March 4th 2025
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 9:00am by President, Ron Prieskorn. There were over 125 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 February 4th 2024 meeting, motion was made by Tim Sease 2nd by Stan Hellenbrand.
Scotty Yates told the membership that he was working on assigning slips from the boat slip list. He should have them assigned soon. If you have questions feel free to contact him.
John Hopkins talked about the fish fry coming up March 21st at 12pm. One detail of the luncheon is that food will be served for one hour 12pm to 1pm, the luncheon is scheduled till 2pm. A volunteer sign up sheet was sent around during the meeting. Many members signed up to help, thank you for your selfless help.
Jim Elias spoke about the boating trip taken to Gilligan's Island in February. 18 boats made the trip with approximately 100 people, the club provided pulled pork sandwiches with chips and cookies. Jim thanked everyone that provided the food and served the membership. Jim talked about the next boating trip to the south of the Longboat key area. Jim is working on details and will post on Team Reach when available.
Ron asked for a motion to approve $300 for the upcoming boat trip. Motion was made by Jan Hassik 2nd by Jim Elias.
Kathy Sparks reported about the Golf Cart decorations on her husband, John's, golf cart and trailer. Kathy thanked her crew that decorated the ride including Diana Faust, who had the Clown face idea for the windshield, other crew members were Tim and Kim Sease, Donna Matteson,Mary Hellenbrand and her husband Stan.
Kathy also encouraged others to volunteer their time and talents for future projects as the rewards are many.
Ron then talked about the club’s board members' Bayfest skit. Ron committed that next years skit would be even better with volunteers from our membership,
Ron then gave the kayak update, there will be a cookout party on the return of an upcoming outing. Details for the kayak outing will be posted on Teamreach.
Jim Bowling gave the bank accounting numbers for last month's business. Jim then asked Kathy Sparks to come up to the front to be recognized for her contribution to the club. Kathy's portrait contributed $505.00 to the club.
Rhonda Bowling gave the apparel update, She reported that shirt orders for Kathy Sparks new design are special order and being taken now. Rhonda also spoke about a new PB/SB logo and a new rear shirt design.
Sheila gave the fishing update and reported Sheepshead limit is 50 per vessel and 8 per individual though March and April, Snook is in season, slot limit 28” to 33”, 1 per person per day with permit. Red fish 2 per vessel and one per individual. Sheila said Get Out There and Fish!
Norm Kitchen gave a talk about checking your equipment on your boat, especially the bilge pump. His had line wound up in the impeller which caused his boat to sink during a recent storm. He also said to read the fine print on your boat insurance policy. His policy only paid about 60% of his boat's value. All good information for any informed boater.
Ge Stepansky talked about the chain at the 5th street boat ramp. Ge thanked Chris Smith for replacing the eyebolts on the boat launch. Ge also asked everyone to be sure to lock the chain each and every time they launch their boat.
Stan Hellenbrand reported that a new tow rope setup was mounted on the backside of the club’s fish board. This new line can be used by membership when towing a boat in during a time of need. Stan then read the contest winners for February’s one day contest, Women's one day contest and then the monthly contest winners.
Chris Matteson came up and conducted our board elections. The result was all current board members were retained by majority.
The 50/50 drawing was won by Jim Molenaar for $87.
Meeting was Adjourned by Ron Prieskorn
Club auctioneer Ricky Baer then auctioned off many items including rod and reels donated by Beverly Blank from her late husband's fishing gear. Also other great fishing gear and golf cart parts were auctioned off.
Meeting was Adjourned by Ron Prieskorn
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen