March / April 2016 Newsletter
In This Edition
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Club Board Members
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Committee Chairs
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Lake Clean-up
Cindy Turlington / Bob Rowe Club Photographer Bob Rowe Joe's Coffee Joe Wolf Christmas Party Rick Boettcher Tournaments Steve Nagel |
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Unless otherwise noted, Club meetings are held at 7pm, 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.
March Club Meeting - 3/4
March is our annual Swap Meet - bring any sporting-good related items which you'd like to find a new home - no firearms, weapons or ammunition please. Also, Dan Wilson, DGIF Biologist, will be on-hand to present the latest status on the fishery based data collected in 2015 from shocking, gill-netting & angler logs and take Q&A
April Club Meeting - 4/1
Steve Nagel will lead a discussion on Spring Top-water Fishing along with several other Club members
May Club Meeting - 5/6
Topics TBD, but look for us to be doing some things outside and/our in small-group sessions. If you have ideas for topics you'd like to see, let us know.
Lake Clean-Up - Tentative for 5/7
The 1st Saturday is May is historically the Lake Clean-up Event, and we will plan to staff the Indian Point drop-off location again this year.
March Club Meeting - 3/4
March is our annual Swap Meet - bring any sporting-good related items which you'd like to find a new home - no firearms, weapons or ammunition please. Also, Dan Wilson, DGIF Biologist, will be on-hand to present the latest status on the fishery based data collected in 2015 from shocking, gill-netting & angler logs and take Q&A
April Club Meeting - 4/1
Steve Nagel will lead a discussion on Spring Top-water Fishing along with several other Club members
May Club Meeting - 5/6
Topics TBD, but look for us to be doing some things outside and/our in small-group sessions. If you have ideas for topics you'd like to see, let us know.
Lake Clean-Up - Tentative for 5/7
The 1st Saturday is May is historically the Lake Clean-up Event, and we will plan to staff the Indian Point drop-off location again this year.
President's Corner
Spring is almost here! I for one am ready. While I've managed to get out and do more fishing this winter than I did last year as the weather was not as frozen this year, my results have not been great... it's time for those water temps to rise and the fish to put the feedbags on.
As everyone begins to emerge from Winter, we have various events starting to ramp up with the Club and we're making plans for others that will occur mid-year. A couple of key areas which the Club needs to weigh-in on is involvement with the 4H Youth Camps in the Fishing activities, and what the Club wants to see in terms of competitive tournament / fun fishing days or other. Look for more in the newsletter on this, but keep in mind that as a non-profit, community involvement in things like the 4H are key to helping us justify and maintain our non-profit status - but to do these events we need YOU to be involved and committed to them as well. We need to hear your input so that we can put our time and energies into the events and activities that you as a membership want to participate in.
The last few months have been tough ones for the Club with the loss of three members since December. It is hard when we lose members, and I know there will be a little something missing when we come to the meetings each month and not seeing some familiar faces - but we remember them and what they did for our Club and we honor them by carrying forward.
I also want to give a special Welcome to those new members which have joined the Club over the last few months. It is great to see the increased interest & involvement and we hope that you find value in the Club. To that end, the Club is what you make of it - jump in and get involved in various activities - there is no better way to make a network of friends in the Club than by getting involved - join one of the various committees, come out and participate in our community, social or fishing events - bottom line, get involved.... Also, let us know what you're looking for out of the Club - and don't hesitate to ask the "stupid question" as there are no such things.
Also - I realize this issue is a little short in length - some of that has to do with this being our "slow" time of year - it also has to do with needing some help in creating the content.... thanks to Steve N for help with one of the Tackle Tips - but I'd welcome input / articles / reports from others to use as well..... ;)
Fish On! - Mike Ward
As everyone begins to emerge from Winter, we have various events starting to ramp up with the Club and we're making plans for others that will occur mid-year. A couple of key areas which the Club needs to weigh-in on is involvement with the 4H Youth Camps in the Fishing activities, and what the Club wants to see in terms of competitive tournament / fun fishing days or other. Look for more in the newsletter on this, but keep in mind that as a non-profit, community involvement in things like the 4H are key to helping us justify and maintain our non-profit status - but to do these events we need YOU to be involved and committed to them as well. We need to hear your input so that we can put our time and energies into the events and activities that you as a membership want to participate in.
The last few months have been tough ones for the Club with the loss of three members since December. It is hard when we lose members, and I know there will be a little something missing when we come to the meetings each month and not seeing some familiar faces - but we remember them and what they did for our Club and we honor them by carrying forward.
I also want to give a special Welcome to those new members which have joined the Club over the last few months. It is great to see the increased interest & involvement and we hope that you find value in the Club. To that end, the Club is what you make of it - jump in and get involved in various activities - there is no better way to make a network of friends in the Club than by getting involved - join one of the various committees, come out and participate in our community, social or fishing events - bottom line, get involved.... Also, let us know what you're looking for out of the Club - and don't hesitate to ask the "stupid question" as there are no such things.
Also - I realize this issue is a little short in length - some of that has to do with this being our "slow" time of year - it also has to do with needing some help in creating the content.... thanks to Steve N for help with one of the Tackle Tips - but I'd welcome input / articles / reports from others to use as well..... ;)
Fish On! - Mike Ward
January & February Meeting Summaries
We kicked off the New Year with DGIF Conservation Protection Officer Shannon Smith joining us to speak about their day to day experiences on the water and in the woods around SML. Officer Shannon shared a number of interesting stories and we talked about how we can work together out there to ensure the safety and protection of our fishery.
In February we held a casual meeting - talked fishing a bit with the latest fish reports and then had a couple of reel spooling machines available for members to spool reels to get ready for the Spring - and have a chance to just socialize with one another.
We have been recording our meeting for upload to YouTube for those members not able to attend. These will available in their 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. (Note, we are WAY behind in the processing and uploading of these to the web, so bear with us.... if there is one of the past meetings you specifically want to see, let us know and we'll try to prioritize uploading it).
In February we held a casual meeting - talked fishing a bit with the latest fish reports and then had a couple of reel spooling machines available for members to spool reels to get ready for the Spring - and have a chance to just socialize with one another.
We have been recording our meeting for upload to YouTube for those members not able to attend. These will available in their 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. (Note, we are WAY behind in the processing and uploading of these to the web, so bear with us.... if there is one of the past meetings you specifically want to see, let us know and we'll try to prioritize uploading it).
Member Catches
Fall is kicking into gear - and SMSC members are getting out there and catching some nice fish! 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].
In Our Thoughts & Prayers
The last few months have been tough ones for the Club. Club member Richard Sorter passed away unexpected at the end of December, and then just before our February meeting member Chuck Howarth passed away from complications to some surgery.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard & Chuck's families, and their presence will be missed within the Club. Our condolences & prayers also go out to the Dewayne & Hawk Lamb in the loss of their nephew / grandson in West Virgina. We also have other Club members currently suffering from serious health issues, and our best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to them as well. If you know of a member or their family experiencing medical challenges or a death in their family, please be sure to pass that word along to the SMSC Board. |
It's Time to Renew Your SMSC Membership
We are well into 2016 now - If you have not already turned in your 2016 Membership renewal, please do so - you can print and submit the form attached at the end of this newsletter. Help us get the new year off to a great start by returning these membership renewals as quickly as possible. We certainly hope you will plan to renew and join us in the new year. Also, please use this to consider inviting a friend to join the Club in the new year as well.
Membership Input Needed
As we work to plan activities for the 2016 Calendar Year, we need your input on a couple of items.
4H Camp Fishing
For many years now the Club has supported the 4H Youth Camp by staffing the fishing activity three days a week during the summer in which camp is in session. Over the last several years we have struggled to have enough volunteers to fill all the needed slots, and a few have had to go above and beyond to ensure our commitment to the 4H and the youth were fulfilled. This is not a "hard" duty - 8-12ish and we assist groups of campers by cutting worms, hooking them when needed, taking fish off hooks, re-tieing lines when they break off in the rocks - you know, the things you do to get kids involved with fishing and help them to see the joy that comes with it.
Last year the 4H enacted some additional Youth Protection policies which unfortunately come along with life in today's world - and this requires volunteers to provide basic personal information and submit to a basic background check to be run, with information held by the 4H. This change in policy was not well communicated to us ahead of time last year and it ruffled some feathers - but we had some firm discussions with them on our concerns of how they handled this and what our expectations are and believe we both understand each other now.
Going into 2016 the Board had discussed and decided that it is unfair to allow one or two to have to carry the burden of supporting unfilled days, so we are not going to carry forward with this unless there is sufficient commitment from the Club that allows us to staff these events. We are asking you to let us know if you would be willing to work one or more days at the 4H for this activity. Based on the feedback from you, we will then determine if we need to go back to the 4H and indicate we have to step away, reduce our involvement to a smaller number of weeks, or that we can continue with our heritage here helping to plant a love of fishing with our next generation of anglers. This is in your hands to decide.
Competitive Tournaments / Fun Fishing Outings:
Over the last few years we have tried a number of type of fishing tournaments/outings. We've pretty much only had Member/Guest type events for quite some type based on your input. We held a series of low-entry fee competitive tournaments without cash-payouts based on your input, yet had low participation. We've held "fun outings" - with low attendance. It takes a lot of work and energy to pull together these events, and when the membership does not turn out for them, it is disheartening to those that go to the effort to put on the event. We also have a number of new members in the Club that may have new or different interest in this regard - so, we're going to be looking for your input on what you want in these types of events..... Perhaps you want a Money-based competitive event, perhaps you want just an "outing" where members get together afterwards. Perhaps you'd be more willing to participate if these were held on weekdays vs weekends - or vice-versa.
Let us know - if you can not be at the March Club meeting, drop us an e-mail or drop a call to Steve Nagel, tournament director to express your opinion. As a Fishing Club we want our members out fishing, and having the opportunity to socialize out on the water together or after a day of fishing - so let us know what you are looking for - and what you will come out to support - so that we can plan appropriately.
4H Camp Fishing
For many years now the Club has supported the 4H Youth Camp by staffing the fishing activity three days a week during the summer in which camp is in session. Over the last several years we have struggled to have enough volunteers to fill all the needed slots, and a few have had to go above and beyond to ensure our commitment to the 4H and the youth were fulfilled. This is not a "hard" duty - 8-12ish and we assist groups of campers by cutting worms, hooking them when needed, taking fish off hooks, re-tieing lines when they break off in the rocks - you know, the things you do to get kids involved with fishing and help them to see the joy that comes with it.
Last year the 4H enacted some additional Youth Protection policies which unfortunately come along with life in today's world - and this requires volunteers to provide basic personal information and submit to a basic background check to be run, with information held by the 4H. This change in policy was not well communicated to us ahead of time last year and it ruffled some feathers - but we had some firm discussions with them on our concerns of how they handled this and what our expectations are and believe we both understand each other now.
Going into 2016 the Board had discussed and decided that it is unfair to allow one or two to have to carry the burden of supporting unfilled days, so we are not going to carry forward with this unless there is sufficient commitment from the Club that allows us to staff these events. We are asking you to let us know if you would be willing to work one or more days at the 4H for this activity. Based on the feedback from you, we will then determine if we need to go back to the 4H and indicate we have to step away, reduce our involvement to a smaller number of weeks, or that we can continue with our heritage here helping to plant a love of fishing with our next generation of anglers. This is in your hands to decide.
Competitive Tournaments / Fun Fishing Outings:
Over the last few years we have tried a number of type of fishing tournaments/outings. We've pretty much only had Member/Guest type events for quite some type based on your input. We held a series of low-entry fee competitive tournaments without cash-payouts based on your input, yet had low participation. We've held "fun outings" - with low attendance. It takes a lot of work and energy to pull together these events, and when the membership does not turn out for them, it is disheartening to those that go to the effort to put on the event. We also have a number of new members in the Club that may have new or different interest in this regard - so, we're going to be looking for your input on what you want in these types of events..... Perhaps you want a Money-based competitive event, perhaps you want just an "outing" where members get together afterwards. Perhaps you'd be more willing to participate if these were held on weekdays vs weekends - or vice-versa.
Let us know - if you can not be at the March Club meeting, drop us an e-mail or drop a call to Steve Nagel, tournament director to express your opinion. As a Fishing Club we want our members out fishing, and having the opportunity to socialize out on the water together or after a day of fishing - so let us know what you are looking for - and what you will come out to support - so that we can plan appropriately.
Welcome to New Members
We'd like to welcome all new members to the Club - we look forward to your getting involved in our various activities. For our existing members, please make a point to make these new folks feel welcome!
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SML 50th Anniversary
We'd be remiss if we let this issue go by without acknowledging the 50th Anniversary of Smith Mountain Lake reaching full pond. March 7, 1966 SML officially reached "full pond" level of 795 feet - the cumulation of a project started six years early. Few likely could have envisioned that dam would change the area to what we know and enjoy today.
There are lots of events going on around the lake to help celebrate this milestone for our area. We have talked about potential ways that the Club could participate - if you have thoughts, let us know.
(Photo Credit from The News & Advance - http://www.newsadvance.com/lifestyles/photos-building-smith-mountain-lake-a-look-back/collection_0ec57092-d580-11e5-aa7e-7f9c0e742de0.html)
There are lots of events going on around the lake to help celebrate this milestone for our area. We have talked about potential ways that the Club could participate - if you have thoughts, let us know.
(Photo Credit from The News & Advance - http://www.newsadvance.com/lifestyles/photos-building-smith-mountain-lake-a-look-back/collection_0ec57092-d580-11e5-aa7e-7f9c0e742de0.html)
2015 Fish Ladder Results
We had a number of members climb on the ladder, with some bumping already going on. Spring is almost here so I expect some good catches to be showing up. When fishing, take a picture of our catch on a measuring device and submit the pic via Facebook, e-mail or bring it to the Club meeting to secure your spot - remember, you can always "upgrade" throughout the year.
1st - Ray Witte - 36.5" - 1/14/16
2nd - Shaun Hansberger - 36" - 1/31/16
3rd - Mike Rettemnier - 33.5" - 2/6/16
4th - Mike Ward - 33" - 1/1/16
5th - Ernie Lefebvre - 1/21/16
6th - Bob Vreeland - 24" - 1/14/16
7th - 10th - Open
1st - Ray Witte - 36.5" - 1/14/16
2nd - Shaun Hansberger - 36" - 1/31/16
3rd - Mike Rettemnier - 33.5" - 2/6/16
4th - Mike Ward - 33" - 1/1/16
5th - Ernie Lefebvre - 1/21/16
6th - Bob Vreeland - 24" - 1/14/16
7th - 10th - Open
Fishing Outlook for March & April
Spring brings exciting striper fishing on Smith Mountain Lake - as the water temps begin to warm in early March into the upper 40's and low 50's the fish begin to move up into the water column, and on sunny days, into the shallows. The fish begin to put on the Spring feed-bag and big bait can lead to some nice catches. Depending on how quickly the water warms, it may be mid-March before the shallow-planer board bite turns on. Until then, keep an eye out for schools of fish in the main channel, where jigging or smaller bait on downlines and light-lines will help bring fish to the boat. Once the fish begin to move shallow, look in the creeks - and often you cannot get shallow enough. You may find that some the fish are still a bit lethargic and "tail snap" at the larger baits, so let it play a bit before trying to set the hook.
This pattern will continue into early April - and then the fish will begin to move in and out of the creeks beginning to stage for the "faux-spawn" - so targeting primary points on the main channel will be productive. Working a wide range of the water column and using a variety of baits will be productive. A top-water bite often develops as well - see our April Tackle Tip below, and make sure to come to the April meeting to hear a presentation on Spring Top-water fishing.
This pattern will continue into early April - and then the fish will begin to move in and out of the creeks beginning to stage for the "faux-spawn" - so targeting primary points on the main channel will be productive. Working a wide range of the water column and using a variety of baits will be productive. A top-water bite often develops as well - see our April Tackle Tip below, and make sure to come to the April meeting to hear a presentation on Spring Top-water fishing.
Tackle Tip for March - Big Bait
I've been accused of being a big-bait bigot - and I'll accept that. Late March & Early April are some of my favorite times to use big bait - and by big, I mean you can't get a bait big enough - I WILL have at least a few baits in the spread that are 12"-14". The Striper becoming more active and looking to feed ahead of the spawn - and you'd be surprised how small a striper will eat (or try to eat) a 12" bait.
You need to upsize your hook on baits of this size - I use a 7/0 Gamakatsu Octopus, and you may want to consider adding a stinger hook in the anal vent or rear of the bait when fishing baits of this size. You may not get a lot of bites when fishing foot-long baits - but when you do - hang on!
You need to upsize your hook on baits of this size - I use a 7/0 Gamakatsu Octopus, and you may want to consider adding a stinger hook in the anal vent or rear of the bait when fishing baits of this size. You may not get a lot of bites when fishing foot-long baits - but when you do - hang on!
Fishing Report - I Found It
Weather: Sunny, temps below freezing rising to above 60, winds from none to hurricane force from the NW
Water: 40-46, visibility of 3-6'
Techniques: pulling big gizzards (8" - 13") on freeline planer boards and a light-line; casting swim-baits and flukes for a bit
With the warm weather forecast for Sunday I decided I better take advantage in case February turns out like last year and the lake freezes over till March. I got up to the lake and headed out looking for gizzards a little after 3 pm. Got 16 or 18 in the tank and then hung my 12' net on some type of unknown, immovable object, cleated it off and pulled with the big motor breaking most of the braille lines and ripping the net at the lead line (though not as bad as I first thought).
Fortunately I had a back-up net aboard which has seen better days, but it got the job done to help me put around 40-50 bait in the tank - 25-30 or so which went into long-term storage later that evening.
Water: 40-46, visibility of 3-6'
Techniques: pulling big gizzards (8" - 13") on freeline planer boards and a light-line; casting swim-baits and flukes for a bit
With the warm weather forecast for Sunday I decided I better take advantage in case February turns out like last year and the lake freezes over till March. I got up to the lake and headed out looking for gizzards a little after 3 pm. Got 16 or 18 in the tank and then hung my 12' net on some type of unknown, immovable object, cleated it off and pulled with the big motor breaking most of the braille lines and ripping the net at the lead line (though not as bad as I first thought).
Fortunately I had a back-up net aboard which has seen better days, but it got the job done to help me put around 40-50 bait in the tank - 25-30 or so which went into long-term storage later that evening.
Up at 6am and on the water before 7, stopped to get gas at the SLOOOOOOWWWWWEEEEESSSTTTTTT pump on earth - think I might have been getting a gallon a minute. While I was waiting the birds started diving near-by but only stayed a few minutes.
Finally got enough gas and rolled down to pick up Tyler. We headed off in search of some birds and then got a whim to roll down the lake and check a big creek. No birds there but we decided to put put bait and pull. Nothing.
Moved back up the lake after 45 min or so - saw a bunch of birds circling and about 8 other boats - only marked a few scattered fish - not sure if there had been a good school moving through earlier or not. So we moved on up the lake to another creek, and put out the baits. Pulled for maybe an hour...... Nothing.
It was a little after 11 at this point and Tyler needed to head out, so I dropped him back at his place and after hanging around a little while I headed back down the lake to see if I could find a little warmer water and try some other creeks. Pulled for 30 min or so. Nothing.
- Moved back near the bridge and pulled a creek as the wind started to blow a gale..... pulled a while. Nothing.
- Moved up the lake just a small bit further near a bunch of bait and pulled - Nothing. Well, lots of bait, but no fish action...
- Moved further on up the lake and pulled a little cut/cove in the area where the birds had been working earlier. Nothing.
- Moved on for one last pull in my creek - the wind was nearing hurricane force at this point. Pulled a couple of points and a rip-rap bank. Nothing.
- Called it a day.
Yep - I found it.... the dreaded 1st Skunk of 2016...... and it may hang around as February has never been all that kind to me. The Big Bait Bite looks to be over for the moment - of course 5 warmer days this week could reignite it, but we'll see.....
Finally got enough gas and rolled down to pick up Tyler. We headed off in search of some birds and then got a whim to roll down the lake and check a big creek. No birds there but we decided to put put bait and pull. Nothing.
Moved back up the lake after 45 min or so - saw a bunch of birds circling and about 8 other boats - only marked a few scattered fish - not sure if there had been a good school moving through earlier or not. So we moved on up the lake to another creek, and put out the baits. Pulled for maybe an hour...... Nothing.
It was a little after 11 at this point and Tyler needed to head out, so I dropped him back at his place and after hanging around a little while I headed back down the lake to see if I could find a little warmer water and try some other creeks. Pulled for 30 min or so. Nothing.
- Moved back near the bridge and pulled a creek as the wind started to blow a gale..... pulled a while. Nothing.
- Moved up the lake just a small bit further near a bunch of bait and pulled - Nothing. Well, lots of bait, but no fish action...
- Moved further on up the lake and pulled a little cut/cove in the area where the birds had been working earlier. Nothing.
- Moved on for one last pull in my creek - the wind was nearing hurricane force at this point. Pulled a couple of points and a rip-rap bank. Nothing.
- Called it a day.
Yep - I found it.... the dreaded 1st Skunk of 2016...... and it may hang around as February has never been all that kind to me. The Big Bait Bite looks to be over for the moment - of course 5 warmer days this week could reignite it, but we'll see.....
Tackle Tip for April - Topwater Tips & Lure Selection
Authored by Steve Nagel
It's getting close to that time of year that you can find schools of stripers busting bait on the surface and topwater, in my book, is the most exciting way to catch a striper. Although I'm sure some might think it's a big fish chasing down a 12 inch gizzard on a board, but that's for someone else to talk about. You could get very technical with rods and reels specifically set up just for topwater, but it's not really that complicated. Your favorite casting rod, suitable for catching a striper will work, just avoid florocarbon line, as it sinks impeding the action of your lure. I like using braided line with a mono leader to get extra casting distance.
For topwater lures, nothing beats a 'walk the dog' type bait, my favorite is the Heddon Super Spook and the Super Chuggin' Spook. For breaking fish I don't believe color is very important it's more in the action, which should be fast. Chuggers, such as the Storm Chug Bug, classic pencil poppers and even wake baits such as thunder sticks and redfins will work also. Use a loop knot, split ring or a light weight snap to attach the lure to your line so as not to inhibit the action of the lure. Also, unless you're using a saltwater lure, it might be worthwhile to upgrade the hooks to 3x or 4x strength. We'll be dicussing these tips as well as where, when and how at th April meeting, hope to see you there.
It's getting close to that time of year that you can find schools of stripers busting bait on the surface and topwater, in my book, is the most exciting way to catch a striper. Although I'm sure some might think it's a big fish chasing down a 12 inch gizzard on a board, but that's for someone else to talk about. You could get very technical with rods and reels specifically set up just for topwater, but it's not really that complicated. Your favorite casting rod, suitable for catching a striper will work, just avoid florocarbon line, as it sinks impeding the action of your lure. I like using braided line with a mono leader to get extra casting distance.
For topwater lures, nothing beats a 'walk the dog' type bait, my favorite is the Heddon Super Spook and the Super Chuggin' Spook. For breaking fish I don't believe color is very important it's more in the action, which should be fast. Chuggers, such as the Storm Chug Bug, classic pencil poppers and even wake baits such as thunder sticks and redfins will work also. Use a loop knot, split ring or a light weight snap to attach the lure to your line so as not to inhibit the action of the lure. Also, unless you're using a saltwater lure, it might be worthwhile to upgrade the hooks to 3x or 4x strength. We'll be dicussing these tips as well as where, when and how at th April meeting, hope to see you there.
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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