July / August 2018 Newsletter
In This Edition
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Club Board Members
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Committee Chairs
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Club Photographer
Open Joe's Coffee Joe Wolf Christmas Party Rick Boettcher Tournaments Khris Bradley |
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Unless otherwise noted, Club meetings are held at 7 pm, the 1st Friday of each month at the Moneta Community Center - in the back-side, lower-level of the Pharmacy building on Rucker Rd, just off VA-122. Visitors and New Members are always welcome.
Perch Jerk - June 1 - Sept 15 - Get out there and jerk up some white perch - turn them in and have a chance to win one of ten $100 prizes. More details later in the newsletter
July Club Meeting - NO MEETING IN JULY
August Club Meeting - 8/3/18
September Club Meeting - 9/7/18
2018 Perch Jerk Fish Fry & Awards - 9/29/18 Afternoon - more details to come
Perch Jerk - June 1 - Sept 15 - Get out there and jerk up some white perch - turn them in and have a chance to win one of ten $100 prizes. More details later in the newsletter
July Club Meeting - NO MEETING IN JULY
August Club Meeting - 8/3/18
September Club Meeting - 9/7/18
2018 Perch Jerk Fish Fry & Awards - 9/29/18 Afternoon - more details to come
President's Corner
We've had a busy couple of months as a Club with a number of events - Lake Clean-up Day, our "Fun in the Sun" event, Bedford Youth Day and the In-Water Boat Show & Tell and the 2018 stockings. I want to thank all the members who have helped to coordinate and put on these events - as well as those who have participated - this is what is the heart of our Club and hopefully you find that you get as much from these events as the meetings. I do want to give a big thanks specifically to Jim Perry and Khris Bradley who have taken on a big role this year on a lot of these events to make them a success.
There is a lot of material in this issue of the newsletter as a result of these events - but don't just read about them - come out and join us for the events. One important thing the Club has been pushing is the "Catch Two & Quit" campaign - hopefully you have seen some of the external publicity on this - either the signs at the boat ramps, the news report on WSLS, or info about our "Perch Jerk" supporting event in the Laker Weekly. We need your help to get the word out on this important issue facing our fishery. Thanks to Bruce B for spearheading this issue.
We will be taking July off from a Club meeting perspective - enjoy the Holiday & stay safe - and hope to see you all in August!
Fish On! - Mike Ward
There is a lot of material in this issue of the newsletter as a result of these events - but don't just read about them - come out and join us for the events. One important thing the Club has been pushing is the "Catch Two & Quit" campaign - hopefully you have seen some of the external publicity on this - either the signs at the boat ramps, the news report on WSLS, or info about our "Perch Jerk" supporting event in the Laker Weekly. We need your help to get the word out on this important issue facing our fishery. Thanks to Bruce B for spearheading this issue.
We will be taking July off from a Club meeting perspective - enjoy the Holiday & stay safe - and hope to see you all in August!
Fish On! - Mike Ward
"Fun in the Sun" Member Guest Tourney
Saturday, May 19th we will held our "Fun in the Sun" Member/Guest tournament, with a cook-out following at Crazy Horse Marina. 14 teams, 29 adults and 2 youth fished the tournament. $725 on cash was awarded to the top 4 placing teams, along with plaques and a raffle drawing open to all participating teams.
Congrats to the winners and a special thanks to Khris Bradley & Jim Perry for spear-heading this and driving the logistics to put it on.
Results: (two fish total length)
1st Place: Team NightKrawler - Khris Bradley, Leon Bradley, Harleigh Bradley (63") - total $325
2nd Place: Team Nailin’ It - Daryl Byrd, Tim Frink (61 3/4") - total $200
3rd Place: Team Ruffin’ It - John mathena, Tommy Thompson, Marty R, Shaun Hundley (59") - total $125
4th Place: Team Witte - Ray Witte, Scott Ayers (58") - total $75
Youth (single fish length)
1st Place: Harleigh Bradley - 31 3/4"
2nd Place: Wyatt Lindsay - 27 3/4"
Congrats to the winners and a special thanks to Khris Bradley & Jim Perry for spear-heading this and driving the logistics to put it on.
Results: (two fish total length)
1st Place: Team NightKrawler - Khris Bradley, Leon Bradley, Harleigh Bradley (63") - total $325
2nd Place: Team Nailin’ It - Daryl Byrd, Tim Frink (61 3/4") - total $200
3rd Place: Team Ruffin’ It - John mathena, Tommy Thompson, Marty R, Shaun Hundley (59") - total $125
4th Place: Team Witte - Ray Witte, Scott Ayers (58") - total $75
Youth (single fish length)
1st Place: Harleigh Bradley - 31 3/4"
2nd Place: Wyatt Lindsay - 27 3/4"
Catch Two & Quit
For some time we as a Club have been discussing the issue of Summer-time mortality when releasing striper in the Summer waters. There is an exceptionally high mortality rate for striped bass caught from & released back into water water (65-85% die). It may be possible to achieve an improvement in the rate of striped bass preservation, & to increase the number of 3+ year old striped bass surviving in SML to catch in future years, by decreasing the number of striped bass caught per person during the warm water months of June through October.
During each of the past 5 years, striped bass anglers have caught fewer & fewer stripers per “angler day fished” (a 5-year cumulative decline of 46.5%). SML anglers have seldom caught more than 2 striped bass per day per person (7% in 2016). Therefore, adopting a new warm water catch limit of 2 striped bass per person per day will impact relatively few anglers. Most importantly, better stewardship of the limited & fragile striped bass population in SML will help preserve & protect the opportunity for everyone to catch striped bass on Smith Mountain Lake in the future.
Enforcement of the new warm water catch limit will be voluntary through education, self-discipline & enlightened self-interest. This change should complement, not take the place of, other efforts to increase the striped bass population in SML, such as improving the first-year “recruitment” (i.e., survival rate) of striped bass fry.
The SMSC Board of Directors has adopted these "Sustainable Preservation Limits" and we are promoting this as "Catch Two & Quit" - and publicizing it across the area through signs at the boat ramps (approved by DGIF), news coverage on WSLS, and other news outlets. We are also hosting the 2018 SMSC Perch Jerk competition to give anglers an alternative to striped bass fishing this summer - along with a little monetary incentive - more on that elsewhere in this newsletter.
The Club will be sending a letter to all guides we can identify in the area raising their attention to this issue in our fishery, and asking for their help and support of the "Catch Two & Quit". We ask each of you as members to also consider these issues when making your fishing plans this summer - either scaling back your fishing, chasing other species or at a minimum - "Catch Two & Quit"
You can download the details on the studies and supporting data on the website at: http://www.smithmountainstriperclub.com/conservation.html
During each of the past 5 years, striped bass anglers have caught fewer & fewer stripers per “angler day fished” (a 5-year cumulative decline of 46.5%). SML anglers have seldom caught more than 2 striped bass per day per person (7% in 2016). Therefore, adopting a new warm water catch limit of 2 striped bass per person per day will impact relatively few anglers. Most importantly, better stewardship of the limited & fragile striped bass population in SML will help preserve & protect the opportunity for everyone to catch striped bass on Smith Mountain Lake in the future.
Enforcement of the new warm water catch limit will be voluntary through education, self-discipline & enlightened self-interest. This change should complement, not take the place of, other efforts to increase the striped bass population in SML, such as improving the first-year “recruitment” (i.e., survival rate) of striped bass fry.
The SMSC Board of Directors has adopted these "Sustainable Preservation Limits" and we are promoting this as "Catch Two & Quit" - and publicizing it across the area through signs at the boat ramps (approved by DGIF), news coverage on WSLS, and other news outlets. We are also hosting the 2018 SMSC Perch Jerk competition to give anglers an alternative to striped bass fishing this summer - along with a little monetary incentive - more on that elsewhere in this newsletter.
The Club will be sending a letter to all guides we can identify in the area raising their attention to this issue in our fishery, and asking for their help and support of the "Catch Two & Quit". We ask each of you as members to also consider these issues when making your fishing plans this summer - either scaling back your fishing, chasing other species or at a minimum - "Catch Two & Quit"
You can download the details on the studies and supporting data on the website at: http://www.smithmountainstriperclub.com/conservation.html
Member Fishing Partner Roster
At the October club meeting, we discussed ways of improving membership, participation and meeting member interests. One topic discussed was publishing a directory to enable members to contact each other more readily and hook-up (20th Century definition) with new partners to fish, learn and make new acquaintances. Dick Justice has agreed to take this project on. Dick is maintaining the roster containing info on member's desire to share their fishing interests, methods and willingness to be contacted by other club members. This is a voluntary activity and our plan is to distribute the list in hard copy at club meetings. We do not intend to post the file to a website but Dick will have copies at the Club meetings. We encourage each member to consider adding their name and associated info to the list and also offer suggestions for how we could make this more effective.
Member Catches
SMSC Members have been getting it done this Spring! It's great to be able to share and enjoy these images of others catching fish - please submit yours - you can post them to the Club Facebook page, or send them to [email protected].
2018 SMSC Perch Jerk - June 1 - Sept 15, 2018
In an effort to promote alternatives for Summer-time fishing, the Smith Mountain Striper Club is hosting our first ever, Summer-long "Perch Jerk" competition. The goal of this fishing competition is to help educate anglers on the issues involved with summer-time release mortality of striped bass and to highlight other fishing options that exist during the warm-water season.
The 2018 SMSC Perch Jerk runs from June 1 through September 15 and culminates in a end-of-tournament white-perch fish fry at which $1,000 in cash and other prizes will be awarded to participants. For every 10 white perch submitted, an angler will receive one entry into the cash drawing for ten, $100 prizes. Anglers are to turn in their catch to an identified Club member at one of multiple drop-off locations, who will record the number of fish and then clean and freeze the perch for the end-of-tournament fish fry. All participants will be invited to the fish fry, though they do not have to be present to win the cash awards.
During warm-water months - namely mid-June - late September - the water temperatures are such that striped bass have a significantly increased mortality when released after being caught. While the SMSC strongly encourages release of our larger striped bass much of the year, in the summer months when mortality rates increase the Club has adopted a "Catch 2 & Quit" policy on striped bass during the summer months for those pursuing striped bass, and is encouraging the angling public to support this initiative as well. For those that wish to continue their fishing time on the water, white perch provide a great alternative to pursue. When using light tackle, white perch can put up a fun fight, and can be caught on small jigs, simple "fish finder" rigs tipped with live earthworms, cut alewife or shad fished on the bottom or other techniques. As these fish often school up in large numbers, it is not uncommon to catch many of these in an outing - creating a fun experience for young anglers.
For additional information call Jim Perry @ 540 871-2196
What is this event about?
• To encourage fishing for species other than stripers during the summer months when catching stripers results in a high mortality rate for these fish.
• To encourage getting our youth involved in fishing. Perch jerking is fun!
• To publicize and encourage participation in and growth of Smith Mountain Striper Club.
Who can Enter?
How does it Work?
How does the Drawing Work?
• Smith Mountain Striper Club (SMSC) will put up $1,000 in prize money.
• At the fish fry 10 winning tickets will be drawn from the pool of tickets issued for the fish submissions.
• Only 1 winning ticket per individual will be awarded. Each of the winning tickets (10) will receive a $100 cash prize.
How does the Fish Fry Work?
• Who can come? Anyone!
• The post-tournament fish-fry will be held at the 4H Center on Saturday, September 29th. More details to come on the time of the event (mid-late afternoon)
• Fish fry and drawing will be held rain or shine.
• Fish (the white perch caught and submitted during the tournament) will be fried up and served with all the fixins by SMSC members.
• For those individuals that submitted fish, there is no charge.
• For non-contributors of fish, the fish fry cost will be $7 per person payable at the Fish Fry. Children under 12 are free.
• If you are planning on attending the Fish Fry, you must RSVP to: [email protected], via mail to SMSC PO box 305 Moneta, VA 24121 or call Rick at 540 204-1554 or 540 774-0328.
• There will be free “door-prize” drawings and a 50/50 raffle.
Locations and Phone Numbers for Fish Submission:
Note: If you cannot reach the primary number below for your location, please leave a message and call any of the other three numbers.
To arrange for fish pick-up at the following locations, please call Craig at 540 915-2810:
• Penhook Minute Market
• Magnum Point Marina
• Shell Station in Burnt Chimney
• Westlake Kroger
To arrange for fish pick-up at the following locations, please call Khris at 540 529 7889:
• Vinton Kroger
• Stewartsville Ball Fields
To arrange for fish pick-up at the following locations, please call Jim at 540 871-2196:
• Westlake Bojangles
• SML State Park (at the entrance)
• Parkway Marina
• Moneta Library
• WaterWheel Marina
Full rules are located on the Website at http://www.smithmountainstriperclub.com
The 2018 SMSC Perch Jerk runs from June 1 through September 15 and culminates in a end-of-tournament white-perch fish fry at which $1,000 in cash and other prizes will be awarded to participants. For every 10 white perch submitted, an angler will receive one entry into the cash drawing for ten, $100 prizes. Anglers are to turn in their catch to an identified Club member at one of multiple drop-off locations, who will record the number of fish and then clean and freeze the perch for the end-of-tournament fish fry. All participants will be invited to the fish fry, though they do not have to be present to win the cash awards.
During warm-water months - namely mid-June - late September - the water temperatures are such that striped bass have a significantly increased mortality when released after being caught. While the SMSC strongly encourages release of our larger striped bass much of the year, in the summer months when mortality rates increase the Club has adopted a "Catch 2 & Quit" policy on striped bass during the summer months for those pursuing striped bass, and is encouraging the angling public to support this initiative as well. For those that wish to continue their fishing time on the water, white perch provide a great alternative to pursue. When using light tackle, white perch can put up a fun fight, and can be caught on small jigs, simple "fish finder" rigs tipped with live earthworms, cut alewife or shad fished on the bottom or other techniques. As these fish often school up in large numbers, it is not uncommon to catch many of these in an outing - creating a fun experience for young anglers.
For additional information call Jim Perry @ 540 871-2196
What is this event about?
• To encourage fishing for species other than stripers during the summer months when catching stripers results in a high mortality rate for these fish.
• To encourage getting our youth involved in fishing. Perch jerking is fun!
• To publicize and encourage participation in and growth of Smith Mountain Striper Club.
Who can Enter?
- Anyone! Children can fish (encouraged) but to submit fish you must be at least 18 yrs. of age.
How does it Work?
- Entry fee $0 – For every 10 white perch submitted during the tournament dates, you will receive 1 drawing ticket.
- Fish submitted must be fresh, well-kept and packed in ice
- Fish must be whole, not filleted and a minimum of 8 “ long
- Fish must be packed in ice and submitted within 12 hours of catch
- Fish are submitted by calling one of the numbers below for the location nearest you
- A club member will meet you at the location, verify the catch, record your name, telephone number, email address, the date and the number of fish submitted.
- There is no limit to the number of fish submitted or the number of times you submit fish - you may also submit less than 10, and a running tally will be kept
- The club member may reject any catch deemed suspect to freshness and/or mishandling.
- The club member will transfer the catch to his/her cooler, then fillet and freeze the catch within 10 hours
- Drawing tickets will be issued on the day of the fish fry. You will receive 1 drawing ticket for every 10 fish submitted. You do not need to be present to receive your tickets, to be entered into the drawing or to win.
- Fish will not be accepted before or after the tournament dates.
How does the Drawing Work?
• Smith Mountain Striper Club (SMSC) will put up $1,000 in prize money.
• At the fish fry 10 winning tickets will be drawn from the pool of tickets issued for the fish submissions.
• Only 1 winning ticket per individual will be awarded. Each of the winning tickets (10) will receive a $100 cash prize.
How does the Fish Fry Work?
• Who can come? Anyone!
• The post-tournament fish-fry will be held at the 4H Center on Saturday, September 29th. More details to come on the time of the event (mid-late afternoon)
• Fish fry and drawing will be held rain or shine.
• Fish (the white perch caught and submitted during the tournament) will be fried up and served with all the fixins by SMSC members.
• For those individuals that submitted fish, there is no charge.
• For non-contributors of fish, the fish fry cost will be $7 per person payable at the Fish Fry. Children under 12 are free.
• If you are planning on attending the Fish Fry, you must RSVP to: [email protected], via mail to SMSC PO box 305 Moneta, VA 24121 or call Rick at 540 204-1554 or 540 774-0328.
• There will be free “door-prize” drawings and a 50/50 raffle.
Locations and Phone Numbers for Fish Submission:
Note: If you cannot reach the primary number below for your location, please leave a message and call any of the other three numbers.
To arrange for fish pick-up at the following locations, please call Craig at 540 915-2810:
• Penhook Minute Market
• Magnum Point Marina
• Shell Station in Burnt Chimney
• Westlake Kroger
To arrange for fish pick-up at the following locations, please call Khris at 540 529 7889:
• Vinton Kroger
• Stewartsville Ball Fields
To arrange for fish pick-up at the following locations, please call Jim at 540 871-2196:
• Westlake Bojangles
• SML State Park (at the entrance)
• Parkway Marina
• Moneta Library
• WaterWheel Marina
Full rules are located on the Website at http://www.smithmountainstriperclub.com
2018 Stocking Results
The final tally for the 2018 Striped Bass stocking on SML came in at just a few under 391k, and this year featured our first pelagic (open water) stocking at several sites. The original target was for 400K-425K, but due to some issues at another hatchery some fish had to be sent elsewhere from Brookneal but we still are in above 390K.
Based on discussion between the Club and DGIF on ways to help improve stocking success, this year featured the first open water stocking - with the goal to get the striped bass fry off the banks and away from the immediate wave of predators they face - bluegill, white perch, etc. By getting the fish out to open water the hope is that they are given that first boost to survive longer. Two sites were stocked in this manner via a DGIF boat and this process will be evaluated for future use.
We have had some folks not familiar with the striper stockings say that 390K sounds like a lot of fish - but keep in mind that unlike trout stockings, these are striped bass fry / fingerlings - typically 0.75" - 1.5" when stocked. The estimated survival rate for these in the 1st year is 10% - that is 9 in 10 of these will not make it to Year 1 - so while 390K sounds like a lot, it quickly turns to 39K, which amounts to about 2 fish per acre on SML at the end of Year 1. Give that some thought when making choices on your fishing habits - not releasing in cooler months or then catching and releasing striped in the hot water months when they are highly likely not to survive.
Thanks to Ken Ulrich for helping with coordination of Club members & DGIF, and then all the Club members that assisted at stocking sites to oversee the stocking, tempering of water, and even the first on-water stocking.
Based on discussion between the Club and DGIF on ways to help improve stocking success, this year featured the first open water stocking - with the goal to get the striped bass fry off the banks and away from the immediate wave of predators they face - bluegill, white perch, etc. By getting the fish out to open water the hope is that they are given that first boost to survive longer. Two sites were stocked in this manner via a DGIF boat and this process will be evaluated for future use.
We have had some folks not familiar with the striper stockings say that 390K sounds like a lot of fish - but keep in mind that unlike trout stockings, these are striped bass fry / fingerlings - typically 0.75" - 1.5" when stocked. The estimated survival rate for these in the 1st year is 10% - that is 9 in 10 of these will not make it to Year 1 - so while 390K sounds like a lot, it quickly turns to 39K, which amounts to about 2 fish per acre on SML at the end of Year 1. Give that some thought when making choices on your fishing habits - not releasing in cooler months or then catching and releasing striped in the hot water months when they are highly likely not to survive.
Thanks to Ken Ulrich for helping with coordination of Club members & DGIF, and then all the Club members that assisted at stocking sites to oversee the stocking, tempering of water, and even the first on-water stocking.
In-Water Boat Show & Tell
On June 16th the Club held our In-Water Boat Show & Tell - a chance for members to show off their striper fishing rigs to other members as well as the public. We had a good participation of around a dozen boats and had probably had the largest crowd come to check out the event that we have had in the 5 or so years we have been doing this event. Thanks to all the members who came out - it is always fun to hang out and pick up a few new tips and techniques on rigging from other members.
Lake Clean Up
On Saturday, May 5th the SMSC be staffed the Lake Clean-up location at Indian Point. We had a good turn-out from the Club and collected a lot of floating/timber debris from around the area. Shame this did not occur a few weeks later after the heavy rains pushed so much trash out but at least we helped make a dent in the debris on the lake. Thanks to Jim Perry for helping to coordinate the logistics around the event this year!
Bedford Youth Day
As in past years, Marshall Harris ran a crew of Club members and their spouses to help prepare lunch at the Bedford Youth Day at the State Park. Thanks to the crew that helped out!
2018 Fish Ladder
We reset the fish ladder after our Christmas Party so it's time to turn in those great catches.. Keep the catches coming! If you have one not listed below, send us the pic on a measuring board and we'll get it recorded... probably some SMSC members with pics from recent tourneys that qualify!
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Fishing Outlook for June & July
Summer patterns should be fully setting in as we enter July - look for the fish to be found schooled up in the mid & lower lake areas - often in the mouths of major creeks. They may be found towards the backs of major creeks early in the morning, and then move towards the main lake channel and into the trees as the sun gets higher in the sky.
Fish will likely be deeper - with alewife being a preferred bait. Downlines with ales fished vertically will be your go-to when using live bait. Jigging can also be productive - white flukes or spoons.
Keep in mind with the summer temperatures that the striper will not survive the fight well - especially if caught below 35-40' or if caught trolling and drug though the upper surface water for any period of time. If you are going to target striper during this time of year, "Catch Two & Quit" - or switch over to other species such a white perch or catfish.
Fish will likely be deeper - with alewife being a preferred bait. Downlines with ales fished vertically will be your go-to when using live bait. Jigging can also be productive - white flukes or spoons.
Keep in mind with the summer temperatures that the striper will not survive the fight well - especially if caught below 35-40' or if caught trolling and drug though the upper surface water for any period of time. If you are going to target striper during this time of year, "Catch Two & Quit" - or switch over to other species such a white perch or catfish.
Tips & Techniques
With the 2018 SMSC Perch Jerk going on, we are going to cover some tips and techniques for pursing these aggressive little guys. As we enter July, you should be able to find the white perch starting to school up in the backs of creeks - target areas with clean, flat bottoms in 10-20' of water. Look for "carpets" or larger bait-looking marks - white perch will often look like a pile of larger gizzard shad on sonar.
Once you've located them, or think you have, a variety or lures & techniques will easily determine if you are on a pile. Sabiki rigs, small spoons or smaller rattle baits, or just simple vertical drop-shot rigs with #4 hooks tipped with pieces of night-crawlers or bottom rigs with cut alewife will get the job done. When using drop-shot rigs, tie a two or three hooks on spaced 12-18" apart, like with a Sabiki rig, and you will likely bring two or more to the boat at a time when they are aggressively feeding. Be sure to have a cooler of ice ready to get these guys on as once you start catching on a pile you can easily get 10, 20 or more to the boat.
This is a great way to entertain the kids this time of year - not to mention the big kids... switch to light tackle rods and these can be a lot of fun!
Once you've located them, or think you have, a variety or lures & techniques will easily determine if you are on a pile. Sabiki rigs, small spoons or smaller rattle baits, or just simple vertical drop-shot rigs with #4 hooks tipped with pieces of night-crawlers or bottom rigs with cut alewife will get the job done. When using drop-shot rigs, tie a two or three hooks on spaced 12-18" apart, like with a Sabiki rig, and you will likely bring two or more to the boat at a time when they are aggressively feeding. Be sure to have a cooler of ice ready to get these guys on as once you start catching on a pile you can easily get 10, 20 or more to the boat.
This is a great way to entertain the kids this time of year - not to mention the big kids... switch to light tackle rods and these can be a lot of fun!
If you have not already renewed your membership for 2018, please do so today! You can send your membership dues in via check in the mail, or via PayPal but sending a payment to [email protected]
Also, consider dropping off a copy of this newsletter with a friend that may be interested in the Club - and invite them to Join!
Also, consider dropping off a copy of this newsletter with a friend that may be interested in the Club - and invite them to Join!
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.
Smith Mountain Striper Club members receive a 10% Discount
Call or e-mail for details. [email protected] / (304) 928-7653 www.rockcreekplaners.com/planer-boards/ |
Check us out on the net at www.castnets.com or call us at (800) 332-6387 ext. 100 and tell them you a member of the Smith Mountain Striper Club to order your nets and receive a 50% discount of list prices.
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