Fishing Club


About 50 Fishing Club members gathered for the July 1 meeting. The first item of business was to honor fallen member, A G Kessinger, with ten seconds of silence. The seat in the front row where he usually sat was left vacant in his honor.
Jim Cline reported the Big Brothers Big Sisters Take-a-Kid fishing day was a huge success. Everyone was encouraged to thank the many sponsors who supported us and allowed us to make this event so special for some 26 children. A signup sheet was available for those interested in helping next year. Cline agreed to chair the project again; Dan Thallman will be vice chairman and become chairman in 2011. Thirty members signed up to work on the various commiftees. All others who have not signed up should let Cline know where their interests lie. Jerry Manfredi reported that the date for the Big Red Challenge is August 15. The venue will again be Whittaker Point Marina. To participate, give Manfredi a call if you have not already signed up. Three fishing clubs will participate and attend the kickott picnic lunch at noon before the tourney begins at 2 pm. All boats must be in by 8 pm; cameras containing the pictures of your catch must be turned in by 9 pm.
Speaker for the evening was Capt. Dave Stewart who charters Knee Deep Custom Charters out of Minnesott Beach where his bait and tackle shop is located. Stewart sponsored Take-a-Kid fishing day by providing free bait. He talked about all the baits he carries and will set up a delivery service to the marina for those participating in the Big Red Challenge. He is also sponsoring two upcoming speckled trout tournaments; if interested, check out his website at PamlicoTackle.com. Joey Freeman, won the 50-50 raffle.
    Bob Bruggeworth

When he caught this swordfish , Henry Hudak was fishing with Gus Villanova.

My biggest catch ever


I circled the June 3 Fishing Club Meeting on my calendar. Dr. Bogus, renowned fishing expert, spoke on surf fishing. He talked about the numerous huge drum that he caught in the shoals of Emerald Isle/Bogue Sound Inlet. He answered my questions about when, where and what bait to use to catch these previously elusive specimens.
The following week, I spent an evening at Fort Macon intending to implement this knowledge. The tide was incoming and I settled my gear near the rock jetty, which Dr. Bogus said was a good spot. I had purchased the closest example to the lure he recommended, baited with shrimp just to improve my chances, and cast near the rocks. Nothing happened. While re-baiting my pole, three jubilant human male specimens jumped into my spot near the rocks and immediately started to catch flounder, too small to keep. I was miffed to say the least. So I moved as close as possible to where they were casting. I got a hit! It was a big fish, to me, at least. It fought like crazy and I called my niece to help me pull it: a black drum about three to four pounds. (It gets bigger each time I tell the story).
The three jubilant males looked incredulous. They ran right over and asked, “What are you using?” I just smiled and kept on casting.
    Carol Lunney-Miller

Carol Lunney-Miller caught this black drum while surf fishing at Fort Macon.