The latest from CURRENTS
Port O’Connor CCA Chapter Update: Exciting Times Ahead! The Port O’Connor Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Chapter is riding the wave of excitement with some fantastic events and updates to share! Get ready for great company, riveting stories, and of course, plenty of fish tales.
December and January Recap: We kicked off our Anglers’ Night Out series with a bang! A huge shout-out to Shane Bonnot with CCA Texas for his insightful presentation on the LNRA Dam project and CCA’s stance on the issue. Big round of applause for Tad Mayfield of Lavaca River Ranch also gave us a unique landowner’s perspective on the Lavaca River. RJ Shelley, Calhoun County Extension Agent took us deep into the world of oyster mariculture in January, highlighting its role in sustainable seafood and habitat restoration.
(Photos from the December CCA POC Anglers’ Night Out)
But wait, there’s more! Our January Anglers’ Night Out featured a surprise guest—Tom Lempa of Pensacola Bay Oyster Co.—who not only shared his journey as an oyster farmer but also treated everyone to fresh, delicious oysters. Despite the rainy weather, we had a fantastic turnout, proving that nothing can keep a dedicated angler away! Talk about a tasty education! A big thank you to The Hurricane for hosting, their wonderful staff for their warm hospitality, and for decking the place out in a fun holiday vibe. And let’s not forget to give a round of applause to Brandon Smolik, our lucky January door-prize winner!
(Photos from the January CCA POC Anglers’ Night Out)
Upcoming Anglers’ Night Out events – mark your calendars!
February: Bridgid and Alan Berger will lead the charge on the Crab Trap Cleanup—a mission to rid our waters of derelict traps. We’ll also pay tribute to the legendary “Crab Man” himself, Ronnie Luster, who founded this crucial conservation effort.
March 13: Get ready for a trip down memory lane with Sam Caldwell and Fred Carr as they share captivating stories from the early days of GCCA’s founding. You won’t want to miss this blast from the past!
May: The excitement ramps up with Bill Kinney, CCA Star Tournament Director, just in time for the big kick off! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a curious newcomer, this is the perfect chance to get the inside scoop on the tournament.
Save the date for our 24th Annual Banquet on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Get your party hats (or fishing caps) ready because the Port O’Connor CCA Chapter’s 24th Annual Banquet is coming your way on April 12, 2025! Expect an evening packed with amazing food, thrilling auctions, and a whole lot of conservation celebration. Want to get in on the action? Table and sponsorship opportunities are available, don’t miss your chance to be part of something special!
Follow us on Facebook @PortOConnorCCA and Instagram @portoconnorcca for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes peeks.
We’re all about keeping the spirit of conservation and camaraderie alive, and we’d love you to join us at these events. If you’re itching to get involved or just want more info, reach out to Chapter President Charlotte “CeCe” Fitzgerald ccfitzgerald29@gmail.com or our CCA Texas representative Taylor Rieck at trieck@ccatexas.org. We can’t wait to see you soon—until then, tight lines and good vibes! Cheers, CeCe Fitzgerald, President CCA Port O’Connor Chapter
(Left: Preston Luster, Lila Harrell and Caroline Luster / Middle: Preston Luster driving the airboat with the Fitzgerald girls! / Right: Caroline Luster and Melissa Fitzgerald Harrell)
Officers
President
Charlotte “CeCe” Fitzgerald
Secretary:
Donna Trubee
Treasurer:
Sue Glover
Banquet Chair:
Norman Trubee
Social Media Chair:
Becca Wright
Board
Margaret Claiborne
Otto Haardt
Alane Haardt
Nancy Ladshaw
Bill Moore
Bobbi Rankin
Maeghan Strahm
Becca Wright
