JULY MEETING AT DOWNTOWN PIZZA

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The third Tuesday of the month is once again upon us, and therefore it is time for the Mountain Country Rod and Gun Club’s monthly meeting. Our guest speaker this month will be Callie Moore from the MountainTrue Organization.

Their mission, taken from their website, is as follows: OUR MISSION: MountainTrue champions resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge. So clear your evening and come out and enjoy some good fellowship with fellow members and guests.

Aaron Kephart gave a very informative presentation last month on fishing area lakes. Those that may have missed Aaron’s presentation, and have an interest in booking a trip can find his contact information in the minutes from the meeting.

Please be mindful that Michael Howe is looking for information to include in the fall addition of the clubs newsletter. Remember all you need to do is give Michael the basic information and he will take it from there and compile it for the newsletter.

So in closing, I hope that we will see you tomorrow night on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 7:00pm at Downtown Pizza.

MOUNTAIN COUNTRY ROD & GUN CLUB 

MINUTES:   Meeting 7 pm Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Downtown Pizza. 

ATTENDANCE:  John Mattox, Jeff Gustason, Tom Coy,  Jim Garrison, Tom Early, Rusty and Grace Frederick, Joe and Sue Liguori, Mark Graham, Chuck and Mary Ann Hoesch, Michael and Michelle Howe, Mark and Jacque O’Leary, John and Charlene Cook.  Special guest was Aaron Kephart. 

PRESIDENT GUSTASON:  Jeff opened the meeting to order at 7:10 pm and the pledge of allegiance was led by John Mattox.  Jeff welcomed our members and guest Aaron Kephart.  Jeff asked for any information for Michael Howe’s newsletter that will be published quarterly.  It was reported that the US Supreme Court recently struck down the bump stock ban.  Jeff asked the group if everyone was happy with our meeting place.  The positives are a nice meeting room, great staff, and pizza and dessert.  The negatives are noise and limited parking.  Some members expressed the idea that we might want to go back to the Penland Center.  Jeff suggested that we continue to meet at Downtown Pizza for the next few months and then discuss again.  Michael Howe’s email address is unfgrad02@gmail.com if you wish to email any news about fishing or shooting activities that you want him to put in the newsletter. 

With no more business the minutes were read and approved and the treasurer’s report of $5,535.22 as of 5/31/24 was accepted.  Mike made the motion to adjourn and Tom seconded.  The meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm. 

Aaron Kephart was our guest this evening.  Aaron owns Mountain Lakes Guide Service.  He guides mostly on Lake Hiawassee but also guides on Appalachia and Chatuge lakes.  Aaron operates about 150 guides per year.  For a 1/2 day guide service the price is $400 for two people and $50 each for an extra person.  Kids are free.  On lake Hiawassee most of the fishing is for spotted bass.  Spots are not native but were probably introduced from Alabama and Mississippi.  Spotted bass mostly eat gizzard shad and blueback herring.  Hiawassee lake is full of these bait fish.  There are also some smallmouth bass and hybrids in the lake.  The state record for a hybrid in Hiawassee lake is 66 lbs.  Spotted bass can also be found in lakes Appalachia and Chatuge.  The TVA uses lakes Hiawassee and Chatuge for power generation and flood control.  Appalachia is used for neither.  There are not many walleye in any of the lakes but they are increasing.  If you wish to book a guided fishing trip contact Aaron at mountainlakesguideservice.com.  

Sincerely, 

John Mattox

Secretary