Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club (MBTBC) FORUM

[David Craddock]

irstly, I would like to thank all Inshore Fishing Group members for making my year as captain of the group a very joyable and memorable year. There have been the usual challenges of bad weather either blowing us off the bay or in some cases rain. But overall we have been able to stick to our published event planner that was published on the Club’s website with some carry over trips. This year, we have successfully used the Club’s website as a means of introducing members to our group and as well used email as our formal means of communication with group members. We published our meeting agenda’s and meeting minutes as well the catch scoreboard. Whilst talking about the scoreboard, our first meeting in February 2008 will be our presentation for the 2007 catch achievements. A highlight of our fishing event calendar is always the Harry West Shield weekend at Somerset Dam. This year, as usual, we had a great rollup of members with tents and boats and with the dam having the highest water level for many years, provided great catches and a weekend enjoyed by those who could make it. It was very rewarding that throughout the year we had a number new members join the group and who have been able to participate and enjoy the common interest of fishing and safe boating. Yes, we did have a number of successful fishing trips in the bay with good catches of whiting, bream, snapper, cod and mackerel. As a general rule we would leave the club ramp around 4.00am, with weigh-ins back at the ramp around 11.00am. In addition, we had trips to “The Pin”, Haven and not forgetting Borumba Dam. This year for the first time ever I believe, we had our end of year party “off site” and I must make a special mention and thanks to Alan and Jill White for making their home available. Another great day had by all. Mark Thomas our Vice Captain undertook an extensive research project, without any special government grant, has presented the Inshore Fishing Group (IFG) with a magnificent shield of all past IFG captains, now skillfully hung / displayed in the meeting room. The IFG group members have been actively involved and very concerned about the planned closures in Moreton Bay, attending information nights and offering constructive feedback as fisherpersons who have great respect for our fishing environs. At our December meeting new office bearers for the 2008 season were elected, they are:- New Captain; Michael Gordon Vice Captain Jeffrey Hage Secretary Open until first meeting February 2008 Treasurer Alan White In closing my report I can not forget to say a special thanks my Vice Captain: Mark Thomas, Secretary: Jeffrey Hage and Treasurer / Social Director: Alan White and Jan Robins, Club Manager for making the IFG 2007 season a success.