February 6th 2024
Paradise Bay Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: Chris Matteson
Treasurer: Kevin Sullivan
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:00am by President Ron Prieskorn. There were 135 members present.
Ron Led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Fisherman's Prayer.
Ron then asked for a motion to accept the minutes from the January 2nd meeting. The minutes were accepted and approved by the attendees.
Chris Matteson reviewed the Frank and Bean dinner and thanked Kim Hopkins and the other volunteers for their efforts that resulted in the success of the Frank and Bean dinner.
Chris reminded everyone of the upcoming elections in March and asked for nominations to serve on the board. Chris reminded fishermen not to save fish for the upcoming fish luncheon since the club will buy the fish to serve.
Ricky Baer spoke about the recent coast guard boat inspections. Ricky reported there were 38 boats inspected. He then talked about the coast guard possibly offering a boating safety class.
Ron then talked about an incident he had in the keys when the coast guard stopped him. When Ron gave the officer his registration with his recent inspection paperwork he was told they did not need to check his safety gear because of having it done recently.
Dan Wilder spoke about the upcoming boat trips this season. Dan explained that the cold weather has been a factor in scheduling. Dan reviewed some places to visit such as Egmont Key and Gilligan's Island as soon as we have some warmer weather.
Kevin Sullivan then gave an apparel update on shirts and hats. Kevin explained if you want a special order shirt to do so though the club, do not go to Saltys, they are not a retail store. Kevin then reported the club is financially sound with $5890.33 in bank accounts and $1428.00 cash on hand. Kevin then talked about the Kayak trailer recently purchased by the club.
Dave Brown then spoke about the kayak launch process and thanked the Paradise Bay board for the approval of $5000.00 for the start of the permitting process currently underway. Mike Dunn is in charge of group excursions and can be contacted on the teamreach app. Dave also reported there are now 122 kayakers in the park.
Sheila Gilstrap gave a fishing update about snook fishing dates and sizes. Sheila said you should look up rules as they change often. Sheila also explained that passengers on your boat without a fishing license should not handle or help with the fishing process. Sheila then talked about how the club might think about not keeping sea trout over 19”, because these larger fish are the breeders to replenish the population.
Scoty Yates then spoke about the sailboat in the canal reporting that it is in the process of being put up for auction. Sotty also reminded everyone about no power loading, not to lock your trailer tongue in the yard and boat yard access only dawn to dusk.
Ron then announced the fishing contest winners.
January 17 2024 One Day Fishing Contest
Red Fish
1st Brian Bourgeois 18 ¼”
Spotted Seatrout
1st Pete Pelegtino 18” *
1st Ron Prieskorn18” *
2nd Rod Kramer 16 ⅛
3rd Martin Esquimaux 15 ½”
Sheepshead
1st Norm Kitchen 14 ¼”
* Tie for first place
January 2024 Monthly Fishing Contest Results
Sheepshead
1st Norm Kitchen 18”
2nd Stan Hellenbrand 17 ½’
3rd Linda Kitchen 17 ⅛”
Spotted Seatrout
1st Ron Prieskorn 22 ⅛”
2nd Pete Pellegrino 22”
3rd Rod Kramer 21”
Redfish
1st John Holteman 25 ½”
1st Brian Bourgeois 25 ½”
2nd Rod Kramer 23 ¾”
Mangrove Snapper
1st John Dyke 16 ⅞
2nd Brian Bourgeois 16 ½
3rd Stan Hellenbrand 11”
Ron then announced he has graduated from the Ron Krammer school of fishing. Ron proudly wore a shirt that announced his accomplishment on the front of his shirt the rest of the afternoon.
Ricky Baer then auctioned off a gallon of marine oil and a bag of coffee for $20.00 and two collector club shirts for $18.00 each. Ricky then auctioned off a boating trip with Carl Shedden for $110.00 to Roxanne and Mike Knowles, Congratulations.
The 50/50 drawing for $124.00 was won by Stan Hellenbrand
Chris Matteson then thanked the kitchen staff for providing the chill luncheon about to be enjoyed by our club members.
Meeting was Adjourned by Ron Prieskorn
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen