FHFC BEACON ARTICLE for FEBRUARY 2007

 Some 55 members and guests anxiously attended our January 3^rd Fishing Club meeting at the Community Center to hear all about the new Salt water fishing license and regulations that went into effect on January 1st. Marine Patrol Officer, Bob Lyon and our own Harbour resident and FHFC member, Wildlife Patrol Officer, Steve Barnett did an excellent job presenting all the pertinent facts concerning these rather controversial revisions.

 The best news was that the combined Coastal and Freshwater license costs $30 ($15 for each), and if you are 65 or over you can purchase the lifetime combined license for the same amount. Hunting enthusiasts can purchase the Sportsman's license that includes Freshwater fishing and the Coastal license for $30 and for those 65 and over can purchase the lifetime license of the same $30. You will need the $5 extra for fishing Trout in mountain streams. I have to admit that at my age, I didn't think I'd be buying any type of license for lifetime but I did for the combined license.

 Two boats have been chartered for April 18th for a Yellowfin Tuna trip. If anyone is interested in booking a trip around the third week in April, you can either contact Bob Bruggeworth or Larry Knapp for additional info, or visit the FHFC website.

 Our speaker for February 7th  will be Donald Willis Jr., proprietor of Custom Marine Fabrication Inc. located on Hwy. 70 in New Bern. Stop in and see Junior and let him know how much we appreciate his continued support for our Club. Donald will be talking to us about his free fishing seminar scheduled in March which I understand will include our friend and past speaker Cap't Jimmy Price. He also will be bringing many of his new items that his tackle shop will be featuring this year.  

Just a reminder that 2007 dues are now due and checks can be made out to FHFC for $10 accompanied with an update form which you can pull off our website. As the year closed for our Fishing Club anglers, I thought I'd mention some of the record catches for the year: Tire, Michelin, 1986, 45 1/2 pounds located at the artificial reef in the Neuse River by John Harris. Boot, 2001, 8 pounds, size 11 EEE, caught in Broad Creek by Elmer Stenzel at his secret fishing hole. Metal Object,  2004, Neuse River, MommaMia pasta maker, 21 pounds by Vinnie Infinito and lastly, Angler [ Self ] 2006, 240 pounds at the end of Spring Creek.  The 50-50 raffle was won by Fred Hollenback.

                                                                                     Bob Bruggeworth

 A Sardine is the name of a young herring, a commercially important fish typically packed in small flat cans as tightly as anglers on a party boat.   Anon.