Archives of Featured Articles

The Winter issue for 2007 is ready. It is our desire to please our FFF members with valuable content and information that is useful to the individual and their clubs. Please review a note within the table of contents on page 16. We need your input for the best method of delivering this newsletter to you. Very few responded via the last newsletter ad placed on the registration form. If you don't respond, you cannot voice your opinion. Think outside the box and tell us what you would like. Let Pat Smith know before December 31st. We need your guidance on how to deliver the newsletter to you in a more timely, efficient manner.

Larry Murphy,
Long Casts Editor

Conservation Update

The Environmental Council of the States has a collection of data, prepared reports and publications on state environmental contributions. Review the information found on their Web site if you are curious about the resources covered and efforts are being made in your state. You will find specific links to your state and its steward agencies, all with ample details.

Important deadline: Conservation grant applications are due November 15, 2007. [Posted 11.01.07]

Robert Bays
VP Conservation

Project Healing Waters - Adaptive Casting Challenge

Several FFF members from Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma including a few Certified Casting Instructors, a Master Casting Instructor, and a seminar instructor from Colorado converged on Springfield's Bass Pro Headquarters to participate in the first Adaptive Casting Challenge for the Project Healing Waters of the Ozarks. For more information about this effort, visit the following URL: Ozark Fly Anglers. [Posted 10.22.07]

Free State Fly Fishers - Club of the Year

Hearty congratulations are extended to all the members of the Southern Council's newest club - Free State Fly Fishers. The honor was bestowed to this club at the Awards Banquet on Friday evening, October 5, 2007. They are very active and sharing in their community, region, and especially within the Council. All members are proud to call these club members their fellow fly fishers.

Teacher of the Year - Al Bourisaw
Fly Tyer of the Year - Tony Spezio
Junior Fly Tyer of the Year - Jesse Huth
Conservation Award - Leon Alexander
Tall Tell Taler Award - Dr. Michael Lack
Man of the Year - Allen Crise
Woman of the Year - Lesley Allen
Federator of the Year - Dennis 'Wild Bear' Reed
Friend of the Southern Council - Wapsi Fly, Inc.

Larry Murphy
Webmaster

Casting Games

Accuracy Youth - Girl

1. Gracie Pendergrass
2. Emily Robinson

Accuracy Youth - Boy

1. Robert Boyd
2. Zach Beardon

Accuracy Women

1. MaryAnn Townsend
2. Ginger Koziatek

Accuracy Men

1. Max Maxwell
2. Les Jackson

Distance Youth - Girl

1. Gracie Pendergrass (31'-6")
2. Nikki Tudor (25'-11")

Distance Youth - Boy

1. Zach Beardon (67'-7")
2. Robert Boyd (61'-0")

Distance Women

1. Sheryl Knight (60'-0")
2. Mary Ann Townsend (59'-10")

Distance Men

1. Eric Strader (74'-7")
2. John Devas (71'-1")

Bob Temper and Steve Antonic
Ozark Fly Fishers

Baxter County Quorum Court Turns Down Development Standards

The Baxter Bulletin reported on Wednesday, October 4, 2007 that the ordinance to establish minimum standards for development projects was voted down 8-3. These planning standards were felt by supporters to be a step in a sound environmental direction. Critics claim the ordinance was a strong reaction to one developer's problems.

Read what the Baxter County newspaper reported and weigh in with your own opinions. Gather your neighbors and friends and make your concerns known. Whether you side with the proponents or supporters, make sure that your influence toward improving the stewardship of local officials holds them to a higher standard than current practice shows.

Larry Murphy
Webmaster
[ Posted 10.04.07 - 19:30:00 ]

Welcome Fly Fishers to the
2007 Southern Council Conclave
in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Many motel rooms, camping sites, lodges and other places are beginning to fill up with fly fishers and guests in anticipation of the 2007 Southern Council Conclave opening day's events. Thursday will contain some awesome workshops. Registration desk opens at 8:00 a.m. in Ramada Inn.

Rise early, get a good breakfast, drink a morning cup of coffee and greet the day with joy. It's Conclave time again! Take every opportunity to visit and get to know your fellow fly fishers. See you somewhere around during the Conclave.

Check back often during the Conclave for current happenings and photos direct from Mountain Home.

Larry Murphy
Webmaster
[ Posted 10.03.07 - 20:15:00 ]

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS WHAT IS STACKING UP TO BE A GREAT TIME!

Bruce Richards, Fly Rod and Reel magazine's Man of the Year will be on tap to dispel any myths that have cropped up since "A River Runs Through It" came out. Bruce knows a thing or two about casting and the technical aspects of fly fishing. There will even be a casting demonstration with both Bruce and Mark Sedotti showing their prowess, which is free to conclave attendees. Want to see someone shoot 100' of line with an 8" streamer? Come to Conclave! It'll be fun!!!

Speaking of fun, the Jerry Clark casting games will give you a chance to try your own hand at casting with some interesting challenges for all ages and skill levels. There will be 3 free programs each day during lunch, which we have affectionately dubbed the "Brown Bag" series of programs. An upscale brown bag lunch will be available for purchase so that you can grab a quick lunch and enjoy the free programs like "Fly Fishing Mongolia" or "Texoma on the Fly" at your leisure.

Once you get there you won't want to leave!! Numerous raffles will occur throughout the day for some awesome prizes. There is an entire exhibition hall full of vendors who have the latest and greatest fly fishing stuff and we all know how we feel about fly fishing stuff, right? Some of the best fly tiers to be found have come from far and wide to demonstrate and share their skills. In addition, there are fly tying and casting classes available for all skill levels. You can even sign up for a free individual coach! Maybe you need a class to hone your nymphing skills. We have it! Or maybe your presentation is lacking. We have it! We also have numerous classes that will allow you to take a skill back to your home waters and utilize them to improve your club and your fisheries!

The photo contest for this year's conclave will be run in the same fashion as in previous years but with a twist! There will be two areas that you can choose from but will be judged together. First, we are looking for some unusual and interesting photos of your club in the act of interacting with kids in a way that promotes our restoration/conservation/education theme. Secondly, we are looking for photos of your club involved in a conservation-based activity such as building habitat. These don't have to be big projects. We are looking for quality pictures of your club in action. The prize for the winner is an awesome print donated by Dave Whitlock! A prize worth stretching your zoom lens for!!!

A special surprise for 5 lucky individuals is waiting at the boat ramp this year at conclave! We have arranged half-day float/fishing trips with Bruce Richards, Mark Sedotti, Dave Whitlock, Julie Meissner and Ken Iwamasa. Expert local guides that know the waters to be fished like the back of their hand will guide them. Some of the guides include John Wilson and Davy Wotton. It looks to be a memorable conclave for some lucky bidder. More information regarding the trips will be made available on the Southern Council website.

We aim to insure that everyone has a great experience and a good time. Come and see us, it'll be fun!!!

Download a flier to print and hand or mail or email to your friends... [ MS Word ] [ PDF ]

2007 Conclave Committee Chairs (Updated 09.06.07)

Kurt Moomau
2007 Conclave Chair

Conservation Committee Minutes Posted

Conference Call Meeting - The Federation of Fly Fishers' Conservation Committee recently held their meeting on September 6, 2007. Review the minutes provided by the committee for our information. Access to the document can be found in the Conservation section

Robert Bays, VP Conservation
FFF Southern Council

FFF Partners with Bass Pro

Livingston, Montana - As you know FFF is committed as a partner with Bass Pro to educate fly fishers. In a nut shell, they do the promotion and provide the teaching venue in their store. We give them an FFF membership for the fly fishing managers, instructor(s), and provide a special $15 one year membership for the students.

Each Southern Council club will need to match themselves with a local store and designate a club member as the liaison between the club and the store. That individual and the local store fishing manager will work out details for specific schedules and curriculum. You may wish to add fly tying, casting etc. etc. or add classes with particular relevance to the local area. Whatever subject you teach please use our FFF manual format so that the student is able to have a take away.

Special $15 membership applications (regular applications are fine) sent to Livingston in batches to avoid confusion at this end.

This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with one of the countries premier outdoor retailers for the benefit of all concerned. Please give this project your most serious attention.

As always, give me a call or e-mail if you have questions, problems etc. Download a copy of information letter being sent to each Club President.[PDF] [MS Word]

Thanks,

R.P. Van Gytenbeek
406.222.9369 Ext. 108

P.S. Please advise Constance Whiston @ Bass Pro and me of your club and individual project manager.

Casting a 2007 Southern Council Award Ballot

Today is the very last day to cast your club ballot or Southern Council officer ballot. Ballots must be received via email by the end of day on September 18, 2007. Only one ballot per club or Southern Council officer, please. Review the 2007 Southern Council Award Nominations provided by fellow Southern Council clubs and/or members.

Brian Ellis, VP Coommunications
FFF Southern Council

Saturday, September 15th is the final day to recieve pre-registration discounts for 2007.

FFF Conservation Grant Prosposals'
Due Date for Fall Getting Closer

Do you have a resource project that creates healthy aquatic habitats? The Federation of Fly Fishers offers conservation grants to clubs, agencies, organizations and individuals who are working to preserve and restore the waters we cherish.

Grant Proposal Guidelines

1. Electronic application submission is preferred.
2. Prior to submission, proposals must be approved by an FFF Council Conservation VP.
3. Typical grant amounts are limited to $2,000 per year. Please use this as a guideline in your request for funding.
4. Applications are accepted year round and are considered three times each year.

Proposal Deadlines:

• Fall Deadline, November 15, 2007
  Successful applicants notified January 1, 2008
• Spring Deadline: March 15, 2008.
  Successful applicants notified May 1, 2008.
• Summer Deadline: July 15, 2008.
  Successful applicants notified September 1, 2008.

Yes, now is the time to begin preparing your club's request for Conservation Grants. Complete details and online application forms can be found in the Conservation area of this Web site. If a club or indivdual member has questions or concerns, please contact Robert Bays

Robert Bays, VP Conservation
FFF Southern Council

2007 Southern Council Award Nominations

Cast your club ballot or Southern Council officer ballot before September 18, 2007. Only one ballot per club or Southern Council officer, please. Review the 2007 Southern Council Award Nominations provided by fellow Southern Council clubs and/or members.

Brian Ellis, VP Coommunications
FFF Southern Council

Conservation Update - July 2007

The FFF wants to know what activities are happening in your Club or Council. You are encouraged to relay conservation related projects to the Conservation Coordinator. Next deadline for our Conservation Grants program is November 15, 2007. The application and guidelines can be found on our website.

Robert Bays, VP Conservation
FFF Southern Council

FFF Conservation Grant Prosposals'
Due Date for Fall Getting Closer

Do you have a resource project that creates healthy aquatic habitats? The Federation of Fly Fishers offers conservation grants to clubs, agencies, organizations and individuals who are working to preserve and restore the waters we cherish.

Grant Proposal Guidelines

1. Electronic application submission is preferred.
2. Prior to submission, proposals must be approved by an FFF Council Conservation VP.
3. Typical grant amounts are limited to $2,000 per year. Please use this as a guideline in your request for funding.
4. Applications are accepted year round and are considered three times each year.

Proposal Deadlines:

• Fall Deadline, November 15, 2007
  Successful applicants notified January 1, 2008
• Spring Deadline: March 15, 2008.
  Successful applicants notified May 1, 2008.
• Summer Deadline: July 15, 2008.
  Successful applicants notified September 1, 2008.

Yes, now is the time to begin preparing your club's request for Conservation Grants. Complete details and online application forms can be found in the Conservation area of this Web site. If a club or indivdual member has questions or concerns, please contact Robert Bays

Robert Bays, VP Conservation
FFF Southern Council

Editor's Note:

The Long Casts - V26N4 - Fall Issue has been shipped from Arab, Alabama on August 27, 2007. Expect it to arrive in your mailboxes this September. The Conclave pre-registration deadline is September 15th.

Unfortunately I failed to give proper credit and recognition to all parties of the article entitled "Fishing Secrets". Dr. Gary Eaton, CCI, and Jim Laing, CCI, contributed to the article. Dr. Gary Eaton is referred to in the article as "Doubledoc" and Mr. Jim Laing is referred to as "Maxlinespeed" . Credit for the photographs goes to Mr. Jim Laing. The unabridged version of this article can be read in the forum section of Matt Tucker's Ozark Chronicles, URL: http://www.ozarkchronicles.com. My apologies to these noble fly fishers for any inconvenience or undue oversight on my part.

Larry Murphy, Editor, Posted 08.28.07

Casting Board of Governor's Meeting Highlights

Joan Wulff and Al Kyte retired from the board. Bob Middo, Chris King, will replace them on the CBOG board. Joining the CGOB is Lasse Karlsson of Europe. (He couldn't make it to the Conclave in time for the Board meeting.) There is a major change in that Tom Jindra stepped down as Chairman of the CBOG. In his place will be Bruce Richards as chairman of the Casting Board of Governors. More info.

Al Crise, VP Education
FFF Southern Council

2007 FFFSOC Conclave Information

The 2007 Conclave information you waited for is now posted online. Keep up-to-date by visiting the Conclave section for other information often. Updates, revisions and cancellations will be posted there. The 2007 Conclave Schedule [PDF] and 2007 Conclave Pre-Registration [PDF] are available also by navigating to the Conclave section (see left menu.) Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.0 or greater is required to view these publications. Pre-registration ends September 15, 2007.

2007 Conclave Fly Tying Coaches Needed - If you can donate a couple of hours of your time at the 2007 Conclave, please contact . This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your particular skills and at the same time give hands-on instuction. [Update - May 29, 2007]

FFF Master Annual Report 2007 Posted

The Federation of Fly Fishers' 2007 Annual Report dated July 31, 2007 is available online, posted for the first time on the Southern Council's Web site. Review the annual report and the content contained within to become aware of all that the national organization and its councils are doing. The document is available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF or a Microsoft Word document. Contact a Southern Council officer, director or club president with your comments or questions regarding the FFF Master Annual Report 2007.

Larry Murphy, Webmaster
FFF Southern Council

Special FFF Membership Promotion

A new 2007 incentive program for FFF membership was announced today, download the hyperlinked letter [pdf] from R. P. Van Gytenbeek, Chief Executive Officer/President, Federation of Fly Fishers. Please share this information with your flyfishing club, friends and family.

Sheryl Knight, President
FFF Southern Council

Leon Alexander - 2007 Water Conservationist
of the Year

LITTLE ROCK, AR - A high honor and award has been bestowed to Leon Alexander of Norfork, Arkansas. His actions, efforts and willingness to step forward to lead an effort toward curtailing the Norfork Overlook Estates erosion and runoff are the basis for this special consideration. Leon is currently the Federation of Fly Fishers - Southern Council's Treasurer.

"I'm writing to congratulate you on your award from the Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) as the 2007 Water Conservationist of the Year!" says Fred Wiseman, AWF Board. "This award is AWF's way of recognizing those volunteers throughout the state who make significant contributions to keeping Arkansas the Natural State. The AWF is recognizing your 2 years of work to stop the damage to the Norfork River from Overlook Estates. Your award includes 2 free tickets to the banquet and event. This year's award banquet, our 70th, where you and our other award winners will be honored, will take place Thursday, August 9 at the Crown Plaza hotel in Little Rock. The program begins with cocktails at 6pm and dinner at 7pm, tickets are $35 each and available from the AWF offices in Little Rock 501-224-9200. Master of Ceremonies is Steve 'Wildman' Wilson and special guests Governor and Mrs. Mike Beebe.