New Grouper Regulations start January 1, 2009
New grouper regulations are now in place and will begin January l, 2009.   You can access them at www.myfwc.com/marine which is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. 

The numbers are reduced, and the season is closed two months.  Go to FFWCC website for details, and they are posted on our website on  the Education Section of our website at www.mbara.org for your convenience. 

Mike Trombley Passes Away
One of the truly great men of the world passed away on Christmas Eve after fighting colon cancer for some time.   He was an attorney who helped the MBARA get our 501 c 3 not for profit status and our legal incorporation in the State of Florida.  He served on the original Board of Directors for 7 years. 

He was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, and a Seminole to the bone.  He spent a lot of hours at Mexico Beach in his boat called Renegade.  I am sure that he and Chief Osceola are chatting right now about Bobby's future at FSU.  Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. 

New Tournament Video Ready to Go
Our new 2008 tournament video is ready to go and is on the local Channel 4 station at Mexico Beach.  It is also on our website for all to see.  It is great! Lots of pictures and action from the tournament.  Right on home page. 

Gumbo Festival Coming Soon
Mark you calendar-February 14, 2009.  A huge party with people cooking gumbo for prizes,  and you can sample each one for your eating pleasure.  Live music, the Budweiser Wagon, dancing, and hot gumbo for sale.  Why not enter the cooking contest?  Contact Lynn at the CDC for details or visit her at www.mexicobeach.com for all the low down.

Fall Membership Campaign Going
 The MBARA is conducting its annual Fall Membership Drive.  We need members to sign up for the coming year to help us out with our building of reefs.   It is only $35.00 a year.  Each membership gets a new MBARA hat.  You can sign up on line at our website or mail your check to MBARA, P. O. Box 13006, Mexico Beach, Florida 32410.

We are also accepting donations at this time.  We are fully tax deductible and a 501 c 3 not for profit corporation in Florida.  As you think of giving at this time of year and as you plan your taxes, remember the MBARA.

2009 Kingfish Tourney Date Set
Mark your calendar.  On August 29, 2009, we will hold the 13th Annual MBARA Kingfish Tournament in Mexico Beach, Florida. 

The El Governor Motel is going to run a special for our tournament.  Only 75 dollars a night for a room.  Minimum of two nights required.  Get your reservations now. 


Tournament Pictures on Website
The pictures from the tournament have been posted on our website under the photo section.  The pictures are great!  Thanks to all the volunteers who really helped us out.

Get the Facts on Reefs
These five websites are all about looking after saltwater fishermen and keeping them all up to date on current changes in regulations, reporting on research, and reef update information.   Read them and get the facts.

Emerald Coast Reef Association
www.ecreef.org
Dedicated to reef building and research

Coastal Conservation Association of Florida
www.CCAflorida.org
Trying to protect the state's marine resources and the interests of saltwater anglers.

Fishing Rights Alliance
www.thefra.org
Striving for fairness in fisheries management.

Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen
CCGF
www.conservationfishermen.com
Trying to be the voice and ears of the saltwater fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico

Reef Fish Restoration Association
www.reeffishra.com
Leading the way in reef fish restoration with artificial reefs

Education Section of MBARA Website
Be sure to check out the EDUCATION SECTION  of the MBARA website.  New articles added each month about reefs, rules, ships, laws, fishing regulations, and much more.  New Grouper regulations. Over 30 really good articles from journals, newspapers, magazines, and government documents.


Wall of Fame
Go to Marquardt's Marina and look at wall of fame showing past winners and Miss Kingfish winners from the MBARA Kingfish Tournaments.  Poster size pictures are on the wall for all to see.  Winners will go on the Wall of Fame.

The Search for New Miss Kingfish Is On
The selection committee is out working hard to find the new Miss Kingfish for the 2009 MBARA Kingfish Tournament.  It is a tough job, but someone has to do it.

And a special thanks to Ashley who worked so hard last year as Miss Kingfish. As you can see from the photo to the left, she is truly amazing!  Check out her photos on our Photo Section of website.