2026 Meeting Minutes

South Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club

"South Jersey's original freshwater kayak bass fishing club"

Meeting Minutes – April 16th , 2026 – 7pm

Atlantic County Library – Hammonton, NJ

Meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm with the following members in attendance: John Goss, Daniel
Rodriguez, Vic Carapucci, Bill Bentliff, Ben Bullaro, Jim Dick, Josh Mazzeo, Juan Cuevas, and Jim
Larson. Also Guest Anglers in attendance included Sal Leonardo, Jason Ryan, Bob Cattawet, and Dave
Micha.

Alex Bronsky - President/Treasurer/Social Media Director:
Banquet Date/Location
 We are working to secure the Alpha Gun Club in Atco again for our banquet. We have penciled in
either Sat. Nov 7th or Sat. 14th and will determine if either date is available, and then decide on
which we’d like to choose.
Picking Two Meetings to be Virtual
 In order to provide more convenience in attending meetings the club decided to make two (2)
meetings virtual this year. A motion was made to make the June 18th meeting and August 13th
meetings into Zoom meetings. Motions passed unanimously. The June and August meetings
will be virtual only. More information to come and will be shared on GroupMe.
Lake Audrey Clean-Up
 SJKBFC sponsors Lake Audrey and is responsible for keeping the ramp area and surrounding
habitat clean of trash, debris, etc. Each year we host an annual clean-up, followed by an
(unofficial) team tournament. Participating in this clean-up counts towards a member’s
“meetings” for the year. After reviewing the calendar, a motion was made to set the Lake
Audrey clean up for August 8th . Motion passed unanimously. The Lake Audrey Clean-Up +
Team Tournament will be held on Sat. August 8th . Details to come in June meeting.
Tournament Permits
 The Alloway Lake permit + post-tournament report form arrived and was given to TD Vic
Carapucci.
Tournament Prizes
 The club discussed ideas for raffle prizes we would like to implement at tournaments this year.
Ideas included bags of lures, and gift card(s) to Blackwater tackle shop. The club agreed to
focus on Member Only tournaments for prizes. The club needs to review the treasury and
make some projections/calculations around how much we can afford, and how many
tournaments we would like to include prizes at.
Manasquan Ramp Fee
 There IS a $7 ramp fee for ALL anglers fishing in the Manasquan tournament. We will remind
the club and include on social media post prior to the tournament.

Matt Zappile – Vice President:
No Report
John Goss - Secretary
Membership Update
 The club currently stands at 20 members. We anticipate reaching 25+ members within the
next 60 days. There are still open spots for any anglers who wish to join the club!
Attendance Update
 The following anglers have already satisfied their four (4) meetings/events requirement for the
2026 season: Alex Bronsky, Ben Bullaro, Bill Bentliff, Jim Dick, Jim Larson, John Goss, Josh
Mazzeo, Juan Cuevas, Mary Lou Gicker, Vic Carapucci. We encourage all members continue to
participate in meetings.
Jim Dick & Vic Carapucci – Tournament Directors:
Rainbow Lake Recap/Newton Lake Preview/New Signs
 The TD’s provided a recap of Rainbow Lake and a preview of Newton Lake. Reminder to
make sure you are at the lake with plenty of time for check-in and to set up. The club thanks
the TD’s for the brand new signs for the 2026 season!

Meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm.

Next Meeting Thursday 6/18/2026 @ 7pm via online zoom

South Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club

"South Jersey's original freshwater kayak bass fishing club"

Meeting Minutes – March 17th , 2026 – 7pm

Atlantic County Library – Hammonton, NJ

Meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm with the following members in attendance: John Goss, Ben
Bullaro, Daniel Rodriguez, Alex Bronsky, Jim Dick, Jim Larson, and Mary Lou Gicker, Robert Gheysens,
Stephen Bonham, and Matt Zappile. Guest anglers in attendance included Neil Tomarchio, Sal
Leonardo, Shawn Helms, and Daniel Thomas.

Alex Bronsky - President/Treasurer/Social Media Director:
Membership Dues
 Alex collected membership dues for the 2026 season. If you have not paid dues, please
contact Alex.
Members in Good Standing / Not in Good Standing
 Club discussed any members not in good standing or who wanted to re-join the club.
Membership Roster Update
 We are currently at 17 paid + forms members, we anticipate getting to 23 by the first
tournament. ALL MEMBER ANGLERS MUST PAY ALEX, AND COMPLETE BOTH THE TOURNAMENT
WAIVER AND MEMBERSHIP FORM FOR 2026 BEFORE YOU CAN FISH WITH THE CLUB. All Guest
Anglers must complete the tournament waiver.
Tournament Permits
 Alex has been in contact w/ Round Valley for our tournament permit. We are penciled in for 7/18.
No tournament fee is required. There are multiple ramps and we must launch at the NJ F&W boat
ramp. Bring your licenses, whistles, and PFD’s.
 Alex submitted and paid Manasquan tournament fee + application. We still need to determine if
there’s an additional ramp fee for each angler. We believe it’s a $7 ramp fee for kayaks. If you’re
using motors they’ll ask if you have your safety certification.
 Alex checked Mullica River and because the tournament is after Labor Day they won’t charge a
ramp fee. They do require trailer permit registrations for the boat ramp there for anyone looking
to bring a trailer.
 John paid and submitted Alloway permits, still waiting to hear back. No concern.
# of OPENs Needed to Join the Club
 Last year we changed to only 2 OPENs needed to join the club, normally we require 3 OPENs to
join. We discussed whether to change back to 3 for this year knowing we are at 17-23 members
when the season starts. The club decided to go back to the original 3 tournaments
needed to join the club.
Angler of the Year Methodology
 Club discussed whether to change the AOY methodology such as “throwing out” the worst three
tournaments of an angler’s season. Club decided not to make any changes, we are keeping the
same methodology.
New Trophies Discussion

 Due to the massive increase in cost from our usual trophy vendor (under new ownership) we are
evaluating different trophy providers. We still will use current vendor for belts, but for medals and
trophies we are researching other options and open to suggestions if anyone has ideas.
AI Photos of Fish on Boards
 Guest angler Danny Thomas sent a picture of someone that used to fish in our club, took a
picture of a bass on a board, and manipulated the photo with AI. This is obviously unacceptable
and something we need to be on the lookout as TD’s and just members of the club.

John Goss, Secretary:
SJKBFC Forms
 Membership Application/Renewals
a. ALL CURRENT + PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS must complete the membership
application/renewal form for 2026 season. They are available on the website for download
and can be sent electronically to me at john.goss15@gmail.com

 Tournament Waivers (Liability Forms)
a. ALL CURRENT + PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS + ANY GUEST ANGLERS must complete the
Tournament Waiver for 2026 season in order to fish in any tournament. They are available
on the website for download and can be sent electronically to me at
john.goss15@gmail.com
 Website Profile Information Forms
a. These are optional if you’d like to create a profile on the website, or update the
information on there currently.

Reminder on 2026 Classic Qualifying (Tournaments + Meetings)
 Reminder, members need to fish eight (8) tournaments and attend four (4) meetings/events in
order to qualify for the 2026 SJKBFC Classic.
Zoom Meetings
 The club discussed changing some meetings to be virtual/Zoom meetings as many members
struggle with distance, availability, and more. Zoom free membership only comes with 45 mins,
we are determining if Teams can be longer. John has Zoom Pro via work which is unlimited, but
he is moving in June.
 Motion was made to make TWO (2) Meetings per year virtual-only meetings. Motion passed. We
will make two meetings this year virtual-only meetings – dates TBD. Members must
actively participate in these virtual meetings (e.g. camera on, participating in
discussion, etc.).

Jim Dick & Vic Carapucci, Tournament Directors
New Entry Fees
 REMINDER we have new entry fees for the 2026 season: $25 for members, $40 for guests.
 Club discussed how to break down the new prize totals. The updated entry fees bring the issue of
fractional payouts (e.g. cents) if we use the same formula.

 We discussed the idea of doing a raffle for tournament prizes for all anglers who participate in the
tournament to potentially win. Like a door prize just for coming. Alex proposed 50% of the
increased tournament fee to go to prizes, 50% to go to the 1 st place winner. Zapp proposed $1
extra for 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , and $2 for the club (aka 60% to payouts, 40% to the club). Club decided to
go with Zapp’s option, so for each additional $5 per member angler in fees vs 2025, $1
extra goes to each place (e.g. 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd and then $2 goes to the club to use on
prizes (i.e. 60% payouts, 40% club).
Triple Crown
 Club discussed Triple Crown award methodology. Club decided if there are multiple triple
crown awards, the tiebreaker will go to the person with the biggest Lunker bass. If
there’s a tie between Lunker bass, the next tiebreaker is person with largest five (5)
bass limit.
Rookie of the Year
 Club discussed Rookie season definition, as currently a member’s rookie season aligns with when
they become members, not when they realistically fish their first full season. This causes issues w/
Rookie of the Year, Rookie records, etc. and creates unfair scenarios. Motion was made to make
an angler’s Rookie season be his/her first season fishing 8+ tournaments in a given season – OR -
if you start the season as a full member. Motion passed unanimously. Effective immediately,
an angler’s Rookie Season is by definition his/her first season fishing 8+ tournaments
in a season – OR - if he/she starts the season as a full member.
Stewart Lake Preview
 Club previewed the preseason tournament. Reminders, MAKE SURE YOU ARE AT THE RAMP
WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO CHECK-IN AND BE READY BY 8:30AM. Weather should be ok, slight
wind and up to 60’s.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:19pm.

Next Meeting Thursday 4/16/2026 @ 7pm at Hammonton Library

South Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club

"South Jersey's original freshwater kayak bass fishing club"

Meeting Minutes – February 17th , 2026 – 7pm

Atlantic County Library – Hammonton, NJ

Meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm with the following members in attendance: John Goss, Alex
Bronsky, Mike LaChance, Josh Mazzeo, Ben Bullaro, Vic Carapucci, Chris Califano, Stephen Bonham,
Bill Bentliff, Chris Castro, Jim Dick, Mary Lou Gicker, Jim Larson, Matt Zappile, Juan Cuevas and Guest
Anglers Shawn Helms and Daniel Thomas.

Alex Bronsky - President/Treasurer/Social Media Director:
Membership Dues
 Alex collected membership dues for the 2026 season. If you have not paid dues, please
contact Alex.
Members in Good Standing / Not in Good Standing
 The club discussed members who ARE and ARE NOT in good standing after the 2025 season. As a
reminder, all members must five at least five (5) tournaments and attend four (4) meetings +
events to be in good standing.
 The following (previously) not-in-good-standing members were voted back into the club: Ben
Bullaro, Chris Califano, Gary Parsons, Josh Mazzeo, Juan Cuevas, Mary Lou Gicker, Matt Zappile,
Mike Behre, Paul Heger, Robert Gheysens, and Stephen Bonham.
SJKBFC Bank Account
 As of February, we have $1,316 in the checking account. Need to maintain a $500 minimum
balance.
Fishing Flea Market Lure Donations
 Thank you to all anglers who brought lures for the SJBCA Fishing Flea Market. This helps generate
funds for the mothership.
Preseason Tournament Location Change
 The preseason tournament must be moved due to a regatta on Cooper River Lake. The club
discussed various options and settled on STEWARTS LAKE as the new preseason tournament
lake. Same time (9am-3pm). Website will be updated.
2026 Rule Changes
 The club discussed potential rule changes for the 2026 season, specifically for a motors-allowed
one-year trial period after Vic sent a proposal via GroupMe last month. After hearty discussion and
lots of back and forth, motion was made and the bylaw amendment PASSED.
 Beginning with the preseason tournament on March 21st at Stewarts Lake, the club will commence
the one-year trial period with motors. Full details of the motion can be found in the GroupMe or
by reaching out to Executive Staff, and will be posted to the website shortly.
Executive Staff Elections
 Elections were held for 2026 Executive Staff. The following members were voted into the
respective positions. Congrats and thank you to all!
a. President/Social Media Director/Treasurer: Alex Bronsky
b. Vice President: Matt Zappile
c. Secretary: John Goss to remain Secretary until June, when he will pass off to Interim
Secretary Ben Bullaro
d. Tournament Directors: Vic + Jim

John Goss, Vice President/Secretary:
SJKBFC Forms
 Membership Application/Renewals
a. ALL CURRENT + PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS must complete the membership
application/renewal form for 2026 season. They are available on the website for download
and can be sent electronically to me at john.goss15@gmail.com

 Tournament Waivers (Liability Forms)
a. ALL CURRENT + PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS must complete the Tournament Waiver for 2026
season in order to fish in any tournament. They are available on the website for download
and can be sent electronically to me at john.goss15@gmail.com

 Website Profile Information Forms
a. These are optional if you’d like to create a profile on the website, or update the
information on there currently.

Jim Dick & Vic Carapucci, Tournament Directors
New Entry Fees
 REMINDER we have new entry fees for the 2026 season: $25 for members, $40 for guests. We
still need to determine payouts as we now have to recalculate due to issues with spare
change/non-whole numbers.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:32pm.

Next Meeting Tuesday 3/17/2026 @ 7pm at Hammonton Library

2026 Meeting Minutes

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