CCA President Gus Schram helped start GCCA

The official newsletter of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana
April/May 2009
Five Louisiana conservationists to
inducted into CCA Hall of Fame
I
n one of the State Convention’s highlights, CCA inducted five outstanding Louisiana conservationists into its Hall of Fame. The
men were the first inductees into the newly created CCA Louisiana
Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have performed outstanding service for the marine conservation movement.
The five conservationists inducted were Maumus “TiMau” Claverie
of New Orleans, the late Randy Gros of Marrero, Jack Lawton of Sulphur, Frederic L. Miller of Shreveport and the late Armin “Hap” Rack
of New Orleans. All five inductees have been involved in a wide range
of conservation activities within and outside of CCA.
CCA’s Chris Harbuck (far left) and Gus Schram (far right)
“These five men each played key roles within the marine conservacongratulate Hall of Fall inductees, Jack Lawton, Elizabeth Rack
tion movement in Louisiana,” said CCA Chairman Bob Bush of Lake
(wife of inductee Hap Rack), TiMau Claverie and Randy Gros Jr.
Charles. “They dedicated considerable portions of their lives to ensuring that Louisiana’s delicate fisheries resources are preserved for future generations. We consider them conservation heroes and
visionaries in that they recognized the importance of protecting our marine resources long before most other people caught on.”
Maumus “TiMau” Claverie, a New Orleans attorney who founded and continues to manage CCA Louisiana’s fish tagging program,
has been involved in marine conservation issues since the 1960s. He served on numerous committees, boards and delegations
with missions pertaining to local, national and international fisheries. He was a voting member of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council for 12 years, a member of the U.S. Advisory Council to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, and a member of the National Sea Grant Review Board. Since Claverie created the tagging program in 1987, more than 1,800
CCA President Gus Schram helped
start GCCA-Louisiana 25 years ago
N
ew CCA President Gus Schram has a long
history with CCA, being among the handful of conservationists who established GCCA’s
first Louisiana chapter in Lake Charles in 1984.
A Lake Charles CPA and executive vice president and chief operating officer of Jack Lawton LLC, Schram took over as president during
CCA’s State Convention last month. Schram succeeds Chris Harbuck of Shreveport as president
of CCA.
While CCA Louisiana has more members and
is stronger then ever, Schram says the organization has lots of work to do. One of his top priorities as president is to continue and strengthen the process CCA uses to
train its volunteer leaders.
“We’re making a lot of progress in developing and training new leaders.
It’s a never-ending process, which starts at the chapter level and brings
volunteers up to the state and national board levels,” Schram explained.
“Louisiana has a highly respected position within the national CCA organizacontinued on page 6
continued on page 4
April 8
Baton Rouge/Ascension Fishing Seminar
Mockler Beverage Budweiser
April 18
CCA Louisiana Redfish Challenge
sponsored by Louisiana Fish Fry
May 23
STAR Begins - Don’t Forget to Sign Up!
May 30
Lake Pontchartrain Trout Shoot Out
Seabrook Harbor, New Orleans
June 6
Lake Charles Trout Shoot Out
Calcasieu Point Landing, Lake Charles
June 20
Delta Trout Shoot Out
Delta Marina, Empire
executive director’s message
board of directors
Bob Bush
Chairman
Bill Blanchet
Treasurer
Gus Schram III
President
Kevin Bankston
Secretary
Robert Alexander
Tim Allen
George Anthon
Lee Arcement
Dennis Aucoin
Kevin Bankston
Chris Barker
Bill Bass
Ted Beaullieu
George Bent
Jason Bertrand
Justin Bishop
Bill Blanchet
Boysie Bollinger
Craig Brammer
Al Broussard
Gerald Bryant
Bob Bush
Scot Bynog
P.B. Candies
Charlie Caplinger
David Clement
David Cortez
Mike Coullard
Howard Cuevas
Gene Cunningham
John Curren
Bentley Curry
Dal Daigle
M.J. Danos
John Davis
David Defelice
Allen Deffner
Brian Delcambre
Chris Diedrich
Al Domescik
Rich Donaldson
Roger Doody, Jr.
Tad Dowd
Chas Drost
Douglas Drennan
Ellis Dupree
Berwick Duval
Sam Elliott
Brad Fife
Robert Foard
Bryan Foti
Carter Fourrier
Edward Francis
Bob Fruge
Ben Graham
Chris Harbuck
Alita Harmon
Ron Harris
Glenn Hebert
Randy Hovey
Jim Hufft
Dusty Hulin
George Huye
Todd Johnson
Richard Kernion
Walter Kirtland
Keith LaBauve
Kevin Lacy
Corry Landry
Wayne Landwerlin
Kirk LaVigne, Jr.
Jack Lawton Jr.
Andy LeBlanc
Guy Legendre
Todd Lormand
Doug Major
Camp Matens
Craig Matherne
Edwin McCall
Robert McGuirt
Ronald Melebeck
Nat Mercante
Frederic Miller
Patrick Milligan
Marc Mouton
Mike Norton
Mike Oncale
Edmond O’Quin
Chris Pierson
Andy Plauche
Ralph Rabalais
Anthony Randazzo
Andy Record
Keith Richardson
Andy Roberts
Chris Roos
Nelson Roth, Jr.
Joey Russo
Greg Schlumbrecht
Brett Schneider
John Schneider
Gus Schram III
Rogers Serpas
Ros Shirley
Kirk Sieber
John Sour
Luke St. Pierre
Rusty Stafford
Troy Stine
Joe Territo
Randy Theriot
Mark Thibodeaux
Ray Thomas
Jason Thomasee
Jesse Thompson
Teddy Twigg
E. J. Vail
Scott Vicknair
Pierre Villere
Rusty Vincent
Kelly Walker
Michael Waller
John Walther
Carolyn Walther
J.C. Webb
Shag Wheelington
Brett Wicke-Bordelon
Brian Williams
staff
David Cresson
Executive Director/CEO
Sam Barbera III
S.T.A.R. Director
Rad Trascher
Director of Development
Ryan Guerin
Assistant Director
Julie Grunewald
Assistant Director
Beth Ford
Communications Coordinator
Darlene Dehner
Accounting
Tony Berrigan
S.T.A.R./Banquet Assistant
Annie Drost
Administrative Assistant
On the Line, the official newsletter of the Coastal
Conservation Association of Louisiana, is a four-color
process, bi-monthly newsletter distributed to CCA
Louisiana members throughout the state.
Newsletters are mailed by the first of the months of
February, April, June, August, October and December.
Ads are due by the 15th of the previous month
(i.e. an ad for the February On the Line is due by
January 15).
For more information about advertising in On
the Line, contact Beth Ford, CCA Communications
Coordinator, at 225.952.9200.
On the Line
April/May 2009
I
t is impossible to
imagine that we are a
quarter of the way through
the year. I’m just getting
used to writing 2009 instead of 2008. Plenty has
happened at CCA in that
seemingly short time…and
of course there is plenty
still to come.
Amidst all the fun of the State Convention
was the presentation of one of our most prestigious awards, the 2008 Albert Bankston
Volunteer of the Year. The award is given
each year in honor of Albert Bankston, one
of the founding fathers and greatest volunteers for this state organization. Much the
same can be said about this year’s recipient
Mr. John Walther of the Bayou Chapter. John,
who has been a volunteer for CCA for years
and has served as Bayou Chapter President,
serves on our State and National Board of Directors. His work in those roles alone would
have made him worthy of this honor…but it
doesn’t stop there. He is the driving force behind CCA Louisiana’s thriving Artificial Reef
Program and has personally overseen every
reef that we’ve built. Today, there are no less
than five major reef projects being planned,
and John sees to it that they stay on schedule. Because of this work, CCA is helping to
create new habitats that offer anglers additional “catching” opportunities while enhancing the health of the fishery. This work has
become critical to our mission of conserving
our state’s marine resources.
Speaking of volunteerism—special thanks
to a group of spirited volunteers and staff
members assembled for the first “Demo
Day” at the new CCA Louisiana Headquarters Building. These good men and women
literally took this once functional office space
“down to the studs” in preparation for our
renovations. Our contractors estimated that
the volunteers saved CCA about $10,000 in
demolition costs. They filled three 30 yard
dumpsters with carpet, drywall, wood and
trash—and still found time to fry fish for the
workers. Incredible job folks! And thanks to
everyone who helped—it was actually fun.
Spirits are high around the state as our
Chapter Banquets move into full swing over
the next two months. In March, our Monroe,
Shreveport and Westbank Chapters each
hosted extremely successful events. Special
thanks to everyone who worked so hard to
make them happen. Looking forward, all of
our chapters are preparing for their upcoming events. Check our Web site for information on a CCA Banquet coming to your area.
In May 2009, our Livingston Chapter will return to the fold. A strong committee has been
assembled and they have jumped right into
planning for a spring banquet. All Livingston
Chapter members should mark your calendars for Friday, May 15th at the spectacular
Bass Pro Shops store in Denham Springs for
the 2009 Livingston Chapter Banquet. Tickets are on sale now, and you can call CCA
Louisiana to reserve your spot.
On April 18th, the 3rd Annual CCA Loui-
siana Redfish Challenge will be held at the
Dock in Slidell. The 2007 and 2008 versions
of this tournament were two of the largest
one-day redfish tournaments in the history
of mankind. That said, you do not want to
miss this event. In addition to the great fishing, professionally run weigh-in and the BIG
TIME prize money to be awarded, our anglers
are contributing to conservation. Every live
redfish that is weighed will be tagged and
released into Lake Pontchartrain as part of
CCA Lousiana’s tagging program.
As for the “granddaddy of all fishing tournaments”…The time is RIGHT NOW for you
to sign up for the 2009 CCA Louisiana Mercury Outboards S.T.A.R. Early registration
numbers are good, and Tournament Director
Sam Barbera, S.T.A.R. Chairman Snoop Roth
and our entire S.T.A.R. team have been working hard to make 2009 the biggest and best
ever. As you will read in this newsletter, the
tournament has some new twists in 2009
(see page 7). The most important change for
2009…KIDS FISH FREE. As always, you can
sign up online at www.ccalouisiana.com or by
calling 1-877-4CCA STAR. (422-2782) Don’t
wait another minute. Do it today!
Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to
recognize my wonderful co-workers here at
CCA Louisiana. During this busy time, these
folks log countless days/nights on the road
at chapter meetings, boat shows, cookouts,
seminars, banquets, S.T.A.R. meetings, etc.
They work late nights and long weekends
more often than I’d care to admit, and they
always treat our volunteers and members
with respect and good cheer. I am blessed to
serve alongside this team of professional and
intelligent individuals working together for
our common goal. I don’t tell them enough,
but I appreciate every one of them. CCA is
fortunate to have such a talented bunch.
As always, thanks for your continued support of CCA. As we blast into the hottest part
of the fishing calendar, be sure to take a kid
with you next time you go. You’ll be glad you
did!
All the best,
David
(Left) Livingston
Chapter President Rusty
Stafford rips the carpet
out of the new building.
(Below) David Cresson
and Sam Barbera knock
down a wall in the
reconstruction of the
new CCA offices.
New red snapper study offers signs of hope
news
Research indicates red snapper stocks may be in better shape than previously thought
A
new study by Dr. Bob Shipp, head of marine sciences at
the University of South Alabama, and Dr. Steve Bortone,
the new executive director of the Gulf Council, suggests that red
snapper stocks in the Gulf of Mexico are far from decimated. In
fact, their research indicates that snapper are thriving due to the
creation of the largest artificial reef system in the world and they
claim that evidence to the contrary may be the result of outdated
scientific models.
Much of the Gulf of Mexico was once a featureless plain, but
more than 5,000 oil rigs off Texas and Louisiana and 20,000
artificial reefs off Alabama have been added over the past 50
years. For a species such as red snapper, which tends to concentrate around hard formations, the new structures opened up
thousands of square miles of new habitat and dispersed the population into areas outside its historical center. The research by
Shipp and Bortone indicates that the models being used by the
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that show red snapper are severely overfished are not adequately accounting for the
new structure.
H
kidshots
UISIA
NA
A LO
E
CPR
kidshots
AS
TC
N
CA
By Chas Drost,
Lake Charles Chapter President
CC
LE
Give Big
Trout CPR!
E
•
o that’s not what I’m talkPH
• R
OTO R APH
G
ing about. It means Catch,
Photograph, & Release —— a concept
developed by the Lake Charles Chapter of CCA and now coming to
you statewide.
“We started this as a program to promote the good fishery we
have on Lake Calcasieu and to do something that returned these
big fish back to the water,” said Rusty Vincent of Lake Charles.
“The more big fish in the water, the better the overall fishery will
be. Other than conventional & acoustical tagging programs, this
is the only program in the nation that we know of that calls for the
release of big speckled trout.”
Every CCA member is automatically enrolled in the free program, but only CCA members may participate. To participate, you
must take two (2) pictures of your fish. First a picture of your fish
on a provided official STAR ruler sticker, and second, a picture of
you holding the fish. You should then email both photographs to
CCA Louisiana. You must provide your name, contact information, as well as length of the fish, and where it was caught and
released.
A winner will be chosen each month and be featured in the
CCA Louisiana “On the Line” newsletter. Each winner will also be
awarded a rod & reel combo or other CCA paraphernalia. At the
end of the year, the longest trout released will win a free replica
mount of your fish with a plaque.
You may enter as many pictures as you wish and are eligible
to win every month. In case of any ties, the earliest entrant
becomes the winner.
For more information, go to www.ccalouisiana.com.
“We’ve heard anecdotal evidence of a thriving Gulf red snapper population from our members in the fishing community for
quite some time now,” said Patrick D. Murray, vice president of
Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). “This new report offers
an interesting explanation for it. The research by Dr. Shipp and
Dr. Bortone is an indication that the anecdotal evidence should
be examined more seriously.”
The new study, published in Reviews in Fisheries Science,
comes at a time when recreational anglers are limited to two fish
per day during the shortest red snapper season ever in 2009,
and offers hope that red snapper may be in far better shape than
anyone thought.
“This research should be thoroughly examined by NMFS and
other scientists,” said Dr. Russell Nelson, CCA Gulf Fisheries consultant. “Recreational anglers have proven that they are willing
to follow the best science for the resource, but it is incumbent
on federal managers to ensure that we do indeed have the best
science available.”
Future CCA president Brooks Drost proudly wears his new fishing shirt
on a trip with his father, Lake Charles chapter president Chas Drost.
sponsored by Louisiana Fish Fry
Saturday, April 18
The Dock
Slidell, LA
Get the official rules and entry form
at CCALouisiana.com!
April/May 2009 On the Line
around the state
Hall of Fame inductees
continued on page 1
cooperating anglers have tagged and released over 123,000
fish, of which more than 7,000 have been recaptured. Scientists
use data from the program to learn more about
the state’s fish resources.
As an angler, Claverie
has held numerous world
records for fish caught,
some of which still stand.
The late Randy Gros of
Marrero helped establish the modern marine
conservation movement
in Louisiana in the early 1970s when he and others formed an
organization called “Save our Specs,” which worked to prohibit
destructive fishing practices in coastal waters. Members of SOS
eventually became part of the core group that formed Gulf Coast
Conservation Association, the precursor to CCA. Following his retirement from the supermarket business, Gros started a new career as a professional
fishing guide. He used
that position to educate all of his customers regarding marine
conservation issues.
He served on a number of organizations
dedicated to conservation, including the Gulf
Council’s Red Drum Advisory Panel. Gros helped establish the
CCA West Bank Chapter and remained active in the organization
until his death in 2006, donating many guided trips that were
auctioned off at CCA banquets.
Although Jack Lawton Jr. of Sulphur was instrumental in founding GCCA in the 1980s, his concern for protecting Louisiana’s
fisheries resource began much earlier. As an avid outdoorsman,
Lawton observed first-hand the decline of redfish and speckled
trout in Louisiana waters. After helping organize GCCA chapters
in Louisiana, Lawton
turned his attention
to legislative reform
of the state’s fisheries
management
laws.
In 1995, following a
groundswell of support from conservationists across Louisiana, the Legislature passed a law banning use of gill nets in
the state’s saltwater areas. Lawton spent months at the capitol
working to explain to lawmakers that indiscriminate use of gill
nets was heavily damaging the state’s fisheries resources. His
devotion to CCA and to conservation is evident in his service to
the organization. He served as CCA Louisiana’s state chairman
in 1983-88 and 1994-2008. Lawton currently serves as chairman emeritus of CCA.
A Shreveport attorney, Frederic L. Miller was inducted into the
On the Line
April/May 2009
Hall of Fame in recognition of his many contributions to the responsible management of marine resources through his service
on numerous boards and advisory groups. Although not formally
trained in science, Miller gained a high level of expertise—all self
taught—in fisheries management. Miller serves as a member of
the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, and served as
chairman of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission—an
organization created by Congress in 1946 to advise states and
the federal government regarding fisheries issues. He has served
as state chairman of CCA Louisiana and as state president of
Ducks Unlimited. He also serves as chairman of CCA America’s
Government Relations Committee.
The late Hap Rack of New Orleans remained active in CCA until
shortly prior to this death in 2007. A successful business owner
and avid fisherman, Rack was instrumental in organizing CCA’s
New Orleans chapter. He
volunteered for numerous
CCA projects, especially
the popular annual banquets hosted by the New
Orleans chapter. He was
outspoken on conservation issues, especially
the efforts to designate
redfish as a gamefish
and to remove destructive gill nets from Louisiana saltwater areas. While involved in
many facets of CCA, Rack devoted considerable effort to working
with Claverie on the fish-tagging program. Rack spent countless
hours entering on computers tagging data for over 28,000 tags.
He also personally tagged and released over 1,000 fish. The tagging data is used by scientists to better understand the habits of
different species of fish.
Take a Kid Fishing
for 4 hours with Capt. George
Call (985) 415-0081 to book your trip!
Fishing available for kids 5-16 only.
Package includes all fishing equipment, bait, ice
and certificate of completion.
CCA’s State Convention in New Orleans a big success
M
ore than 300 members and guests danced to the rockn-roll tunes of a live band, dined on an array of gourmet foods, heard updates on marine conservation issues and
celebrated with colleagues who were honored at CCA’s fourth
annual State Convention.
The 2009 State Convention at Harrah’s Hotel in downtown
New Orleans was sponsored by the Bevel Tech Group, a Prairieville, La.-headquartered company that provides machining
services to the petrochemical, power generating and offshore
industries.
The State Convention also marked installation of CCA’s new
leadership. Gus Schram of Lake Charles is CCA’s new state
president, assuming the two-year position from Chris Harbuck of
Shreveport. Other officers are Bob Bush of Lake Charles, chairman; Bill Blanchet of Lafayette, treasurer, and Kevin Bankston
of Baton Rouge, secretary. Also installed were new chapter presidents who automatically become members of the state board,
as well as three new management committee members.
Management Committee members are Chas Drost, president
of the Lake Charles Chapter; Kirk Sieber of the Sugar Chapter
and George Huye of the Ascension Chapter. New Louisiana representatives to the CCA America Board are M.J. Danos of the
Westbank Chapter, Keith Richardson of the Acadiana Chapter
and Randy Theriot of the Sugar Chapter.
The two-day convention kicked off early on Friday, Feb. 27
with board, committee and leadership meetings.
Following the business meetings, members and guests loosened up and flocked to Fulton Square, behind Harrah’s Hotel,
where a dozen teams of CCA’s crack chefs had been busy pre-
around the state
paring a wide range of favorite Louisiana dishes. The teams in
the Chapter Cook Off and Tailgate Party, sponsored by PJ’s Coffee, competed for first prize. Judges included Kevin Bourgeois,
CEO of The Bevel Tech Group; Chris Pierson; vice president of
PJ’s Coffee and WoW Wingery; Slidell Police Chief Freddie Drennan, and Jim Bob, host of Redneck Adventures television show. Dishes served up by the CCA chefs included smoked ribs,
crawfish bisque, tuna nachos, jambalaya, redfish sauce piquant, grilled oysters and crawfish cakes. Judges, with some
help from convention attendees, had the difficult task of selecting their favorite based on taste, appearance and presentation.
The crawfish cakes prepared by the Delta Chapter team headed
by Mike Norton of Bull’s Corner Restaurant, walked away with
the top prize.
Saturday’s convention business began with a general association meeting featuring presentations by U.S. Sen. David Vitter,
Gary Loomis of G. Loomis, Inc., LSU Professor Don Davis; state
Rep. Steve Scalise, LDWF Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina,
Tim Osborn of NOAA, CCA America General Council Matt Paxton,
Chef John Folse, and Darren Anglo, chairman of the state convention and owner of Delta Marina.
The Saturday evening Chairman’s Awards Dinner and Live
Auction featured the induction of five conservation heroes to
the newly formed CCA Louisiana Hall of Fame. (See the Hall of
Fame article in this edition of On-the-Line.)
Awards presented at the Chairman’s Awards Dinner included
John Walther of the Bayou Chapter, 2009 “Albert Bankston Volunteer of the Year,” and Sen. David Vitter, “Jerry Stone Conservationist of the Year”
FISHERMEN
WANTED
What will
YOU bring to
the table?
Q: As an avid fisherman, how did you
become interested in the sport? And what
is your favorite catch?
A: As a native of Lutcher and traveling around
south Louisiana and south Mississippi during my professional career, I guess it was just
in my blood. My brother has had a camp on
Grand Isle for years and we have been traveling there with our families for a long time.
Our family has enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and the family fun on Grand Isle, and
I want my grandchildren to enjoy the same
things. As far as my favorite catch, I am like most south Louisiana
anglers. I am always looking for speckled trout.
Q: How did you get involved with CCA?
A: Last year I was approached by a friend who is on the Ascension
CCA committee. This friend and insurance agent gave me a better
understanding of what CCA is and asked me to sponsor the event.
After a good bit of convincing, Bevel Tech Group was one of the Title
Sponsors of the banquet. From there it was easy. We met hundreds
of great people and received outstanding support and gratitude from
the members and staff.
go to
plaqueminestourism.com
to start your adventure today
WORLD CLASS FISHING DESTINATION
Q: Have you found being involved with CCA beneficial? Why?
A: I have on numerous levels. Personally, I will always be involved
because I have a better understanding of what they do. Like I said before, I want my grandchildren to be able to experience what I have on
the coast of Louisiana. I have alsomet some great people. The members of CCA are the type of people you just enjoy being around. They
are down to earth, share the same interest and just enjoy life. ProfesApril/May 2009 On the Line
around the state
Schram named CCA Louisiana President
continued on page 1
tion and we want to continue that. We’re the second largest state
chapter and we have a great story to tell. People in other states
use Louisiana as an example of how to do things.”
Schram says, while CCA is strong, the organization and other
conservationists have a number of issues in which they must
continue to play important roles. He also points out that volunteer organizations are often impacted when the national or local
economy is down.
“We’re not sure how the national economic problems will affect us. We’re doing okay in Louisiana and have so far avoided
many of the big problems experienced in other parts of the country,” Schram says. “But I’m optimistic we’ll be able to get through
this OK. We’ve made it through other economic downturns and
came through recent hurricanes even stronger.”
Schram also emphasizes coastal erosion and building artificial reefs as two important issues in which CCA will remain very
active. Other key issues that need addressing are the declining
numbers of young people who hunt and fish, federal government
moves to declare large areas off limits to all fishing, and the aggressive anti-fishing and hunting efforts of certain groups.
“CCA and other marine conservation groups need to remain
strong to counteract those who want to restrict fishing without a
scientific basis for doing so,” Schram said. “We are particularly
concerned about the government creating ‘marine protected areas’ and ‘marine monuments’ in which large saltwater areas are
closed to recreational fishing.”
Schram explains that CCA opposes circumventing public and
scientific review, as the federal government has done on a number of occasions in which it declared areas off limits to fishing.
In January, the government used the Antiquities Act to declare
sionally, it has been a great decision for us at Bevel Tech Group. We
have spent a lot of money over the years on advertising but you could
never quantify its good. With the response we received from sponsoring the Ascension banquet we decided to take it a step further. In
February, we were the title sponsor of the 4th Annual CCA Louisiana
State Convention. And we are glad we did. I can’t tell you how many
existing customers called me to just say thanks for supporting CCA
and we had a numerous members call and ask us to do work for
them. We have truly enjoyed having a valuable marketing campaign
while supporting something we believe in.
Q: What does Bevel Tech Group do and who do you service?
A: Bevel Tech Group provides field machining and shop services
throughout the United State and internationally. Our main focus is
machining deep water pipe for the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of
Mexico. We are recognized as the industry leader in providing technicians and equipment for the quality machining of on-site machining
projects. We also provide field machining to local plants and line boring for offshore vessels. Locally we service numerous plants like Dow
and Shell and contract with many construction companies such as
Volks Construction. We also have crews working around the world in
places like Australia, Africa, India, and Japan for companies such as
Allseas, Anadarko, BP, Chevron, J. Ray McDermott and Technip USA.
Bevel Tech Group also have the largest inventory of pipe machining
equipment for rent in the south. Like I said, if it involves machining
of pipe we do it.
Q: How does a member find out more about you or get in touch with
Bevel Tech Group?
A: The best way to find out more about the company is to visit our
website at beveltechgroup.com or call us at 866-875-1286.
On the Line
April/May 2009
200,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean off limits to recreational fishing.
CCA also plays an important role in promoting strict enforcement of fishing laws and regulations.
”One of CCA’s main principles is that we represent the interest
of the fish. We’re the only people who take that approach. We’re
the stewards of the resource,” Schram points out. “There are
others who take extreme positions on the other side.”
Schram said CCA Louisiana rose to become CCA’s second
largest state chapter—only Texas has more members—because
of the strong commitment of members, volunteer leaders and
staff.
”Our staff keeps the wheels turning every day, but the volunteers are really the catalyst that makes the whole organization
function,” he said.
Interest in fishing & conservation started early
Like many CCA members, Schram says his love of the outdoors
and interest in marine conservation began early in life.
“We were an outdoors family, so I grew up hunting and fishing.
It was the recreation of choice in my family,” Schram says. “Being on the water often, I could see firsthand what was happening
to the fish populations, so when I heard that GCCA was trying to
organize its first state chapter in Louisiana, I jumped in.”
Schram passed his love of the outdoors onto his children, and
now his grandchildren.
“I took my 5-year-old granddaughter to Toledo bend and she
caught her first fish. She also caught her first trout with me,” he
said, proudly.
star
Our Signature Division
Tagged Redfish
(1) Chevy Silverado
(9) 211 Mako with 150 hp Mercury OptiMax
Largest Fish Divisions
Speckled Trout
(1) Champion 220 Bay with 150 hp Mercury OptiMax
(5) 190RG Nautic Star with 90 hp Mercury
Mangrove Snapper
16’ Weldbilt with 40 hp Mercury
lemonfish
$2500 Offshore Tackle Package
Ladies’ only
17’ Weldbilt with 50 hp Mercury
Dorado
$2,500 Bluewater Tackle Package
amberjack
$2,500 Deep Drop Tackle Package
KinG Mackerel
$2,500 King Tackle Package
flounder
(2) 16’ Weldbilt with 40 hp Mercury
Kayak (east/west)
(4) Kayak Packages
Largemouth Bass (east/West)
(2) Trips to Lake Guerrero, Mexico
Youth Division
(4) 14’ Weldbilt with 15 hp Mercury
All fish images, except for Largemouth Bass, are printed courtesy of Angler’s Guide To Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico ©
April/May 2009 On the Line
around the state
All in good fun....CCA Louisiana Board of
Directors presents outgoing president Chris
Harbuck with his own jersey. Sam Barbera
shows whick outboard he loves the most.
Capt. Mike Gallo talks about spring fishing
in Lake Pontchartrain at the North Shore
Fishing Seminar.
CCA member Stephen Harrison visits with
some friends at the Monroe CCA Chapter
Banquet at the Monroe Civic Center.
Louisiana Sportsman’s Show alumni enjoy
the last show at the Lamar Dixon venue.
Melissa andPalmer Harbuck enjoy the
Shreveport CCA Chapter Banquet with a
friend.
Bayou chapter president Capt. Gerald Bryant,
Livingston committeeman Joe Territo, former
Ascension chapter president George Huye and
past president Chris Harbuck enjoy the
state convention cookout.
CCA member Sonny Bordelon enjoys a beer
with a friend the Monroe CCA Chapter
Banquet. Special thanks to Marsala Beverage
Budweiser for providing the beer.
Sam Barbera enjoys the casting contest at the
Louisiana Sportsman’s Show.
Shreveport CCA members pass a good time at
the Shreveport CCA Chapter Banquet
The Delta CCA Chapter prepares their award
winning crawfish cakes to feed the masses.
Delta won the cookout with this dish.
Friends gather at the record-breaking
Monroe CCA Chapter Banquet sponsored by
Hixson Autoplex.
STAR chairman Snoop Roth explains what
the tournament is all about at the Louisiana
Sportsman’s Show.
On the Line
April/May 2009
around the state
CCA members trade fishing stories at the
Shreveport CCA Chapter Banquet
The Lake Charles CCA Chapter cooked some
incredible dishes at the state
convention cookout.
Chuck and Barbara Trascher visit with
friends Eddie Kincaid and Pat Riley at the
Monroe CCA Chapter Banquet.
Sam Barbera instructs the youngsters on the
correct way to cast at the CCA casting pond
during the Louisiana Sportsman’s Show.
A good time was had by all at the door-busting
Shreveport CCA Chapter Banquet
CCA’s Julie Grunewald presents Baton Rouge
chapter president Andy Roberts with the
Chapter President of the Year Award at the
state convention in New Orleans.
Past president Chris Harbuck, past board
chair Jack Lawton Jr., president Gus Schram
and executive director David Cresson congratulate Sen. David Vitter on receiving the Jerry
Stone Conservationist of the Year Award.
Bill Bass presents John Walther with the
Albert Bankston Volunteer of the Year Award
at the State Convention.
State Convention chairman Darren Angelo
is presented a token of thanks from executive
director David Cresson.
34” x 20” CCA Louisiana limited edition prints by
renowned Louisiana artist (limit 1,000)
Tony Bernard
All prints are signed and numbered by the artist
$100
(half of all proceeds benefit the conservation efforts of CCA Louisiana)
“freedom to fish”
To order, contact Annie at the CCA Office at (225) 952-9200
or email [email protected]
April/May 2009 On the Line
Blue Water • Saltwater/Marsh • Freshwater
For More Inventory & Super Values:
superiortackle.com
Shop Online
We Ship Nationwide.
SHIMANO
CURADO 200E7
In
House
Rod &
Reel
Repair
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fishing Gear
AFTCO
Makaira Pulling Lures
STAR Rods
DOA • Calcutta
SALTWATER ASSASSIN
Ribbit Frogs
Bandit Crank Baits
G-Loomis Rods
Double Anodized Spool and Handle
Disengaging Levelwind System & QuickFire
II Clutch Bar
SHIMANO
SAROS 3000F
Super durability, reliability and performance,
and do not mistake its small size for timidness.
SERVICE
CENTER
SERVICE CENTER
CALCUTTA
CALCUTTA
Lightweight and
durable 420D nylon
makes it great for
boating and fishing.
Double storm flap and
draw cord with cord
locks seals out water
and cold air.
STORM
BIB AND
JACKET
FOUL
WEATHER
RAIN GEAR
THIS AREA’S ONLY FULL SERVICE BLUE WATER,
FRESH WATER & MARSH FISHING SUPPLY SOURCE!!
•
•
•
•
•
10
CUSTOM RODS
QUALITY TACKLE
ROD & REEL REPAIR
SPECIAL ORDER
BUY, SELL, TRADE
On the Line
April/May 2009
Just Call
225.293.FISH
(225.293.3474)
5760 Siegen Lane • Baton Rouge, LA 70809
HOURS:
Monday – Friday
9 am – 7 pm
Saturday 9 am – 6 pm
Coastal Conservation Association
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION & 2009 S.T.A.R. Entry
Name ________________________________________ Phone ____________________ Fax ____________ e-mail_________________________
Address _____________________________________________ City ______________________________ State __________ Zip _____________
❑ New Membership
❑ Renewal Membership (Member ID#________________)
MEMBERSHIP ONLY:
$ 25 ❑
S.T.A.R. ENTRY FEE:
$ 25 ❑
❑ Check or
MEMBER + S.T.A.R.:
$ 50 ❑
Money Order enclosed
ASSOCIATE MEMBER:
$ 15 ❑
❑ Charge to my (circle one):
ASSOCIATE + S.T.A.R.:
$ 40 ❑
NEW TIDE (YOUTH):
$ 10 ❑
MasterCard
Visa
NEW TIDE S.T.A.R.: FREE ❑
AmEx
Discover
LIFE MEMBER: $ 1,000 ❑
Method of payment
❑ Gift Membership
Membership card, window decal, bumper stickers, TIDE magazine.
Tournament entry fee. You MUST be a current member (adult or youth).
All of the above plus 2009 S.T.A.R. entry fee.
Per each adult family member. All member privileges except TIDE.
Same as above plus 2009 S.T.A.R. entry fee.
Rising Tide newsletter, logo patch & decal, iron-on T-shirt transfer, redfish sticker.
For members 17-and-under only.
Same as above for youth, plus 2009 S.T.A.R. entry fee.
Print plus special conservation gifts. Payable in four $250 installments.
_______________________________________
Signature
Credit Card Number
_______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature of New Tide
Member or Buyer of Gift Membership
Exp. Date ______________
I understand that there are specific rules governing the conduct of the 2009 S.T.A.R.
By entering this tournament I agree to be bound by the 2009 S.T.A.R. Tournament Rules, Release & Indemnity Agreement.
(Membership in CCA Louisiana is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.)
CCA Louisiana • P.O. Box 373 • Baton Rouge, LA 70821 • Phone (225) 952-9200 • Fax (225) 952-9204 • www.CCALouisiana.com
A planned gift to CCA Louisiana will help you:
B9OL
q I would like more information regarding the
• make plans that benefit you and your family,
planned giving program at CCA Louisiana.
• bring immediate and deferred tax advantages to you and your heirs,
• h ave a meaningful impact on CCA Louisiana and our goals and interests, beyond your own lifetime and far into the future.
For more information on making a planned gift to CCA, please contact David Cresson at [email protected]
April/May 2009 On the Line
11
Coastal Conservation Association
Post Office Box 373
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0373
ires on
ip exp ase
h
s
r
e
b
em
ple
ana m
ssed...
Louisi date has pa line at
A
C
C
n
If the
fficial
e ven o
Your o sho wn here. ase rene w... m
e
e
l
t
p
a
.
na.co
g..
the d
ouisia
s stron
keep u www.CCAL
2009 CCA Spring Events
April
8.....Baton Rouge/Ascension Fishing Seminar
18......................................... Redfish Challenge
21...................Acadiana CCA Chapter Banquet
23..............North Shore CCA Chapter Banquet
29........................Bayou CCA Chapter Banquet
30................. Felicianas CCA Chapter Banquet
May
7.............. Lake Charles CCA Chapter Banquet
15................. Livingston CCA Chapter Banquet
20......................... Tangi CCA Chapter Banquet
23...................................................STAR Begins
28.............Baton Rouge CCA Chapter Banquet
30............ Lake Pontchartrain Trout Shoot Out
all dates subject to change
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Baton Rouge, LA
Permit No. 615