January / February 2015 Newsletter
In This Edition
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Club Board Members
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Committee Chairs
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Upcoming Meetings & Events
January Club Meeting - 1/9/15 - NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE
Due to the Holiday we have pushed out the January Club meeting to the 2nd Tuesday - 1/9. At this meeting we will have a Jerry Hale come and speak with us about the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Smith Mountain Lake and events planed for this milestone. We will of course also be talking fishing, and kick off some discussions on what the members would like to see in 2015.
February Club Meeting - 2/6/15
Topics TBD - Watch the Club's website & Facebook for more info. We'd love to hear from you on the topics you would like to see featured in 2015.
March Club Meeting - 3/6/15
Topics TBD
Due to the Holiday we have pushed out the January Club meeting to the 2nd Tuesday - 1/9. At this meeting we will have a Jerry Hale come and speak with us about the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Smith Mountain Lake and events planed for this milestone. We will of course also be talking fishing, and kick off some discussions on what the members would like to see in 2015.
February Club Meeting - 2/6/15
Topics TBD - Watch the Club's website & Facebook for more info. We'd love to hear from you on the topics you would like to see featured in 2015.
March Club Meeting - 3/6/15
Topics TBD
From the Editor / Presidents Corner
Well, first I guess I should say "Hi" - for those that did not have the opportunity to attend our Christmas Party in which our new 2015 officers were introduced, Joel Janecek decided to not take on a 2nd term as Club President and I agreed to step into his shoes. I first want to thank Joel for his leadership over the last two years - as those that have come before him know, it can be a thankless task.
As we move into the New Year, we have some existing faces in new roles and one new face on the Club's Board of Directors. Bruce Brenholdt was elected to the Board in November and has agreed to take the position of Secretary. He's filling this slot as Andre' Peery is taking the 1st Vice President position which I vacated. Finally, Walter Potucek was "promoted" from 3rd VP to 2nd Vice President. Rick Boettcher & Joe Prinzinger continue to share the Treasurer and Asst. Treasurer roles and Joe Wolf holds an at-large Board seat. We are still looking to fill one more seat - so if you feel that tug on your line - its probably the fish telling you to step up and serve on the Board - any of the Board members or myself would be happy to talk with you about the opportunity.
As I come into the President role I see a few key focuses for the Club in 2015. My key focus in 2015 will be working with Board and our members to guide the Club to our core principles of protection of the fishery, education of members and the general public on all things related to the striped bass fishery and that we continue to contribute to the community to which we live and play - all while enjoying the fellowship of our fellow Club members. I also want all members to know they can reach out to myself or any Board member with thoughts, feedback, suggestions or concerns - we want to ensure we hear from you - and what you want to see from the Striper Club.
My second priority, and one that is equally as important - is to work with our Club to help stem the of decline in membership within the Club. We have been loosing membership over the last several years now at what has been approaching a concerning rate. If we are to have a Club which can be relavent to the community, VDGIF and other entities around the Lake, it is important that we turn this trend and increase our roster again. To do so, I plan to work with our Board and our Members to ensure that we have a Club which our existing members desire to be a part of - that the Club represents something which they believe in and will support. We then need to also ensure we find ways to attract new members to our Club - so that they can help us in our mission to ensure we have the best striper fishery that can exist at SML today and for many, many years in the future. Accomplishing this goal is one that will require all of our effort - your input on what we can do better as a Club is vital - but so is our assistance in getting the word out about the Club - asking your friends / neighbors or fishing buddies if they would like to come visit a meeting or activity and see what we are all about.
Any finally - I want to ensure that all members of the Club are enjoying time on the water and becoming better fisherman and women in the process. I will be looking to a number of you that have many years of time under your belt to help share your fishing knowledge to others. We are after all a fishing club and ultimately we all want to catch more fish and perhaps top our own personal bests. I am excited about what 2015 has in store for the Club and an honored with the trust that the Club and the Board have place in me to help lead this group. As I have said many times before, this Club is not about one person or just a few - but rather it is all of us - and this Club is what you, the members, want it to be. Let's make it the best it can be in 2015 and beyond!
Fish On! - Mike Ward
As we move into the New Year, we have some existing faces in new roles and one new face on the Club's Board of Directors. Bruce Brenholdt was elected to the Board in November and has agreed to take the position of Secretary. He's filling this slot as Andre' Peery is taking the 1st Vice President position which I vacated. Finally, Walter Potucek was "promoted" from 3rd VP to 2nd Vice President. Rick Boettcher & Joe Prinzinger continue to share the Treasurer and Asst. Treasurer roles and Joe Wolf holds an at-large Board seat. We are still looking to fill one more seat - so if you feel that tug on your line - its probably the fish telling you to step up and serve on the Board - any of the Board members or myself would be happy to talk with you about the opportunity.
As I come into the President role I see a few key focuses for the Club in 2015. My key focus in 2015 will be working with Board and our members to guide the Club to our core principles of protection of the fishery, education of members and the general public on all things related to the striped bass fishery and that we continue to contribute to the community to which we live and play - all while enjoying the fellowship of our fellow Club members. I also want all members to know they can reach out to myself or any Board member with thoughts, feedback, suggestions or concerns - we want to ensure we hear from you - and what you want to see from the Striper Club.
My second priority, and one that is equally as important - is to work with our Club to help stem the of decline in membership within the Club. We have been loosing membership over the last several years now at what has been approaching a concerning rate. If we are to have a Club which can be relavent to the community, VDGIF and other entities around the Lake, it is important that we turn this trend and increase our roster again. To do so, I plan to work with our Board and our Members to ensure that we have a Club which our existing members desire to be a part of - that the Club represents something which they believe in and will support. We then need to also ensure we find ways to attract new members to our Club - so that they can help us in our mission to ensure we have the best striper fishery that can exist at SML today and for many, many years in the future. Accomplishing this goal is one that will require all of our effort - your input on what we can do better as a Club is vital - but so is our assistance in getting the word out about the Club - asking your friends / neighbors or fishing buddies if they would like to come visit a meeting or activity and see what we are all about.
Any finally - I want to ensure that all members of the Club are enjoying time on the water and becoming better fisherman and women in the process. I will be looking to a number of you that have many years of time under your belt to help share your fishing knowledge to others. We are after all a fishing club and ultimately we all want to catch more fish and perhaps top our own personal bests. I am excited about what 2015 has in store for the Club and an honored with the trust that the Club and the Board have place in me to help lead this group. As I have said many times before, this Club is not about one person or just a few - but rather it is all of us - and this Club is what you, the members, want it to be. Let's make it the best it can be in 2015 and beyond!
Fish On! - Mike Ward
Water Temperature - 12/13/14
Our Man on the Water - Joel Janecek - has been busy with a number of things that have kept him from being out on the water as much this winter - so we do not have the benefit of his typical frequent water temperature / depth readings. However, we are still getting reports via the Smith Mountain Striper Club Discussion forum of surface temps. One recent report from 12/13/14 reported that surface temps on the Roanoke side in the R30 area and up around Beaver Dam creek were 47-49.
We are exploring other ways to get on-going consistent water temperature reports - it would be great to establish a network of fisher-folks from across the lake that could report surface temperatures at a minimum at various locations on the lake and in our creeks. If you would be interested in assisting with this - drop us a line.
We are exploring other ways to get on-going consistent water temperature reports - it would be great to establish a network of fisher-folks from across the lake that could report surface temperatures at a minimum at various locations on the lake and in our creeks. If you would be interested in assisting with this - drop us a line.
November Meeting Overviews
Dale Runyon speaks to the Club
Dale Runyon from Bayside Marina & Yacht Club came by to speak with members on issues related to Boat & Outboard Maintenance.
Dale highlighted a few simple things which you can do to ensure the prolonged life of your boat's motor:
- Use Ethanol-free fuel, or at a minimum use a quality stabilizer / Ethanol treatment. Dale showed as sample of a fuel-line that had been "eaten" up by Ethanol fuel. He strongly recommended the use of Ethanol-free fuel, as well as the use of a good stabilizer. He also strongly recommended the use of a water separator filter between your fuel tank and your motor, and recommends replacing this approximately ever 50 hours of motor run-time.
- Water pump maintenance - your boat's water pump is a life-line to its on-going health, and it is important that you check, and ideally replace, your water pump impeller every three years. These impellers can dry-rot and eventually fail, resulting in overheating or worse for your motor.
We also had our annual "Chili Night" - thanks to Joel, Rick, Bruce, Bob and others who all brought along a pot of chili (or chowder) to share with your fellow members. Your spouses may or may not have appreciated it later that evening, but it was sure tasty and warmed the belly on that cool November night.
As with most of our recent Club meetings - the November meeting was recorded and you will be able to view the meeting in its entirety once we have a chance to process and upload the material by going to the Meeting Videos & Notes section on the Club Website - http://www.smithmountainstriperclub.com/meeting-videos--notes.html.
Dale highlighted a few simple things which you can do to ensure the prolonged life of your boat's motor:
- Use Ethanol-free fuel, or at a minimum use a quality stabilizer / Ethanol treatment. Dale showed as sample of a fuel-line that had been "eaten" up by Ethanol fuel. He strongly recommended the use of Ethanol-free fuel, as well as the use of a good stabilizer. He also strongly recommended the use of a water separator filter between your fuel tank and your motor, and recommends replacing this approximately ever 50 hours of motor run-time.
- Water pump maintenance - your boat's water pump is a life-line to its on-going health, and it is important that you check, and ideally replace, your water pump impeller every three years. These impellers can dry-rot and eventually fail, resulting in overheating or worse for your motor.
We also had our annual "Chili Night" - thanks to Joel, Rick, Bruce, Bob and others who all brought along a pot of chili (or chowder) to share with your fellow members. Your spouses may or may not have appreciated it later that evening, but it was sure tasty and warmed the belly on that cool November night.
As with most of our recent Club meetings - the November meeting was recorded and you will be able to view the meeting in its entirety once we have a chance to process and upload the material by going to the Meeting Videos & Notes section on the Club Website - http://www.smithmountainstriperclub.com/meeting-videos--notes.html.
Annual SMSC Christmas Party Recap
Our annual Christmas Party & Recognition Dinner was held on Friday, December 5th at Casa Di' Amici. The group enjoyed a fine dinner and fellowship with other members and their spouses. After dinner we recognized the efforts and contributions of all those that made the Club's wheels turn during 2014. New Board Members & Officers were recognized along with a special recognition for Joel Janeck as out-going President. Winners of the Tournament Series were presented plaques and the 1st place winner in each category was presented with a $100 gift certificate to Captains' Quarters. Wrapping up our recognition awards, Macky May was presented with a well deserved Member of the Year award. Finally, Santa Clause had stopped by a bit earlier this year and left a bag full of gifts which were raffled off to all who attended. The evening was a great way to kick off the Christmas season and if you were not able to make it we hope that you will be able to join us in 2015.
Slot Size Regulation Change Effective January 1, 2015
A reminder - as this is now in effect. This past summer DGIF passed new regulations which change the slot length regulations starting on January 1, 2015. As the ball drops over the Big Apple at the stroke of Midnight on New Years Eve, our slot length regulation will change from the current 26"-36" size to a slot of 30"-40". The dates of the slot will remain the same - starting on November 1 and ending May 30 and the 2-fish limit will also remain the same - the only change is the "sliding" up of the slot.
This change is being taken as a result of concerns regarding fish growth rates and the potential that we have too many fish in the system that were around the lower end of the slot - those in the 24"-28" size. The change to the slot length will allow some fish from this size to be removed from the system while also providing additional protection on our precious few larger fish. DGIF solicited input from a variety of angler groups, including the Club's Preservation Committee, on the issue and discussed several proposals for regulation changes to attempt to manage the growth concerns. The slot length change was deemed the best option and the Club supported this change.
As a Club with a stated focus on the preservation of the fishery, we will continue to work closely with DGIF and monitor things on-going. Gill-netting was re-instated this fall in order to gain population data and we continue to encourage all our members and others to complete and turn in their angler diaries so as to help DGIF with the best possible view on the state of the fishery.
Slot length change effective Jan 1, 2015 - No fish 30" - 40" may be kept from November 1 to May 30.
This change is being taken as a result of concerns regarding fish growth rates and the potential that we have too many fish in the system that were around the lower end of the slot - those in the 24"-28" size. The change to the slot length will allow some fish from this size to be removed from the system while also providing additional protection on our precious few larger fish. DGIF solicited input from a variety of angler groups, including the Club's Preservation Committee, on the issue and discussed several proposals for regulation changes to attempt to manage the growth concerns. The slot length change was deemed the best option and the Club supported this change.
As a Club with a stated focus on the preservation of the fishery, we will continue to work closely with DGIF and monitor things on-going. Gill-netting was re-instated this fall in order to gain population data and we continue to encourage all our members and others to complete and turn in their angler diaries so as to help DGIF with the best possible view on the state of the fishery.
Slot length change effective Jan 1, 2015 - No fish 30" - 40" may be kept from November 1 to May 30.
Member Catches
Just because winter is here does not mean Club members are still not out fishing. In this issue we feature some nice catches from SML, but also out at the Chesapeake Bay. As always, we love to feature member catches - please submit yours - you can post them to the Club Facebook page, or send them to [email protected].
Oak Grove Public Access Ramp is now Open!
Features:
Over a million $$$ investment by AEP. Largely funded via the Sport Fish Restoration Fund - created in the 80's using $$s from federal excise taxes on fishing / boat of and recreational boat fuel $750K from VA's allocation from this fund went into the project.
- Parking for Over 60 boats / trailers
- Handicap access
- Bathrooms open year-round
- Double ramp with floaters
- at "normal" pond level there is 10' of water at end of floaters.
Over a million $$$ investment by AEP. Largely funded via the Sport Fish Restoration Fund - created in the 80's using $$s from federal excise taxes on fishing / boat of and recreational boat fuel $750K from VA's allocation from this fund went into the project.
Boaters contribute 2.2B $$$ to VA economy- through approximately a quarter million registered boaters in VA.
Opening of the ramp was delayed, in part due to an expected amount of rock encountered on the site - this required unplanned blasting and delays, but had the side-effect of allowing rock extracted from blasting to be used as rip rap on the site but also for erosion control on several of the islands on the lower-lake.
An oveview of the project can be found at:
http://www.smithmtn.com/Resources/docs/OakGroveInformation.pdf
Opening of the ramp was delayed, in part due to an expected amount of rock encountered on the site - this required unplanned blasting and delays, but had the side-effect of allowing rock extracted from blasting to be used as rip rap on the site but also for erosion control on several of the islands on the lower-lake.
An oveview of the project can be found at:
http://www.smithmtn.com/Resources/docs/OakGroveInformation.pdf
2014 Tournament Series Winners
Congrats to our 2014 Tournament Series Winners!
Totals based on best 3 of 4 tournaments - 2-fish total length per tournament.
Open Class
1st - Mike Ward - 261.75"
2nd - James Gray - 112.25"
3rd - Bob Rowe - 95.25"
Artificial-Only Class
1st - Steve Nagel - 256.5"
2nd - Don Hutchinson - 183.25"
3rd - Joel Janecek - 118"
Totals based on best 3 of 4 tournaments - 2-fish total length per tournament.
Open Class
1st - Mike Ward - 261.75"
2nd - James Gray - 112.25"
3rd - Bob Rowe - 95.25"
Artificial-Only Class
1st - Steve Nagel - 256.5"
2nd - Don Hutchinson - 183.25"
3rd - Joel Janecek - 118"
2014 Member of the Year - Macky May
We'd like to congratulate Macky May on being awarded with the Member of the Year award for 2014. Macky picked up and led the 4H activity again this past year - filling in staffing holes over the 6 week commitment when needed. He also could always be counted on to be at most of the Club activities such as the Bedford Youth Day and others. This award is also a reflection of Macky's long-standing commitment to the Club and his service to it. While Macky's name is on the award - we would be remiss in also acknowledging and thanking Carol for her involvement with the Club and her willingness to "share" Macky with us. Thanks Macky & Carol for all you do!
A Look Back at 2014
The Smith Mountain Striper Club had a busy, productive and fun 2014. As we close out 2014 and move into 2015, it is worth a moment take a look back and revisit all the activities the Club was involved in during 2014. The Club's Board wishes to thank all our members for their support in various ways with these events and activities - and we look forward to your involvement in 2015.
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Fishing Outlook for January & February
With the mild winter we have experienced thus far in December, it seems the fish are still fairly evenly distributed in the upper half of the river arms and perhaps only just recently starting to school up. In late December the birds have begun to give away schools of striper and this should only get better as things continue to cool in January. Look for the seagulls flocking together and diving on bait schools pushed up by striper beneath, and cast swim-baits and flukes or jig flukes or spoons on top of these schools. Focus on the main channel in the mid/upper section of the river arms and the mouths of main creeks.
If you are willing to throw the cast net in these cold temperatures, then down-lining and free-lining smaller baits will produce - and a big gizzard shad pulled along the banks in the creeks can also provide rewarding results. If you are throwing the net, be sure to use caution when doing to to avoid falling into the water - wearing a life-vest and having a fishing buddy aboard is especially important this time of year.
If you are willing to throw the cast net in these cold temperatures, then down-lining and free-lining smaller baits will produce - and a big gizzard shad pulled along the banks in the creeks can also provide rewarding results. If you are throwing the net, be sure to use caution when doing to to avoid falling into the water - wearing a life-vest and having a fishing buddy aboard is especially important this time of year.
Fishing Report - 12/13/14 - Time to Get Jiggy
The report below initially appeared on the SMSC Discussion Forum - a web-based discussion board for Club Members. If you are not participating in this forum you are missing out..... http://smsc-forums.proboards.com
Weather: Mostly sunny; winds 5-10 from NW; temps in the 40's
Water: 47-49; Visibility of a few feet
Techniques: Jigging flukes & casting swimbaits to schools of fish that were given away by birds - then pulling big gizzards on freeline planers later in the morning
My boat is still in the shop, but Tyler had the morning open as well so we got line up to get out on the water... We met a little after 7 but forgot we had to do some quick rewiring on the bait tank to replace a connector that corroded through the last weekend so we did not get out on the water till 7:30 or maybe even 7:45. We were treated to a nice peaceful sunrise though...
We rode up the lake just above the bridge just a little bit and coming into the 1st turn at R30 we saw that wonderful site of diving birds. Tyler slid the skiff up into them and the sonar lit up. We started casting fluke jigs and swimbaits and it was not too long before Tyler hooked up with a decent fish in the 6-8 lb range. Shortly after I hooked into a small fish - probably 4 lbs or so.
Weather: Mostly sunny; winds 5-10 from NW; temps in the 40's
Water: 47-49; Visibility of a few feet
Techniques: Jigging flukes & casting swimbaits to schools of fish that were given away by birds - then pulling big gizzards on freeline planers later in the morning
My boat is still in the shop, but Tyler had the morning open as well so we got line up to get out on the water... We met a little after 7 but forgot we had to do some quick rewiring on the bait tank to replace a connector that corroded through the last weekend so we did not get out on the water till 7:30 or maybe even 7:45. We were treated to a nice peaceful sunrise though...
We rode up the lake just above the bridge just a little bit and coming into the 1st turn at R30 we saw that wonderful site of diving birds. Tyler slid the skiff up into them and the sonar lit up. We started casting fluke jigs and swimbaits and it was not too long before Tyler hooked up with a decent fish in the 6-8 lb range. Shortly after I hooked into a small fish - probably 4 lbs or so.
And just like that the birds dispersed and we did not mark the fish. Rode up the lake and just above around R34 there were a number of boats that apparently had been on some birds & fish as well earlier - guess it's true what they say - the Early Bird Gets the Worm - and we were a little to late to get into good action for long - but at least we got a couple.
We headed on up the lake from there to pull big baits in one of the upper lake creeks. We had several strikes but failed to hook up and things were slow - we debated heading on further up the lake where we had been on fish the previous week - or to go back down lake and see if we could find some new fish to give sore lips.... The wind was blowing hard as we turned the boat up-channel so that helped make up our mind to turn and head back down lake.... We fished a mid-lake creek that has been good to us in December before, but it was dead, dead, dead this time... no signs of fish and not even really much sign of bait.... not sure where all the bait in the mid-lake creeks has been this fall/winter....
We called it quits somewhere around noon and cleaned things up and headed to Moosies for lunch...... Hoping to get my boat back this coming Friday as I'm ready to chase some birds over the Christmas break!
We headed on up the lake from there to pull big baits in one of the upper lake creeks. We had several strikes but failed to hook up and things were slow - we debated heading on further up the lake where we had been on fish the previous week - or to go back down lake and see if we could find some new fish to give sore lips.... The wind was blowing hard as we turned the boat up-channel so that helped make up our mind to turn and head back down lake.... We fished a mid-lake creek that has been good to us in December before, but it was dead, dead, dead this time... no signs of fish and not even really much sign of bait.... not sure where all the bait in the mid-lake creeks has been this fall/winter....
We called it quits somewhere around noon and cleaned things up and headed to Moosies for lunch...... Hoping to get my boat back this coming Friday as I'm ready to chase some birds over the Christmas break!
Tackle Tip for January - Cold Weather Tips for your Outboard
If you are going to enjoy the fishing throughout the winter season then you most likely have an outboard motor as they do not require the same level of winterizing that inboard or inboard/outboards. However there are still a few things which you need to keep in mind to protect yourself from cold-weather problems.
First, when dropping your boat into the water, let it sit for several minutes before trying to crank the motor. It is possible that some water can remain in and around your water pump, and if that water has frozen it could freeze the impeller to the pump housing and when the motor turns the pump the impeller could sheer. Letting the lower unit sit in the lake water for a few minutes will allow the lake water to warm and melt any ice in the lower unit. For those who keep their boats in a lift, dropping the boat into the water while you prepare rods or other tackle should be a sufficient period of time.
When returning from a day of fishing and preparing the boat to sit until the next trip make sure to trim your lower unit fully down - do not leave the motor in an inclined position as this would prevent water in the lower unit from draining out, and then with a cold freeze could result in the water turning into ice, expanding and cracking your lower unit - making for a very expensive repair.
These simple tips can help ensure you avoid unnecessary repairs to your boat's motor and keep you fishing throughout the winter.
First, when dropping your boat into the water, let it sit for several minutes before trying to crank the motor. It is possible that some water can remain in and around your water pump, and if that water has frozen it could freeze the impeller to the pump housing and when the motor turns the pump the impeller could sheer. Letting the lower unit sit in the lake water for a few minutes will allow the lake water to warm and melt any ice in the lower unit. For those who keep their boats in a lift, dropping the boat into the water while you prepare rods or other tackle should be a sufficient period of time.
When returning from a day of fishing and preparing the boat to sit until the next trip make sure to trim your lower unit fully down - do not leave the motor in an inclined position as this would prevent water in the lower unit from draining out, and then with a cold freeze could result in the water turning into ice, expanding and cracking your lower unit - making for a very expensive repair.
These simple tips can help ensure you avoid unnecessary repairs to your boat's motor and keep you fishing throughout the winter.
Tackle Tip for February - Frozen Eyes
It is winter and the jigging bite is on - that often means "running and gunning" between spots chasing the birds. However, when quickly storing your rods and running to the next squall of birds circling, it can be frustrating when you attempt to cast your line only to have the lure not leave the rod due to your line being frozen in the rod's eyes.
This tip is perhaps is more in the form of a warning - to check those rod eyes before that 1st cast (and if it is cold enough - even in between casts) - often a quick dip of the first few eyes into the lake will thaw things enough to get them casting again, but sometimes the line will also freeze on the spool - and require pulling off by hand and rewinding.
When fishing in temperatures at or below freezing, give thought to the rod you are carrying out on the water - the advantages of rods with micro-guides - those very small eye guides that provide added sensitivity, can make fishing impossible when fishing in below freezing conditions.
This tip is perhaps is more in the form of a warning - to check those rod eyes before that 1st cast (and if it is cold enough - even in between casts) - often a quick dip of the first few eyes into the lake will thaw things enough to get them casting again, but sometimes the line will also freeze on the spool - and require pulling off by hand and rewinding.
When fishing in temperatures at or below freezing, give thought to the rod you are carrying out on the water - the advantages of rods with micro-guides - those very small eye guides that provide added sensitivity, can make fishing impossible when fishing in below freezing conditions.
Welcome Our Newest Club Sponsor - Smith Mountain Homes (SML Realtors)
We'd like to welcome our newest Club Sponsor - Smith Mountain Homes (SML Realtors). If you are looking to buy or sell real-estate in the Smith Mountain Area, please give them a call.
We appreciate Smith Mountain Homes support of the Club - as well as the support from all of our Club sponsors.
We appreciate Smith Mountain Homes support of the Club - as well as the support from all of our Club sponsors.
2015 Membership is Now Due
2015 is here (or will be in a few days) - and with the New Year, membership dues for 2015 are now due. All existing members should have received an mailing with a renewal form - if you did not, then we apparently do not have a valid mailing address for you, so please reach out to us so that we can correct our records. If you did not receive a form, please complete and mail in the form below (and overlook the 2014 date in the form title below - missed updating that before publication here).
We hope that you will continue your membership in the Smith Mountain Striper Club - supporting the initiatives that the Club focuses on in and around the Smith Mountain Lake community - and serving as a focused voice for the striped bass fishery to VDGIF and other organizations. Even if you are not able to attend Club meetings on a regular basis, we hope that you find value in membership with the Club through this newsletter, our Club Website (which includes member-only resources such as video recordings of Club meetings), the Club Discussion Forum - and not the least, being a part of an organization which cares about and acts for the preservation and conservation of the striped bass fishery. We thank you and look forward to your continued membership with the Club.
We hope that you will continue your membership in the Smith Mountain Striper Club - supporting the initiatives that the Club focuses on in and around the Smith Mountain Lake community - and serving as a focused voice for the striped bass fishery to VDGIF and other organizations. Even if you are not able to attend Club meetings on a regular basis, we hope that you find value in membership with the Club through this newsletter, our Club Website (which includes member-only resources such as video recordings of Club meetings), the Club Discussion Forum - and not the least, being a part of an organization which cares about and acts for the preservation and conservation of the striped bass fishery. We thank you and look forward to your continued membership with the Club.
Please Support our Club Sponsors & Advertisers
Our Club Sponsors and Advertisers provide a valuable support to the Smith Mountain Striper Club and our membership. When in need of goods or services, please give our sponsors consideration and also let them know that you appreciate their support of the Club.