SILETZ FISH TRAP

We had our first meeting of the month today (Thursday, March 1st) which is always a breakfast meeting at the Agate Beach Golf Course. We did not have a speaker today so just enjoyed a great breakfast and good company . . . this retired life is tough. We had a quick meeting and discussed the fish traps, the fishing and cleanup at Big Creek, the upcoming cleanup at Beverly Beach (this Saturday), upcoming events and other normal Club "stuff." We have lots going on so be sure to check your e-mails from Big Fish on a regular basis, and check the calendar on the website.

In response to the discussion regarding the Siletz Fish Trap, Big Fish sent the following e-mail to everyone (if you have volunteered to help, please make a note of your time and be sure to call Bill Furgason or Wayne Hill if you will be unable to make it):

"Below is the email I sent to Casey Deckard today. We are always looking for more hands to sign up to help with this worthwhile program. If you have signed up, please make sure the contact information is correct.

Be sure to take a lunch and water!!!

What is the experience like at the Siletz fish trap? John Spangler wrote the following about his day with Casey:

• This is a very labor & time intensive operation, and not with out some risks (guiding & filling the transfer bucket & fish transport).
• Dress warm & wear good socks..you will be in the water for a long period of time (Gloves would be a good idea too).
• Hip Boots are OK..but..If you help net fish, you will need full waders. Even then you will get wet.for some reason the 40 in. Steelhead do not like to go in a net !!
• Yes..2 hands are much better than 1 hand !!...I was able to help Casey with fish registration data & several other useful functions, but those of you without my limitations would make the day go along a bit more quickly.
• When the fish counts begin to rise, it may well require at least 2 volunteers to handle the volume.
• Access to & from the traps is not particularly difficult, but handling a net with a very unhappy Steelhead would be a good skill to develop.

All in All it was a very fine experience & Casey is a Prince of a Man to work with. He has the patience of a saint & the strength of a bull. I would go again in a Heart Beat, but I believe the project would be best served, if I were viewed as a last resort, fill-in kind of guy. Our Club's involvement is greatly appreciated by Casey & it is worth the effort to be doing such a Fine Thing, in such a Beautiful Place, with such a Fine Man. THE HOOK

Following is a copy of the e-mail sent today (Thursday, March 1st) from Big Fish to Casey Deckard at ODFW:

Hi Casey:

Longview Hills Fish Club had our meeting this morning and appointed myself to be the coordinator with you for the Siletz trap for the present time.

Today I asked for volunteers to accompany you to the fish trap for the next 4 weeks and have put together the following assistants for you:

• March 7: Butch Minich--563-6176 and Bud Roark--574-0896
• March 14: Brian Hudson--574-7978
• March 21: Phil Reed--265-2494
• March 28: Hank Bryson--265-9325 and Mike Samples--994-9960

The following is a list of participating members that have signed up for the fish trap duty and you should feel free to contact any of the individuals if you find yourself in need of a hand with the duty at any time:

• Jack Blower: 265-4073
• Bob Brakefield: 907-252-3528 (cell)
• Hank Bryson: 265-9325
• Wayde Dudley: 574-7962
• Bill Furgason: 574-6056
• Wayne Hill: 961-3708
• Brian Hudson: 574-7978
• Butch Minich: 563-6176
• Phil Reed: 265-2494
• Bud Roark: 574-0896
• John Spangler: 265-4542
• Frank Stout: 574-1864
• Mike Samples: 994-9960

Of course, you can always give me a call at 961-3708 or email me at lvhfishclub@hotmail.com and I will round up a crew for you. If you anticipate the need for more boots on the ground we can always get more people and take an extra car.

The crew has been instructed to meet you at ODFW at 08:30.

Thanks,

Wayne Hill"