Koch Finishes Strong in ARCA Racing Series Debut During Rain-Shortened Tire
Kingdom 150
Pocono

Blake Koch

JUPITER, Florida (Saturday, February 27, 2010) – Blake Koch, driver of the No. 6 Eddie Sharp Racing Tire Kingdom Toyota, finished third in the inaugural ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards race at Palm Beach International Raceway. The Tire Kingdom 150 presented by ModSpace proved to be an extra special event for Koch, who was honored by having the title sponsor of the race support his first ARCA Series appearance.

After just 11 laps in an ARCA Series car, he impressed his competitors by qualifying third. The road-course qualifying differed from normal formats, with groups of 5 drivers qualifying on the road course at one time. Koch, however, missed his qualifying group and was forced to start the race at the back of the pack.

The threat of rain showers loomed over the 2.034-mile road course prior to the 1 PM start time, but the race got underway without delay.

Although he started at the back, Koch worked his way up to ninth place by lap 6 as the rain began to cover the entire course. A full-course caution fell on lap 6, however Koch and the No. 6 team decided not to come into to pit road to change to “wet” tires because the shower appeared to be moving quickly.

On lap 11, the No. 6 Tire Kingdom Toyota gained speed and continued to push past much of the top-ten. Koch hit his fastest speed of 91.929 MPH on lap 15, completing the lap in just 79.222 seconds. Rain began to fall more furiously, but Koch continued to push on without rain tires as he moved up to the fourth position on lap 19.

“We had a real good car, especially in the dry conditions,” Koch said. “Then, it started coming down hard. ”

“We put that rain tire on, and none of us were set up for it. But, for a road course in the rain, I’m happy with a third. I’ll take it.” -Koch

As the rain worsened, an all-course yellow-flag fell once again on lap 21. Pit road opened the next lap as Koch came in for his first ARCA Series pit stop, along with the rest of the leaders, to get gas and four “wet” tires. The team utilized the Hooiser Short Track Radial “Slick” tires, and this was the first time in the 58-year series history a “wet” tire compound was used.

Koch was determined to work his way to the front after a successful pit stop, and by lap 26, the No. 6 was in second. At the half-way marker, the rain began to subside, and Koch settled in at the third position, remaining there for the duration of the race.

As the rain began to pick up again on lap 57, the No. 6 pitted for a “gas-and-go” stop. By lap 67, Koch began to complain that the rain was coming down so hard that he could not see through his windshield. His two spotters helped guide him through the track successfully as the final caution fell on lap 68.

Series officials were forced to end the race five laps short of the original distance, throwing the checkered flag on lap 70 of the 75 laps advertised. Koch finished in third behind Justin Marks and Robb Brent.

“We put that rain tire on, and none of us were set up for it,” said Koch. “But, for a road course in the rain, I’m happy with a third. I’ll take it. I just want to thank Tire Kingdom, Eddie Sharp Racing, and my Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.”

Owner Eddie Sharp agreed that the rain was not easy to overcome; however he is proud of Koch’s first showing in the ARCA Racing Series. “Koch showed determination in his first race. I am proud of his third-place finish, and his team did a great job keeping up with the leaders.”

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Tuesday March 9th

Greetings Fellow Fishers,

The DC Rally was a heck of an experience.  Often we choose not to get involved because we fear that committing our time and effort will not make a difference.  We choose to stand on the side line and watch, thinking that if there’s a chance anything can be done, you alone will not make the difference.  I too had these concerns when dedicating my time and the Ocean Isle Fishing Center’s money to arrange for a bus to take a group up to the DC Fishing Rights Rally.  I could just picture us showing up and being the large part of a very small crowd.  However, that could not have been the farthest from the truth.  Everyone that rode our bus agreed that this was a worthwhile effort and the general sense was that we might actually make a difference.

I crossed the bridge to Ocean Isle at 3:55am and looked down on a packed OIFC parking lot.  Commercial fishermen, For-Hire fishermen and recreational fishermen all mingled in the parking lot.  The bus showed up minutes later and after loading up our “I FISH, I VOTE” pickets (supplied by Charter Lakes Insurance), we were out of the parking lot at 4:15am sharp.  The ride up was uneventful and seemed to go by pretty fast.  We made a stop at McDonalds for breakfast, and I was impressed with how well they handled getting a bus load of 50+ hungry fishermen dropped on them.  We missed most of the traffic and at 11:30am we were standing in between Union Station and the State Capitol.  The Rally had begun to form as a stage and large banner were set up on the lawn in front of the State Capitol.  Fisheremen were pouring in from all directions, most toting signs and some wearing bibs, fish hats, rubber boots…..  Our group made a plan to meet back together at 3:15pm and headed into the Rally crowd.  The Rally started at 12pm sharp and the crowd continued to grow, 50 yards wide by a hundred yards deep at least- I heard them say maybe 4000-5000 in attendance.  One after another Senators, Reps, Mayors, Governors, Lobbyists, Fishermen took the stage.  It was a very well orchestrated event as each person had a different story.  The Congressmen that showed were both Democrats and Republicans- notables that I recognized included Shumer, Frank, Scott Brown, McIntyre, Kaye Hagan and several others from the northeast, carolinas and Florida; all pledging their support for House Bill 1584 and Senate Bill 1255- providing for flexibility in fisheries reform.  In between elected officials you’d get Fishermen and business owners who would tell their story.  They were some of the most interesting speakers, many very impassioned, but surprisingly, all were very well behaved.  The buzz word with elected officials seemed to be “jobs”, as they were preaching the hot topic of job loss.  Closing fisheries is increasing our unemployment as well as destroying much of Americas heritage.  Save the fishermen, not just the fish.  Also widely mentioned was that the best stewards of the sea were the fishermen, not the NMFS folks sitting behind a desk, using bad science to make their decisions.

It was much as I would have pictured a Rally.  Big crowds, lots of pickets of all variety, a colorful crowd and lots of yelling and emotion.  Points were made on stage and the crowd would roar; in between there was the constant single yell from a crowd member:  “What about us? ” or “Pew Sucks ” or “Down with NMFS”……  At 1:15pm I looked down at my watch and wondered how on Earth they were going to keep this going until 3pm.  But they did.  Speakers continued to flow and it never got boring.  At 2:15pm my wife and I decided to walk around the scene a bit to take it all in.  I thought this may be the only Rally we ever attend in our life, so we should take in the experience.  We shook hands and ran into friends from the SKA.  We saw news crews interviewing and secret service standing by with a watchful eye.  The crowd was diverse, but somehow you could tell they were all fishermen.  Racoon eyes, sun baked skin, white beards, dread locks, flip flops, fishing shirts, rubber boots….. We continued toward the back of the crowd when it happened.  Jim Donofrio with the RFA ( he organized the Rally ) and one of the event MC’s called out from stage, “Is Brant McMullan here?”  I froze; my eyes looked like those of a Grouper just pulled up from 200+ feet.  Again, “Brant McMullan, you out there?”  I ducked to hide for a second, my wife grabbing me to get up there.  Again, “Brant are you here?”  Then it hit me.  When will I ever again get the chance to stand on the steps of the Capitol in front of a huge Rally crowd.  I would regret missing the chance.  So, just like Jenny did in Forest Gump, I threw my hands in the air and began shouting, “Here I am!”  I was a good 100 yards from the stage, in the very back.  The crowd around me starting yelling and parted all the way to the stage.  It was surreal.  I sprinted to the front, all eyes on me.  A man reached down from the stage to grab my hand and help me jump right to the stage.  I will confess, as I was running, one thought dominated my mind.  I had recently seriously muffed the speech at my brother’s wedding, “Don’t mess up.  Redeem yourself.”  I jumped on stage and turned to the crowd.  There I was.  I did not go into a rant about the NMFS or fish closures, but instead opted for recognizing all the folks who rode the bus up from Myrtle Beach to Wilmington- “We are here!”  I thanked the RFA for their work and thanked all the fishermen from all walks for showing up.  I was thinking, “I want this picture” — so I concluded with a fist raise and “Hoorah.”  Mark that one off the bucket list.
The Rally ended promptly at 3pm and everyone made their way to the bus.  We were on the road by 3:45pm.  Traffic was a mess and south of DC it started raining.  The ride home took forever as everyone was tired and ready to get home.  We bombarded a Wendy’s for dinner, which was not ready, throwing us later home.  We pulled into the OIFC parking lot at 1:30am.

Everyone went their way and hopefully is telling their story of adventure.  It is a memory that I likely will never forget, and well worth my time and effort.
Thanks to all those who volunteerd their time to ride up to DC with us.  Thanks to Jim Donofrio and the RFA for hosting and organizing the Rally and thanks to all the elected officials for taking their time to show their support.
Now, the work must continue.  You must contact your elected officials and ask that they support House Bill 1584 and Senate Bill 1255.  The thing is that it can’t just be our own elected officials.  You need to call your relatives, friends…. from all states- whether its Kansas, Minnesota…. and have them to ask their reps to support the bills.  Support from just the coastal states won’t be enough.  Visit www.unitedwefish.com and www.joinrfa.org for details on the status of the bills and how you can help.

Below are some pics the DC trip-
Mike McIntrye

This is what happens deep under water!!

14lb hogfish

18lb Wahoo

32,40 and 58lb Black Grouper and other assorted unlucky fish and lobsters

A clothing line adapted to a restaurant and lounge concept? Wow, that’s different. And, this is the reaction Greg Saig, one of the operating partners at the Salt Life Food Shack, told me he’s been getting from people coming in to see what the new Jacksonville Beach restaurant is all about: “Wow! This place is just so different.”

And the scene is much different than other local offerings, from the full-size surfboards that serve as a patio fence to the mounted sailfish spearing the Food Shack’s first dollar. The blue tiling in the bar area, underwater images and beach lounge-style dining chairs all come together to make things very seaworthy.

Saig, along with partners (brother) Louis Saig, Tom Rady and Jeff Jabot, began licensing talks about a year ago with Salt Life, a Jacksonville Beach-born lifestyle outfitter for fishermen, surfers, divers and water-lovers in general. The concept was to create a dining and lounge experience that would appeal to the Salt Life family.

An intense five-month remodeling cast away all mementos of Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, which used to occupy the space. The new setup makes good use of the patio and community tables within the restaurant to foster a gathering spirit. Community bulletin boards dot the Shack (which is an understatement for the eye-catching space) where patrons are encouraged to hang their fishing, surfing, diving and related water sport photos. The Shack also made it a priority to support local businesses during the remodeling, and it procures much, if not most, of its fish and shrimp from Mayport. Whether you like your seafood fried, grilled, Low-Country boiled or served in sushi or seviche style, there is a menu offering for you. Prices are a day at the beach, with most meals under $15 and plenty under $10.

Weekly “get-togethers,” as Saig calls them, are already in place to help build a sandy-footed community spirit. The Shack offers happy hour drink discounts seven nights a week, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. until closing time. Wednesdays are a great night to visit, as 2 percent of sales go to benefit Never Quit, a foundation aimed at teaching people ways of preventing stroke and heart disease, headed by local professional surfer Karina Petroni (NeverQuitNever.com). Flip-flop Fridays showcase island-style appetizers and happy hour all night, and Backyard Sundays are sure to make their mark on the beach social scene as the weather warms; there’s a market there for $8.99 beer can chicken and $2 PBR, I assure you. And here’s a challenge to keep the fisherman motivated: If anyone beats partner Tom Rady’s 55.2-pound kingfish record, he or she is the lucky recipient of a $500 bar tab. So, keep your eyes on the salty prize.

Salt Life Food Shack

Where: ;1018 Third St. N., Jacksonville Beach
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday.
Info: (904) 372-4456

Source

Before you don your favorite Salt Life fishing clothing and head out to the ocean, don’t forget to register. Seems many still are unaware of a new federal requirement that all saltwater anglers be registered with NOAA’s new National Saltwater Angler Registry. It’s the agency’s new means of conducting surveys of saltwater recreational fishermen to find out how often they fish, what species they fish for, etc. Once the full registry is up and running, it will replace NOAA’s current hit-or-miss system of random-digit dialing to coastal households to attempt phone surveys – a system that’s been in place since the 1970s. ‘Bout time for a change.

The change in approach is designed improve survey efficiency by making more targeted calls only to homes where saltwater anglers actually live, rather than totally random homes. And NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) primarily wants to reach saltwater fishermen who live outside coastal counties. The long term goal is “to conserve our oceans and ensure the future of recreational fishing,” NOAA says. Statistics show there are upwards of 25 million saltwater recreational anglers in the U.S. While those anglers generate some $82.3 billion in annual sales and support more than half a million jobs nationwide, they also haul in the lion’s share of many popular species including striped bass, bluefish, tautog and black rockfish caught in our oceans.

There are a few exceptions to the registry requirements. You’re not required to register if:

•    You already hold a saltwater fishing license from one of 15 coastal states that have comprehensive licensing or registration already in place including Alabama, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Washington;
•    Your state does not require you to hold a fishing license, as might be the case if you’re a senior citizen, active-duty military or disabled;
•    You are under age 16;
•    You are paying to fish on a licensed charter, party or guide boat;
•    You hold a highly migratory species angling permit or subsistence fishing permit;
•    You fish commercially under a valid license.

You can register online or by calling 888-MRIP-411 between 4 a.m. and 12 a.m. (EST) seven days a week. You’ll get a temporary registration number immediately, then receive a card and permanent number in the mail in about 30 days. Registration is free during 2010, but a fee will be required as of January 1, 2011. NOAA’s not yet sure what it will charge, but projects fees of about $15-$25. And yes – you gotta register every year.

The good news is you can fish the same day you register. Jot down your temporary registration number and keep it with you, as there are penalties if you’re caught casting without registering. So go ahead – log on or make that phone call then get into your best Salt Life fishing clothing, grab your gear and go. See you on the water.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you know the salt life lover in your life is expecting something nice. Don’t disappoint – pick up a beautiful piece from our exclusive Salt Life Jewelry line designed by Guy Beard today. Favorites are our sea turtle pendants, sea turtle earrings, sea turtle dog tags, hibiscus pendants, hibiscus earrings and hibiscus dog tags.

A longtime salt lifer himself, Guy Beard is known throughout the jewelry industry as one of the top makers of mariner’s jewelry. He’s an avid blue water sailor, diver and angler who has combined his love of the ocean with his experience as an expert goldsmith to develop special patented jewelry making processes that ensure your Salt Life jewelry pieces look great and last forever.

For her, our Salt Life Jewelry sea turtle and hibiscus flower pieces are a surefire way to put a smile on her face. For him, our line of laser-etched dog tags with skulls and crossed poles or spear guns, seafarer’s compass or Salt Life logo make for a gift he’ll love to show off almost as much as he loves to show you off in your cute bikini and Salt Life tank top.

Don’t let Valentine’s Day sneak up and dunk you like a huge wave you never saw coming. Browse our website and find a great piece of Salt Life Jewelry, surfing apparel, fishing apparel or accessory today. And don’t forget dinner plans. The Salt Life Food Shack is now open – perfect place for a casual-but-romantic Valentine’s Day lunch or dinner.

Living the salt life can really work up an appetite. All the extreme surfing, fishing and diving leaves a guy or gal hungry after a full day on the ocean. So, we decided to extent the already wildly popular Salt Life brand into the restaurant business. Located at the site of the old Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill in Jacksonville Beach, Salt Life Food Shack opened in January to rave reviews.

Got the munchies? Stop in to Salt Life Food Shack for a hearty lunch or dinner. Already, locals are declaring the caliche poke (tuna) bowl, shrimp roll and oysters on the half-shell must-have favorites. Our seafood selection comes fried, grilled, low country boiled, sushi or seviche style – whatever your culinary mood at the moment, we’ve got a menu item to satisfy your hunger. Wash it all down with a tall cold one. We offer happy hour drink discounts seven nights a week, 4-7 p.m. and 10 p.m. until closing. Be sure to ask your waiter about weekly specials including Flip-Flop Fridays and Backyard Sundays. Our prices are an easy catch too. With most meals under $15, we’re as family-friendly as it gets.

In keeping with our corporate and personal mission to support every passionate waterman’s pursuit of the Salt Life, nearly all of the seafood that hits your Salt Life Food Shack table is locally caught by fishermen docking in the waters of Mayport. And if you dine in on Wednesdays, two percent of your purchase goes straight to NeverQuit (www.neverquitnever.com), a foundation dedicated to preventing stroke and heart disease. It was founded by record-breaking female professional surfer Karina Petroni in honor of her father. Karina travels the world as a top-rated competitive surfer, but lives near Salt Life’s Jacksonville Beach hometown.

You know you’re hungry! Put on your favorite Salt Life surfing or fishing t-shirt, stop in for a bite, stay for a drink and spin your big fish tale with sandy-footed friends in a casual, laid back, ocean-inspired atmosphere. Salt Life Food Shack is bound to become Jacksonville Beach’s favorite eatery and hang out.  See ya there!

Heads up Salt Lifers – the 2010 ASP World Tour and ASP Women’s World Tour schedules are out and it looks a bit different than last year’s event and venue lineup. Looks like Mother Nature’s calling the shots this go ‘round. Too many lay days wracked the nerves of competitor throughout the 2009 season and the new schedule is designed to take advantage of the best surfing conditions. This year, ASP is out to make sure the world’s best surfers go head-to-head on the world’s best waves.

“2010 will mark some major changes for professional surfing and the schedule reflects this,” says Brodie Carr, ASP International CEO. “We’re moving dates of certain venues to ensure that we get the best possible surf as well as adding landmark new events… It’s going to be an incredible year for surfing.”

A few of the most notable changes: The Billabong Pro Teahupoo in Tahiti moves from May to Late August and September; Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil moves up from July to April; and on the women’s circuit, the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic in Australia happens in April rather than September and October. After all, if you’re going to truly live the salt life, you’ve got to live by the ocean’s rules.

2010 ASP World Tour:

Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Australia, Feb. 27 – March 10
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Australia, March 30 – April 10
Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, Brazil, April 21 –
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, July 15 – 25
Billabong Pro Teahupoo, Tahiti, Aug. 23 – Sept. 3
Hurley Pro Trestles, Sept. 12 – 21
Quiksilver Pro France, Sept. 25 – Oct. 5
Rip Curl Pro Portugal, Oct. 7 – 18
Rip Curl Pro Search, Portugal, Oct. 30 – Nov. 10
Billabong Pipe Masters, Hawaii, Dec. 8 – 20
 
2010 ASP Women’s World Tour:

Roxy Pro Gold Coast, Australia, Feb. 27 – March 10
Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach, Australia, March 30 – April 5
Taranaki Women’s Surf Festival, New Zealand, April 11 – 16
Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic, Australia, April 21 – 26
Movistar Peru Classic presented by Rip Curl, TBA
Rip Curl Pro Portugal, Oct. 7 – 11
Rip Curl Pro Search, Portugal, Oct. 30 – Nov.
Gidget Pro Sunset Beach, Hawaii, Nov. 24 – Dec. 6
Billabong Pro Maui (Tentative), Dec. 8 – 20

More than $12 million in prize money is up for grabs in 2010. Mark your calendars and if you’re planning to be on the sands to watch the world’s top surfers battle it out, make sure you head to Salt Life for all your surf garb including surf shirts, board shorts and Salt Life hats and visors.