Robert Brown attended the state director's meeting, filling in for Charles Harkless, who was unable to attend due to business obligations.

Below is just a summary of the highlights of Robert's notes.  This is not intended to represent the official minutes, which will be provided at a later date.:

• Reading of minutes: Skipped

• Treasurers Report: ~$8900

• Paul Sewell discussed briefly the progress of the transition to "Unincorporated Non Profit" status for the Texas State BASS Federation

• Youth: Gary Smith
  (1) Each region was asked to consider providing funding to offset cost of sending Texas representative to Jr. BassMaster Classic, maybe $100 per region; it so happens to be the Texas representative for 2004 is no other than the daughter of the Texas State Youth Director, Gary Smith
  (2) Next year we will budget $500 for each of the (2) representatives
  (3) 7 Lil Buddies are scheduled in 2004 plus championship October 23rd at Richland Chambers (there are some minor scheduling conflicts for Richland-Chambers we need to work through on August 7)

• Darin Bryan of Skeeter presented the new state federation sponsorship program which provides some serious incentives for Texas BASS Federation members to purchase Skeeter boats (more information on this program will soon be available on the Skeeter website)

• Conservation: Tim Cook
  Tim provided a detailed summary of conservation activities he has been involved in over the past few months, most significant the grass carp issue in Lake Austin

• Tightlines: Eugene West
  Eugene provided an update on the new state federation magazine.  Next issue has an August 15 deadline and September 1 publication date.  Eugene can be reached at eugen@texcom.net.  Eugene pushed the need for advertising to offset costs.

• Promotion: Mike Moodt
  Mike discussed briefly promotion issues.  David Walton had mentioned earlier he wanted each region to have promotion directors.

• Web Site: Brent Stafford
  Brent, the new state internet coordinator, addressed web issues.  It was emphasized that each region needs to ensure the list the correct sponsors.  All sites need "Sponsored by Skeeter, Yamaha, Minn Kota" top center.

• Regional Reports:
  Each director or representative presented information on the activities in their regions.

• President's Miscellaneous: David Walton
  David reported on the Livingston tournament.  Said 11 boats were damaged; but he has received several reports from those indicating the tournament was well run, and kudos to the local chamber of commerce for doing it up right.
  David also said we needed boats for the PVA Sept 17-19.  There was discussion that the entry form on the website is still 2003.
  David also said we need help at the Skeeter Owners tournament.  We'll be signing up persons to the federation, and holding a casting kids, all 3 days, July 9-10-11.
  David mentioned the 2005 Central Divisional is down at Amistad and he hopes the regional directors will be down there to help run the tournament.
  David discussed the Texas Shootout, a "top 12" from each region, battling it out in December for a boat.  Lake will be announced in November, 2 weeks of practice, 2 weeks of off-limits.  $150 per entry, directors fish free.  Top six from that tournament get free entry to state tournament and room and board.  Winning region gets a trophy and $1000.  This was voted on and accepted.
  David discussed raffling another SX200 at the state tournament, and opening the sales up to the public if we don't have a certain amount by a certain deadline.  Paul Sewell made some argument to keep the boat in the state federation, and convinced David to do so.
  David mentioned we bought a new weigh-in trailer for the state.

• Central Divisional: Mark Grissom
  Mark discussed the recent tournament.  Said Texas finished 3rd, represented us well, and looked good at the same time.  Each team member received $1000, a Minn Kota trolling motor, clothing, and other sponsor provided merchandise.