Poggie Christmas Party: Our annual Poggie Christmas party is this Saturday, 12/13/2025. Note that the time has changed and doors will now open at 1 pm and we will eat around 1:30 pm. While the club will be providing some ham and turkeys, this event is a potluck, so please bring your favorite dish to share along with your own plates, utensils and beverages. We will be doing a bakery raffle and you are welcome to bring your bakery donation to the party. There are rumors that Santa may stop by for photos and presents. There are no other general meetings in 2025 and the next general meeting at Sheridan Park Community Center is 1/20/2026. Contact Karen Fox at 360-850-3094 for questions or more information.

Date: 12/13/2025
Time: Doors open 1 pm, eat around 1:30 pm
Location: VFW Post 23,9 190 Dora Ave., Bremerton, WA 98312

 

 

Salmon in the Classroom: Our Salmon in the Classroom program is well underway with eggs delivered to the seven schools participating this year, including South Kitsap High School, Burley Glenwood, Sunnyslope, South Colby, Manchester, Mullinex and Burley Christian. 

 

 

We are excited to announce that we are in discussions with two additional schools to join next year’s Salmon in the Classroom program and we are working on two aquarium setups for them. Thanks to all Poggie volunteers who support the Salmon in the Classroom program and a special thanks to Russ Hallsted for working with the South Kitsap School District to add new schools and improve the program.

 

 

The release dates in the spring, when students will visit Jarstad Park to release their salmon, are 3/30 – 4/3/2026. We will need several volunteers during this time as each of the seven schools take field trips to release their salmon.

If you are interested in volunteering with Salmon in the Classroom, get in touch with Louie Morton at 360.689.0118

Fly Tying and Rod Building Classes: We are thrilled to announce the return of our fly tying and rod building classes. Thank you to our instructors, Jerry Tomeo and Randy Fox! Find details below. 

Fly tying:
Tuesdays Jan 27th – March 10th
7:00-9 pm
Learn the basic fly-tying techniques for both wet and dry flies. All vices, tools and materials will be provided. Material and instruction fee of $25 payable to the Poggie Club at the first class. 

Rod building:
Thursdays Jan 15th – March 12th
6:00-9 pm
Learn how to build and repair your own special fishing rod. Instruction fee of $30 payable to the Poggie Club at the first class. Additional material fees for supplies of your choice.

 

 

 

 

Hatchery Volunteering: Thank you to Lou Rodriguez for coordinating hatchery volunteers this summer. We are thrilled to work with the Suquamish Tribe in the hatchery program and they graciously hosted a delicious lunch for all of the Poggie volunteers.
 

 

 

 

 

Lou typically provides monthly hatchery updates at general meetings, so please attend in person if you are interested in the hatchery work (likely starting in early August 2026).

The tribes require a background check in order to volunteer and this year there will be a new process for all volunteers, regardless of background checks completed in previous years. The tribe has given us the process for registering as a volunteer and completing the background check. If you’d like to learn more and get involved, please contact Lou Rodriguez at 360-674-8371

Upcoming Speakers: At our January meeting, we are planning on hosting a speaker from the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition, which you can learn more about here: https://coastalcutthroatcoalition.org/

Upcoming School Event Nights: Throughout the school year we participate in various school event nights including STEAM night, Native American Heritage night, etc. These are great opportunities to talk all things fishing with the students as well as promoting our annual Kid’s Fishing Party. 

We have been invited to STEAM night at East Port Orchard Elementary School on 2/5/2026. If you would like to get involved, attend a general meeting or contact Russ Hallsted.

 

 

Poggie Merch: Since Poggie jackets are custom-ordered, please contact kitsappoggieclub@gmail.com if you are interested in getting a Poggie Jacket. 

 

 

Board Meeting: December 10th, 7 PM at Art Bruner Residence. The next board meeting is January 14th, 2026.Dues: Please make sure you are caught up on your 2025 annual dues. Dues serve the community through camp scholarships, salmon in the classroom, Kid’s fishing party, etc. You can pay on the web at https://kitsappoggieclub.com/about/membership-application/, you can pay by mail, you can pay at a meeting. 

 

 

Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to our events and recruit them to join!

Club needs: 

 

 

• Christmas Party volunteers
• Salmon in the classroom volunteers
• School event night volunteers (e.g., STEAM night, Native American Heritage night, etc.) – this is open ended and can range from talking about salmon, tying flys, rod building, etc.

 

 

Upcoming events:

 

 

• 12/13/2025: Poggie Christmas Party
• 1/15/2026: Rod building classes (first night)
• 1/20/2026 – January General Meeting
• 1/27/2026 – Fly tying classes (first night)
• 2/5/2026 – STEAM night at East Port Orchard Elementary
• 3/30 – 4/3/2026: Salmon In The Classroom release days