Saltwater Fishing News

2nd Annual NJSWF Banquet

Details: Published: Monday, 20 April 2009 12:20; Hits: 14225

Nj Saltwaer Fisherman Party Members and guests of NJ Saltwater Fisherman.com started the new fishing season off with a bang Saturday night at the 2nd Annual NJSWF Banquet. Not only did all have a great time, but the party also managed to raise money for the Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund (SSFFF), an organization dedicated to preserving fluke fishing for recreational anglers.

This year's event was held at the Connolly Station Restaurant and Tavern in Belmar, NJ. The change in venue over last year proved necessary due to the extraordinarily high turnout. In fact attendance was doubled from last year. However the restaurant had room to accommodate the large crowd, including an outdoor deck, which was perfect for the warm spring evening. The buffet style dinner was equally perfect. It consisted of Stuffed Flounder, Farfalle Primavera with Shrimp and Chicken Marsalla.

Looking at the prize table, one would think it was Christmas Eve at the Daddy Warbucks mansion. Spanning four banquet tables, the prizes ranged from lure assortments to rods and reels to free 6 pack charters. Awarding all this bounty took nearly a full hour to accomplish! Rod "Hotrod" Houck, founder and administrator of NJ Saltwater Fisherman.com exclaimed, "What can I say but, 'Wow!’ Thank you to all that attended. And a very big 'Thank You' to all that donated those great prizes!" .............

The evening was capped off with a brand new Lamiglas casting rod being raffled off. NJSWF member Jeff "pilot2550" Zielinski held the winning ticket. Jeff posted on the site, "Rod and company, you throw one helluva party! Thanks for a coordinating. Good time had by all. Great bunch of guys/gals, good food and outstanding prizes. The packages everyone donated were exceptional. Really cool meeting you all."

The rod giveaway raised $420 for the SSFFF!

All in all, it was a fantastic night!

Joe "Irish Ayes" Gogan posted this, "Wow, what a turn out. Great people make great times. I want to thank everyone for participating in this event. Without everyone’s help and input this could not happen. There were some great door prizes, thanks to all who donated."

Looking forward to next year with thoughts of (perhaps) doubling our attendance again, he said, "I think we'll need a bigger place to have this. We will be looking for a place that can fit everyone ...we are open for suggestions."

The Captains and crew of NJ Saltwater Fisherman.com would like to sincerely thank the following individuals, site sponsors and companies for their generous donations: