Greetings fellow fisho's
Soon be Xmas !!!!!!! Where has the year gone ????? Already Xmas decorations in the shops etc. How is your "wish list" for fishing gear in your Xmas stocking this year??? Remember those firms and brands that support your Club and this Association - they deserve your support in return.
Have you had a look at the new NZACA website (www.nzaca.co.nz) yet ?? Is your Club details and information included yet ?? To date there are only a handful of Clubs that are making use of this site - if you are not there - you are missing out !! Xmas costs us - your exposure on this site is free. Remember while you are about it, update your club particulars on our other website (www.fishing.net.nz) - if you don't know how contact me.
Don't forget also that the Webmasters would love to receive interesting articles and information that will make these sites even of greater information and attraction. Don't leave it just up to your Association Officers to send in such.
Talking about updates - Is your Club one of those who have not renewed your affiliation yet?
Remember if you were not affiliated by the 30th September last, your members are not eligible for Records, Postal Casting etc etc. It would be a pity for a member to miss out on a record or similar just because their Club Secretary, or whoever, had forgotten to send off the renewal forms.
By now you should have received from the Pania Surfcasting Club the entry forms for next years Nationals. If you haven't had these please contact me urgently. This is going to be a great event and there is a lot of interest being shown by clubs. Your accommodation arrangements should now be well advanced and your selection of teams and pre-nominated competitors given thought to. Remember also there is a limit on the numbers for the final evening dinner so first in get the guaranteed seats. Although close-off date is not until near the end of January you are advised not to wait until the last minute.
As part of the Nationals of course is the AGM – YOUR chance to have your say in the running of YOUR Association. I would like to be able to post out to all clubs at the beginning of next month the matters for discussion at the AGM, remits and notices-of-motion, If you want something to be discussed or placed on the Agenda please forward details to me ASAP. Remember that items cannot be raised from the floor of the meeting except at the prerogative of the Meeting Chairman. Also by circulating to all clubs matters to be discussed means those clubs who are unable to attend the AGM have opportunity of having their say in those matters.
Do you get or read the New Zealand Fishing News? This excellent mag is one of our sponsors. Although I am disappointed that the "reply coupon" regarding Fishing Club inquiries has not been published for quite a long time (I am not too sure where the blame lies for this) the NZACA does get from time to time good exposure in this well-read publication. The November edition has a good update on the NZ Records as administered by the NZACA and there is an excellent article on our last Nationals (in Auckland) by Joanne Cook of the WSAC. Also in the last couple of editions there have been articles on good fishing spots by Gary Kemsley in the areas where we will be fishing for next years Nationals. So make sure you see a copy.
POSTAL CASTING entries close on 30th November
Last month we did not send out Record Reports as there were none to send out !!!!!. This month there is Record Report included with this mailing but there were only three applications received for September catches. Maybe no one went fishing in September ????
The reminder here is not necessarily for record fish as such, but that we need applications for our Annual Trophies. These are drawn from the applications we receive and these can be for records, merit certificates and the like, as well as simply for consideration for an Annual Trophy. You just use the same Form for everything.
In our Annual Trophies we have awards for :-
Most meritorious saltwater catch by a Junior (3 applications only to date)
Most meritorious saltwater catch using artificial fly (no applications yet)
Heaviest Snapper by a Junior (no applications yet)
Heaviest Snapper (7 applications to date)
Heaviest Trout caught from shore using fly (1 application only to date)
Heaviest Trout caught by trolling, harling or spinning (no applications yet)
Heaviest Kingfish (8 applications so far)
Most meritorious Kahawai ( only one Kahawai application to date)
Most meritorious saltwater catch using spinning gear (no applications yet)
And what about
Six heaviest fish caught from the rocks, or (no applications yet)
Six heaviest fish caught on a handline, or (no applications yet) - how about a fun or family day using only hand lines ??????
Six heaviest Trout caught from shore (1 application only to date)
And of course the sought after Mustad Golden Hook for the most meritorious scale fish.
You have until the end of December to catch the necessary fish for consideration. If you have caught a possible fish for consideration already this year and have not sent in an Application Form it is not to late providing you have the necessary details etc. Send it in ASAP. Applications for Awards close about mid January (giving you time to get December catches in to me) but don't wait until then if you already have an eligible catch on your books. Applications for meritorious awards need to have a line sample for testing as the award is given out on the basis of fish weight against line breaking strain.
Secretaries please pass this information on to your members. Also make your Weigh-masters aware so they can be alerted to possible eligible catches.
Last Month I raised the matter of nominations for our Executive Committee. Have you given this any thought or attention ??? Our next Executive Meeting is in Auckland on Saturday 26th November at the Ponsonby Cruising Club Rooms at Westhaven Marina commencing at 9.00am. Anybody is welcome to attend these meetings and if you have folk in your Club whom you think could serve on this committee why not suggest they come along to see what it is all about. NO, DON’T JUST READ THIS AND FORGET ABOUT IT - GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT. AFTER ALL THIS IS YOUR ASSOCIATION WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.
The Kahawai Legal Challenge – Has your Club done anything towards this ?? Have you made use of the Booklets sent out ?? Do you need more Booklets ?? This is an important matter with some real issues at stake and we all need to get behind the work being done on our behalf. If you want to know more contact NZ Fishing News or Option 4 and have a look at any copy of recent Fishing News to find out the latest.
Well that's my lot for this month - plenty for you to get your teeth into. Nationals; AGM matters; Annual Awards; Websites to name just a few. Reminder again if you are behind in your Affiliation Fees.
In closing again a big thank you to those busy Secretaries who receive my mailings – I know we often ask a lot but you are our link in the chain and we rely so much on you to pass info’ on. So take a "pat-on-the-back".
Graeme Dawber
YOUR Association Secretary
