Corpusfishing.com

Biocuz · Joined: 30 Jul 2020 Posts: 7 Location: Flour Bluff

Hello all. My name is Steve Dial and i am a teacher at FBJH. Tyler has graciously allowed me to post some of what we'll be doing and invite some community participation/help. I've been cruising the site for many years and I know some of you folks from years past. I have been given the opportunity to start a course called Coastal Explorers. Students will learn about the local Coastal Experience, as much as I can cram in a semester. On the science side we will learn ecology, how to ID local species and their taxonomy, and the geography of the Texas coast. I will focus the geography part on our local area from Aransas Pass down to Baffin where students will learn local spots to get out and experience all that our area outdoors offers. On that side, students will learn to use fishing gear and tackle (yes I will be teaching them how to fish!), cast nets, kick nets, kayaks, boating rules and regs, etc. Finally, we'll talk about agencies that promote/enforce conservation and management. TPWD coastal fisheries, spills and kills, game wardens, TGLO and their mission, and hopefully some representatives from the civilian side with SEA and CCA (Becky, here's your opening).
That hardly seems to scratch the surface but I'll try to wrap this up. I would be most grateful for any help you all can offer. From history of the area to material donations. Any old but useable gear (especially fishing gear. I have a buddy who makes custom rods and does reel repair who has volunteered to help out, so if gear is a bit abused we'll still take it), maps, posters, dichotomous keys (for those of you in college or the industry), you name it. It's public school, so my budget is....limited. Anything you think might benefit the kids. When things settle out a bit with Covid, i will set up a drop off point at the junior high. In the meantime please feel free to PM me and I will be happy to meet and pick up donations.
Sorry about the length, if you are interested in more info on the class PM and I will share more. Thank you all for your time and any assistance you can offer!

Central Scrutinizer · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 9:18 am Post subject:

I used to do a yearly lecture in Mr. Strands middle school class, and would gladly offer my services. Covered marine biology in general, and what to do at that age to plan for a career in the field.

Biocuz · Joined: 30 Jul 2020 Posts: 7 Location: Flour Bluff

Thank you CS! that would be awesome. I'll get with you on details

Rebecca of Sunnybrookfarm · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 3974

yes, I have a few things I can throw in, some cast nets, bait buckets, crab trap, etc...I might even part with a seine or two...
becky
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ziacatcher · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 2:42 pm Post subject:

I'm sure I have usable stuff I haven't used in years that I'll donate. I'll check around and get back to you

deputydawg · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 2:55 pm Post subject:

Can I join the class? Laughing

I probably have some stuff or some cash to donate. Thanks for trying to make a difference in today's kids!

BlueWaveEd · Horse Mullet Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 132

You will make an impression on the young people. I still remember the day Mrs. Bragg took us to cabin down the laguna in a bunch of fishing boats. That was 6th grade and I am now 70 the memory is still very fresh.

BayFly · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 3:48 pm Post subject:

Just a couple of thoughts that came to mind when reading this: When my son was a Boy Scout many years ago I contacted a friend who is a rod building materials supplier about buying his suggested materials for the troop and he not only organized the products needed for the Scouts to build their rods, he brought it all over (at least a one way 40 mile trek) and taught the kids how to make the rods at no cost to the troop! Maybe there is a local rod builder who will make a similar effort. My other specific thought was Tow Boat Trash should apply extremely well to this this project, and it won't surprise me if he doesn't show up soon. Also, it would not surprise me if Academy has an contribution for this type of project if they are given a chance. This is not the greatest year for CCA, due to us not being able to have large assemblies, but there are many individual members who will probably step forward to help our future conservationist, and fishers. Very Happy

Biocuz · Joined: 30 Jul 2020 Posts: 7 Location: Flour Bluff

Thanks for the support! I'm here in the Bluff so you can contact me anytime with questions or for pick-ups/drop-offs of goodies.

ziacatcher · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:28 pm Post subject:

Remember when I was teaching at the bluff and mr. Barton was the teacher and they had a shrimp boat. He would take the kids out in this big shrimp boat and do various things. Was a pretty awesome course. I would like to have been enrolled in it myself.

bd0202 · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:46 pm Post subject:

My dad grew up as a Bluff Rat when it wasn't cool...I have connections with the USDA and the TA&M Agrilife Extension office - but they generally deal more with terrestrial animals - I'll still ask, though. All the places you listed are good to talk to, plus TAMUCC Harte Research Center, maybe TAMUG, TSA, and lots of the voluntary groups on here. You reached out to the right place. Also possibly the FWS and even NPS - particularly the science staff on PINS. The geography will play a MAJOR role in the estuary we have developed here, and how what POCC wants to do will MURDER it. Crying or Very sad

A hard lesson to learn in Capitalism, but still one they should learn IMO.

Definitely taking part in Billy's Memorial Beach Cleanup (if they have it in 2021) will teach them a lot just from so many salts. Wink

CS and Becky are great resources, and Zia. Wink

Central Scrutinizer · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 9:12 pm Post subject:

bd0202 · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 9:26 pm Post subject:

ziacatcher · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2020 5:05 am Post subject:

Thanks for the read, CS. It was in 81 that I started there at the Bluff. Things were different back then. There was wood shop class, auto mechanics, cosmetology. Lots of classes to get kids ready for life that don't want to go off to college.

Biocuz · Joined: 30 Jul 2020 Posts: 7 Location: Flour Bluff

I'm with ya'll 100%. I graduated in 86, and I use some of the stuff I learned in shop to this day. When I went to TAMU-CC they were still very field focused. I had classes with Dr.'s Mckee, Cook, Hickman, Withers and we spent a TON of time in the field. As the program grows I'm hoping to add as much of a field component as scheduling allows. If ya'll hear of things like Kid Fish days, free admission to Aquarium, Lex, etc., Beach Clean ups, please let me know. Since the class (and I) have a significant science focus I want to discuss with the kids the ramifications of things like desal plants, development on the island, POCC activities; hopefully learning to evaluate those issues will stand them in good stead as they grow up to be the voting public.