It was a COLD Novmeber day when I first met Nikki, she came over with Dragginfish (Kieth) to slay some grouper, West coast style.

She had an infectous smile that seemed to make the day a little warmer, and I remember her saying " I can't believe the amount of fish you have over here". The water was in the low sixties and the fish were everywhere.

Near the end of the day she said "my arms are tired from reloading" but that didn't stop her from doing one more drop!

We all had a great time that day and I was ribbing Polespear about his complaining (I think Kieth out shot him) When I said " could you go down in the cabin....get the pink dress for Dave.

Dave (being the ultimate competetor) came up with the next trip whoever shoots the biggest EDIBLE fish wins and the loser posts his pic on SB wearing the dress.

Nikki couldn't resist, she had to drive over the next week, just to see who would wear the dress, she even went shopping for one that would fit all of us.

Gamble Supplied the T-shirts and we were off and running with the first annual PINK DRESS OPEN.

A few bets were made with all the proceeds going to the FRA.

Well, it was right after a cold front had came thru, and we all know what happens when it blows hard for a few days... Viz goes to crap.

We dove our a$$e$ off all day in 5 ft of viz or worse , NO one wanted to wear the pink dress. let alone put the pic up on SB.

Dave managed to shoot a mango just over legal size (I'm sure he'll tell you different)

I got BLANKED (at least they didn't throw in painting pink fingernails and toenails for the photo shoot)

Gamble shot a remora that beat out Daves mini Go. (Gamble swore up and down he was going to eat the remora) BTW Gamble how does remora taste?

I think for a few days there was a permanent smile attached to my face, just thinking of the events that transpired.

I saw Nikki again at the SPO and we had set the date for the 2nd annual PINK DRESS OPEN. same time frame end of November or first week of Dec.

Well, Nikki my friend I won't let you down I'm sure you"ll be there in spirit.

Anyone up for some good natured ribbing a few laughs, some photos and maybe a few bets?

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You can count me in.... I'll try some remora if it comes dowm to it.

Who happens to know Nikki's birthday?

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I still think Gamble would look the prettiest with that pink dress on!

November 7, 1968

According to sb, in her profile she listed November 7, 1968

Wow, that's a trip. I'm exactly one month older than her.

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In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot. ~Mark Twain

She was an awesome person.

I'll leave it alone.But its true.

Nikki will be missed by many that knew her and many more that only knew her through the forums. Either way, in her short life Nikki was able to bring happiness to so many, that should be the goal of everyone here.

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I agree.It should also be a goal of everyone here to make sure a something like this dosn't happen again.Know were your divers are.

I hope she rests peacefully! After talking to her about the puchase of one of her trophy guns I figured out that she was a very nice and considerate person. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.

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Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely,
in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in side ways,
totally worn out, yelling... "That was a hell of a ride!!!"

That was a great day looking back on it. Sorry guys but Shortly ofter that pic was taken with me and Niki she asked me, " are you really going to eat that thing". Well I'll just leave it as no comment. :bringiton

Nikki, May the winds be light and the sun always warm your face in clear water filled with trophy fish. God speed.

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Nikki,
Warm and calm are the waters in which you'll swim now. Your Wahoo awaits......you go girl!
Godspeed.......

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Fred H. Shomer RIP 11/19/07

My wife & I spent a week in the Bahamas with Nikki & Tommy. They also dove on my boat a few times. She was always a lot of fun to be around. She is a tragic loss for all of us.

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So the 2nd Annual Pink Dress Open is Saturday and I'm here to post a picture of the ...umm...prize??

If, by some strange course of events, a WOMAN loses, she'll be wearing something.....different!

Dennis and I discussed changing things up a bit this to allow for more involvement since the $$ is for a good cause.... An East Coast division as well! If you'll be hunting the East Coast on Saturday, you can contact me for details.

The proceeds raised will be given to the FRA and Nikki's school.... So, make Nikki proud...... Put your friend in a dress by competing and out shooting him/her!!

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Dave and Dennis are gong to look GOOOOOD in that one!!!!!

Dennis please post the said rules for the PDO so I make sure to follow them to the letter!!

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You mean like NO remoras?? Man I hope I dont have to wear that thing. Potshot, we need to seriously find the fish.

So then where, whom,and when do we provide the entry fee to???

I'm lining up a boat of shooters on the East Coast and have a duplicate of the NEW pink dress over here for the East Coast Division Male Loser....(or is it winner??).

Also, as Dennis and I discussed IF (by some strange reason) a female shooter loses, a different outfit should be and will be worn. The one I picked up just in case that happens looks something like this (though the ACUTAL female loser/winner dress is at my house at the moment and I can't post a picture of the ACTUAL dress).

Of course, the model in this picture is NOT a shooter -- Sorry, Guys -- and won't be on any competing boats.

P.S. Dennis, since remoras don't count this year (Nice way to pull it out last year, Gamble is there a list of "legal" fish for entry??

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"Fish, I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends." ~ The Old Man and the Sea

It's been two years today Nikki and I still think about you and your catching smile and laugh. We had many good times together over the years at the St. Pete Open and you will always be missed.