We have just completed our first Annual Gear Swap and it was a rousing success! We had a great turnout (of volunteers), learned a lot and got some good experience from this trial run. Now all we need is more people to participate by bringing gear to sell and more buyers. This year we had more help than customers.

Thanks to everyone who turned out to help. Our able crew consisted of: John Belt, Del Befus, David Brady, John Connolly, Art DiMeo, Kent Fishman, Bruce Hoehn, Frank McMahon, Call Noguchi (Fantasy Raffle), Kaz Rachak, Bill Searles, Tim Toohey (bucket Raffle), and Jim VanLiere. A special thanks to Harry Ledyard who helped with the organization and planning of the event; Glen and Jackie Edwards for help with various things, especially the food; and Chuck and Pricilla Lehman for their expertise in handling the money.

The profit (which goes to our other programs and expenses) was marginal this year, but we have most of the planning done and the upfront expenses out of the way for future events. I got lots of good feedback from the participants about how we can adjust the rules and procedures to make the event run more smoothly next time. Everyone was in favor of opening the Swap to the public in the future, now that we have had a trial run. It will take a couple of years but the event's reputation will grow and the word will get around.

Thanks for supporting your sport!

Sandy Long, Event Coordinator

These photos are from WDTU's 2003 Fishing Gear Swap Meet. Pausing the mouse over the picture may display addition info.