Seasons Greetings from Fish Whisperer

Every time I sit down to put pen to paper I stop and realize how grateful I am to be your LCAA President. 2024 was another great year of fishing, friendship and community service. 

The phrase “Teamwork makes the dream work”, has become my favorite phrase. 

As we look into 2025, I want to share some thoughts on 2024. 

First off, I’d like to thank the board members who truly make my job easy. Their contributions behind the scenes is Top Shelf and I’m extremely proud to be back on the LCAA team. New ideas, new blood and true leadership is what I’m blessed with. Your continued contributions to the club & community are truly why I decided to put my name on the ballot in 2024. Like I’ve said many times before, it’s the generous fisher-people that make the LCAA. I’m just here to spread the good word. 

I’d like to share a few thoughts and opinions on the present and future from my point of view. 

First, let’s talk Christmas!

We have an incredible team of elves that contribute and distribute the blessings of the club & its many generous gifts. Our Veteran families and organizations have been a great part of our success over the last decade. That would not be possible without the support of those board members and club members who have worked tirelessly to make Christmas and the holiday season special. Many of those generous elves refuse to be acknowledged. The true spirit of giving. 

Just this week, 2 generous LCAA members contacted me to donate $200 & $500 in gift cards for our Christmas program. To me, that’s a testament to the generosity of this organization. The LCAA is more than a fishing club. For over 40 years, it’s been an important part of our community. I’m extremely proud to be surrounded by such passionate caring people. So, Thank you for your generosity, support & kindness. 

We have decided to do a membership drive in 2025 to help get a jump start on the LCAA budget. All members who re-new or join the LCAA in January, will go into a special drawing for a FREE 2025 Big One Derby ticket. We also have a new feature on our LCAA website making memberships available online!

www.lcaaidaho.com/plans-pricing

LCAA memberships are $20 each and valid Jan 1- Dec 31st of each year. 

The LCAA is asking all members to procure an auction item for the Feb 22, 2025 Cabin Fever Auction. It takes a group effort and I'm counting on the membership to bring some new items in 2025. If you have something to donate, contact myself or the board and we will make it happen. Your donations are all tax deductible. If you are interested in joining us at our monthly LCAA club meeting, we meet the last Wednesday of each month at Mackenzie River Pizza in CDA. 6-7 social, 7pm meeting. 

We have our 41st Annual Big One Derby scheduled for July 23-27th 2025. We are looking for new sponsors! It’s time to rebuild our community relations with our sponsor list and I hope to see the list grow again. Reach out if you want to become a LCAA sponsor. 

We have raffle tickets available for our Veterans fund. This year’s Gun raffle will feature a Browning A-Bolt III, 270, 22”, with Nikon 3x9 scope. All board members have raffle tickets and they are available now. This raffle is the primary fundraiser for our Veterans fund/program. *Raffle winner must be able to pass a Federal background check. Tickets are $10 each.

*New for 2025. We are bringing back the Carlin Bay weigh station. We will eliminate the North end Schwenk station to better serve the anglers. Sun Up Bay weigh station will remain as the anchor for all South End anglers. 

For all of our Cannon down rigger anglers. I got the word yesterday that our dear friend and club member Bob Oberg, has sold his repair business. Bob has been our guy for repairs for many years. There is good news. Bob sold his repair business to The Elephant Boys in Spokane, WA. This will allow anglers to still have access to a certified technician/service and repairs. Thanks for all your support & help through the years Bob!(Fish Hawk) Now you have more time to play. 

I’ve been curious and would like feedback from our membership. What can I, the board, do to better serve the membership? I would like to hear from you if you have ideas. LCAA summer picnic? LCAA winter derby? (now remember, lots of stuff takes teamwork and the fall is a busy time on other local fisheries) I feel like we should have more rewards for our dedicated members. Just a thought. Feel free to send feedback. 

Now some news on the safety front. As many of you know, my dad Mark, Fish Assassin, had a total loss boat fire in October of this year. While my dad was blessed with no injuries, he managed to walk through his bulkhead door engulfed in smoke and flames and jump to safety. This accident brings safety full circle. Remember to run your blower, lift engine cover for a smell check and keep up on all boat maintenance on your inboard/outboard systems. Fish Assassin was a very clean boat. Even with tip top maintenance and attention, the 1973 Reinell backfired and exploded. We all need to remember safety on our watercraft. Propane heaters are a big concern and don’t forget to winterize your live well systems.  I recommend a shut off valve on the through hull fitting/intake line. Then there’s not much of a concern. Just remember to empty your wash down strainer & drain the hoses. 

For the many folks that have waved at, fished around, called, text, and reached out to my dad through the year’s and during this process, he thanks you. He’s not a social media person so all of your kind words have meant the world to him. I know one thing, Fish Assassin will be missed on the water. 

As we look into the future I want to remind every one of the minimum length change that will go into effect on Jan 1, 2025. Our teamwork, letters, and speakers lead to a IDFG regulation change. The new minimum length chinook will be 24”.  So spread the word and thank you for your support with this regulation change. We presented it well and IDFG listened. Hopefully we see some results with our juvenile fish. Time will tell. 

In closing, I’d like to thank the members. We have been through a lot together. There’s been years of 300-400 members. But when Covid hit and the fishery declined it really got tough for the LCAA. As of today, we sit at 135 dedicated, faithful LCAA members. My 2 wishes for 2025 are to see the fishery rebound and have club growth. With the folks I have been fortunate enough to work with on the board, I feel the sky is our limit. I ask the same from the membership. 

“Teamwork makes the dream work.”

I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season. 

Fish Whisperer

Roger A Blackstone