Reef Building...

[WestEndAngler]

For those that went to the Houston Boat Show and that also frequent the 2COOL Forum, Mont and others are pooling money together to buy the concrete reef structures that were on display... They are $1,000 they build them and drop them off and give you Cord for these things...

In a years time you'll have a close accessible reef to grab fish of...

If we get 10 guys to devote $100 etc... We can get one of our own... I have pledged $100 to 2COOL's reef program but would be willing to double that to get one for the West End Anglers...

I know its a lot to ask and maybe we just save up for it for a few months but for those that fish the deep blue you know how over fished certain reefs can get and even one like 2COOL is doing will soon be overfished as there is no way to keep people from not giving out the Cordinates.

Let me know yalls thoughts $50 will go a long way in helping us create a new reef either inside State waters or out in Federal.

Look forward to hearing yalls ideas & $0.02

Coe-

http://2coolcondos.com/reef.jpg

[Robalo]

Count me in for a WEA Reef for $100. Let me know when you need the $.

Coe: PM Grady-22-I think he'll be interested also. Trick will be keeping coordinates secret, but pretty sure it will have to be posted on some state or federal site as a nav/obstr warning of some type, but hey if it's good for fishes, it's good for us regardless. State or Fed doesn't matter to me so long as not over 40 miles out-too many days are too rough for my 23' and my old back don't work like it used to.

Great idea!!

[Robalo]

Thought about it some more-state waters would be best (out of SLP area) since the darn GC and NMFS is gonna make snap season 2 weeks or less and has consistently blamed recs for snap decline which we know who butters their bread-comms. Put it within 200 yards of fed line!!!!:rofl:

[WestEndAngler]

Were almost half way there!! :D I agree I'd want it in State Waters so I can dive on it and be able to access it on my way in / out.

[WestEndAngler]

http://reef-man.com

The reefs costs $1000 to build and deploy...

[Robalo]

BUMP-how bout some others? Me and Coe are in-anyone else-come on let's get one!!

[BILLYSTIX CUSTOM RODS]

ok immmmm in
i will build and auction off a 6ft6 off shore spiral rod to you guys so that you can get it going, now all i ask is that you help me with just a little cash to offset the ship and handle say $50 bucks, i can build it and you can take it to your meeting's or what ever but it should bring in some top money.
lets look at what i can build 6-ft-6 in the following line clas or ##20-50--#30--60--#50--80, do i hear a ye buddy :D
stix

[BILLYSTIX CUSTOM RODS]

well
i guess that offer went over like a lead ballon, ok so delete the offer just thought i would help.
stix

[WestEndAngler]

^BUMP!

Billy- I liked your offer. I would for sure bid on that... I think we jumped ahead of ourselves all together... I'll keep a running total and maybe we can phase your kind gesture into the Black Drum Tournament and auction off one of your rods or offer it as a 1st 2nd or 3rd place prize... We'll talk later about it.


Come on guys... how many of yall would fish our own private reef? I'll be adding to it w/ cinder blocks and concrete :-) We're halfway there... Anyone wanna chime in? any amount works and you can PM me I'll keep everything confidential.

Thanks,

Coe-

[Race1Mopar]

How about that reef!!!
I'm in and will donate to the cause. We have new members, me included, and it's time to bring this up again. How much do we have to date?


That other location is putting out 500 or so reefs. WOW Imagine fishing there.
Joe

[WestEndAngler]

500 reefs? I want to put ours in State Waters... I think we have $200 :rofl:

[Race1Mopar]

Time for some catch up :shark:
If this becomes a reality I'm in for $100.

[WestEndAngler]

$300. If we make $500 today I'll throw in another $100

[Explorer21]

Coe, I generally do not go offshore, because I do not have the rig to do that, but if someone if willing to take me out once and awhile, I will donate $ 100.00.

[WestEndAngler]

I think between all of us we could get you out there! Just an FYI, Blackbeard had the Shoalwater 10 miles off yesterday.

[Unclehandy]

Yes, and last year on a 1 foot day, we took the 18 kenner out to 30 miles. Caught red and lane snapper, a warsaw grouper, and a ling! It was a great day. Just made sure to bring a survival bag that included the following: inflatable boat, food, water, flares, rope, a knife, gps, marine radio, batteries, small bottle of crown, waterproof matches, life jackets. all in a bag that sits on the deck. If boat goes down, bag will float. Grab the bag, blow up the boat and have a drink while you use the radio to call for help and the gps to give your coordinates!

[Explorer21]

How far offshore would this reef be? I have a 40 gallon tank and plan on purchasing one of those portable 28 gallon pumps. Anyway, I am in for $ 100.00 if I can make it out there on a clam day!

[Unclehandy]

Coe wants to put it in state waters, so it would have to be inside 9 miles.

[Explorer21]

:shark::tequila:Sounds good, put me in for the $ 100 and that bottle of crown I will need in my survival kit

[WestEndAngler]

Were at $400!!

[Explorer21]

Coe, just let us know when you need the money. I will have to get the wife to send you another check. Boy, fishing is not a cheap sport :)

[WestEndAngler]

No rush on anything... As soon as we have enough people committed for the $1,000 I'll ask for the money and make contact to get the reef built!

[Milkjug]

I am good for $100, ya'll just have to take me to it a few times :D

[Unclehandy]

I am good for $100, ya'll just have to take me to it a few times :D

Why? You got a kayak! :lifesaver::lifesaver::lifesaver: haha jk

[Kylie Howard]

wish i didnt have to drop 4400 for summer training cruise and another 700 for fire school.

[Explorer21]

Kylie, I am assuming you are training to become a fire figther?

[WestEndAngler]

Well my Lord ladies! We've reached $500 dollars which means you've made me throw in an additional $100...

We are now at $600 pledged! WTG!

$400 more and we'll have our own Private Reef!

[Kylie Howard]

Kylie, I am assuming you are training to become a fire figther?

Its marine firefighting and shipboard safety. i am in the Texas Maritime Academy at TAMUG and that is one of the requirements for going on the training cruise. good news is that i will be going to south and central america this summer and well be able to fish when we get liberty and off the stern of our ship. we should catch something or another.

[Explorer21]

:sailers:Coe, you say it will be private... does that mean we pirate someones boat and take their fish, beer and women (no specific order) if they are not part of FWE!!!!

[Explorer21]

Its marine firefighting and shipboard safety. i am in the Texas Maritime Academy at TAMUG and that is one of the requirements for going on the training cruise. good news is that i will be going to south and central america this summer and well be able to fish when we get liberty and off the stern of our ship. we should catch something or another.


Coe, since Kylie is going to school to become a firefighter and he is an Aggie, I will donate another $ 50 ($ 150 total for me and the wife).

[WestEndAngler]

:sailers:Coe, you say it will be private... does that mean we pirate someones boat and take their fish, beer and women (no specific order) if they are not part of FWE!!!!

LOL as Private as Private can be when your talking about the Ocean... All NAV Hazards are reported and listed. It won't be very Private but I'd love to do some free diving and spear fishing

[Explorer21]

I agree, but I still like the thought of taking someone's goodies :)

[Robalo]

Coe:

I add another $100-so $200 total from me (and not because Kylie's an atm person-Ha ha). Can we paint the thing Burnt Orange?

We're getting close. Where's Boom's $?

[Unclehandy]

Coe:

I add another $100-so $200 total from me (and not because Kylie's an atm person-Ha ha). Can we paint the thing Burnt Orange?

We're getting close. Where's Boom's $?

Don't worry we already have the paint and set of horns to put on it! hehehe

[WestEndAngler]

Were at $700! Boom hasn't spoken up yet.

[Explorer21]

You can paint it burn orange, as long as we can put an outhouse on top of it:)

[WestEndAngler]

Looks like the current designated area is just off the Freeport Jetty... I haven't talked with Tom Hilton yet I will tomorrrow though and see about placing one at SLP

[Unclehandy]

You can paint it burn orange, as long as we can put an outhouse on top of it:)

Only an aggie would build and outhouse on something that will be at the bottom of the ocean! haha jk

[Explorer21]

Fish have to crap as well and Coe is talking about diving in the area, so he can stop and bathroom break if needed :)

[Unclehandy]

Fish have to crap as well and Coe is talking about diving in the area, so he can stop and bathroom break if needed :)

:LMAO:

[Race1Mopar]

Bathroom... aahahhah The bay is your oyster. Where can I go wheeee... Fitty Billion acres sir!

Ok, short story. My dad took my great uncle fishing and in the middle of the day he just stands up and pees. Uncle Johnny... what you doing those people can see you. Uncle Johnny "Well it's like this. If they seen it before they ain't surprised and know what I'm doin and if they ain't seen it before they don't knwo what they looking at anyway" :eek: aahahaha you got a point sir.

Ok, back to the reef! Looks like we have a solid $750 so far and that means were only a measly $250 away from a great idea!!! :sifone:

Joe

[WestEndAngler]

Joe am I missing something where did the extra $50 come from?

[Explorer21]

I donated another $ 50 because Kylie is in school to become a marine firefighter and can not afford to donate and he is an Aggie!

[WestEndAngler]

I donated another $ 50 because Kylie is in school to become a marine firefighter and can not afford to donate and he is an Aggie!

:LMAO: $750 it is :D

[WestEndAngler]

:bump: $250 more and we'll have our own private reef!

[Explorer21]

COME ON WEST END ANGLERS!!! I know times are tough right now, but donate what you can and don't buy beer this weekend or take your better half out to dinner so much!

Did I just say... don't buy beer this weekend?

[PasadenaMan]

i am in for $50.

[Unclehandy]

I'm in for $50 too

[Unclehandy]

That should put us at $850. We need another $150

[Explorer21]

Thanks Pasadenaman and Unclehandy! I feel like a cheerleader trying to raise money and more then likely, I will never make it out there!

[PasadenaMan]

I would do more but I am working on my boat and then trying to save for to the CHL class.

[Race1Mopar]

Youuuu'll make it out there. Just think. We have divers on WEA that can go down and give us a status report of how well it's forming new marine life and then I'm sure we will have a run out there for everyone that contributed.

Joe

[Explorer21]

Good point Mopar and it would be a blast to get a group of us out there one day.

[Unclehandy]

It would be a hell of a day if all the contributers went out! :drunk:

[Robalo]

Can we take Unclehandy's boat that is pictured in his Avatar?

[Unclehandy]

I can fit 4 in that sucker!

[Robalo]

Dang, I thought it'd hold 6 at least-oh, that's right, 4 plus 2 coolers full of beer and ice!!!! Best Avatar EVER!!!

[Explorer21]

Coe, where do we sit with the donations? Are we there yet?

[WestEndAngler]

Were at $850... Almost there!

[Explorer21]

:please:OK, who else is going to pony up? If someone is willing to donate $100, I will throw in the last $ 50.

[Explorer21]

I guess we will not have a reef, because it looks like nobody else wants to pony up. My offer still stands, so if someone donates $ 100 or anything amount that equals $ 100, I will throw in the last $ 50.

[WestEndAngler]

We'll get there, tomorrow we'll have it!

[Race1Mopar]

I guess we will not have a reef, because it looks like nobody else wants to pony up. My offer still stands, so if someone donates $ 100 or anything amount that equals $ 100, I will throw in the last $ 50.

Explorer21 you already put in $150. I'll raise my $100 to $150 to met your contribution. Now the only thing standing between us and that reef is $100.
:sailor:

[BILLYSTIX CUSTOM RODS]

i have a deal for you.
someone let me build them an off shore rod at the regular price and i will go the other $100, just get in touch with me to discuss the building of your custom spiralstix off shore rod and i will take $100 off for the finial cost of the reef :D "any takers"and no i will not jack the price up.
stix

[boom]

I'm in for 100.00

[boom]

Coe:

I add another $100-so $200 total from me (and not because Kylie's an atm person-Ha ha). Can we paint the thing Burnt Orange?

We're getting close. Where's Boom's $?

I'm only in if it's maroon. :D

[Explorer21]

SWEET, BRING ON THE REEF! Mopar and Boom stepped up, so now it ball is in Coe's court.

[WestEndAngler]

i have a deal for you.
someone let me build them an off shore rod at the regular price and i will go the other $100, just get in touch with me to discuss the building of your custom spiralstix off shore rod and i will take $100 off for the finial cost of the reef :D "any takers"and no i will not jack the price up.
stix

Billy I'll call you later today to make the above mentioned deal work.

[WestEndAngler]

With a new rod from Billy to add to my collection, that puts us up to $1,100.

Only 900 away from a 2nd one! Guys don't stop now! :D

I'm going to make the statement right now that I will guarantee BeachBumBailey is in for $100 and so is Blackbeard.

With that being said that brings the running total up to $1,300! Thus to keep it moving I will pitch in another $100. So were now at $1,400!!!!

$600 more and we have two reefs!! That's right don't let your buddy boat mess up the fishing for you!! Send him over to our 2nd reef! :LMAO:

[Explorer21]

:LMAO:MAN Coe, I was being a cheerleader for the first reef and now I have to get the pom poms out again! Let's see if we can get some other West Enders to pony up first and then I will try to help out at the end if needed.

[WestEndAngler]

Hey I'm waiting for them to step up!! :rofl:

[boom]

How do you want the $$$$ Coe?

[WestEndAngler]

You all can PayPal it too me... Please make a note that its for the Reef Building Project and not a regular donation to FWE... please send PayPal to: Coe@fishwestend.com

On another important note:

Race1Mopar has been in contact with Tom Hilton... apparently the only designated site is currently in Freeport the one for Galveston will be somewhere in between the S Jetty and SLP... in a designated area so its not like its a private reef that nobody knows about...

If you no longer wish to donate based on this new information I understand and send me a PM so I can remove your post and nobody will be the wiser. We have enough for 1 reef so far and almost there on our 2nd!

[Explorer21]

Coe, what are your thoughts about the new information? Are you going forward with this project?

[Race1Mopar]

My West End Friends,
I have been in contact with Tom Hilton and let him know we were interested in our own reef and that we already had funding for one. In the process we got in a long conversation where Tom informed me that he can't just add a reef anywhere due to land rights below the water and a few other regulations. The General Land Office, TPWL, US Core of Engineers are limiting the locations that the reefs can be placed so that a shrimp boat will not go out and just run over it and ruin their nets. The three zoned sites will be designated no dredging. tralling, ect..

There are three 160 acre sites being planned within state waters of the state of Texas. The three reefing sites are to be in Freeport, Galveston and Matagorda. He believes the Galveston site will be located halfway between the Galveston Jetties and San Luis Pass but this is not finalized yet.

The Freeport project will begin in approximately 1 1/2 weeks and he hopes to have several hundred deployed with next few months.

Tom will be presenting to TPWD on May 28th and discussing the Galveston Reef location and timeframes. He will keep us in the loop for these details although he is also seeking large scale funding for the project so that he can go in and populate the site with multiple reefs at once.

Although it looks like we could not have a secret fishing reef we could have a reef within the project with a name we provide. Ww would need to be a part of the overall picture though, and improve the fisheries as a whole, as a group effort.

With the new information I can understand each of you have to think on it, decide if it's worth it to you. It will still be in Galveston, within state waters and provide a marine habitat for not only offshore fish but also our bay fish that leave in the winter. It will bring more bait to the area which will help bring fish. I'm still in...
Joe

[Explorer21]

Joe, thanks for working on this for us. I would like to hang tight to see what comes about the May 28th meeting to see where they are considering placing the reefs and if they get the funding. If they get funding to put in mutiple reefs, I say we just use the money for another project or a crawfish boil :)

[Race1Mopar]

You're welcome. I'm glad to help since it benifits us all.
From what I hear they WILL do the Galveston 160acre reef, it's just a matter of where will it be located and when they will start. As with any government project it's hard to nail down a timeline but as I ask timeframes the consensus was about 6 months out for the project to start, possible as much as 9 months or a year depending on how long the different organizations drag their feet. You also have to remember this reef, although it's a good thing to us, will limit or prohibit other activities over the area by declaring the land rights under the water off limits to anything other than fishing or diving. Tom mentioned a company, I forgot, that he said after they start placing the Freeport reefs he believes he can pettition for a donation for the Galveston reef system and may be able to get as much as $500k out of them for a fast start to the Galveston reef polupation.

I look forward to the outcome of his meeting too.

Joe

[WestEndAngler]

We'll hold this project in limbo until we figure out the direction we want to go...

Meanwhile I need to get with Duane and Deano and see where we can have this 500lb crawfish boil :D

[Swift]

I'm in and will donate to the cause also. How much do we have to date? Let me know so I can send a check

[WestEndAngler]

0 to date we put it on hold.

[mikeymike]

So what ever happend with this???

[WestEndAngler]

Canceled because of where they were placing the reef we want Galveston block. It's been awhile someone needs to follow up.

[mikeymike]

Well if someone finds out if it can happen then id be able to put some cash on it

[Oleander Kayaker]

Email sent to Tom Hilton requesting an update on the Galveston block. Will report the reply.

[WestEndAngler]

Email sent to Tom Hilton requesting an update on the Galveston block. Will report the reply.

Thanks!!!

[Oleander Kayaker]

I talked with Tom Hilton today.

The Galveston block (in state waters near the 9 mile line) is in limbo. The block overlaps and conflicts with the wind lease (windmills for power generation) the GLO is setting up. There has not yet been a decision as to whether the conflicting uses can co-exist. It may be awhile before any decision is made.

There is a federal permit for artificial reefs in federal waters at Mitchells Reef and Galveston Pipes. These allow cremated remains to be mixed with the concrete for memorial reefs. They are located 10 miles due south of the south jetty just outside of the 9 mile line. The footprint area of the reef is very small.

The permit for the 160 ac block at Matagorda is in hand. There isn't any activity on it though.

Some of the issues concerning the placement of artificial reefs is the subsidence of the structures. Whatever is used, the state wants to ensure they don't sink into the bottom and disappear.

Mr. Hilton's venture is not accomplishing much and there is a long lead before he and his partner may see any activity. They are pondering selling the boat.

I didn't know anything about the Galv. Pipes reef and found this document, it may be of interest:

http://coastal.tamug.edu/CoastalFisheries/1963/CoastalFisheries1963-pg509.pdf

Has anyone fished this reef?

[kenny]

I just ran across this post and have a question about the following: "Some of the issues concerning the placement of artificial reefs is the subsidence of the structures. Whatever is used, the state wants to ensure they don't sink into the bottom and disappear."
Why would that matter and why would they care? It doesn't make any sense.

[Oleander Kayaker]

I'm restating what Mr. Hilton had spoken about on the phone call, he did not eleborate much more, per my notes, and I didn't anticipate your question.

I would assume that if the State allowed an improvement in their waters, like fish habitat, they would want to ensure that the thing works, for it's intended pupose, over a reasonable length of time. Would you, or some other FWE'er, put money into this if the darn thing sunk into the bottom, if the weight of the thing was not sufficiently supported by a large enough footprint? The State may be smart enough, in this rare instance, to have thought of that.

[cycleguy]

If you still need partners for reef project I am in. Let me know how to get the money to you. What is the progress so far? Like others I would like to keep it in state waters if possible.
let me know






For those that went to the Houston Boat Show and that also frequent the 2COOL Forum, Mont and others are pooling money together to buy the concrete reef structures that were on display... They are $1,000 they build them and drop them off and give you Cord for these things...

In a years time you'll have a close accessible reef to grab fish of...

If we get 10 guys to devote $100 etc... We can get one of our own... I have pledged $100 to 2COOL's reef program but would be willing to double that to get one for the West End Anglers...

I know its a lot to ask and maybe we just save up for it for a few months but for those that fish the deep blue you know how over fished certain reefs can get and even one like 2COOL is doing will soon be overfished as there is no way to keep people from not giving out the Cordinates.

Let me know yalls thoughts $50 will go a long way in helping us create a new reef either inside State waters or out in Federal.

Look forward to hearing yalls ideas & $0.02

Coe-

http://2coolcondos.com/reef.jpg

[WestEndAngler]

If you still need partners for reef project I am in. Let me know how to get the money to you. What is the progress so far? Like others I would like to keep it in state waters if possible.
let me know



I talked with Tom Hilton today.

The Galveston block (in state waters near the 9 mile line) is in limbo. The block overlaps and conflicts with the wind lease (windmills for power generation) the GLO is setting up. There has not yet been a decision as to whether the conflicting uses can co-exist. It may be awhile before any decision is made.

There is a federal permit for artificial reefs in federal waters at Mitchells Reef and Galveston Pipes. These allow cremated remains to be mixed with the concrete for memorial reefs. They are located 10 miles due south of the south jetty just outside of the 9 mile line. The footprint area of the reef is very small.

The permit for the 160 ac block at Matagorda is in hand. There isn't any activity on it though.

Some of the issues concerning the placement of artificial reefs is the subsidence of the structures. Whatever is used, the state wants to ensure they don't sink into the bottom and disappear.

Mr. Hilton's venture is not accomplishing much and there is a long lead before he and his partner may see any activity. They are pondering selling the boat.

I didn't know anything about the Galv. Pipes reef and found this document, it may be of interest:

http://coastal.tamug.edu/CoastalFisheries/1963/CoastalFisheries1963-pg509.pdf

Has anyone fished this reef?

Last we checked this whole project for Galveston was uncertain.

We had close to $1,200 accounted for but never collected because we wanted to dictate where our reef went (which block).