide Service, gave the membership a detailed presentation on techniques and tactics for Cowlitz River steelhead during various water conditions.  From side drifting to pulling plugs Bruce covered all facets to ensure us success on our outings.  I am sure our club’s diehard anglers will put a sizeable dent in the Cowlitz’s steelhead population with the excellent information gained from this presentation.  For more information please visit: www.fishingforfunguideservice.com

 February’s guest speaker will be Capt. John Keizer speakin

 Speaking of February events, Marine Area 11 has an early February opener this year with a 2-fish limit (release wild chinook)! Instead of a mid-February opening, anglers can now enjoy getting out on the water at the first of the month. The blackmouth action was pretty steady for those that had an opportunity to be on the water prior to the January closure, and I suspect the fishing will continue to be on the good side in the Point Defiance area in February. One location I suggest trying is the Quartermaster Harbor and Neill Point areas. There’s usually ample amounts of pre/post-spawning herring in this area during the February time frame and Mr. Blackmouth is generally not far from a meal. Let’s us know how your fishing trip went at the meeting!

 It is not too early to mention the March meeting.  Not only will we be presenting the 2009 Big Fish Awards in March, but our annual crab dinner will be prior to the general meeting too!  A very reasonable cost of $15.00 per plate/member ensures you enjoy the evening with family and friends stuffed to the seams with Dungeness crab, salad and fixings. If you are planning on attending this event please RSVP to John Schauble or myself. We are limited to the first 200-members.  An early sign-up reserves your spot(s) and helps tremendously with planning and coordinating this highly anticipated annual event."