Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project

Must Be Dependable, Reliable and Crazy or Only Semi-normal People Need Apply

Must be Dependable, Reliable, and Fun-loving. Interest in the Outdoors is helpful or just being a good whiner if asked to help in any way. Being awakened from a nap in the sun on the picnic tables excuses one from any type of duty request. The fish can wait. Snorings allowed. Must not be afraid of touching icky things. Ladies are allowed to faint. Sorry if youre overcome in the outhouse. Be sure to fall head first into the bucket of cold water used to flush. Odd personalities are acceptable. If youve always wanted to "get lost in the crowd", nows your chance! No ones turned away! Your lyin cheatin hearts good with us! CALL: 4355 - LETS GO! (solve the puzzle! Convert the numerals to letters and win a prize of an unused spool of fishing line!)."

And so our ad reads. Nothings changed. Were still the lousy bunch of bucket haulers of insect guts and worms. We thrive as we freeze dead fish, obsess over half ounces, scrape plastic, pick at dead leaves, stare at the rain gauge and read the upside- down thermometer. Whats there not to like?! What we do is so unique and important that Leonardo DiCaprio has actually copied us! And the awards in Daves office are as crafted and well-earned as that shiny skinny guy Leos got on his shelf. In fact, Dave received his from real people!

Time to focus the spotlight!

A special THANKS goes out to Joe Williams of none other than Dell Williams Jewelers in Santa Cruz! In fond memory of his uncles fly-fishing tales and through his own personal interest, Joe has been a consistent supporter of our annual November Albacore Feed in Castroville. But recently he invited our leader, Al Smith, myself and Doctor Sean Hayes of NOAA, to give a presentation at his Tuesday morning Rotary meeting up at the De Laveaga Golf and Lodge.

After enjoying the first square breakfast in years, I had the honor of introducing Al to the Rotary members. It was a memorable experience as we had everyones rapt attention. (yes, rapt!) Our own frantic agendas diminished next to natures lure (as in fishing?!) of something astonishing. Sean Hayes also helped to explain some of the logistical quagmire involved with moving in any direction of action. Our hosts were fascinated by his analysis and comment; too bad we didnt have more time! It'll be time for doubling- up at the hatchery with new fry having eyed and buttoned-up! My steadies of Brad, Mike, Scott, the Dans, Jason, Samantha! Jerry! Todd! Bob & Marge! the Parles and Pete and Mark! have been just that! Like I said: "Dependable. Reliable. Fun-loving but a bit crazy!" Hey! Wheres Bruce been?

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