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19th North Teledo Bend RendezvousWell, it's that time of year again & that time when I "remind folks", about grabbing the family and heading up to the North Toledo Bend Rendezvous at North Toledo Bend State Park on Nov 2-4. Each fall for 19 years, a group of fly tyers/fly fishers and their families from several states have met at the Group Camp and Lodge at this beautiful star of the Louisiana Park System. This yearly opportunity to spend a full weekend tying with a group of excellent tyers is unrivaled. Unlike a FFF club day or FFF Conclave, where you sit and watch other tyers "demonstrate" their skills and abilities, this event was designed for tyers to "tie with" their friends and to do "hands-on teaching" of beginners and novice tyers. Who attends? Well, some of the attendees are among the best of the FFF tyers in the South. Tyers from throughout the mid-South (TX. LA, OK, AR, MO, TN and MS) have been attending this fall gathering for fly tyers and fly fishers for all these years. Most of the regular tyers are invited FFF Conclave tyers and/or do programs at FFF clubs throughout the South. This is where many tyers have become friends, and its one of "our" favorite gatherings, where we renew those friendships. Everything from extended bodied dries, to foam bugs, to bluewater streamers will be tied. Got the idea? So whether ya' want to learn to spin or stack hair, clip wool, weave dries or tie most anything else, you will have the chance to tie with and learn those techniques from somebody there. Over the years, a number of excellent "lady" tyers have attended, and I'm sure that this year will not be an exception. In addition, non-tying wives and children are an integral part of this gathering. Actually, the ladies have a good time, and it wouldn't be the same without them! If the weather's good, we'll be launching a paddle craft or two (i.e. yaks and canoes), fishing on the lake and doing casting on the lawn. If the weather's little chilly or wet, we'll stoke up the big stone fireplace in the lodge and just tie more flies. Historically, the "Rule of Rendezvous" has been, "There are no rules at Rendezvous", which means that there are no programs, no commercial booths, no set schedules, no responsibilities, or timetables. You don't even have to tie a fly! You can just settle in on one the large wooden rockers in front of the big fireplace and read a book, or you can grab a rocker out on the Lodge's large front porch, with a big ol' stogie and/or your favorite "adult beverage" and enjoy the company of friends. Conversely, you may be one of the hard core crew that "ties all night".... It all depends on what YOU would like to do! However, last year one thing changed. The Gulf Coast Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers (GCC) was formed, and Rendezvous was actually the first "official" event for the GCC. You can come alone, or you can bring your family. As there is no traffic and no video games or other electronic gear, the kids tend to play games and to "flow thru". They chase balls, run over to the park's playground, fish and play down by the lake... like kids are supposed to do. The kids have fun, and Mom gets a break. So, for nice relaxed weekend in the big pines on the shores of the lake, then meet us there. At $40/family or $30/single for the weekend or $20/$15 for a day or night, it's an inexpensive and fun weekend! Yeah, that's for room, board, lessons, and a good time! Oh, and come hungry, as the food alone is more than worth the trip! Piping hot Dutch oven cobblers, chili, briskets, Pinsel's Famous Spaghetti, and lot and lots and lots of other good stuff!!! For drinks, there will be water, ice tea, coffee and ice. Just be sure to bring one large dish and your own sodas/adult beverages. No - you don't have to bring enough to feed everyone, but please be generous with the size of your dish. Don't worry if you don't know anyone when you arrive, as if you ever attended any S.E.C., SOC, or GCC Conclaves, then I'm sure that you'll recognizes some of us. Actually, last year Rendezvous was the first event for the GCC and all GCC members are invited to attend, as are members of any of the other FFF clubs. A number of years ago, Walter McClendon and the Piney Woods Fly Fishers agreed to head up this gathering (and he/they've done a great job!). Walter and the Piney Woods Fly Fishers maintain a website on Rendezvous which can be viewed at: As usual, I plan on being there with several of my kids in tow. Actually, just yesterday, Olivia asked me, "When is Rendezvous?" She's ready to go! If you have any questions about Rendezvous or think that you'd like to attend, please feel free to contact Walter McLendon at: waltermc@sprynet.com / 936-875-3726, or contact me at: the email address listed below. Hope to see ya' there. Tight lines, Kyle Moppert |
