- Details
Paradise Bay/ Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Minutes
February 3, 2026
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Jim Bowling
Secretary: George Mullen (absent). Minutes being taken by member Kim Sease
Meeting called to order at 11:10 by President Ron Prieskorn with 97 members present. Ron led the Pledge of Allegiance and recited the Fisherman’s Prayer.
Motion for approval of last month’s minutes: John Hopkins 1st, Rick Baer 2nd. Motion passed.
Presidents Report:
- President Ron thanked all the volunteers who helped with the chili luncheon that took place before the meeting and recognized everyone who remembered to bring their poker chips. For members who did not receive a chip the next supply should be available in 2 weeks.
- Dock repairs: the 1st finger dock supports have been replaced, pylons replaced or cleaned, cable system repaired with future plans for cable replacement. Electricity is working. Reminder to check your PVC handrails to make sure they are secure.
- This year’s taco bar event was well received. For a 1st time event things went smoothly, and we learned a lot if we want to continue the event next year. Many thanks to Lance & Betty who chaired the event.
Sheila Gilstrap Fishing Report:
- Women’s fishing contest Friday, Feb 6. Snook season is not open until March Rick Baer report:
- Coast Guard inspections are Saturday, Feb 7 at 9:00. Please be prepared with your required items for inspection.
- Sam’s boat – several repairs have been made to the motor, but the boat still needs an oil pump (estimated cost $500-$1,000). The boat itself is in good repair and would make a good boat for someone who wants to work on it. See Rick Baer or George Mullen to make an offer.
Jim Elias excursions:
- Our Boat excursion has been postponed again due to cold weather. Watch for future date
- Jim passed around notebooks. One for boaters to sign if they are willing to take passengers & how many they can take, and another for non-boaters to sign up if they want to go.
Rhonda Bowling merchandise report:
- Last month’s merchandise order was postponed because of bad weather. Accepting new orders thru Feb 4. Shirts will be available at the March meeting.
Stan Hellenbrand:
- January fishing contest winners announced. (List attached)
Tim Sease Bayfest Golf Cart:
- Tim is putting together a committee to work on this year’s golf cart for the Bayfest parade. Our Club won the golf cart contest last year and we are in it to win again this year. Watch Team Reach for the date and time for the planning meeting.
Jim Bowling Treasurer’s Report:
- Jim Bowling shared the Financial Report. The club is in good shape now but for the remainder of the season we will be spending money rather than taking it in. • The Taco Bar Fundraiser had a profit of $947.65
President Ron Prieskorn:
- Motion to approve up to $500 per boat excursion for food: 1st Tim Sease, 2nd Mary Hellenbrand. Motion passed
- Motion to donate $500 to Paradise Bay Activity Committee & $300 to Sarasota Bay Activity Committee. 1st Jim Elias, 2nd Rick Baer. Motion passed. • Taking nominations for club officers. See any board member to express interest in any of the positions. Voting takes place at the March meeting.
Rick Baer auction:
- Fishing trip for 3 people with Captain Greg Crist. Winning bid Kim Nace $500 • Excursion trip with Jim & Sharon Elias for 4 people. Winning bid Rick Boss $510.
50/50 winner of $128 was Robert Tharpe. Robert just joined the club today. Minutes respectfully submitted by Kim Sease
JANUARY 2026 MONTHLY FISHING CONTEST
Black Drum
1st Brian Bougeois 18 ¼”
2nd Rick Ayers 15 ¼”
Florida Pompano
1st Doug Jones 16 ¾” Redfish
Sheepshead 1st John Halteman 27”
1st Norm Kitchen 18” 2nd Bill Booher 26 ¾”
2nd Martin Esquimaux 17 ¾” 3rd Rick Ayers 25”
3rd Dave Whalley 16 7/8” Mangrove snapper
Spanish Mackerel 1st Brian Bourgeios 21 ¾”
1st Norm Kitchen 18 ¼” 2nd Terry Busse 15 ½”
Spotted Seatrout 3rd Dave Whalley 13”
1st John Halteman 23” Flounder
2nd Bill Booher 19 ¾” 1st Rick Ayers 15”
3rd Kim Hopkins 17” 1st Kelly Esquimaux 15”
Biggest Non Contest Legal Fish No Monitary Prize Traveling Trophy Stan Hellenbrand 29” Red Grouper
ONE DAY FISHING CONTEST JANUARY 16 2026
SPOTTED SEATROUT
1st Norm Kitchen 15”
Sheepshead
1st Kelly Esquimaux 16 5/8”
2nd Martin Esquimaux 16”
Mangrove Snapper
1st Martin Esquimaux 12 3/8” 2nd Kelly Esquimaux 10 ½”
- Details
March 3rd 2026
Paradise Bay - Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Jim Bowling
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:05am by President, Ron Prieskorn. We had 122 members present. Ron led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Fisherman's Prayer
Ron asked for the February minutes to be approved, John Hopkins made the motion and was seconded by Dave Hawkinson. Membership approved.
Tim Sense reviewed the progress of decorating our bayfest golf cart entry. Tim said to the other clubs, just wait and see our entry, no other information was given.
Ricky Baer thanked the coast guard for sending several inspectors to inspect our boats. Ricky also reported the two items that caused most boats to fail were working lights and expired flares. Ricky also told the club they could dispose of old flares at the fire department across the street.
Jim Elias gave out the information about the boating trip to beer can island on Monday March 9th. We will meet at the docks at 10:30 to coordinate taking people that need a ride with someone else. Jim has sign up sheets for boat operators and people needing a ride, Contact Jim for more information and check Team Reach for updates.
Dave Hawkinson gave a presentation on a cruise trip to Cozumel and Costa Maya January 25-30th 2027, 5 nights from Tampa. Looks like a good group rate, see Dave for additional information.
Stan Hellenbrand read the fishing contest winners for:
One Day Womens contest, One Day contest and February monthly contest. Winners are posted on our website and teamreach.
John Dike won our monthly fish trophy with a large Red Grouper,
Jim Bowling gave the financial report and reminded the club membership this is your money.
George Mullen asked the club for a motion to approve $1,000.00 towards an ice maker for the park. The park would pick up the balance of the cost up to $700.00. The ice maker would be placed at the laundry facility until the PB hall is renovated and then relocated to the hall. Motion was made by Tim Sense and seconded by Chris Matteson, membership voted to approve.
George also gave an update on repairs to the boat donated from Sam McCutcheon, more to follow as information is available.
Chris Matteson gave a report on a meeting he attended concerning the nature preserve west of the park in Cortez, Chris would like the boat and fishing club to consider supporting the ongoing restoration work going on in the preserve.
Chris also conducted the annual nominations and retention of club board members. There were no new nominations for any position and all board members agreed to be reinstated.
Ron Preiskorn introduced Dianna Gregg as our kayak group leader. He also asked others to help her organize additional trips this season.
Thank You Dianna.
Ricky Baer conducted our monthly auction, several rod and reels of Sam McCutcheon, a nice art deco copper fish and a nice kayak that was donated by Albert Nieman were auctioned off.
Thanks Ricky
Our 50/50 Winner was Barb Giacchetti ticket # 678139 for a nice cash prize of $113 dollars
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen
- Details
April 7th 2026
Paradise Bay - Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Jim Bowling
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:05am by President, Ron Prieskorn. We had 58 members present. Ron led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Fisherman's Prayer
Ron asked for the March minutes to be approved, Cathy Mullen made the motion and was seconded by Chris Matteson. Membership approved.
Jane Von Hahmann from the Cortez fishing village gave a nice history about the Cortez village and the preserve. Jane spoke about the details of this area being one of the last natural water fonts on Sarasota bay. There is a nice walking trail inside the preserve to check out also. For more details about the village and preserve check out their web site at fishcortez.org
Ron asked for a motion to donate $250.00 to the Cortez village, Chris Matteson made the motion and was seconded by Stan Heldebrand. The vote by the club membership was unanimous.
Tim Sease thanked all the volunteers that helped build the Bayfest float. The club got third place this year, Next year first place Tim?
Ron thanked all our volunteers for their help with the fish fry and Easter Dinner. Ron said we served 200 at the fish fry and thanked Peggy Baer and Kim Hopkins for their help preparing the food. Chris Mattesin also thanked all the volunteers for their help with the Easter Dinner. Both meals were well attended.
Ron talked about the Next boat trip Monday the 13th at 10:30am to Gilligans Island. He passed around a sign up sheet and asked boat captains to arrange rides for others needing a ride. If you can go but did not sign up, text Ron at 270-535-64 to get added to the list.
Joyce Stepansky asked the club to consider having everyone bring their own lunch on the Gilligan's island trip to lighten the load on the people always preparing food. After a few comments the club voted in agreement with Joyce for all to bring their own lunch.
Stan Hellenbrand read the results of the fishing contests sporadically throughout the meeting, all results will be posted at the bottom of these minutes.
George Mullen reported the new ice maker was installed in the laundry mat between 3rd and 4th st. The ice maker still needs to have an inline water filter installed that has been ordered and should be operational very soon.
Jim Bowling gave the financial report, the ending balance for the season at the bank is $6177.06
Dave Wally told a fishing story about fly fishing in sarabay recently. After one of his casts while reeling in he had three nibbles and on the forth bite he hooked a 5 foot Tarpon that jumped out of the water, hit him on the leg, and almost knocked him out of the boat, flopped on the gunwale and fell back into the water.
Ron then asked when cleaning your fish to throw the carcass out of the pelican's reach, we have had a few reports of them choking on fish caught in their throats.
Chuck Maidama reported that the new dock and ramp on 106th St is our property and can be used by our park boat owners. With a court agreement between our park and the residents of 106th St both groups are allowed to use that ramp.
The largest non category fish contest Trophy went to Mike Perry, he caught a 32” Red Grouper. So Mike will have the Trophy on display till next season. Congratulations Mike
Our 50/50 Winner was Rick Helps ticket # 642553 for a nice cash prize of $65 dollars
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen
2025/26 BIGGEST FISH OF EACH CATEGORY CONTEST
Black Drum Flounder
Terry Buse 22 ¾” Dave Whalley 15”
Florida Pompano Rick Ayres 15”
Doug Jones 16 ¾” Kelly Esquimaux 15”
Sheepshead Dee Billings 15”
Dave Walley 19 ¾” Mangrove Snapper
Spanish Mackerel Brian Bourgeios 22 ¼”
Norm Kitchen 21 ¼”
Spotted Seatrout
Doug Jones 24 1/2”
Redfish
John Halteman 27”
Bill Booher 27”
MARCH 2026 MONTHLY FISHING CONTEST
Sheepshead
1st Mike Shone 17 ¼” Biggest Non Contest Fish
2nd Norm Kitchen 14 ¼” No Monetary Prize
Spanish Mackerel Traveling Trophy
1st Norm Kitchen 21 ¼” Mike Perry
2nd Pete Pelligrino 18” Red Grouper 32”
2nd Kim Hopkins 18”
Spotted Seatrout Mangrove Snapper
1st Bill Booher 24” 1st Brian Bourgieos 22 ¼”
2nd Ron Prieskorn 22 ¼” 2nd Dave Whalley 13 ½”
3rd Stan Hellenbrand 22”
Redfish
1st Bill Booher 26”
2nd Stan Hellenbrand 19”
0NE DAY KAYAK FISHING CONTEST
MARCH 26 2026
Spotted seatrout
1st Doug Jones 24 ¼”
2nd Patti Gillardo 19 ½”
3rd Ron Prieskorn 19 ¼”
Sheepshead
1st James Drudge 16 ¼”
2nd Todd Thomas 13”
Redfish
1st Doug Jones 20 ½”
Flounder
1st Rick Helps 14 1/8”
MENS ONE DAY MAKE UP FOR FEBRUARY BAD WEATHER FISHING CONTEST
MARCH 19 2026
Spotted Seatrout
1st Greg Crist 23 ½”
2nd Martin Esquimaux 18”
3rd Ge Stepansky 16 ½”
Sheepshead
1st Martin Esquimaux 16 ¼”
2nd Brian Bourgeios 16 1/8”
3rd Dave Whalley 15”
Flounder
1st Pete Pelegrino 18 1/8”
2nd Aaron Euton 16”
LADIES ONE DAY MAKE UP FOR FERBRUARY BAD WEATHER FISHING CONTEST
MARCH 19 2026
Spotted Seatrout
1st Patti Gallardo 17 ¼”
2nd Joyce Stepansky 17”
Spanish Mackerel
1st Penny Maxwell 14 ¼”
Sheepshead
1st Kelly Esquimaux 15 ¼”
2nd Penny Maxwell 14 ½”
ONE DAY NO WINNERS FISHING CONTEST
MARCH 13 2026
Spotted Seatrout
1st Greg Crist 18 ½”
2nd Mike Schone 15 ½”
Spanish Mackerel
1st Tim Sease 19 ¾”
ONE DAY FISHING CONTEST MARCH 5 2026
Spotted Seatrout
1st John Mattei 22 ¾”
2nd Jack Whitaker 19 ½”
3rd Joyce Stepansky 19”
Spanish Mackeral
1st Pete Pellegrino 20”
2nd Norm Kitchen 19”
3rd Sue Prieskorn 14 ¾”
Sheepshead
1st Martin Esquimaux 16”
2nd James Drudge 15 ¾”
3rd Jean Drudge 15 ½”
Redfish
1st Ron Prieskorn 26”
2nd John Mattei 19 ½”
- Details
April 7th 2026
Paradise Bay - Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Jim Bowling
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:05am by President, Ron Prieskorn. We had 58 members present. Ron led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Fisherman's Prayer
Ron asked for the March minutes to be approved, Cathy Mullen made the motion and was seconded by Chris Matteson. Membership approved.
Jane Von Hahmann from the Cortez fishing village gave a nice history about the Cortez village and the preserve. Jane spoke about the details of this area being one of the last natural water fonts on Sarasota bay. There is a nice walking trail inside the preserve to check out also. For more details about the village and preserve check out their web site at fishcortez.org
Ron asked for a motion to donate $250.00 to the Cortez village, Chris Matteson made the motion and was seconded by Stan Heldebrand. The vote by the club membership was unanimous.
Tim Sease thanked all the volunteers that helped build the Bayfest float. The club got third place this year, Next year first place Tim?
Ron thanked all our volunteers for their help with the fish fry and Easter Dinner. Ron said we served 200 at the fish fry and thanked Peggy Baer and Kim Hopkins for their help preparing the food. Chris Mattesin also thanked all the volunteers for their help with the Easter Dinner. Both meals were well attended.
Ron talked about the Next boat trip Monday the 13th at 10:30am to Gilligans Island. He passed around a sign up sheet and asked boat captains to arrange rides for others needing a ride. If you can go but did not sign up, text Ron at 270-535-64 to get added to the list.
Joyce Stepansky asked the club to consider having everyone bring their own lunch on the Gilligan's island trip to lighten the load on the people always preparing food. After a few comments the club voted in agreement with Joyce for all to bring their own lunch.
Stan Hellenbrand read the results of the fishing contests sporadically throughout the meeting, all results will be posted at the bottom of these minutes.
George Mullen reported the new ice maker was installed in the laundry mat between 3rd and 4th st. The ice maker still needs to have an inline water filter installed that has been ordered and should be operational very soon.
Jim Bowling gave the financial report, the ending balance for the season at the bank is $6177.06
Dave Wally told a fishing story about fly fishing in sarabay recently. After one of his casts while reeling in he had three nibbles and on the forth bite he hooked a 5 foot Tarpon that jumped out of the water, hit him on the leg, and almost knocked him out of the boat, flopped on the gunwale and fell back into the water.
Ron then asked when cleaning your fish to throw the carcass out of the pelican's reach, we have had a few reports of them choking on fish caught in their throats.
Chuck Maidama reported that the new dock and ramp on 106th St is our property and can be used by our park boat owners. With a court agreement between our park and the residents of 106th St both groups are allowed to use that ramp.
The largest non category fish contest Trophy went to Mike Perry, he caught a 32” Red Grouper. So Mike will have the Trophy on display till next season. Congratulations Mike
Our 50/50 Winner was Rick Helps ticket # 642553 for a nice cash prize of $65 dollars
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen
2025/26 BIGGEST FISH OF EACH CATEGORY CONTEST
Black Drum Flounder
Terry Buse 22 ¾” Dave Whalley 15”
Florida Pompano Rick Ayres 15”
Doug Jones 16 ¾” Kelly Esquimaux 15”
Sheepshead Dee Billings 15”
Dave Walley 19 ¾” Mangrove Snapper
Spanish Mackerel Brian Bourgeios 22 ¼”
Norm Kitchen 21 ¼”
Spotted Seatrout
Doug Jones 24 1/2”
Redfish
John Halteman 27”
Bill Booher 27”
MARCH 2026 MONTHLY FISHING CONTEST
Sheepshead
1st Mike Shone 17 ¼” Biggest Non Contest Fish
2nd Norm Kitchen 14 ¼” No Monetary Prize
Spanish Mackerel Traveling Trophy
1st Norm Kitchen 21 ¼” Mike Perry
2nd Pete Pelligrino 18” Red Grouper 32”
2nd Kim Hopkins 18”
Spotted Seatrout Mangrove Snapper
1st Bill Booher 24” 1st Brian Bourgieos 22 ¼”
2nd Ron Prieskorn 22 ¼” 2nd Dave Whalley 13 ½”
3rd Stan Hellenbrand 22”
Redfish
1st Bill Booher 26”
2nd Stan Hellenbrand 19”
0NE DAY KAYAK FISHING CONTEST
MARCH 26 2026
Spotted seatrout
1st Doug Jones 24 ¼”
2nd Patti Gillardo 19 ½”
3rd Ron Prieskorn 19 ¼”
Sheepshead
1st James Drudge 16 ¼”
2nd Todd Thomas 13”
Redfish
1st Doug Jones 20 ½”
Flounder
1st Rick Helps 14 1/8”
MENS ONE DAY MAKE UP FOR FEBRUARY BAD WEATHER FISHING CONTEST
MARCH 19 2026
Spotted Seatrout
1st Greg Crist 23 ½”
2nd Martin Esquimaux 18”
3rd Ge Stepansky 16 ½”
Sheepshead
1st Martin Esquimaux 16 ¼”
2nd Brian Bourgeios 16 1/8”
3rd Dave Whalley 15”
Flounder
1st Pete Pelegrino 18 1/8”
2nd Aaron Euton 16”
LADIES ONE DAY MAKE UP FOR FERBRUARY BAD WEATHER FISHING CONTEST
MARCH 19 2026
Spotted Seatrout
1st Patti Gallardo 17 ¼”
2nd Joyce Stepansky 17”
Spanish Mackerel
1st Penny Maxwell 14 ¼”
Sheepshead
1st Kelly Esquimaux 15 ¼”
2nd Penny Maxwell 14 ½”
ONE DAY NO WINNERS FISHING CONTEST
MARCH 13 2026
Spotted Seatrout
1st Greg Crist 18 ½”
2nd Mike Schone 15 ½”
Spanish Mackerel
1st Tim Sease 19 ¾”
ONE DAY FISHING CONTEST MARCH 5 2026
Spotted Seatrout
1st John Mattei 22 ¾”
2nd Jack Whitaker 19 ½”
3rd Joyce Stepansky 19”
Spanish Mackeral
1st Pete Pellegrino 20”
2nd Norm Kitchen 19”
3rd Sue Prieskorn 14 ¾”
Sheepshead
1st Martin Esquimaux 16”
2nd James Drudge 15 ¾”
3rd Jean Drudge 15 ½”
Redfish
1st Ron Prieskorn 26”
2nd John Mattei 19 ½”
- Details
January 6th 2026
Paradise Bay - Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Jim Bowling
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:05am by President, Ron Prieskorn. We had a large turn out of members. Ron led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Fisherman's Prayer There was a large membership turn out.
Ron asked for the December minutes to be approved, John Hopkins made the motion and was seconded by Tim Seese.
Ron explained the Membership Poker Chips are your receipt for annual club dues. He also explained the membership dates are January 1st through December 31st. Ron explained the poker chips are to be used for admittance to club events and DON’T LOSE THEM!
Ricky Talked about the Coast Guard inspection that will be done February 7th at 9am. A signup sheet was passed around to get your boat inspected. Ricky reviewed a list of items you should have up to date for the inspection.
Fire Extinguisher and Flares be sure to check the expiration date!
Life Preservers, Running lights, Whistle or horn, Bucket or baling device, Kill Switch cord to kill engine if driver falls overboard, there is a complete list on the coastguard site.
Jim Elias gave out information about upcoming boating excursions. Jim Gave Thanks for our Blessed Community. Jim said our next boating trip will be January 29th at 10am, depending on weather conditions the destination could be Gilligans Island or Beer Can. Keep informed on Team Reach.
Ron then introduced Betty and Lance Barendse, they will be the cooks for our upcoming Bayside Taco Event. January 24th meals will be served 4pm to 530pm. The event will be held at Sara Bay Hall Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased from most Club members.
George Mullen gave a short report about the kayak trailer being Sold and passed around a sign up sheet for the emergency call list. George then reviewed the details for repairs on the boat Liz Streb donated in memory of Sam McCutcheon.
The boat will be for sale in the next few days and the asking price will be $5000 dollars.
Shelia Gilstrap reported that Florida fishing licence details for non resident applicants are not available on line.
She reported non resident licences can be purchased at locations like Walmart, Ace Hardware and Fish supply location.
Stan Hellenbrand read all the fish prize winners for December. Pictures were taken of all the winners. Sue Prieskorn won the coveted Bass Trophy to display in front of her home, Sue caught a 21 1-/4” Red Flounder!
Ron reminded fishing folks to get two witnesses to sign the contest sheet, at the water front the witnesses must be club members.
Rhonda Bowling talked about shirt sales. Shirts will be preordered and sold the next few weeks at community events. Shirts are $25 and will be distributed in early February. The new shirt design was submitted by Patti Gallardo.
Our 50/50 Winner was Forrest McFerson ticket # 2322294 for a nice cash prize of $105 dollars
Ricky Baer conducted our auction of donated items and many members got a great deal including myself everyone had GoodTime, as the club made a few more $.
Thanks Ricky
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen