The Dive Shop at Ocean Reef recently presented at our March Monthly Get Together. Lisa Cassidy and Jesus Gudino, the new owners, are committed to the central mission of conservation and protection of our ocean waters and the reef system located in the northern portion of the Florida Keys. The Dive Shop has collected more than 2,400 pounds of traps and line entangled on the reefs that are causing damage to the corals. These clean-up efforts are part of Goal –Clean Seas Florida Keys and are helping to restore and maintain the health of these sensitive reef eco-systems. Some quick take aways from the presentation: there are 13 National Marine Sanctuaries and our own Ocean Reef is the only living coral reef. Fish and Wildlife has issued 350,000 lobster traps and the clean-up of rope and traps after hurricane Irma is ongoing and immensely labor intensive! A quick way to donate to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is by phone text donation: Text “OCEANREEF” to 44-321 and it will be earmarked to The Dive Shop at Ocean Reef project. For members looking to help on their clean up dives, snorkelers are welcome, the following dates are planned for cleaning up our local waters: April 17th, May 8th, May 22nd, June 5th, June 19th, July 10th, July 31st, August 14th and August 28th. Please stop by the Dive Shop if you would like to help and to learn more about their efforts and all the great programs they have and their new boats!
Our Rod and Gun Everglades City member trip proved to be a fun few days of fishing and dining! Matt Fritter organized the trip with both fly and spin rod fishing sportsmen. For those thinking about joining Rod and Gun we have an Annual Event, Monthly Get Togethers, Group Trips, Conservation Education and of course our Clay Shooting Range. The Range is open during the season Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays 10am-3pm. To join simply fill out the membership form at the bottom of the page on the website HERE. The location and details are available on our recently redesigned website: Rodandgun.org. We encourage all members to go to the website for information and great member photos!
Our members are enjoying a great fishing season this year! We have two more Rod and Gun Fishing Tournaments this season so please be sure to book your guides and captains and sign up! Contact Ken Reda at Marine Max for entry forms and to submit your entries. Please visit our newly improved website RodandGun.org for all the latest information and updated Member Photos!
Upcoming Events:
• Swordfish Tournament – Friday, April 19
Entries must be submitted by April 12th.
Click Here for the Entry Information and Form
• Flats Tournament – Wednesday, April 24
Entries must be submitted by April 17th.
Click here for Entry Information and Form.
Share your Member Sporting Pictures by texting Wendy Brainard at 203-253-7790. We love sharing our Rod and Gun members’ photos and including them in our Annual Event slide show. If you are interested in joining, please email membership@rodandgun.org.