Welcome to the Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club

Fellow Fish Hawks,

July is here, and you know what that means—long days, warm water, and plenty of excuses to tell your family, “I’ll be back after just one more drift.” The summer fishing season is in full swing, and whether you’re chasing fluke in the ocean, hunting stripers in the early morning, or filling the freezer with sea bass (within the legal limit, of course), this is what we wait all year for. Additionally, the next couple of months are very busy for our club. Our activities and events are in full swing. Read on as I highlight our upcoming events.

After our first fishing trip of the season was canceled due to weather. We had 28 members on board to go, a record for us! Unfortunately, the fish did not cooperate. Even so, everyone had a great time and enjoyed the lunch and snacks provided. Thanks again to Whitey and Bob Merkle for organizing everything!

I want to take a moment and mention that Joe Regatts is doing an excellent job as our Lacey Food Bank Chairman. He requests that since the children are out of school for the summer, there is a need for Tuna, Peanut Butter, Spam, and Cookies. Please do your part and contribute what you can to his drop off box that he brings to the meetings. I hope all our Ladies got out for the Gail Matuska Memorial Ladies Fluke Tournament on June 12, & 13th

Our next meeting is on July 2, 2026. Our speaker is Nicole Fox from Rutgers. She will be joined by Doug Zemekis, a club favorite. They will give a presentation about the feeding habits of Summer Flounder. See Nicole Fox’s bio here: https://borsettilab.rutgers.edu/people/nicole-fox/ One of the highlights this month is our Youth Fishing Seminar on July 11th. We are proud to host Military children from the Joint Bases McGurie, Dix, Lakehurst for fun day learning about different aspects of fishing and the marine environment. This is our chance to pass along knowledge, skills, and most importantly, the passion we all share for being out on the water. If you’re able to volunteer, lend a hand, or even just show up to support the event, it would go a long way.

Please contact our Youth Fishing Seminar Chairman Kevin O’Rourke for more information. These kids might not remember every rig or technique we teach them, but they’ll remember the experience—and the people who took the time to share it.

Coming up on August 1st and 2nd is the Joe Matuska Memorial Tri-Club Fluke Tournament, Fish Hawks vs. Tuna Club vs. Village Harbor Fishing Club. The top 6 fish entered receive an individual prize and the club with the heaviest total weight of the club’s 10 largest fish determine the winner of the Joe Matuska Trophy. So, get out there and catch some nice Fluke so we can win back the Trophy! Fishing occurs on August 1st and the awards picnic is on August 2nd. See the flyer in your newsletter for all the details.

On August 22 we are having our Annual Veterans Fishing Trip. This remains one of the most meaningful events we conduct each year. We partner with MA-22, https://ma22.org/ a Veterans service organization for Veterans struggling with PTSD and Gold Star Mothers Department of N.J. https://goldstarmothersnj.org/

We have the opportunity to spend a day on the water with veterans and give back to those who have served our country and reflects the values that make Fish Hawks such a special organization. Thank you to all the captains, mates, volunteers, and supporters who help make this event possible.

Fishing-wise, July offers some of the best variety of the season. Fluke are spread out, the inshore bite is heating up, and there’s always the chance of a surprise catch to shake things up at the weigh-in! New Members, don’t forget to get entered the monthly fishing contest. See committee chairmen Kenn or Val Seefelt to get signed up—remember, a contender in the cooler beats the “one that got away” story every time.

As always, thank you to everyone who continues to support the club, volunteer their time, and keep things running smoothly. Enjoy the season, stay safe out there, and I’ll see you at the next meeting—or better yet, at the dock with a good fish story.

Fair winds and following seas.... see you out on the water

Dave