2nd Annual Salty Dog Convention

corrirod · 09-17-2004, 07:53 AM

O.k., here's something for you to do rather than sleep at work today! Should help make the day go a little faster.

I'm going to plan another Salty Dog convention(I call it a convention because there are so damn many of us now!).

Location will be in Newport again. I need help getting ideas for things to do, places to have it, catered dinner or not, when to have it, and so on. I had initially hoped to do an "end of season" gathering but there are too many hunters in the group and so I've decided to push it back to January sometime.

For those who missed last year's event, some of the activities that took place were:

<ul type="square">[*]Cold Water Survival Training[*]Full tour of the Yaquina Bay Coast Guard station and all the boats[*]Dinner at the Rogue[*]Boaters Safety Course by the Coast Guard Auxillary[/list]
I'm thinking about having the Coast Guard tour again.....but that's really only because I hope to buy one of those boats when they decommission them.....but that's beside the point.

I'm also going to try and get some Vendors so show up. Perhaps I can get some of our Ifish Sponsors to bring some of the product reps in to do demonstrations? Zuker? Fishtraps? Penn? Okuma? etc, etc..

I'm thinking of having the dinner catered this year. My reasons are this, we are such a large group it is hard for us to fit into a normal restaurant, let alone for the restaurant to be able to handle that much business all at once. Last year we had around 100 people in town for the event. This year I expect quite a few more than that, in fact I would guess 150 or more. Drawbacks to the catering are the cost of the meals are usually slightly higher, and the worst part for me is the deposits and "no-shows". I can't afford to tell the caterer there will be 100 for dinner and only have 50 show up. :depressed: Same goes for hotel rooms.

If we do the catering deal then that means we can rent a Hall that will fit all of us in one room. We could probably get some prize donations for some drawings. Maybe have tables setup by the various vendors that we could wander around and look at all the "candy"?

What other things should we do? I was thinking that we should start the events late Saturday morning or early afternoon, have the dinner that night, and then maybe something late Sunday morning? Sunday is not a very good time for organized events though as some of you(not me of course

) tend to, how should I say it, out do yourselves on Saturday night! I will no doubt have my family with me so I'm sure we'll make Sunday an Aquarium day or something and perhaps we could get a group discount for that if anyone else wanted to go?

O.k. I've blabbed long enough. Start feeding me some ideas!

OceanBlue · 09-17-2004, 08:09 AM

Excellent, Rod. I think you're right in thinking about renting a hall or something. Maybe we just reserve a restaurant. The Mazatlan in Newport has good food and tequila and they're very frequently not very busy. I'd bet they'd be happy to "close" for an evening. That would remove the need for catering (maybe they'd just do a buffet) AND space.

If we could get the same deal with the Elizabeth Street Inn again, that would be fabulous! What a good deal and a beautiful place to stay!

TWB · 09-17-2004, 08:22 AM

Rod, you can count me in. I have been thinking about the same thing since RJ talked about getting together for a brew and some fish talk.

I'm there for any help you need in planning and running the thing. I will e-mail you later with a couple of ideas that I have been thinking about.

January sounds good to me!
Jerry

corrirod · 09-17-2004, 08:33 AM

Definately a buffet for sure. With 100 people all showing up at the same time it's just too hard for a restaurant to keep up. I don't think catering would be too much more expensive than restaurant pricing anyway. I believe it will be between $10-$15/per person depending on how extravagant the items are.

I'm thinking that maybe I could create another website to take reservations for dinner, using the Paypal thing or mail in payments, and that way everything is prepaid and I can mail out a packet with all the schedules, directions, etc. to everyone prior to the big show.

I will be looking at the motels again to find the best deals. We should have a little more "buying power" this go around so we'll see what I can do.

I need ideas of things to do. Let's get the creative juices flowing here. Just spit them out and we can sort thru them later.

Here's some off the top of my head:

<ul type="square">[*]Salty Dog Garage Sale[*]Charity Auction[*]Vendor tradeshow[*]What else?????????[/list]

skein · 09-17-2004, 08:36 AM

Great idea, Rod. DipSeaDiver and I will be there!

Maybe Jerry and Mark Mc could be talked into doing a clinic on "Casting to the boil" or whatever they call it. Rods, reels, line size, technique, etc, etc. <hint, hint>

Maybe we could get Capt Rich to come up and talk about his strategies. I keep remembering that he took that group of flyfishers out and they hammered 'em. Wouldn't mind trying that myself.

... No, honey, that's safety equipment. They just put it in a Fin-Nor box for shipping....

I've got a couple more ideas, but those two came to mind first.

I might know a place that could accomodate us, and that could do the catering. I'll pm you.

This is cool. Now we can count the days 'til January. It's a smaller number than July.

Skein

PeterMac · 09-17-2004, 09:05 AM

Hey Rod, this sounds great as I missed last year's!

The garage sale sounds promising. Sort of like a fishing swap meet.

How about a crab derby benefit for IFISH, or maybe a local charity down there? Go out day before, mark/tag a certain number of spiders. Charge an entry fee, and see if they can get caught. Have prizes etc. They do this in Nehalem Bay for a medical clinic and it always raises a bunch of money. Just a thought.

PeterMac

corrirod · 09-17-2004, 10:03 AM

One thing I would like to find out is "who knows who"? A lot of you out there have "inside" contacts to various product reps/manufacturers, business owners, etc.

If you think you have a "friend in the business" that is related to this discussion or that you think might be interested in attending/donating/teaching/etc. then could you please PM me that information?

For instance several people know Dean from Englunds, or maybe someone from GI Joes, or someone from Rogers Marine, or someone who runs one of the coastal resorts, or ??????

These contacts help narrow down my scope of research and some may help reduce the overall cost.

Thanks for the help.

edsr · 09-17-2004, 10:42 AM

Rod - A few ideas.

1. Are there any Elks, Eagles, VFW's, etc., that have meeting facilities they might rent to us and have them or a local caterer supply food?

2. Head count error for these events is something like 5% +/-, you pay for whatever number you guarantee.

3. An agenda or plan of events would be helpful. A P.A. system and microphone so that we can all hear what a speaker is saying nothing formal but helpful in presentations and crowd control. In past venues, just talking to someone was difficult, competing with a jukebox and large screen TV blaring.

4. Any information about fishing techniques,( old or new) , safety instruction advice, new devices, proposed fishing regulation changes, radio /GPS up grades, boat maintainence and storage, in short anything that would help us Dogs.

5. Could we invite one or several guests from Fish and Game, Ground fish Mgt.etc., perhaps even have them make SHORT presentations? It would also let them see the size of our group and give us some credibility when allocations are made.

edsr

blubeast · 09-17-2004, 10:47 AM

Great Idea Rod!

Maybe we could get Liquid Asset's wife Rhonda to do a seminar on the art of marine forecasting and how fishers should evaluate them. Just a suggestion.

Mr. Fisherman · 09-17-2004, 11:33 AM

Thanks for stepping up again Rod.
I will need as much notice on the date as possible as I just got put back on nights and will have to take vacation to be there.

Boating safety courses, coast guard tour, swap meet, tips and tricks sessions, cold water survival. Maybe KJ could measure us up and hand out discount cupons? How about a boat first aid session? Perhaps a boat handeling seminar... rough water stratagies or sumpin.. I think it would be fun to have a cook off of some kind.... Chili or sumpin?
Maybe we could put together another Salty Dog apperal order while we have everyone together and send proceedes to Ifish again?
I don't want to miss this event this year....

Mr. Fisherman · 09-17-2004, 11:38 AM

Threemuch might have an inside line on a caterer.... I would vote for his contact in a heart beat....

wthr4d · 09-17-2004, 12:05 PM

I like the Aquarium group idea, if I come it will most likely be with kids and wife...they will want something that interests them as well.

Paul

Wang · 09-17-2004, 12:32 PM

Even though I don't have an ocean boat I would really love to get involved with the Salty Dog's to learn and meet some people. This sound's like a great place to do it at. I read the post's daily. My experience is limited to salmon/bottomfish on charter's and probably 30 or so trips on buddie's boat's over the years. Haven't even chummed in about 8 year's.
This sound's like a perfect place and time to get involved so count me in as long as the date's work for me.

Bill

SKSPAWNER · 09-17-2004, 01:25 PM

Rod: Sent you a PM. How about honoring some of the people who have gone to bat for us with the Regulatory meetings? It's a good way to show our appreciation for their lobbying.

Sunny K

whaleraddict · 09-17-2004, 01:50 PM

I'm in. Sounds like a lot of fun

. Keep me posted on the dates and my wife and I will be there.

Jennie@ifish · 09-17-2004, 02:22 PM

Wow! Am I invited? :smile:
Sounds fun!
In all seriousness, please contact me before contacting sponsors, and I'll help you out, all I can.
Please just keep me updated!
Jen

Ragnar · 09-17-2004, 02:37 PM

Ray,
Come-on man.... Chili!!!????

Is it made with TUNA! or sumpin?
I'm thinkin' Chowda`! Or Maybe albacore Fish-n-Chips or Sumpin...
Hey we're Salty Dogs, Man! Be proud....!
Just kiddin Ray...
You can make what ever you like.
This thing sounds like fun...

Rod,
Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
You know like the Chris Farley-Motivational Speaker making TUNA! hats complete with the TUNA! Hat Corination Ceremony.
I'm a little short on whole tuna. So definetly bring your own for tuna hats. We can cook-up or Sushi-fy the rest.
Ragnar

corrirod · 09-17-2004, 02:50 PM

Sorry Jen, not trying to exclude you.

I try not to get the chief involved until I have all the ducks in a row and the "sponsorship" part is low on the priority table. Sponsors aren't mandatory but they might make a nice addition.

We're just collecting ideas right now.

Bluebeast: you took the words right out of my mouth. I actually thought about it at the last meeting but I also want Rhonda to be able to enjoy the convention as a fisherwoman too! I'll see what I can do but their on vacation right now in Tofino.

Keep the suggestions coming and hold onto your hats cuz I think this one's going to be a dooooooooooozy!

Mr. Fisherman · 09-17-2004, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Ray,
Come-on man.... Chili!!!????

Is it made with TUNA! or sumpin?
I'm thinkin' Chowda`! Or Maybe albacore Fish-n-Chips or Sumpin...
Hey we're Salty Dogs, Man! Be proud....!
Just kiddin Ray...
You can make what ever you like.
This thing sounds like fun...

Ragnar

Dude, who said I was interested in cooking? I'm interested in the EATING! :grin:

My wife, on the otherhand is sure to give all comers a run for their money in the chowder or chili competition and I have been told I put up some good numbers in the fry daddy department....

Could be fun.... Have torch, will travel

FishGitter · 09-17-2004, 04:00 PM

Outstanding idea Rod.

I would really enjoy meeting more of the Salty Dogs and learn some new strategies and techniques.

The Legion hall in Newport can handle 100 - 125 in the big room. They also have a smaller room for (I think) 60.
The buffets run from $14 to a $21 all seafood deal.

Let me know if there is any help I can provide in setting things up.
----
Mike

edsr · 09-17-2004, 04:25 PM

Rod - How about a CPR class ?
edsr

HOGGEMIN · 09-17-2004, 04:43 PM

Wow Rod this sounds great I will be there for sure this year and let me know how I can help.

Reel Creel · 09-17-2004, 06:26 PM

Ed... CPR? if i remember right you have 48 hours to report any deaths at sea. Id hate to stop a good fishin trip with CPR. So out you go ... and we will think of what happend later.

..... Just kidding.

If we need a large food sorce i can get it at work. Just let me know.

Jsail · 09-17-2004, 06:39 PM

Quote:

I'm thinking about having the Coast Guard tour again.....but that's really only because I hope to buy one of those boats when they decommission them.....

Rod ....... did you forget to take your meds?

I'd be up for a "Cold Water Survival Training". Maybe some products to support the topic.

Billfisher · 09-17-2004, 07:00 PM

Count me in. As I recall, Englunds didn't show last year. Anyhow, any way I can help, I will. -D

Mark Mc · 09-17-2004, 08:05 PM

Hey Rod...right on...thanks for starting this initiative again. We can chat about some specifics. A few ideas stated already I like, and a few new ones:

- Englunds (Dean) was already wanting to help sponsor something for next summer. So I'm sure he'd like to be involved at some level. Oh, for those who don't know, his "no-show" last time was due to somewhat of an emergency; he greatly regretted missing it so please forgive him.

- Gear stuff...always a must. Skein mentioned something...yes I'd be glad (as long as I can recruit Marty) to do some stuff with Fishtraps. Actually Marty "works" for the Fishtrap company as a "pro staffer" (really!!) so he can help with the samples. I can bring the "right" casting rods/reels....which is really 90% of it.

- Guest speaker...someone mentioned ODFW...how about Don Bodenmiller & Patty Burke? Or Polly Rankin, the one studying rockfish recompression methods?

- Another Speaker / Q & A idea.... How about if I get Rod Scheiwe to show up? For those who haven't heard of him, he is THE guru of marine electrical systems in Newport. Pretty amusing fellow too.

- Contests! Knot tying, casting (without backlash), "guess the ID of the i-fisher in the photo"...with prizes of course! I'll pony the first prize right now... a few gaffs for sure, and goody bags from my tackle stash.

I'll stop now.... :grin:

Fishplay · 09-18-2004, 01:06 PM

Quote:

- Guest speaker...someone mentioned ODFW...how about Don Bodenmiller & Patty Burke? Or Polly Rankin, the one studying rockfish recompression methods?

Excellent idea Mark. I would love to see a presentation on rockfish recompression.

I would also like to see the group evolve from just getting together to party to fisheries activists.

Allot of info can be covered in an hour or two and it would be nice to become more organized as a group on the issues.

Give something back to the sport we all love so much!

Maybe start our own chapter of the RFA. Janice would be another speaker we could ask to address the group.

Let me know if you can use some help Rod. Something this big could benefit from delegation.

pnwcoast · 09-18-2004, 02:51 PM

Maybe get somebody from ODFW to present a fish ID seminar?

SeaSparrow · 09-18-2004, 06:16 PM

Another possibility: If the R/V Wecoma (OSU's research vessel) is in port, I'd be willing to organize a tour (a 3 hour tour!) for those interested in seeing where some of our tax dollars are going. Just a thought...

Salmonator · 09-18-2004, 07:45 PM

mmmm... seafood buffet

KChookem · 09-18-2004, 07:49 PM

Other ideas & thoughts ...

Date: If feasable, in conjunction with an ODFW commission meeting; other meeting, Ifishers might wish to attend.

Location: In January / winter, I suspect there are a number of Banquet rooms who would want business (Embarcadaro, Shilo, etc.) With some negotiation, might get a very good deal on meeting room, lodging, food, drink.

Local Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Assoc. could help with many ideas.

Caterers: Might be a community service organization or school, who does this for fund raising. Maybe even use their facility (e.g. school).

Tours/Activities: Hatfield Marine Science Center; 'Discovery' Tour/Educational Boat; Tour the historical motor-sailer 'Hero'; Yaquina Head Lighthouse & Study Area (old gravel pit); Outlet Stores in Lincoln City; Jig Herring; crab; fish jetties; Oyster Farm.

Speakers, classes and/or hall displays: Weather & Tides (including El Nino); USCG general; Boat handling under severe conditions; Marlinspike seamanship (knots, etc); Fish Identification (mentioned previously); Charts, Plotting, Compass; Nautical terms and terminology; Status of South Beach changes to launch ramp, parking, convention center; ODFW; OSP Fish & Wildlife (new laws & regulations, enforcement); Sponsors; Marine & Fishing suppliers.

RJ · 09-18-2004, 08:34 PM

Rod...either The weekend of the 15th or 22nd ,with the 22nd getting the bigger thumbs -up..

Wak'm and RJ both Just happen to have these Dates off

Reel Creel · 09-18-2004, 09:34 PM

SEAFOOD BUFFET!!!!

wthr4d · 09-19-2004, 08:26 PM

As an OSU student who may one day end up on their boats it would be great to know what to expect from the future.

but one question... Would a seafood buffet be appropriate or would we all be disappointed because we have caught and coooked so much better? could they gaurantee it would not be FARMED salmon? and what would that do to the price?

Paul

Megabites · 09-20-2004, 03:04 PM

Here is something I have long been looking for and this might be the perfect gathering for it. A tackle swap meet where we can buy and sell our extra or unwant gear or pick up something for a good price. I really hope an event like this could grow into a big event like the gun shows at the Expo. Maybe we could rent a hall somewhere and charge for table space for the swap meet and have a big dinner in the evening. Maybe even some live intertainment.

edsr · 09-20-2004, 03:53 PM

Hey Reel Creel - There are some people I would wait for 24 hrs before reporting.

We are all around water, the CPR thing might come in handy some time. If we did it as a group perhaps the Red Cross or one of the hospitals might send over trainers and we might all get certified at once - we are all certifiable right? It would save each of us having to find a class and do the training alone or with strangers, although, some of us are pretty strange !
edsr

Megabites · 09-20-2004, 04:05 PM

I have not met any Salty Dogs that I would like to practice CPR on so hopefully someone is bringing a dummy or a girl they wouldn't mind having a bunch of Salty DOGS lip locking with and pushing on her chest.

Come to think of it that girl would be a dummy.

Hawg Caller · 09-20-2004, 04:43 PM

Rod, sent you a p.m.
Rich

RFA Janice · 09-20-2004, 07:17 PM

Absolutely great idea Rod. My suggestion: Let's plan some participation from ODFW Marine Program by talking with them about brainstorming what would be best. I will contact their new I&E guy and get him active on it. Will put him in contact with you. Also, if you were looking for a worthy cause, what better than our Marine Program? They have been there for us in a big way, and have been shorted in funding every which way (state is short of money, ya know :depressed:. I would also discuss some ideas there with I&E. Maybe a piece of equipment they would like to buy, or some such. Janice

CAPT KUJO · 09-21-2004, 07:09 AM

Rod,

I will be a certified boating instructor for the Oregon State Marine Board and I would put on a sanctioned course for those wishing to get there Oregon Boater's Ed card.

CAPT KUJO

judyfish99 · 09-21-2004, 07:58 PM

Thank you, Kujo...I need one now that I have my own "Break Out Another Thousand!"

judyfish99

DipSeaDiver · 09-21-2004, 09:48 PM

Wow! That would be a great idea!! I'm interested!!
DSD

id. painter · 09-22-2004, 06:34 AM

I would like to be there.
Put me down as a maybe for now. id. p.

SKSPAWNER · 09-22-2004, 06:45 AM

That would be a great opportunity, Kim. Thanks for offering. I know I would participate. Might even have to buy a couple of Rocket suits, too!

Hey, Rod: If there are kid's involved, I may have a line on someone who could do kites with our "Salty Dog" logo! Heck they might even be fun to fly on the way to the carking grounds!

Sunny K

corrirod · 09-30-2004, 08:08 AM

bump....

Any other ideas before I start compiling a schedule and start checking availability?

Anyone with some catering contacts down in Newport or someone willing to cater an event in Newport would be helpful.

I'm headed to Newport for a few days starting today so I'll check the board when I get back!

SKSPAWNER · 09-30-2004, 01:07 PM

Rod, let me know how many people to expect and the number of different meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast) you want and I'll put my contacts to work figuring out some cost numbers. As I said in my pm earlier, this is right up my alley after 30+ years in the food service business.

Sunny K

eightball · 09-30-2004, 04:33 PM

Rod; My next door neighbor is the main chef at the Embarcadero. If something were catered he would be the one to start with. Or go thru him to use thier banquet room. Let me know if you would like to talk with him.

corrirod · 10-02-2004, 03:32 PM

Keep the ideas coming. I'm writing them all down and trying to check on venues.

Thanks for everything so far!

Liquid Asset · 10-02-2004, 05:04 PM

Hey Rod...I know I could go for having a financial advisor there to tell me how I can afford all the extra goodies we need for the Liquid Asset!!!!

Are you going to call Rhonda????

See ya....gotta get back to my Texas A&M game....

LA