Last night's TA meeting!

corrirod · 05-31-2003, 01:46 PM

Wow, I couldn't believe all the new "Dogs" last night! Great to see everyone again and meet some new "tuna curious" fisherpeople!

For those of you who haven't been to a TA meeting yet, you're missing the best bunch of people I've ever met! Great info, great stories, and great friends!

I've said it before and I'll say it again,

Salty Dogs Rock!!!!

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

05-31-2003, 01:54 PM

:depressed: Wish I was there :depressed:

Pilar · 05-31-2003, 03:25 PM

Corrirod, at least one new person went home last night a little bent out of shape and feeling not welcome or disrespected.

I can understand that fitting into a group is a little tough for a new member. What can we do to make them feel like they belong right from the start? Jen left the nametags home last night so that is one thing. I can't remember names of some of the members that have been there since last year. The nametags really help. And we used to meet everyone at the door to welcome them but stopped doing that for the last couple of times.

What can we do to welcome new folks and help them fit in? I just hate the notion that anyone came to check us out and left early and unhappy.

How can we fix this?

Was it you that went home in a funk? What went wrong? We welcome everyone.

Lucky Luke · 05-31-2003, 03:58 PM

Hello all!

Thanx for all of the comraderie last night. It was a pleasure to meet everyone. Donna and I had a very good time. Until we meet again. luke

Fishplay · 05-31-2003, 04:35 PM

I carked my back at work and couldn't make the meeting. Feeling better now though.

Sorry I missed the new pups. Especially TeamYehaa (Larry); hope to meet you soon. I'll give a shout when I'm planning to fish out of Newport. The Kings are starting to show....YaHaa!!! And the new boat is big enough for a couple extra deckhands.

John,

The meetings are sometimes very big and with the informal nature and time constraints it is hard to talk to everyone. I know I have not met all of the old Dogs yet let alone the new Dogs and Pups.

I too would like to make sure everyone is greeted and welcomed.

Maybe we should set aside a few minutes to do a formal roll call. We aready do a sign in sheet. Lets just go a step further and do a quick verbal roll call.

The new people could introduce themselves and we could key in on them and see that they are handled with "kid gloves".

They could even say what info there looking for; Tuna, Halibut, Bottomfish, or Salmon. That way we could introduce them to the right people.

There are many different personalities represented in the Salty Dogs. I can not fathom someone unable to find commraderee when they already share the common interest of fishing.

Of coarse it's a little hard for me to see the world from a shy persons veiwpoint. :grin:

I'm willing to spend some time as a greeter. Who else is??

Taylor's viewpoint · 05-31-2003, 04:43 PM

John, You did an excellent job in getting everyone to introduce themselves. It was a great way to get people involved. I know it helped me put a face to people that I had only talked to via email.
Thanks, TV

corrirod · 05-31-2003, 05:13 PM

I did see someone leave pretty early but I just assumed they had somewhere else to be. That's too bad, I hope they give it another shot. Unfortunately it is really hard to meet everyone formally at just one meeting, let alone someone who showed up for the first time. I did my best to try and greet new people as they arrived but I did miss quite a few.

I had the pleasure of meeting "Norms Gone Fishing", "Mirage & Wife", "Creel"(previous lurker), "Lucky Luke & Wife Donna", "Corkyking", and several others I can't remember right off the top of my head.

Name tags are a must I think and Fishplay brings up a good idea about having the newcomers tell us what they are interested in learning about. It's really hard to create a set itinerary with so many experience levels of folks. I'm sure you (Pilar) have tied about a hundred handlines since we started the TA meetings! :tongue:

Perhaps when we put up the next invitation thread we can ask folks for suggestions on topics they want to discuss or see demo's of or whatever?

If anyone has any instructional, or just plain fun videos they could share that would be great and I'm sure Rafael could hook us up.

Keep the suggestions coming because that really upsets me that someone felt leftout. That's definately not what the TA meetings, or the Salty Dogs for that matter, are about. :depressed:

EDIT: Oh yeah, and thanks BOE for all the cedar plugs. I let several people take their pick with the contingency that they take you fishing or at least tell you how well they worked! You've definately got a spot on my boat this summer for the tunafest! Thanks man!

[ 05-31-2003, 06:17 PM: Message edited by: corrirod ]

05-31-2003, 05:26 PM

To the person that had a problem,

This crew is great and you probably misunderstood something. Why even Pilar has stood me up on a few occasions :grin: but I'll get even with him one of these days :shocked: Try comming to another meeting. The meetings I've made it to were fairly small but still hectic.

WP · 05-31-2003, 05:35 PM

I did not make this meeting. I wish I were better able to go to the events. At my first meeting, I was the one who felt they didn't belong. I am an introvert by nature and don't mix particularly well in a large crowd of strangers. I xcan very personally relate to feeling left out or not included. It is not anyone's "fault", it is the nature of the beast. At most meetings, I have experienced Jen being the ambassador for the new folks. She is exceptional at getting an inclusive feeling to us less socially gifted folks. Even she can't get everyone so any help that others can bring to quickly involve others they don't know, the better. I have yet to meet a Dog who was not friendly and personable and feel very much a part BUT...it is hard at the begining...intimadating! The socially gregarious are a big help when they step outside their "normal" conversational mates and initiate contact with the shy or introverted among us (no one would really call me shy, but I am uncomfortable in large, strange groups)I am very pleased that Jon and the rest consider it important to not let people go away feeling they don't belong...it speaks well for all of you. The ideas you all have shared may help some but taking a new person and personally choosing to make a connection is the best way...at least for me! I truly hope we have not lost a Pup, we are a small group and each is important and have important contributions to make! I think I am way too long winded these days...Thanks all for sharing and listening. You are a fabulous group!
WP [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

05-31-2003, 05:41 PM

WP?

Quote:

large, strange group

Bait O' Eggs · 05-31-2003, 07:17 PM

I didnt hang around long but I had little ones that have a short fuse when it comes to sitting still

Had a nice time and met a couple new people.

Rod - Glad you handed a few out, I will have more at the next meeting, each generation gets a little prettier, not sure any of them will catch fish, but the plugs are starting to look better at least, unlike the dogs

norms gone fishing too · 05-31-2003, 07:36 PM

thanks for the invite. had a geart time meeting everyone and hereing stories and shareing them. hope to take a seat this summer sometime
thanks again
you guys and gals are a great group

norm

Kentucky Hog Hunter · 05-31-2003, 08:05 PM

Hey Salty Dogs,

When is the next meeting? I was out at the swap meet today helping set it up and I met some nice folks hanging out at the Ifish booth. I was the working the raffle for the kids and door prizes.

It was a great turn out for this event.

I got yo meet a Salty Dog "Crazy Fish" and he was telling me about your meeting. I really would like to meet some of you folks sometime and talk Big Blue stuff.

I have only posted a couple of times to this discussion board but feel there is so much I can learm from this group.

Please let me know about the next meeting and yes it is OK to slam me about my Kentucky roots. Everyone else does and I am immune to it by now.

Look forward to meeting some of you.

Regards,

KHH

ANDYCOHO · 05-31-2003, 08:09 PM

It was my first TA meeting, but definately not my last!!

Quote:

If anyone has any instructional, or just plain fun videos they could share that would be great and I'm sure Rafael could hook us up

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">That's a great idea Rod!

Maybe we could finish the night up by having a raffle ($1 or $? tickets)? I would be more than happy to do a little shopping for some great raffle prizes, maybe some local stores would help donate prizes???

I truly had a great time it was nice to finally put faces to the names. I am sure I will be sharing my boat with some of those folks come Tuna, Halibut or Ocean Coho!

Beer Waggin · 05-31-2003, 08:15 PM

I think the name tags would help, but I really liked everyone doing the stand up, state your name and your problem thing too.
It seems every meeting has more and more people attending and new faces are coming through the door at all times. We certainly don't want someone leaving feeling as though they didn't fit in.

corkyking · 05-31-2003, 08:18 PM

Had a nice time last night. Thanx to Pilar's Mate, Pilar and the others who put the meeting together.

Everyone I met was pleasant, friendly and interesting.

I hope to hook-up with you come tuna season.

"An inexhaustible good nature is one of the most precious gifts of heaven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of thought, and keeping the mind smooth and equable in the roughest weather."
-Washington Irving

CrazyFish · 05-31-2003, 09:19 PM

Thanks to all for the good time. I enjoyed seeing some of the Dogs that I've already met and the newcomers to the meeting.

Nice to meet you today Kentucky Hog Hunter.

I'm definatly looking forward to my first tuna trip.

Bankbound · 06-01-2003, 12:51 PM

My old man and I are bummed :depressed: We thought it was next friday for some reason. Let's pick a date and place for another meeting maybe in newport??? We do alot of traveling around the state and could meet almost anywhere (we are not going to burns of baker!) I'm glad all you folks had a good time. And to those who did'nt give it another shot, at least you can talk to me as I won't know anyone there either.

MH

Pilar · 06-01-2003, 01:08 PM

I no sooner hit the parking lot and thought, "uh-oh! I didn't think to bring any name tags." At that point, after a tough week at work and an extremely stressful afternoon, I didn't give much thought to the RSVP list. I sure think it would have helped newcomers feel more comfortable. I am soooo sorry!

We struggle with this "not wanting to be organized" thing. It is clear to me now that some level of organization is required to make everyone feel included.

Name tags
Some kind of loose agenda
Introductions
An effort on the part of "regulars" to not get so wrapped up in catching up with other "regulars" that we forget to reach out to new folks. (this is tough because it is seldom we get to visit with one another)

I sure regret that I didn't meet as many of the new folks as I would have liked. After a tough week, I guess I was feeling a little more introverted than normal.

Let's do it again. I'll sign up to be the designated "name-tag and pen bearer." I usually arrive early, so I can be a "by the door greeter" as well. Anyone else want to help with this?

Only problem is, if we hold one in Newport in conjunction with a fishing day, the level of organization will undoubtedly drop. It will make it that much harder to do a meet and greet type of thing. I imagine there would be a much larger spread in arrival times, too.

Let's get some ideas going on that topic. Maybe we have a big white-board sign in/out in a designated check-in point so that folks know who is in the "party area" at any given time?

Other ideas?

Albacore Tuna Captain · 06-01-2003, 05:21 PM

Hey Pilar,

Didn't make the meeting but will the next I can gar an teeee!!! I have a suggestion about making everyone feel welcomed. It's always hard coming to a meeting with strangers and the idea of having everyone stand up and introduce themselves is cool. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] But how about requiring that all the folks getting up and change their table every half hour with the provisal that they can never go back to the same table or the same folks? This would get everyone to start mingling?

Though I don't like to mingle, but I do like inter-reacting.

Just a suggestion.

Bait O' Eggs · 06-01-2003, 08:38 PM

I have been around a few of the Salty dogs, and know a few of them on site. :grin: I liked the introductions friday night as I put a few names and faces together that I wouldnt have known were there. I saw Crazyfish introduce himself then saw him the next day at the tackle swap meet. His salty dog shirt helped me put a face and name together but I think I would have put it together even though I am terrible at names.

Making people get involved is tough. You either have the personality to get involved :smile: or the personality to stay in the corner. :depressed: Rotating tables may work, but so would making each of the people dance together,

though that may not do much for attendance of any dogs, but a few poodles might show up

Name tags would go a long ways. If somebody wanted to meet somebody they could seek them out and strike up a conversation. "I am XXXXX and would like to tuna/halibut/salmon/bottom (insert one) fish" After that intro, the conversation could progress.... I think seats are available, you just gotta step forward and throw your hat in the ring if you want to fill one.

We may not all have the right gear, but gas money, showing up on time, helping clean the boat, and an interest to get the right gear shows thru in actions and attitude. If you wanna run with the dogs, stretch your legs and get in the starting blocks.

8knots · 06-01-2003, 09:25 PM

It was my first meeting and I had a great time. I enjoyed those I got to talk with and thought the introduction thing was a good idea as I was able to connect a few faces with their online names. Enjoyed hearing about Pilar's <30 fathom halibut, salmon, ling cod rig. I would buy some of those in a heart beat! Once you get in a couple of conversations with those you are sitting near you kind of get locked into place. The moving around thing might have some merit, as long as it was limited to no more than three times.

Lots of fishing knowledge, and a good diverse group with the common denominator...... salty fishing of the offshore variety. Fishing in the deep blue water, out of sight of land, on a calm day just infects some of us in a crazy way!

id. painter · 06-02-2003, 07:26 AM

Im so far away!!! My wife loves a good social gathering (even if it is just a bunch of fisherpeople) , woman and the gift of gab.. I very much want to attend a meeting. School is getting close to being over for the summer and at that point, i become much more mobile. If you have another meeting before the tuna get close, ill try and bring the wife. id. p.

RatherBFishn · 06-02-2003, 07:41 AM

This was my first TA meeting and I had a good time. I think name tags would have helped alot if at least to get conversation started. I am not a type A personality so I didn't get to meet most of the people. The stand-up intro was good. I should have stated that I am an experienced boater but have not had "lots" of experience off-shore and have never fished for Tuna. This is what I want to do this summer. I sold my sled and bought a good off-shore boat for this but no Tuna/Halibut experience. Looking for experienced Salty Dogs to help out and in turn I can take people out on my 24' boat. (I will get my fuel problem fixed first, I promise.) I will attend the next TA meeting if at all possible. Thanks for the hospitality!!!

Ragnar · 06-02-2003, 07:42 AM

Pilar and Pilar's Mate,
It's already been said, but I'll say it again Salty Dogs rule. I think you did great! I had a great time and met a bunch of fantastic folks. Yes, for the record I will be looking to get on a Tuna Boat. Thanks for the hand line Pilar. Of course I went out to buy some feathers, leader, swivels and hooks the very next day. Couldn't make it all the way down to England's before they closed so I only bought the leader, one feather (having not remebered the preferred colors. Please remind me again?) and some huge Sampo swivels (great price there at Boaters World). Spent a good part of the day playing with my new found toy (handline) wondering how well the cat would fight on the other end? Hmmmmm............? I wonder if I tied this to...........?
Ah, just kidding.
As an Instructor/facilitator, I know how difficult it can be to "reach" everyone. It bothers me as well when I have a participant that doesn't "get it " or feels slighted in some way. Sometimes you just have to accept that you cannot please everyone. That number will increase as the number of participant do. I"m not suggesting you just leave them behind and rule out any room for improvement. I'm just trying to bring it to mind that it is very difficult to host a shin-dig such as this. Put yourself in Pilar's and Pilar's mate's shoes. The adult learner thing can be quite complex. You once again punctuate our point with your great concern to not leave anyone behind. Good on ya for that sir.
I really enjoyed Rafael saying, Andy, Andy, Andy, Andy, Andy, Andy? Transation: Who the Heck is ANDY!? This plate is REALLY HOT! Good thing it wasn't fajita. Huh?
I just wanted to say thank you once again and let me know if I can do anything to help out with facilitating specific task of some sort. If we do have some sort of raffle? I may be able to come up with some prizes...
Let's talk.
Ragnar

Pilar · 06-02-2003, 08:01 AM

Ragnar, no worries on the handline. I hope it works for you and fills your pantry with canned tuna.

Colors that I favor are

Cloudy
Black/Purple
Rootbeer
Mean Joe Green
Mexican Flag

Sunny
Chartreuse/Green
Red/White
Blue/White
Mexican Flag

As a rule I will favor the colors for the conditions. But I always fish a selection. And some days a color will be hot. This is what the wolf-pack is all about. When you scratch over the water with several boats it does not take long for someone to get into it.

The rest listen to the tail thumping, the yelps of glee and the scream of reels over the radio. Repeated pleas for coordinates and gear preference on the radio by the other 'dogs are answered by the static laden silence. Punctuated by

'Wait a damn minute, all hells breaking loose over here.'

Finally the bloodied boat gets it going again and the pilot may have time to bark out a color or 1/2 a gps waypoint before throwing the mike down with 'Here we go again, back soon.'

I can't wait

TeamYeeha · 06-02-2003, 08:08 AM

Sorry Fishplay we were really bummed we missed the meeting. I coach a girls softball team and we had a big tounament this weekend, but thought we would have a little practice on Friday :shocked: My catcher ends up getting a broken finger and of course she was staying with us so I ended up taking her to the hospital. Sorry all! I really wanted to meet some you guys. Fishplay. Pilar, Pilars mate, Tacklebuster, NorRivDave, Keta,BOE.

Thanks Fishplay just let me know I'll be there. Sounds like you picked up that Thunderbird? That's great!

Hope your back is better.... Fishing Astoria Thursday If anyone wants to head down let me know.

Thanks everyone!
Larry
Yeehaaaaaaaaaaa

Myles · 06-02-2003, 08:24 AM

I had a good time, got to meet a few new people. Turns out Hoggeman (SP) shoots archery with friends of mine. Nice to meet Lucky-Luke and his wife, maybe the next halibut trip will work out for you.

myles

Ragnar · 06-02-2003, 08:30 AM

Pilar,
I fully understand the color selection except for the Mean Joe Green. I'm going to assume there is some green on it? Can a person buy those stainless double kinky-barbed hooks onesy-twosy or must one purchase the whole enchilada? I see Gamagatsu makes them as well. What size are those little jobbers anyway? Anyone care to do a little trading for maybe some feathers and hooks to complete (as if that's possible) my riggin' selection? I have some interesting little do-dads I can purchase very cheap where I work. Let's talk tuna...
Geez! Here I go already! Wheelin' and dealin' again. Except now it's fishing tackle and trips. Let the adrenaline begin....I think I'm getting a contact high.
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Did you see the size of that chicken (halibut)?
What about Rapalas or swimbaits? Do you use them at all?
I can already hear it now..."Where's Ragnar today?" "Oh he's out sick with a bad case of Tu-nitus." Yeah, Um-hm. Yeppers.
My name is Ragnar and today I am powerless over my addiction to fishing (in this case TUNA). I feel the need for a whole other tackel box or ten comin' on.
Ragnar

HOGGEMIN · 06-02-2003, 08:58 AM

It was my first T/A meeting and it was great to meet so many like minded people. I too am going crazy wanting to catch Tuna fever. I wish all the dogs a thank you and tight lines to all.

8knots · 06-02-2003, 10:48 AM

Ragnar, Englunds is great about selling the hooks, jigs, ect. in whatever quantity you need. When I first got the bug I went to Astoria Englunds and talked to a commercial guy about what he was buying and I tried to duplicate it. Of course, he was buying in bulk and when I went up with my stuff to check out, I almost fell over at the expense. One of the women who works there took me over to the tuna section and set me up with just the right selection. Bottom line, they are really helpful in getting you just what you need........ The next day I went out and caught 10 tuna before I realized I needed more and bigger ice chests. It was something about the tuna hanging out of the lid of my ice chest and two rods with line screaming out faster than this one, newly minted tuna freak could handle. There I was, way offshore, by myself, hooting and smiling like some blood splattered idiot.

Pilar · 06-02-2003, 10:54 AM

Oh yeah :grin: Gotta go do that soon, real soon

Mu ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Skipper · 06-02-2003, 01:23 PM

For being new to SD, I was received better than I thought I'd be, at my first meeting. Everyone was friendly and very helpful.

I was encouraged to know that there are guys taking smaller boats then my 19' Harbercraft to the halibut grounds 26 miles out. So far, my comfort level in this boat is 10 miles. Biggest problem I see is the open bow. I'd sure like to get halibut, and even tuna when they're in close. I have all the gear since I have caught both.

Had to leave at 7:30pm to get home for dinner with the wife. Wondered what I missed and how late it went?

Cheerio'
Skipper

Miss B Haven · 06-02-2003, 02:33 PM

Was I there? :whazzup: Did I have fun? :grin: All I remember is Saturday AM.

Good to see and meet you all! About these name tags- They need to be big enough to put everyones ifish name and real name on and maybe the boat name (for those who aren't using they're boat name already

). Way to much stuff for an old guy to remember and tie together without visual aids!

OceanBlue · 06-02-2003, 02:44 PM

Miss B: We should all get shirts like yours, eh? Then there'd be no question.

I was outta "uniform" that night (wasn't wearing my "Pilar" crew shirt). It didn't help matters. And the post about forgetting the name tags... in case anyone hasn't figgered it out, that was my post (Pilar didn't log out of my computer. I posted under his moniker and didn't catch it! AARGH!)

Miss B Haven · 06-02-2003, 03:16 PM

Oh ya- I almost forgot... the name tag has to also have your email addy on it (that's id number 4 if you're keeping track).
I get emails from members all the time and go "who the heck is this anyway?" [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]

crabbait · 06-02-2003, 09:46 PM

Obviously, I am late to the party, again. Got my replacement monitor from Dell today!

What a great welcome at the TA meeting! I felt like NORM walking into Cheers. The only problem I had was that the disco ball came on way too early and so many people left before I could really get to meet everyone. We need a longer meeting!

Great to see you guys again. Mel, you had a really good time.

Fishplay · 06-02-2003, 10:34 PM

Well it seems my suggestion was actually used that night.

Stand up introductions can be made fairly quickly and then you just move on to the informalities of the night that we all enjoy so much.

Ofcoarse, some people may find this very intimidating and not come for that reason.

Here's a thought: [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

If your new and want to make friends fast. Buy a round of good tequila for the house.

That get you some attention!! :grin:

blubeast · 06-02-2003, 11:10 PM

Enjoyed the meeting... especially having each introduce themselves so a face could be put with the ifish handle.

As in any such group, each individual need to speakup if they have questions. Pilar & the rest of the Big Dogs have always been very willing to answer all questions. Very helpful group.

As always... thanks for everyones efforts in making the meeting happen.

OceanBlue · 06-03-2003, 06:53 AM

Fishplay: I like the way you think! [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]
By the way, we were sorry you didn't make it. We could have embarrassed you about your birthday, too! As it was, Mel was the only one that got it.

Happy Birthday Greg!

OceanBlue · 06-03-2003, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pilar:

The rest listen to the tail thumping, the yelps of glee and the scream of reels over the radio. Repeated pleas for coordinates and gear preference on the radio by the other 'dogs are answered by the static laden silence. Punctuated by

'Wait a damn minute, all hells breaking loose over here.'

Finally the bloodied boat gets it going again and the pilot may have time to bark out a color or 1/2 a gps waypoint before throwing the mike down with 'Here we go again, back soon.'

I can't wait

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Great description! The only part you missed was the screams from your first mate as she's driving the boat and getting showered with bloody ice-water by tuna thrashing in the quench tank... "Make it stop! Make it stop!" and giggling so hard she can hardly get the words out.

Can't we go tomorrow? Puleeeeeze!? [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

edsr · 06-03-2003, 09:56 AM

First thing, I had a great time - Thank You Pilar and anyone else who helped put the meeting together.

A couple of quick suggestions and remember you can't please everyone.

Why do we meet as a group?

I enjoy meeting people who have the experience and knowledge I don't have and are willing to share it with me.

The set-up of the room is not condusive to people meeting each other. Long straigt tables limit you to talking only to the people on your left and right without getting up and moving.

Turn off the loud music. You have to raise your voice to talk above it and it is hard to hear without getting in peoples face.

A little structure would be a good thing .
Introductions and then perhaps a simple program outline maybe some small simple workshops. A table for lure making. A table for navigation. A table for weather. A table for supplies/services info. A table for -- you get my drift. Ask for voulunteers to moderate each of the tables. Have people rotate from table to table.

Welcome the ladies and make them feel comfortable!

Oh, and umm, ahh, recite the "Tunaholics Pledge"? NOT!

edsr