NFGFC August Meeting Recap

[caseycook]

Last night 35 NFGFC club members met at Beef O Brady's for some food, fun and fellowship. Mike Scibelli started us off with the treasurer's report: The club still has money in the bank and will be throwing a great end of the year party this year. John Vickers then announced the results from the last tournament...congrats again to Huey and Tommy T. We also have a club tournament this Saturday out of Jerry's Bait and Tackle. Register by 6:30 a.m. and the weigh-in starts at 3:30 p.m.

Our guest speaker last night was Capt. Dave Lear , Senior Editor of Saltwater Sportsman Magazine. Dave has been a registered Charter captain for 11 years and is one of only 51 people recognized by the IGFA for having caught all 9 Marlin species. Dave talked with us last night about what you should look for when buying a new boat. There are several factors when buying a new boat, but Dave recommended buying a boat that will work for the type of fishing you do - meaning don't buy a boat simply because it's a good deal. You should do a bunch of background research before you buy a boat. Test several different makes and models. Read on internet forums about whether or not people have good things to say about the particular model, but be wary of folks with an ax to grind.

Dave said that fall / winter is the time to buy a boat. Most folks (that don't use their boat much) will not want to carry a boat payment through the winter and so many might be looking to unload their boat for a song. Dave said that one of the drawbacks to buying a boat from an individual is that you don't really know the boat's history whereas at a dealer, you might have a little more info. Plus you always have someone to take it back to when something goes wrong. Dave said that many dealers are wanting to get rid of inventory right now and will make you a helluva deal on a boat to get you in the door in an attempt to keep you as a returning customer.

Dave's #1 inshore technical poling skiff - Gordon
Dave's #1 offshore boat - Yellowfin

Dave also brought some goodies from Saltwater Sportsman...THANKS A TON, Dave! If anyone has any other notes, feel free to add them. It was a good meeting, but we missed our President and Raffle Director. Keep Butch and Steve in your prayers.

[birddog]

Thank you very much, Dave. We really appreciate you speaking to the club last night.

[Reel Cowboy]

Thanks for sharing your trime and expeirence with us Dave.
It was great seeing everybody again.
Interesting sig you got there CC, must have been a wordly and smart man to come up with that one.

[Bow'd Up]

Hate I missed it, thanks for the recap CC.