General Meeting - October 14, 2008
Our program for the October meeting will feature Don Bastian with a program titled “Traditional Wet Fly Fishing: Tactics, Techniques,and Tips.”
The program will address trout in various water types, utilizing classic wet fly patterns and fishing tactics. Patterns, techniques, & tackle are covered. Don will also do a casting and retrieve demonstration, with a question and answer session concluding the program.
Don Bastian has 44 years of fly tying and fly fishing experience. He has authored three fly tying DVD's; two on classic wet flies and one on traditional streamers and bucktails.
Our speaker for November is Rich Murphy, who will give a presentation on "Fly Fishing for Striped Bass".
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"Kid's Fishing Day" was held on September 20th.
More photos of the event can be found here. We also have 3 QuickTime movies here.
President’s Letter
October 2008
Central Jersey Trout Unlimited is facing a little dilemma. Over the past few years we have noticed a steady decline in volunteer hours. This is becoming a bit of a problem since, as all of you know, C.J.T.U. is a non-profit volunteer organization. Trout Unlimited's mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds and in our chapter we strive to support this mission entirely through the work of our volunteers. Although we don't know the exact reason for the decline, issues like declining membership, the rising price of fuel and the failing economy are probably having a negative effect. These issues, on top of the fact that we all have more and more demands on our time these days that make it difficult to find the time to volunteer. In my case family, work and other obligations make it difficult for me to give as much of my time as I would like.
Its important to remember that we are far more than a group of folks that enjoy fishing. C.J.T.U. is involved in conservation and restoration projects such as the Gruendyke Dam removal on the Musconetcong River. Earlier this year the dam was removed but now the real work begins, restoring the stream to its original condition. This is important work and we need to get more of our members involved in the various restoration projects. C.J.T.U. is also involved in education, from the Trout in the Classroom program in our Middle and Elementary Schools, to the educational and fishing programs at the Pequest Hatchery. We work hard to protect our natural resources and educate our children on the importance of preserving our coldwater watersheds and fisheries. By doing so we ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the same or better fishing that we treasure today.
Currently the vast majority of the work going on these days is done by a handful of individuals. They simply cannot do it all. If things do not change for the better in the near future we run the risk of not being able to continue the programs we are running today. As it stands now Trout in the Classroom and the Getting Started in Fishing Programs may not be returning next year due directly to a lack a volunteers to keep the programs running.
Some of you may not feel directly affected by these changes but the next item I wish discuss may have you feeling differently. I know that many of our members fish the Musconetcong River. A lot of these folks also fish a section of the river called Point Mountain. This jewel on the Musky attracts a lot of fisherman because of its high quality of water, the special regulations and the abundant trout that occupy this stretch of river. What you may not know is that C.J.T.U. has a lot to do with the current popularity of this section of river. We lobbied hard for the Trout Conservation regulations that are in place there today and for the last few years our members and employees of the park service have stocked the river by hand on a weekly basis for the first six weeks or so of each season as well as supplemental stockings in the fall. As of next year all that changes. Because we can no longer provide the volunteers to stock the river the state will no longer be providing weekly stockings. In addition any stocking that does occur will likely only occur at road crossings. What made Point Mountain such a special place is that we took fish from the truck loaded them onto a ATV and distributed them through out the river. Of course we could turn all this around but it requires help...your help!
We are looking for ways to make it more attractive for someone to donate their valuable time. We are discussing things like fuel stipends, special raffles, awards or giveaways for those that volunteer their time. You don't need any special knowledge or training to volunteer you time. On every project there will be an experience T.U. member who will show you all you need to know. So give it some thought, is there a way to free up a few hours a month? For me it means less fishing but maybe each one of you can find a way to do less of something or do some creative scheduling to free up a few hours time to help us out on one of our projects. It is a enjoyable and rewarding experience.
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Central Jersey Trout Unlimited's First Annual Pig Roast
On Saturday, October 4th Central Jersey Trout Unlimited had their first annual BBQ/Pig Roast. We held the event at the Raritan Inn, which is located right on the South Branch of the Raritan River. Those that attended had access to private water that is managed by the Raritan Inn. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. On the menu were burgers and dogs and an the main event was an incredible suckling pig prepared by a true professional, Pablo Nieves from Pablo's Pignics. The venue was fantastic the company was great and a good time was had by all. In addition good food and good times, we also had a bucket raffle with some great prizes; fly rods, reels, lines, the works! Thanks to all who came out to spend the day with us and if you did not make this years event don't fret, there will definite be a repeat next year!
Photos from the event can be viewed here.
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