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”