By Jody Steele
The month of April has arrived and it is a busy one for Rod and Gun Club members!
Keep ‘Em Wet!
A reminder to all anglers to “Keep ‘Em Wet”. As we enjoy all the great fishing here, it is important that if you do not plan to eat your fish, it should be kept in the water when unhooking and taking photographs. Steps made to minimize air exposure, protect scales by avoiding dry surfaces such as hands and boat bottoms, and limiting handling time are all significant steps needed to save your fish. Some species such as sailfish, tarpon, bonefish and permit must stay wet in order to survive after being released. Our efforts to follow these practices are “conservation in action” for the future of our fishing community.
All Craft Fishing Tournament (NEW)
The first annual All-Craft Tournament has now started, being held March 31st-April 14th. This is a two angler/team fishing competition that is a new event sponsored by the Rod & Gun Club. Participants are required to pick two fishing days within the two-week window. Points will be scored for each of the two days. Winners will be determined by OVERALL points scored. All fish in the weight scoring categories are to be weighed at the MarineMax tackle shop on the fishing day in which they were caught between 3:00-4:00 p.m. Each team is responsible for turning in their fully completed score sheets no later than 4:30 p.m. In the event of a scoring tie, the tie breaker will be the team who scored the amount first. A bi-weekly update of team scoring will be sent by group email during the tournament period, along with a scoring board in the MarineMax tackle shop.
Registration for this tournament has now closed. So now it is time for all teams to choose their two days! Winning teams of first, second, and third place will be notified on April 15th. Prizes will be awarded along with trophies to winners. IF INTERESTED, LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
MORE for Your Fishing Fun:
Seal Team Ocean Reef Fishing Tournament – April 19th
More information on this exciting event coming soon!
Fish of the Month
Tuna and swordfish are the Fish of the Month for April. Weigh-in must be at the MarineMax tackle shop from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to be eligible for a $50 gift certificate and bragging rights. Both of these fish are treated separately, so there are really two opportunities to win in April.
Card Sound Shooting Sports Range
A reminder to members that reservations to use the Range MUST be made ahead of time online at rodandgun.org. Go to the website at rodandgun.org and then the Range section. Hit the “Book Now” button to fill out the form. The Range is usually open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Share Your Sporting Pictures
Email your sporting pictures to jodylsteele@gmail.com to be featured in the Ocean Reef Press and on the Rod & Gun Club website. Visit rodandgun.org and click on “Photo Gallery” to view.
2021 – Jack Salisbury demonstrates “Keep ‘Em Wet” guidelines by leaving this permit in the water for a photograph prior to releasing it. 
2021 – ORC Rod & Gun Club member Rob Gothier caught a 165lb Yellowfin Tuna on his boat “Bar South”.