Raffle info:

I have always been busy administering the raffle, so photos of it and the prizes and winners are hard to come by! 

Here is a run-down of what was in the raffle:

- Cooler and cups from Sportsman's Warehouse
- PFD from Kokatat, plus t-shirt for grab bag items
- PFD from Pacific Outfitters
- Three custom gaffs from Piscean Artworks
- Ocean Setup with line counter from Englund Marine
- Grab bag items from The Lost Anchovy
- B2Squid - a squid for every angler!  and grab bag items
- Light Okuma setup from Redwood Marine
- $50 Gift Certificate from Bucksport
- Box of Custom Jigs from Kenny Baker
- Salmon and Tuna artwork from Mike Kaiser
- Tekota reel from GS benefactors
- Tournament hoodie from GS
- 5 Hawg Troughs with extenders from GS
- Fishfinder from GS
- VHF from GS
- OG Redwood Trophy Trough from GS

I hope I didn't leave anyone out.  It was a great spread for the group, and what a hoot it was to enjoy the winners' celebrations!

Big thanks to all of the sponsors and individuals who donated.

Please post photos of winners and items if you have them.  Thanks!   

Finally!  Got around to unpacking and checking out my cool shirts.  Did anyone notice the year is not indicated on them?

For sure, Jerry.  I had originally worked with a local artist back in early 2020, Shawn Griggs - great guy who I've known since we were kids, and he has a studio in Ferndale - and I purchased the art for GS14 that was exactly like this year's art, but it had "14th Annual" above it.  When it came around to this year, I asked my printer if he could alter what I'd sent to him 5 years ago but never used - he said no problem.  So this year's art became a more general form of the Gimme Shelter piece.  I was very aware of it, but I felt that I should use it as it was rather than trying to engineer a new piece with more specific information about the year.  Admittedly, I feel I learned a lesson by dropping a bunch of money on the art back in early 2020, and then having to cancel due to covid.  One of the incentives for me to hold the event again was to use this art, and I'm very glad that I did.  I plan to use it in the future and just get different colored shirts and hoodies, but that plan could change.  More importantly, I realized in executing the tournament again that I really missed the community and interactions. 

The gear is fun to produce, and I'll always try to make it special.  I appreciate the feedback and will consider looking at how I can use Shawn's art and at the same time provide a date reference.

Right on.   

Finally!  Got around to unpacking and checking out my cool shirts.  Did anyone notice the year is not indicated on them?

Mmm hmm.

I got a Feel Free from I think CCK. It was cheaper than a Hobie and has an inside removable bag that keeps the insulated bag clean. I place plastic ice packs/blocks between the liner and the insulated outside. No meltwater to leak in my car. But I usually keep fish on the stringer and transfer to the cooler bag for the ride home. The ice blocks are stored in a smaller cooler with my beer/food until needed. The bag has fit up to a 37" halibut. 

If a sea lion ever dumps me, I will probably bring the bag out on the yak more often.

Well I was thinking of getting a new paddle but have needed new cradles for longer. Just ordered a set based on all you all's recommendation. I'm looking forward to being secure and scuff free.

I usually add a bow and stern tie down as well, any of you guys using this rack do this as an extra precaution or is it overkill?