The 2005 trip is now a wonderful memory.  This year was one for the record books. We had a total of 389 keepers, by far the largest number we’ve ever caught in the 48 year history of the Club.  Who said the lakes are fished out? Or is this just another fish story. The previous record was the year 2000 when we caught 283.

 

The weather Thursday was warm and sunny enticing some into shorts.  The Friday lunch gathering on Rosal Island saw our largest crowd ever. We had 33 fishermen enjoying the catch of the day and good company among old and new friends. Jim Winand’s strong return to good health was just in time to break in one of the new members. Another lesson learned...

   

Friday afternoon, the remnants of Hurricane Katrina arrived to give us a challenge on the waters. It makes you wonder if some of our departed fishermen were looking down from above with a smile saying “OK boys, lunch was good, now let’s have some fun with a little weather.”

Saturday was overcast, but still a good day to fish. The excitement of the day came when John Killian and his boat mates received a visit from those ever sociable Ontario Fish Police. Fortunately, jail time was avoided and the boat only received a fine for the open containers of alcohol on their pontoon boat. Another lesson learned. . .

At the Club’s Annual Meeting that night, John was awarded the first (and hopefully last) Ontario Outlaw Award for taking one for the team. The award, a small stuffed moose dressed in a RCMP uniform, was awarded by Terry McGowan, his attorney. John also received a resounding applause.

 

 

Financial Results

There were 37 fishermen on the trip this year. This was a good increase from the prior year, but still below the goal of 45.

The total cost of the trip this year was $16,450, which works out to about $445 per man.  As we increase the number of fishermen on the trip, we can reduce the cost per man by spreading out the fixed costs over a larger number of people.

Active & Standby Lists

These have been revised to reflect changes for those on last year’s Active list that didn’t attend this year and either didn’t pay their dues or chose not to leave them with the club. In those cases, they were moved to the bottom of the Standby list.  Copies of these lists are being mailed to the membership.

2006 Trip Dates & Dues

Dates:  The dates for the 2006 trip have been set for departure on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 and returning Sunday, September 17, 2006.  A tentative schedule of the 2006 trip is posted on the web site here.

Dues:  Tentatively, the dues are still $450 per man. The Executive Committee will review this after we receive our estimates for lodging and transportation in the early part of next year.  Having said that, it appears we may have a modest increase since our actual cost per man is so close to our budgeted amount.

Payment:  For those of you on the Active List, please pay your dues by the end of this year.  Payment should be made to Dennis Gaughan, Treasurer at 981 Timber Lane, Middletown, PA 17057.  In the event your dues are not paid by July 1, you will be moved to the bottom of the Standby List and your spot will be filled. As a reminder, any fully paid member who has to cancel and who leaves their money in the Club, will remain on the Active List for the following year's trip.

Other Items of Interest

Passport or ID:  Don’t forget, you need either a passport or a combination of an original Birth Certificate (copies not acceptable) and a government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.  Rumor has it that Canada will soon require a passport, so you may want to start the process now.  A US Passport still remains the preferred form of ID used at the border.  Our Website has a link to get directions on how to obtain a passport.

Boat Rental:  For those that want to rent a pontoon or other type of boat next year, don’t forget to make your arrangements early by calling Stirling Lodge. Their information is also on our Website.

Email & Telephone Info:  Please make sure the email and telephone information we have for you are correct.  If not, please contact Russ Faber to update the information.

Final Note:

In the coming weeks, many photos, and possibly video clips, will be posted in the “photo gallery” section of the web site.  One thousand photos from John Killian’s photo albums, going all the way back to our club’s beginning in 1959, were scanned and will soon be accessible for all to see.  Also, if you have photos from past trips, that you would like to share & have posted on our web site, please contact either Russ Faber or Mike McGinnis.  We would like to say a special thanks to Mike McGinnis & Joe Hamm for all their efforts in creating the site.  Thanks, Mike & Joe.  Great Job!