FINAL PLANS CRYSTAL RIVER MEETING(Apr 25 - Apr 27)

[TomW]

Brought this back up for those who might want to remember last years event. Photos of the boats are on the last few pages.

Tom

[TomW]

Well first things first.

Welcome to the: 2008 FLORIDA AMATEUR BOAT BUILDERS MEETING

Sorry to those of you that wanted a more regional title, but for advertising and promotional reasons it was decided that the Florida title had to remain.

The Committee.

[TomW]

Second we need to get everyone to supply the information that we have asked for before and below to Tom as soon as possible. We have 13 responses so for and thank those people for so prompt a response.

If you have not responded and are planning to come to the cook-out on Saturday please e-mail Tom the following. Just use his e-mail button below.

Name/forum name John Doe/Johnny
Family members accompanying you: Mary, John, Cindy
Residence: Somewhere, FL
Boat type bringing/building C17
Boat name/year built
Tickets required for Barb-B-Que: 4

We need this information by FEB29 We will of course take your information as soon as you decide to come. We just may not get your name in the brochure proper.

We have been able to keep BBQ tickets to $10. Final day to sign up for tickets at this price is Monday, April 7. After this day we must unfortunately charge the full price of $29.

[TomW]

THE SCHEDULE: Cookout April 26

12PM - 1PM Sign in/Pick-up packets & tickets
1PM - 2PM Cookout
2PM - 4PM Visit, boats, flea market, displays, talk with vendors
4PM Go fishing, continue above

This schedule was based on the tides for the fishermen in the group: NOAA Tide Schedule - Shell Island(Mouth of Crystal River)

Sunrise 6:53A
Hi Tide 7:31A
Lo Tide 12:11P
Hi Tide 7:09P
Sunset 8:03P

We expect the fishermen to head in as the tide goes slack at noon.

The schedule also allows those that are traveling extra time to get there on Saturday, without rushing.

Your committee

[TomW]

VENDORS:

Those of you that have obtained vendors need to:

1. Obtain a check made payable to Plantation Inn and in the memo section: 2008 Florida Amateur Boat Builders Meeting. Tell them we will mail them a receipt and a copy of the brochure with there ad in it once it is done.

2. Mail me or e-mail me as an attachment there business card or if more than a 500 donor the ad they want put in.

Deadline for this is FEBRUARY 29TH. This gives you over two(2) weeks to close any deals you have working.

We can continue to obtain vendors but only for under $200. Name in Brochure. Go for 100 or 150. Nice round numbers. We will also no longer give meals after the 29th cut off.

My address: 6150 Watia Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713 Tom Wolery

If they want a receipt first I'll e-mail you one that you can use till I get a proper one to them. E-mail me.

If there are any questions e-mail me.

Tom and your committee

[Cracker Larry]

12PM - 1PM Sing in/Pick-up packets & tickets

I'm not going to sing, You will all be happier

[TomW]

Corrected you wouldn't want me to sing in either.

[Joe H]

We have made reservations at the plantation for Saturday and Sunday night, staying at the one of the villa's across the street, a little more comfortable for 4 1/2. Still debating on Friday night as that's when we fly into Tampa. The Villa is $169.00 a night for the 2008 FABB, not bad for 4.

Any advise on a versatile Rod & Reel Combo, my wife doesn't understand the 15 or 20 combo's I already have are for northern freshwater fish, I need a new one for fishing down south, right? I hope to hitch a ride fishing with someone as they will not let me check my OD-16 on the plane, or just point me to some good shore fishing!

Looking forward to the meet & warm weather!
Thanks
Joe

[Aripeka Angler]

Joe, I use Shimano Stradic 2500 reels and Dogfish 7 1/2 ft. rods for everyday flats fishing. The reels come with 2 spools. Load 1 with 10-15 pound Power Pro braid. On the other spool put on a mono. such as Momoi Diamond same lb. test. Shimano makes a matching rod but its a little pricey.This combo will work well for trout and reds.

Most guys bring a slightly heavier rig for bigger fish such as cobia.It also never hurts to have two rigs with you in case of a mishap

There are cheaper versions of this rig out there but this combo will last for many years if taken care of. Also, I am not sure what type of gear you already have but it might work here as well...Richard

[Joe H]

Richard, thanks for the info, I have no salt water equipment.
The Shimano Stradic 2500 looks like a very nice rounded set-up that I can also use up here jigging for walleye, Cabela's has a combo with the Salt Striker inshore rod for $209.00, Bass Pro pretty much the same, Looks like I'll have to take a ride and do some comparison shopping, maybe find something for a little less $'s and any exuse to take a ride to one of the big sporting good's store.

Thanks
Joe