Okay, time really flies when life happens and it is high time we had a get together out at our place.

I plan on having our fishing boats, canoes and kayaks available, I'll be glad to show off the Topias and hopefully have TP&L up and running by then.

We will need the same support form everyone!! I hope to have some fishing fun, some good conversation about ponds and lessons learned over the last year and a half, and just real good fun and conversation.

Whos welcome, well in short, anyone who has been there in the past is welcome. If you are new to Pondboss and are interested, please PM me so we can talk. Like most everyone here, we are very protective about our place and all the work we have put into them. I welcome all like minded people and can't wait to meet the new folks and welcome back old friends.

So, when is this get together? Saturday April 26th

And where? Our farm in East Texas.

The big pond is around 11 acres and it is close to full!! Fingers crossed, it will fill with the spring rains by the time we have the get together. Those who attend the last time had a really good time!

Here is what it looked like back then:

Outstanding! What can I do to help????

Who's that stranger on the far right?

Ya mean if I show up, you'll lynch my feet and drag my butt around behind a pickup

After test firing up a new factory that makes glass, I have no desire to be anyplace warm right now!

Larry, you are welcome!! We will see what we get for a response before setting anything to paper. I hope to have a few fun events (more on that as we go) and that will shape the day. But rest assured, I am planning on a fun day!!

Mark, great graphic!!

Scott, I think he is Santa's stand in stunt double

Phil, you would be welcome, mostly.......

Phil, Phil, this is of most importance. If you do go BE REAL CAREFULL to follow the arrows painted on the ground (only to be seen from a plane or hot air balloon) showing everyone exactly where to park. I with absolutely no help from Cecil performed a major infraction by parking where I wanted on Scotts meager 9.5 acre parking area.

Parking WILL be strictly enforced!!!!

Sounds like a fun filled day. Too bad there is a huge pond separating me from ya'll.

Talk to Brian. I'll bet he could find a purple and orange box for you to fit in!

Dang Brian, I completely believe that. What if someone rides in on a Longhorn Mule? According to Ted Nugent they have them down there.

Mr Nugget might be smoking a bit too much, just saying. If a hitching post is needed, we have that covered, its Texas after all.

I resemble that remark...
oh, oh,....you mean in the picture
nevermind...

At this time, I have no reason to think that I can't make it.

Can we bring a date if we come?

Both Al and Brian require adult supervision - I'll be there!
Dave, I will need able assistance - never mind, Heather and Robbie both are well schooled in "time out" procedure!
George

Then at this time I have no reason to think you won't be there!!

Only if Robbie says so.

The N.E. Texas get-together at Brian’s place last year was one of the best pond management learning experiences that I have ever attended.
I personally knew of at least 50+ man years of pond management experience - probably more. The learning experience of shared knowledge was greater than any structured event I have ever attended, and having a lot of fun in the process.

More fun and fellowship ever for a bunch of good folks with common interests!
PM Brian and get your names on the list
Good eats - Brian and Heather really know how to throw a party.
George

Okay, I have:

Me and the Mrs.
Allen and His date
George and His date
Dave Davidson
Zep
Cisco
Bushwacker

Any other takers?

My wife and I would love to come and pick some brains. We have a new pond in Alba and are in need of advice. All I need is directions.

Jimmmy C

Jimmyc,

PM me and I'll add you to the list!!

Current list so far......

Me and my bride
Allen and His date (Subject to Robbie's approval)
George and His date (who's kidding who, Nicky is taking George)
Dave Davidson
Zep
Cisco
Bushwacker
JimmyC
Snrub and his bride (possible) (Hope you can make it!!)
Brandon

It is looking better and better all the time!!

Gonna be a good time for sure!!

Hey Guys, you East Texas folks PM Brian and get your name on the list - wives and dates encouraged for adult supervision!

Something for everyone - food and fellowship - pond management experience exchange - solar powered aeration demo - fishing for all - brood ponds - fly casting instruction - etc…
Brian and Heather really know how to throw a party - they have a beautiful place.

Long time friend Brandon Powers and PB member is planning to attend - y’all may recall Brandon’s presence at PB Conference I & 2 - speaker, fly tyer and casting instructor ….TAMU fisheries biologist grad.



It’s gonna be a blast!
George

Here is a sample !!!! George's work ( bottom) and Brandon's (top). From Pon Con IV.

Eric,

Thanks for posting that picture. It is a great picture reminding us how it is done!!

Now that I'm back from stocking Tilapia in the big pond, and the topias, I can see that those lures would sure come in handy about now trying to catch a few really big female LMB from our big pond to stock into Extratopia. So far Extratopia has about 25 of Todd's nicest Tilapia and about 25 really nice CNBG ranging from 4 inches to 7 1/2 inches getting ready for the spring spawns. If I can catch three Female LMB, I am going to try my hand at brooding them in Extratopia this year. It should be another thing to talk about later this month!!

Okay, with just under two weeks to go, here is what I know:

The attendees so far:

Me and my bride
Allen and His date (Subject to Robbie's approval)
George and His date (who's kidding who, Nicky is taking George)
Dave Davidson
Mobilus and possibly his wife
Zep
Cisco
Bushwacker
JimmyC
Snrub and his bride
Brandon

Come one, come all, but please let us know soon as it is time to start gathering the supplies.

I would like to encourage everyone to bring a favorite camping chair for around the area/while out fishing along the banks.

It should be a blast. I think I should have a few projects to demonstrate and it is always fun to sit around and chat with everyone!!

Brian, what time do the gates open?

The gates open at Midnight, okay, they will already be open.....

The fun begins when anyone arrives and goes until the last person leaves, we have firewood for a campfire if needed!

Are you serious? Have anything military grade? How about siphoning some jet fuel you have access to and rolling a 55G drum down a hill with a nice long kerosene soaked rag/wick? I want to hear this in NE!

I wish I could make this and finally get to meet some of you, including GEO. Too bad it's during flag football season for my boys. We're undefeated over the past four seasons and this is the last season I have them before they head to tackle in the Fall and they get real coaching, I guess.

With this being said, now you're obligated to make the East Texas get together Part 3 next year since you will be relieved of your coaching duties.

Yep I'm in.

OK, everyone that shows up at Brian's party with a fly rod in hand gets a special PondBoss Brimanator...





My spies tell me that Brian has some fat crappie that need a meal with feathers..
G/

I sure hope it warms up in this part of the country before then. Plan "A" was to ride the motorcycle down to the get together. Was 26 degrees here last night. Our poor little corn plants are going to look sickly till some new shoots come up.

It may come down to plan "B" that involves the car if it doesn't warm up.

Hey snrub, you're not near Wilson KS are you?

Ok, I see SE Kansas now. Beautiful country, and salt of the earth people.

Sweet!

I'll have the executive suite ready. No reason for you to stay at some fleabag hotel. I probably need to dust, but a year away gives me plenty of time.

I haven't slept beneath a pile of newspapers and magazines in a long, long time...

TJ...can you bring sum of them shrimp with ya?

If I go 5 miles east I'm in Mo. Go 30 miles south it would be Ok.

Not a bad place to be.

I'll bring the shrimp, you line up some authentic TX BBQ and inferno locally made salsa and I'm pretty happy

My memory must be slipping, or I need to get down there more often. Is Sally's still around and open? (IIRC Sulphur Springs area) Or am I totally off base?

Thanks for the invite and I would love to attend - but I will be fly fishing for Tarpon in the Florida Keys!

Still have room for a chow hound and his date?

Rex, you are always welcome!!

TJ, we have salsa that would melt your socks!! Come on down!!

Allen, your offer to host TJ is inspiring!!

George, man they look good!! I bet the fish stand in line for those super flies!!

Glad to hear the Rainman will be there!

One of the prettiest pictures at the last TX PondBoss
get-together (11/17/12) was a picture of Rex and his
lady in a canoe out on HighFlyer's incredible pond.

Mark,
That is a very nice picture of the place. The best part is that the place just keeps on getting nicer all the time.

I can't wait to have everyone back out there so it can be enjoyed.

Wow, that's a great shot. Paradise!

I'd have been tempted to launch a few bottle rockets over the bow of the SS Rex - but I'm incorrigible that way.

TJ, There might be a few pictures of fireworks over the big pond

Just saying......

I'll make up a gallon or more of some good salsa....mild or wild?

YES!! to either, maybe half and half?

Thanks!

Okay, it is time to set everything in motion.

We have the boats, canoes, and kayaks covered.

We have at least one popup, maybe two. Anyone close have another for some shade?

I have my fyke net ready to demo.

I have my solar ready to demo.

The water levels is close to full.

The Topias are ready to demo.

Zep says he will get the BBQ.

We have a lot of plates, napkins and plastic utensils from the last get together. (some one over achieved!!)

We have some sports drinks, sodas and water.

We are going to need some sides and deserts as I see it.

I know several have said they wanted to pitch in, well now's the time.

Also, please bring a camping chair if you have one you like. We have some, but not enough to cover everyone who has said they are attending.

Anything else I might be forgetting, please let me know. It has been a long week, month, year.

Brian...maybe a final head count by Wed afternoon if possible so I know how much BBQ to order?


I have a 12x12 pop-up tent we use for the SMU tailgate I could probably bring..
(minus all the Pony gear)



ps: Sat Weather Forecast at this time:
84 degrees, cloudy, 10% chance of rain.

I'll be at the NRA Convention in Indianapolis.

Say hello to the Motor City Madman!

esshup: I'll be at the NRA thing on Saturday.

esshup: I'll be at the NRA thing on Saturday.

I can provide another popup. I think it is 8 x 8. Will bring few lawn chairs.

We'll bring some sides.

I'll bring some sweets for desert and some jalepeno cheese fudge.It's not sweet but it is good! I'll aslo bring a few extra chairs.

which side are you on?

Mark, currently I'm on the losing side.

Sounds like the chairs are covered, the popups seem to be covered as well.

Mark, my best estimate is as good as you are going to get on wed BTW, if you bring a pony, it better be rideable!!!

Cisco, sounds good!!

Rex, how goes the salsa?

All attendees, please let me know here that you still plan on attending so we can get a more firm head count.

This should be a lot of fun!!

I'm coming

I'm in!

Making the Salsa's today!

Note too everyone BE WARE THIS IS HIS WARNING!!!

We will bring either a side dish or desert.

Decided against motorcycle because temps are supposed to drop on return trip so will be coming in pickup, which allows for a little more latitude on what she could bring. Will let you know or if you have a suggestion on what is still needed she is a great cook and pretty versatile.

I'm in. Need a refresher on how to get there.

Bushwacker check your PM

Dave....what time ya rolling thru Lewisville?
Or are you going around on like Hwy 380?

I'm meeting Cisco at his house in Irving about 8:30

Planning on bringing Black Bean Salad unless instructed otherwise.

Rooms reserved!

HighFlyer and FireIsHot please check your private messages.

And that's code for....? Dang wish I could make it!

Next year TJ, next year!

Sounds like fun. Remember to show us pixs...

Pictures,
They are called evidence............

Just make sure that you have one of our fine attorneys present...

Okay, things are about ready!! The BBQ place smells great!!!!!

The fish are biting and the grass is cut. I can't wait for the morning!!

This should be a lot of fun.

If anyone has the chance to pickup a few earthworms/night-crawlers, Please do so.

Please don't bring any other live bait. If you want minnows, I have a minnow trap that works pretty well.

I have the fyke net soaking for a few BG. I also expect the BG to be hitting George's flie!!

Well I just got finished cleaning up and putting things away. All I can say is wow that was fun yet again.

A few pictures were taken, I hope none to incriminating!!

Here are a few from the ones we took.

The first is the gathering.



Then I demonstrated the fyke net. I set it up over night and we pulled in after everyone got settled in. I guess this is as close to standing out in my field as I am going to get.....



After we gathered the net up, Allen and I collected up the fish. It was definitely an team effort.



After we gathered up the fish we then sorted them for type and genetic qualities I want in my pond. There were several knowledgeable folks adding their expertise to the process!



I hope some one else got a better picture, but it looked like I had two RES/crappie crossed fish. The mouth gape was bigger than a RES and it had a black strip on its nose. Any thoughts?





Of course there were a few people who at the last minute had to back out due to family and personnel issues. Fear not, you were with us in spirit!!

The group talked and shared stories and experiences. Learning was accomplished!!

George sent Breminators, they were a bit of a challenge in the wind (15 Knots form the south) but a few of us got them working!! I believe that in the end, I caught the first fish and the most fish with a flyrod today!! I was very humble about that, just ask Dave Davidson.....

Also Zep supplied some t-shirts. They were way cool!! Thanks Mark!!!


In the end, smiles all around with the exception of the fish stealing snake that got poisoned!!




Plans are already working for the next one and TJ had better show up, that's all I am saying......

Thanks for having us! Had a great time.

You have a great place that is only going to get better with time. Here are some additional photos. Wish I had taken more.

Thanks again for inviting us into a little corner of your world.

Highflyer PB get together 2014

Looks like a plain 'ol RES to me.

Awesome! Well done all, looks like a great time!

It was a good time for sure. I finally got to meet some of the pondboss people and put a face with a name. Also learned a few things in the process. Thanks again Brian and Heather for hosting!!

So nobody sent Al/FireIsHot on a midnight boat ride??

Brian, did you invite Wild Bill from the Deadliest Catch to your bash?

Looks like you guys had a ball! Thanks for sharing and thanks for being such loyal Pond Boss family!

Sunil, I was asleep before midnight. Nothing good or of any consequence happens after dark.

esshup, I'm currently going for the Sam Elliot look. DD1 told me it was an abysmal failure, so remind me to never ask the opinion of a West TX guy. They tend to tell the truth.

It was a fun day for sure. It's always nice to put faces to names, and I can't stress enough how much everybody needs try get something like this set up in their area. It doesn't have to be a major production by any means. It just works to get together and find out there are other folks battling the same issues, and sharing the same successes as you do. It kinda gets rid of that feeling of being on an island by yourself.

Failure?; not if you like the Winoesqe look.

Scott, mum's the word.....

OK Brian. On another note, you going to be adding data to the mouth gape thread??

I thought Al was wild
Bill when he
First walked up!

Scott,
There was way too much talking to get much fishing in. Besides, the winds were howling and the only thing caught were BG.

I'll keep a log, and add when I get a few.

Good Brian, that would explain the "Ahoy" "Allen" said when he first arrived......

Awesome guys - well done, looks like a blast.

3 questions:

1. How did you collect fish from your fyke net? Just walk the collection section towards shore?

2. Can you provide a rundown of names on the photo? I only know four of you there.

3. Did you blow anything up? I didn't hear anything up here...

The guy with the blue hat and the white beard in the first group photo (in middle of second photo) is me. If you want a better photo of me just look in any Post Office. The lady in front of me that amazingly continues to put up with me is Carolynn. I will not implicate anyone other than myself and her.

#1 they walked the fish through the net toward deep water. I'm the newbie so do not question such things.

As far as #3, there was a loud, unexpected gun shot some time in the middle of the affair that made me jump, and everyone acted more appropriately after that. Brian was brandishing a pistol the rest of the day. I know nothing more of the incident.

Now you took all the fun out of it.

We thought we had discovered some new exotic Crappie/Redear hybrid.

We took a leisurely route home after spending last night in Little Rock....Finally arrived at the homestead around 10:30pn. Pretty nasty storms the entire drive back, but the great Saturday at Brian and Heather's farm made the weather more than tolerable! Thanks again for having us and it was great seeing everyone there!

The shot was a Pilot with a pistol shooting at what looked like a Brown Water Snake close to shore. He thinks that he hit it but.....

If he missed, he still got a lot closer than I would have with a short gun.

Good friends, good BBQ, nice day with a lousy fishing due to a 40 or so mph wind.

Thanks guys . Wish I could have come.

Likely not a RES X Crappie . RES or RES X BG IMO.

Uh huh, sure. Sounds like a hunter at the end of the season who has to eat his tag explaining that he's a vegetarian.

Vegetarian, only by proxy....

From the left,
Bushwacker,Rainman,Rainman's Cathy(I think),Brian's Heather, Snrub,Highflyer,Snrub's Carolyn,Dave Davidson, Fireishot's Robbie,Fireishot (AKA wild Bill, Sam Elliot, etc.) Cisco (the good Brian, not sure how I got that name but it WILL wear off)

The Good Brian, I'm very familiar with the regular Brian. I'm pretty sure the moniker will stick around and not wear off. Just sayin'.

Good to put a face with a name on Bushwacker, Snrub [now Mr Clean], and Cisco and their better halves. Anyone notice how Cisco is allowing Al a wide breadth? Was he wearing too much Polo cologne, or was it the RES he was trying to sneak off the property to his own ponds?

lmao...you warned me you'd steal my line.

For those wondering, I said I am a strict vegan, by proxy. Cows eat the veggies, I eat the cow!

I wanted to borrow his handgun to dispatch that big white muskrat on his dam...

TJ, the new Winoesqe look as DD1 calls it is like kryptonite to new meets. The only place it works is at Wally World and any generic dollar store.

I was actually checking to see if my camera was working or not. Highflyer had to set the timer because I'm not smart enough!

Cisco is covering for Al...touching, really.

Hey! There was no touching!! Seriously though, few people were asking about the Jalapeno cheese fudge stuff I brought. Here is the recipe.

Jalapeno Cheese Fudge

1 lb (16 oz) Cheddar or Colby Cheese (shredded)
1 lb (16 oz) Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
11-15 oz jar sliced or chopped Jalapeno peppers
2 eggs
½ C flour
1 C evaporated milk

Mix cheeses and press half in 9X13 greased pan. Place a layer of peppers and cover with the rest of cheeses. Firmly press together mixture in pan. Mix eggs, flour and milk until smooth. Pour over top and bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Uh, Good Brian, my wife hounded me all the way home about getting that recipe. It was outstanding to say the least. Rex's habanero salsa and your cheese fudge were both big hits in the Hall household.

You guys really up'd the game with those snappy T-shirts.

You can thank Zep(Mark) for those and the BBQ. Class act for sure.

Hey guys, sorry I missed the party but hit a bump in the road - no serious consequences but frustrating.
Sounds liked ya’ll had a ball.

Sorry the 40 mph winds played havoc with Briminators but trust me - they are deadly!
George

Saturday was real hoot! Brian & his lovely bride Heather really put on a nice gathering. Except for the wind it was a pretty Texas day. Enjoyed seeing old friends and making some new ones.

Unfortunately some of our friends were unable to be with us. Ya'll have my best wishes and hope that we will see you soon.

Special thanks to Zep/Mark for providing T-shirts & BBQ. If someone went home hungry it because they weren't trying.

I never heard of cheese fudge, but I will be making it in the future. That was really good.

Rex that was some really good salsa, but do you thing you add a little heat to it?

For record David & Brian tie for number of fish caught at 2 each. But David you can't hold that small of a fish close enough to a camera and make it look bigger!

As always I come away from these gatherings a better pond meister. Received some valuable tips and also a better understanding that someone else has probably faced my problems. But the best thing that I took away was the enjoyment of spending time with a good bunch of people.

Rookie, David, you had better sign up for the photography lessons Condello is giving at next year's Pond Boss Conference.

Sounds like a great time was had by all.

It broke my heart that I had to miss the big event,
but a last minute family health emergency came first.

Hopefully God-willing I will be at the next local PondBoss get-together.

Keep the pictures coming, it helps me feel like I was there.

Thanks for the t-shirts and barbecue Zep.

Sorry I did not get a chance to meet you.

Fred, actually it worked. That BG wasn't near as big as it looks. I started to step on it and mash it out a little but was afraid someone would notice.

George, we missed you for sure. Thanks for the Briminators, they do work.

We sure missed ya, George and Mark! Thanks for the flies, shirts, and Q!

Zep, hope all is well with your family.

Thanks Sunil.
We will know more soon.
Nothing really confirmed yet,
But prelim does not look very good.
We shall see and hope/pray for the best.

ps: thanks for everyone's concern,
but I don't want to de-rail this thread
about a great positive PondBoss event.

Love seeing you braving 40 mph winds and fly casting...looks like Dave managed a monster! Well done guys!

Mark, you and your family will be in my prayers tonight.

Larry

You're in our thoughts and prayers here, Mark - hoping for the best.