table of contents:
 

The Prez Sez	by Brian Camp
About Long Casts
1998 SCFFF Awards Presented at Conclave
Slate of Officers Complete	by Hod McIntosh
It's Never Too Early	by Hod McIntosh
Conclave 1998 Recap	by Gary Key
Beginnings	by Paul Sodamann
Why I Joined the FFF	by Chuck Eastling
The Fly Corner	by Terry Tanner
Southern Council, Member Clubs by State
4th Annual Texas Fly Fishing Show
Leader Tips	by Larry Notley
Southern Council Officers
Club Help	by Steve Payseur
Bill Lambing, Southern Council Scholarship	by Chuck Easterling
The Value of a Fish	by Wally Van Bandit
An Unforgettable Loss	by Eric Palmer
Closing

 

The Prez Sez

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I wrote an article for my club (Fort Worth Fly Fishers) newsletter a while back that was titled, "First fish". It was a simple story of how wonderful our first fly caught fish was and how that fish permanently hooked us on fly fishing. The story also told about how we travel throughout our fly fishing lines and get to re-live the first fish experience when we catch that first bass, first trout, first bonefish, etc. Each fish is unique. Each fish is special and each helps us to understand the special joy that defines fly fishing. Our lives as fly fishermen are full of "firsts" and special memories.

I am experiencing another new first in my fly fishing career, that of being your Council President. In a way, it is similar to catching that first fish. The uncertainty of whether I have chosen the right fly (can I really do this job?). The fear of the fish spitting out the fly (can I accomplish the goals I have set?). Handling the fish gently, releasing it unharmed (will we continue to grow or will we lose clubs along the way?). I can't answer any of these questions right now but what I can do is make each and every one of you a promise that I'm going to give this job the attention and dedication it deserves.

All in all, the Council is in very good shape. Thanks to solid leadership and the support from folks like you, we have some great programs in place and plenty of money to run them. But some changes still need to be made. If you have been to our Conclave in recent years then you, no doubt, realize that we have seriously outgrown the Ramada Inn. So, we have a very difficult decision to make - move our Conclave to a larger city that has the appropriate convention facilities or find a larger place in Mountain Home. This decision is not at all difficult for me. As long as there is a breath in my body I'll rally for Mountain Home.

Your Board agrees with me and we have reserved the Baxter County Fairgrounds for the 1999 Conclave (same dates as always). The buildings are a bit Spartan but I guarantee that you'll find the extra space a welcome relief. We will be able to accommodate at least twice as many fly tyers and exhibitors in addition to tripling the size of our programs room. The evening activities and programs will stay at the Ramada Inn, about a five minute drive from the fairgrounds. The traveling to and from different sites will take a little getting used to, but we ask for your patience and understanding. With a little luck and a whole lot of work from Michael Verduin, Jerry Anderson and their crew from the Dallas Fly Fishers, we should have a grand conclave indeed. (Feel free to call Michael (H-972-315-1351 or W-972-929-5444) and volunteer a little of your time in helping him run next years conclave. He will be most appreciative.) E-mail<bverduin@juno.com>

All of the clubs will also be contacted early next year and asked for their support of a membership drive. Our council grew approximately 12% last year and we want to keep up the positive trend. More about this next time.

The last, and most important, thing I want to do in my "first" column, is to sincerely thank Mark VanPatten and all of the past Council Officers for the stellar job they have done for all of us. You folks have been a true inspiration and have certainly left some huge shoes to fill.

Steve has included a listing of all of the new Council Officers elsewhere in the newsletter. Please don't hesitate to call any (or all!) of us when you have ideas, concerns or just plain want to talk fishin'. I hope to see you on the stream... Good fly Fishing!

Brian Camp
 
 

About Long Casts

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Long Casts is published four times per year by the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers.

The Southern Council's President is Brian Camp, 313 Paint Pony Trail N., Fort Worth, TX 76108

Please send all editorial comments and material to editor Steve Fritz, 2100 S. Grant Ave., Springfield, MO 65807

Changes of address should be mailed to the Southern Council's VP for Membership, John Stanford, 2610 Shagbark Circle, Jefferson City, MO 65109

Advertising inquiries and correspondence should be directed to the Southern Council's Treasurer, Shawn Taylor, HC1, Box1775, Tecumseh, MO 65109

Long Casts is printed and mailed by Ed Reed, Reed Printing and Supply Company, Inc. PO Box 605, 619 S. Brindlee Mountain Parkway, Arab, Al. 35016
 
 

1998 SCFFF Awards Presented at Conclave

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Man of the Year..............................Chuck Easterliing
Woman of the Year........................ Emily Whitlock
Federator of the Year......................Mike Butler
Club of the Year..............................Heart of America Fly Fishers
Junior Fly Tyer of the Year............Becky Adkins
Teacher of the Year.........................Mike Reuck
Conservation Award.......................Crooked Creek Coalition
Friends of the Southern Council....Richard and Diana Turner
 
 

New Selections Approved Slate of Officers Complete

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by Hod McIntosh
VP Communications

Southern Council officers and directors serve for two-year terms, and 1998 was an election year. New officers and directors elected during our October 4, 1998 annual meeting were:

President.............................Brian Camp
Executive VP/Secretary......Roger Maler
Treasurer............................Shawn Taylor
VP Conservation.................Paul Sodamann
VP Development.................Dennis Slane
International Director..........Frank Schneider
 

The Current VPs of Membership, Communications, Education and one of our international Directors, Steve Jensen, agreed to serve another term and were reelected during our annual meeting.

The big news from our October Meeting was the creation of the new position of Council Managing Director, a paid part time staff member for the Council, to serve our members, clubs and officers.

We are pleased to have our former Treasurer, Pat Smith, accept the challenge of this new position. She has done such a great job as treasurer, we know she will be an excellent managing director, looking after the day-to-day affairs of our council.

Two new board appointed positions were created during the October meeting to provide support and assistance to the Council officers and directors. Duane Kelly will serve as our new parliamentarian, and Chet Smith will accept the position of Council Archivist. Now we will have someone to keep us on track during our council meetings and we will have the necessary files and records to conduct our business.
 
 

It's Never Too Early

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by Hod McIntosh
VP Communications

Nomintations for 1999 awards and scholarship are being accepted now. The scholarship nominations should be sent to Chuck Easterling, VP Education, P.O. Box 1502, Jonesboro, AR 72403.

Any council member in good standing may submit a nomination for any of the Council's eight annual awards (listed in this issue). Please submit a separate nomination letter for each candidate (please carbon copy to your local club officers), and note that only two nomination letters per candidate (picked for being most comprehensive and inclusive) will be included in the ballot packet sent to Council clubs for voting.

Any excluded letters (over the two allowed) will be returned to the submittiing club or member. Accepted letters will be acknowledged as received, by a return postcard. If, after a reasonable period of time, an acknowledging postcard is not received, please contact the VP Communication to verify his receival of the nomination letter.

Every effort is made to encourage those submitting award nominations, to submit early, and thereby avoid any possibility of a nomination not arriving in time for consideration.

Please send your nominations now.

Send to: Hod McIntosh
6666Woodson Drive
MissionKS 66202
 

Guide Lines and Qualifications for Nominees of the Southern Council Awards

Man of the Year  Presented annually to the man who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the Southern Council and, through his devotion, has benefited the Southern Council, the FFF and/or his club.

Woman of the Year  Presented annually to the woman who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the Southern Council and, through his devotion, has benefited the Southern Council, the FFF and/or his club.

Federator of the Year Presented annually to that person who has supported the Southern Council and the FFF, and has actively recruited new members to each organization. Other reasons are also appropriate.

Club of the Year Presented annually to a club affiliated with the FFF and Southern Council for outstanding projects and activities that have contributed most to the Council in some manner. Examples include, but are not limited to, conservation, education and membership project and activities.

Fly Tyer of the Year Awarded annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the art of fly tying.

Junior Fly Tyer of the Year Awarded annually to an individual 18 years of age or younger who has made a significant contribution to the art of fly tying.

Teacher of the Year Awarded annually to that individual who has passed along the art of fly fishing to others, whether in the form of fly tying, casting or any of the other fly-fishing arts and sciences.

Conservation Award of the Year An award or awards made to individuals, groups or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the conservation of our fisheries resources. Need not be given annually if no worthwhile recipients are available.

Friend(s) of the Southern Council Given to an individual, individuals, group, or groups who have befriended the Southern Council in some way. Need not be given if no worthwhile recipients are available.

Tall Tale-Teller Award Awarded annually to that individual who is the best, most vocal tall-tale teller in the Southern Council.
 
 

Conclave 1998 Recap

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by Gary Key
Conclave '98 Co-chairman

What a terrific 1998 Conclave!

The fun began on Thursday evening with a Pre-Conclave Warm-up Party around the indoor pool area of the Ramada Inn. All of our featured guest speakers were present to enjoy the fellowship along with delicious food and drink. It was a great way to kick off the 25th Anniversary of the Southern Council Conclave. Plans are underway to do this again next year, so make sure you plan to get to Mountain Home early to attend the party.

Friday was loaded with activities and interesting events. Gary LaFontaine conducted an intermediate to advanced fly tying clinic and Mike Lawson was the Featured Fly Tyer in the Convention Center. Jack Dennis presented several video programs and several of our own talented Southern Council members presented informative slide shows.

The Casting Games conducted by Jerry Clark and Shawn Taylor began early, lasted all day and continued on Saturday. Tom Jindra, FFF President, conducted a FFF Casting Certification Friday morning. A new program introduced this year was Casting Classes. These classes, staffed by Certified FFF Casting Instructors, were held throughout both days of the Conclave to insure that anyone wanting to improve their casting skills would have the opportunity to do so. Also new to the Conclave this year was a Casting Coach, available to anyone wanting to improve some aspect of their casting but who didn't want to commit a whole morning or afternoon to a class.

The Youth Conclave began Friday morning with casting games and a special youth fly tying demonstration by Jack Dennis in the afternoon. The Convention Center was buzzing with world class fly tyers for the entire Conclave. Michael Verduin did a tremendous job assembling over 40 tyers who tied every fly imaginable.

This year Joe Meyers rounded up more than 30 Commercial Displayers that brought a wide variety of fly fishing equipment, gear, and related items that you could inspect, feel, hold, and cast. In addition there were several Commercial Displayers that offer exciting information to prime, exotic fly fishing destinations. Friday afternoon was highlighted by a casting clinic by Mike Lawson and a beginning youth fly tying demonstration by Jack Dennis. Raffles and silent auctions were continuous throughout the day with many high quality items going for a fraction of their suggested price.

Friday evening's program began with a skit by the Raymondville, Missouri 'Knee Deep in Science' Streamteam. Duane Hada presented a video production of the highlights of Team USA Youth Fly Fishing Team competition which was held in Wales this past August. Team USA won the Silver Medal and one of its members won the overall individual Gold Medal. The Mayor of Mountain Home, Joe Dillard, welcomed everyone to his fair city and signed a Proclamation designating October 2nd and 3rd as Southern Council Federation of Fly Fishers' Day. Jack Dennis was the feature speaker Friday night. He narrated a special video, "Fly Fishing Legends of the Fall" which featured several "fathers of modern fly fishing" such as Lee and Joan Wulff, Curt Gowdy, and many others that have pioneered our sport into what it is today. It was an outstanding video that touched us all with a blend of nostalgia, humor, and thankfulness for the foundation a few special people laid for our sport. Johnny Chamness and his able assistant Dennis Slane entertained us as they always do with the Live Auction that capped off the evening.

Saturday offered even more fun and excitement. In addition to fly tying demonstrations and clinics, casting games, numerous casting clinics and coaching opportunities, commercial displayers, slide and video presentations, raffles and silent auctions, there was an outstanding Youth Conclave Outing and Women's Outreach Program. The Youth Outing was held from 9a.m.to 3p.m. The youth visited the fish hatchery and then proceeded to Dry Run Creek for some exciting fishing. Special guest, Jack Dennis, presented a program to our youth during lunch. James Duncan did an excellent job chairing this event.

The Women's Outreach Program was almost a Conclave in itself. The variety of programs was diverse and offered something for everyone. Experienced author, guide, and lecturer, Jennifer Olsson conducted a fly casting clinic Saturday morning. She was also the guest speaker at the Women's Luncheon and presented programs throughout the afternoon. A raffle and live auction, conducted by Johnny Chamness, were held at the luncheon and everyone left with a gift. Amy Galyardt did an outstanding job organizing this event.

Saturday evening's program began with a banquet followed by awards and scholarship presentations and special comments by Mark Van Patten, Southern Council President and Tom Jindra, FFF President. Al Carter, Fisheries Division Chief of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, presented a progress report on "minimum flow" legislation that would have a very positive influence on trout fishing and habitat as well. Mike Lawson presented the evening program, "Henry's Fork Seasons". Mike's beautiful photography seasoned with some 'good ole' fly fishing philosophy and sprinkled with some old fashioned country humor held us in awe and enchantment. The evening concluded with a live auction once again conducted by Johnny Chamness. It was another record setting year with over 400 pre-registered and close to 700 attending the Conclave.

Special thanks to Pat Smith who planned the pre-registration and Sharon and Lew Goodson for the great job they did with the onsite registration. Leon and I would like to express our gratitude and say thanks again to all of the dedicated people who offered their time and talents to make this the most successful ever.

Michael Verduin of the Dallas Fly Fishers will be the Chairman of the 1999 Conclave. If you would like to help in any way, please give Michael a call (972) 315-1351. Conclave '98' was once again an outstanding, fun filled weekend. With more programs, more fly tyers, more Commercial Displayers, more donated items than ever before, it was the most successful Southern Council Conclave in history - how appropriate for the 25th Anniversary.
 
 

Beginnings

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by Paul Sodamann
VP Conservation

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my self. My name is Paul Sodamann, please call me "Sodie". I am the new VP of Conservation for the Southern Council. I have been involved with fly fishing for the past ten years. Presently I am a certified casting instructor and teach a one hour course on fly fishing for Kansas State University. I am VP of the Flint Hills Fly Fishing Club in Manhattan, Kansas acting as president. Our president passed away this past June. I am a seventh grade science teacher by day and operate a small fly shop out of my home evenings and weekends.

I have just started my position as VP on Conservation and already am asking "what did I get myself into?" I have been informed by my good friend Chuck Easterling, VP of Education, that my reaction is a normal one and not to worry. My duties are defined in the Southern Council hand book. However, a page of definitions does not truly provide me with a comfortable working platform. So I will make the members of the Southern Council this promise. I will do my best to carry out my duties, as I understand them to be, to the best of my abilities. However, I expect you to let me know if I am not doing something I am supposed to be doing, or am doing something that I am not suppose to be doing.

It is at this point that I will go out on a limb. As the VP of Conservation for the Southern Council, I have a vision of conservation which may be slightly different from that of my predecessors. I believe that conservation covers more than just cleaning up waters and protecting fish, I believe conservation also includes conservation of our sport and conservation of our membership. To this end I believe we should make a concentrated effort to educate the general public to increase understanding of fly fishing, and educate our youth so that they may carry on the heritage of this great sport into the next century. Chuck is doing an outstanding job with education, but it is not just his job. It should be all of our jobs!

How do we accomplish this? I am sure there are many ways, in fact, as many ways as there are fly fishers. We all have a responsibility to share our knowledge with the general public whenever and where ever the opportunity arises. We also have a responsibility to provide formal education to those interested in learning about fly fishing. This may require a little more commitment of time and money on our part, however, the pay back is well worth it. If you have ever worked with someone teaching them about casting or tying, you know what I mean when you see the smiles on their faces. We must also concentrate on the young people in our community. They are the future of this sport. Without them we are nothing. What will this require from us? Maybe nothing more than taking a young person fly fishing with us some time. Yes, you will spend more time untying tangles, tying on flys, working with cast, getting lines out of trees, and gritting your teeth when they false cast fifteen times more than is needed to shoot a line. But it is worth it!

Sure it is a Kennedy paraphrase, but don't ask what FFF and fly fishing can do for you, ask what you can do for fly fishing.

I think you will be rewarded many times over for your efforts. If we make an effort to educate people, even those not in FFF, then we will in turn automatically reap the rewards of improved conservation of all fish and allwaters.

As a side note, on behalf of the Flint Hills Fly Fishing Club I would like to extend and invitation to all of you to visit our club in the Flint Hills of Kansas and enjoy a little warm water fly fishing. Depending on the time of year, you will have a good shot at a Kansas Grand Slam: Gar, Carp, and Buffalo!
 
 

Why I Joined the FFF

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by Chuck Easterling
VP Education

On occasion, I've been asked, "Why should I join FFF?"

I find this to be a tough question to answer because I really don't know what is in the person's mind and, perhaps more importantly, I don't know what the person asking the question values or feels is of importance.

Usually, I answer this question by saying why I joined FFF. I joined simply because I love fly fishing, and if you love fly fishing, you have to have a deep and abiding concern about our environment and more particularly about clean water and healthy fish. Also, if you love fly fishing, you want to learn as much about the sport as possible and become as skilled as your dedication and time will permit.

I think it is important that FFF is made up exclusively of fly fisherman who have a concern for all types of fish and all types of water. I belong to and fully support TU, but my concerns and afishing interests go far beyond trout. With that said, it is important to me to be a part of an organization that is not only concerned with trout and spring creeks, but also has an interest in conserving and ptotecting warmwater and saltwater species and environments.

I suspicion that a large part ofr my fascination with fly fishing lies in the challenging and demanding nature of the sport. FFF can certainly help a fly fisher become a more knowledgeable and skilled practitioner. The educational benefits available to members include the quarterly mgazine, The Flyfisher, and an extensive video and book library. Perhaps most importantly, I have found that the best way to become skilled at anything is to be around and associate with those individuals who already have the skills that you seek to acquire. In fly fishing, the most ardent and best fly fisherman are frequently FFF members.

As far as conservation is concerned, FFF always seems to be in the forefront of preserving and conserving valued waters. As an example, the Southern Council has just committed $15,000 over five years, to help provide access and preserve Capps Creek, in Missouri. In addition, the Southern Council within the last year, committed $2,500 to Ft. Worth Fly Fishers, for a lake rehabilitation project and $5,000 for habitat restoration on the White River, in Arkansas. These types of projects are important to me because these are waters that I or my friends care about.

We live in an busy world, and the pace of everyday life can be pretty hectic. Unfornately, this often means that it is often difficult, if not impossible, to commit the time and energy to work on a worthy conservation project. However, by being a member of FFF, I know that I have at the very least paid a small amount in dues and joined with other like-minded fly fishers, and, perhaps collectively, we are helping preserve what makes our sport possible.

If you are not a member of FFF, but have a keen interest in fly fishing and care about the environs where you fish, you should really think about joining.
 
 

The Fly Corner

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by Terry Tanner
South West Missouri Fly Fishers

Tanner's Herringbone Sculpin
(A Floater or Sinker)

Great for trout and smallmouth bass, this is an especially great fly to fish late at night for big brown trout. It takes a while to tie, but the way it's tied, the profile is very close to the real thing, and the fly is a great producer.

Materials:

Hook: Tiemco #200 or 300R, Size 4-6
Thread: Flat waxed nylon - fire orange
Tail: Olive grizzly Chinese neck hackle feathers
Backfin(dorsal) & belly: Olive craft hair or Icelandic sheep hair
Head: Wool or spun deer body hair (olive)

Step one: Attack a small ball of olive dubbing on the straight part of the shank of the hook, up from the point. Tie in four olive grizzly cock chicken neck hackles, curve -flaired in (figure 1). Make sure to wind thread in front of the feathers into a cone.

Step. two: Tie in sparse amounts of either craft fur (for floating fly) or Icelandic sheep hair (for sinking fly), carefully dividing the hair and pulling it to the top and bottom of the hook, so that it flairs over the cone of thread behind it, up and down, as opposed to sideways.This will give the body silhouette the verticle appearance. When tying in each bit of fur, continue to form the thread in front into a cone, snd add bunch after bunch of hair, beginning to create a lateral line on each side, giving the body a herringbone effect. Make sure to pull up and down on the hair so that no hair is left on the sides. When tying in hair, leave the hair on the top longer than that on the bottom (the hair can be cut to an even better shape later on). Form 3 or 4 cones, depending on the length of hook, but stop to leave about one third of the hook shank for the large size of the sculpin's head (figure 2).

Step three: When tying in the first clump of deer hair on the floating version, don't trim the tips of the hair, so that it can blend with the craft fur to blend into the body, and act as both part of the dorsal and pectoral fins (figure 3). Eyes may be added for better effect (I like the plastic molded eyes, put on like Dave Whitlock does in one of his videos). On either foating or sinking version, cut or burn a socket on each side of the head, cut off the eye stem (if you use a stemmed eye), and affix to head with Dave's Fleximent, thinned Goop, or a similar product. On the sinking version, regular sheep wool mixed with the Icelandic sheep hair, will help the pattern sink faster.

Editors note: Terry Tanner is the fly shop lead at Bass Pro Shop's White River Fly Shop, in Springfield,MO. He is a gifted fly tyer, so I've asked him to do a quarterly column with great new seasonal patterns. I've used his pattern at night on the browns at Lake Taneycomo (actually a tailwater river), below the dam of Table Rock Lake, in Missouri, and it works very well.
 
 

Southern Council Member Clubs by State

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ARKANSAS (7)

Arkansas Flyfishers, Little Rock
Batesville Fly Fishers, Batesville
Central Arkansas Dead Drifters, Morrilton
Fort Smith Fly Fishers, Ft. Smith
N.E. Arkansas Flyfishers, State University
North Arkansas Flyfishers, Mt. Home
Tightlines Flyfishers, Rogers

KANSAS (3)

Flatland Fly Fishers, Wichita
Flint Hills Flyfishers, Manhattan
Heart of America Fly Fishers ,Overland Park

LOUISIANA (3)

Acadiana Fly Rodders, Lafayette
North Louisiana Fly Fishers, Shreveport
Ouachita River Fly Fishers, West Monroe

MISSOURI (11)

Arrowhead Flyfishers, Blue Springs
Capitol City Fly Fishers, Jefferson City
KC Northland Flyfishers, Kansas City
M-A-K-O Flyfishers, Joplin
MO Trout Fishermen's Association, Springfield Chapter, Springfield
MO Trout Fishermens Association, KC Chapter, Kansas City
Ozark Flyfishers, St Louis
Roubidoux Fly Fishers, Waynesville
Southwest MO Fly Fishers, Ozark
Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers, Bolivar
Waynesville High School FlyFishers Club, Waynesville

NEBRASKA

Cornhusker Fly Fishers, Lincoln

OKLAHOMA (4)

Green Country Fly Fishers, Bartlesville
Prairie Fly Fishers, Edmond
Stillwater Fly Fishers, Stillwater
Tulsa Flyfishers, Tulsa

TENNESSE

Mid-South Fly Fishers, Memphis

TEXAS (14)

The Alamo Fly Fishers, San Antonio
Brazos Valley Fly Fishers, Bryan
Central Texas Fly Fishers, San Marcos
Dallas Flyfishers, Dallas
East Texas Fly Fishers, Longview
Fort Worth Fly Fishers, Fort Worth
Gulf Coast Flyrodders, Victoria
Hill Country Flyfishers, Kerrville
Jack Sparks Central Texas Flyrodders, Waco
Lakes Country Flyfishers, Port Arthur
Montgomery CO Flyrodders, Conroe
Pineywoods Fly Fishers, Lufkin
Texarkana Area Fly Fishers, Texarkana
Texas Flyfishers, Houston
 
 

4th Annual Texas Fly Fishing Show

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Aquarena Springs - San Marcos, TX
May 21st through 23rd

Bob Miller, founder and producer of the Texas Fly Fishing Show, today announced a change of venue for the his popular state widefly fishing show, which has been held in Kerrville for the past three years.

"This year, the Texas Fly Fishing Show will be produced in tandem with Texas Parks and Wildlife," explains Miller. "TPW is working closely with Southwest Texas University at AquarenaSprings, and is in the process of establishing The Texas Rivers Center there. Because of the close proximity to the I-35 corridor and the spectacular facilities that Aquarena offers, we believe we can offer ease-of-access combined with an expanded program in one of the most scenic settings in Texas.

Larry McKinney, Senior Division Director of Aquatic Resources for TPW, agrees. "Fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Texas, and we're delighted to be associated with the Texas Fly Fishing Show. TPW staff will be working closely with Miller to develop curriculum for the three-day show, including an enriched children's program. For all ages, the location of Aquarena Springs will add to the experience - the Springs is the earliest area inhabited by humans in North America, and a splendid demonstration site for the study of aquifers, aquatic life, archeology and endangered species - as well as a superb location to accommodate large crowds."

Classes will range from fly tying, fly rod building, fly casting techniques, freshwater and saltwater fly fishing to entomology studies for both children and adults. On hand as well will be dozens of exhibitors with a broad assortment of outdoor equipment.

Not just for fly fishers, the Texas Fly Fishing Show also includes canoe and kayak instruction, boat-building, freshwater fisheries demonstrations and outdoor photography. With the diverse opportunities offered by Aquarena Springs, additional courses are anticipated in birdwatching, underwater photography and aquifer education, to name a few.

Promotion and publicity for the Texas Fly Fishing Show is being directed by Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Says Susan Ebert, publisher & editor, "Our association with The Texas Fly Fishing Show presents us with a fun, positive means to bring our mission to a greater number of outdoors-lovers in Texas. We will be taking an active role in promoting this event to our 370,000 monthly readers by producing a special fishing edition of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine for the Texas Fly Fishing Show. We will also be recruiting corporate sponsors and promoting the event through various other media throughout the state."

The 1999 Texas Fly Fishing Show is expected to draw a statewide crowd, and exhibitors and class participants are encouraged to enroll early. Class descriptions, registration forms and general information will be posted after December 1, 1998 on the internet at www.pico-outdoor.com/TFFshow/menu.htm and also accessed at: "http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us" and www.tpwd.state.tx.us/admin/hotlinks/hot.htm

CONTACTS:

Exhibit Space and Class Registration:
Bob Miller (830) 895-4348 e-mail: pico@ktc.com

Event Sponsorships and Advertising:
Susan Ebert (512) 912-7001 e-mail: <susan.ebert@tpwd.state.tx.us>
Jim Stone (512) 912-7007e-mail: <jim.stone@tpwd.state.tx.us>

Accommodations:
Rebecca Ybarra, San Marcos Convention & Visitors Bureau (888) 200-5620
 
 

Leader Tips

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by Larry Notley

Bass to Bream Leader and Back

The air is crisp, the sky is a deep blue, and a soft breeze blows a chilled air, making the morning a moment to remember. The bass are striking my popper with authority, and fighting with the strength of a horse, against my eight weight fly rod. I stretch the 12 pound tippet to keep control.

As fast as the action started, it quit. For no apparent reason, the bass turned off, -dead, -nothing, -completely gone. After several shotgun casts to locate additional action, I had only a small strike. I cast again and there was another small strike, then another, and another. The action had switched from bass to bream.

Before this action subsided, I decided to take advantage of the situation and catch a few bream. But, 12 pound tippet was too large, and I didn't want to switch leaders.

What do you do? Well - hint: "Don't shoot the hostage."
The answer:
1. Tie a 4 to 6 inch surgeon's loop on one end of the bream tippet.
2. Join the surgeon's loop of the bream tippet to the tippet section of the bass leader with a surgeon's knot.
3. Attach your favorite bream fly and have fun.
When the bass action starts again, just clip off the bream tippet, tie on a bass fly, and continue bass fishing.

Editor's note: Larry Notley is author of Fly Leaders and
Knots, and owner of Pockit Sports Co., manufacturer of fly tying
 
 

Southern Council Officers

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Federation of Fly Fishers

Southern Council Officers

Term of Office - Oct. '98 - Oct. 2000
 
 

Brian Camp   President    313 Paint Pony Trail N    Fort Worth TX 76108-4228    Home (817) 246-0553    Work (817) 871-5458    Fax (817) 871-5464    e-mail: thugbass@flash.net	Chuck Easterling  VP Education  P.O.BOX 1502  Jonesboro, AR 72403  Home (870) 578-5334  Work (870) 932-4355  FAX (870) 932-4114  e-mail: sdtf@inet-direct.com
Roger Maler    Executive Vice President/Secretary    299 S. Walnut Bend - Ste 101    Cordova TN 38108    Home (901) 757-0112    Work (901) 757-2383    e-mail:   103054.2021@compuserve.com	Paul (Sodie) Sodamann VP Conservation  6390 Rockenham Road  St. George, KS 66535  Home (913) 494-2340  e-mail: pauls@manhattan.k12.ks.us
Pat Smith    Managing Director    2603 Buford Spur Road    Mountain Home, AR 72653    Home (870) 425-1755    Office (870) 424-7000    e-mail: cpsmh@centuryinter.net	Dennis Slane   VP Development   4728 S. Kelly   Springfield MO 65804-7100   Home (417) 883-5057   Work (417) 866-7230 ext 29
Shawn Taylor    Treasurer    HC 1 Box 1755    Tecumseh Mo 65760    Home (417) 284-3055    e-mail: tarpon3@juno.com	Steve Jensen  International Director   4514 Coach Drive   Battlefield, MO 65619   Home (417) 887-0205   Work (417) 836-5302   e-mail: flytier@worldnet.att.net
John Stanford    VP Membership    2610 Shagbark Circle    Jefferson City, MO 65109    Home (573) 636-8344    e-mail: jgstanford@aol.com	Frank Schneider   International Director   5321 Farquhar   Dallas TX 75209   Home (214) 352-3664
R.H. (Hod) McIntosh   VP Communication    6666 Woodson Drive    Mission, KS 66202-4258    Home (913) 722-3684    e-mail:   SingingReels@worldnet.att.net	Stephen E. Fritz   Long Casts Editor   2100 South Grant Ave.   Springfield, MO 65807   Home (417) 889-0732   e-mail: RustyDunn@aol.com
Bill Brant   Assistant to the    VP Communications    (Homepage Editor)    2120 Red Bridge Terr    Kansas City, MO 64131    Home (816) 941-9691    Work (913) 458-6826    e-mail: flyfish@sky.net	Duane Kelly   Parlimentarian   10311 E. 42nd Street   Kansas City, MO 64133   Home 816-358-1897
Chet Smith    Archivest   2603 Buford Spur Road   Mountain Home, AR 72653   Home (870) 425-1755   Fax (870) 425-1755   e-mail: cpsmh@centuryinter.net

 

Club Help

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Steve Payseur
EVP-Conservation
South East Council, FFF

from Club Wire

I enjoyed the first "ClubHelp" tip. Let me pass on one that I found helpful when I was our local club President. As many other clubs do, our club kept a database of members including the date that it was time for them to renew their dues. We usually had from 2 to 12 renewing on any given month. Since I was newsletter editor also, here's what I did: Whenever a member was up for renewal, I always wrote a handwritten note on the front page of the newsletter reminding them. I would ask them to bring their dues to the next meeting. This usually did two things, got the payment and got them to the meeting. If that didn't work, a follow up phone call almost always did.
 
 

Bill Lambing Southern Council Scholarship

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By Chuck Easterling
VP Education

Since 1995, the Southern Council has been awarding the Bill Lambing/Southern Council Scholarship to worthy candidates who are in the second or later year of college study, who are pursuing a degree consistent with the goals of the Federation of Fly Fishers, live within the geographic boundaries of the Southern Council and who are members of FFF or are sponsored by an FFF member.

this year two $1,000 scholarships were awarded at the Conclave to two very deserving candidates. The first recipient was Carrie Wiese, who is beginning her sophomore year at the University of Nebraska. Carrie is majoring in Water Science and minoring in forestry. Carrie's father is a member and treasurer of Cornhuskers Fly Fishers, and Carrie was sponsored by Agnes Adams.

The second recipient of a $1,000 scholarship was Judy G. Boston. Judy has just completed her Bachelor's degree in environmental writing at the University of Memphis and is preparing to go on to graduated study. As part of her degree requirement, Judy wrote a 150 page special project manuscript titled, "Water Under the Bridge: Invisible Threats to Water Quality: Are We Too Late?" Judy is a life member of Mid-South Fly Fishers, where she is currently serving as a Conservation director and was as contributing editor to the most recent edition of Homewaters: Mid South Fly Fishers' Guide to Fishing Northern Arkansas, Western Tennessee, and Southern Missouri. Judy is also a life member if FFF and was sponsored by Roger and Tracie Maler.

If you know of someone who you feel would be a good candidate foe a Bill Lambing/Southern Council Scholarship, please contact me for a Scholarship Application.

Chuck Easterling
P.O.Box 1502
Jonesboro, AR 72403

870-578-5334-H
870-932-4355-W
 
 

The Value of a Fish

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by Wally Van Bandit
Central Texas Fly fishers

From FFF CLUBWIRE

How many times can you remember landing a fish, admiring its beauty, and then wondered -- where's the fly? Swallowed... Maybe you set the hook a little bit late, or you were just daydreaming and your timing was off. Whatever happened, the fish had a hook almost in its stomach. I have removed many flies that were set like this.

We all know what happens at this point...the blood starts to flow. Think about the value of your fish. Is this fly, or any fly, worth the life of a fish? I have yet to find a fly that is, no matter how small that fish is. That fish will grow if we give it the chance. I do have a few flies that I consider valuable, but I don't fish with them. So, if you find yourself in this dilemma, just clip your tippet and start over. As fly fishermen, our resources are limited and we have to learn to protect them.
 
 

An Unforgettable Loss

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By Eric Palmer
Heart of America Fly Fishers

The loss of a big fish is a terrible thing.

It is the not knowing. Was it a 5-pound fish? Was it a 10-pound fish? Did I lose a fish of a lifetime, the size of which I will never see again in this species? Then there is the obsessing, the constant replaying in the mind of the take and the fight. But instead of reaching a climax, where you have fish in hand, some monster to be admired, there is the abrupt loss, the void and then you go over it one more time. I spent most of the hot Sunday evenings of July and August at Lone Star Lake.

I had missed the one-fly tournament, and so one Sunday I decided to find out for myself what the lake was like. It was 98 degrees and the fishing promised to be listless but I figured it would be nicer floating around in my belly-boat trying to catch fish than just thinking about it. The thing is, I caught fish in that dreadful heat. Mostly I caught bluegill but there was a fat sunfish and a couple of small bass. I used popping bugs and catching any fish on popping bugs is fun. I went back each Sunday night that I was in town. I explored different parts of the lake but I caught most of my fish along the dam and an area between the dock and the dam. I would fish to near dark, then make the 30-minute ride back home, having caught enough scrappy fish to have made the effort worthwhile.

I fished most times with a 6-weight rod. It was a big for bluegill but I kept thinking I might tie into a decent bass. The lake certainly looked like it should hold some big fish. As the summer progressed and the evenings got shorter, I was getting less fishing in. Then one week I decided I would fish into the dark. I had read an article that reminded me the biggest bass can be found after dark, so I figured I would give it a try. That day, I decided to start out with my 4-weight rod. I thought I would fish for bluegill for a couple of hours then switch to my 8-weight rod as it got later, so I could throw big poppers and deer-haired frogs. It was about 93 when I got out there and for some reason, nothing much was happening. I caught very few bluegill. I did get into a spot where I caught three little bass in a row. That was fun, but most of my usual spots were not producing fish.

I worked my way back to the dock. About 7 p.m. I got my big rod and got back into the water. I threw a eer-haired frog for a while and then a big cork frog. Nothing. It was shaping up to be the worst outing of the summer. Finally, just before it got too dark to see, I tied on a big, black woolly bugger. I worked an area along the bank where the moss had grown out about 20 feet. I would pitch the streamer to the edge of the moss, let it sink and then retrieve it in short strips. Finally, I got a hit. I knew it was a bass because it pulled hard enough to put a small bend in the 8-weight rod but it wasn't big enough to put on the reel. When I got it to the surface, it made a nice shaking jump and then I pulled it to my tube. It was about 13 inches. Nothing great, but I felt better. I released it and was inspired enough to keep plugging away. I worked down the moss another 15 feet, working each indentation several times. The stars were coming out, and a half moon. Some owls were calling back and forth, so it was pleasant enough.

It was getting close to 8:30. I figured I would give it another 15 minutes then head in. I threw the woolly bugger, stripped it a couple of more times, then felt a little elbow-jarring jolt. As soon as it hit, I knew I was hooked to a big fish. I immediately put the rod tip up and started stripping in line like mad. I wanted to get it good and tight and then start reeling. The fish made a quick run to the right and I held it tight as I reeled in line. The fish made another dash and I decided to turn the drag a little tighter and try to get it up to the tube but this fish was strong. I reeled and reeled and finally got it within 15 feet of the tube but it was still submerged. As I tried to get it to the surface, it made another run, pulling line off the reel. I got him stopped but he took a run to the left and pulled me and the tube around 180 degrees. I couldn't believe this fish.

I thought my tippet was about 8 pounds, surely strong enough to horse the fish in, but I wasn't sure. Why take a chance, I thought. I had it tight to the reel, I was just going to play it out, let him tire, then see what kind of monster I had. It was very dark by this time and only a few people seemed to be left fishing. Most of those were down the lake a ways, night fishing for the big catfish I had been told populated the lake.

Suddenly a bunch of coyotes started yelping back and forth to each other. There were maybe a dozen and some of them sounded close. The whole situation was getting surreal. I had managed to work the fish closer to the tube again and had gotten out a flashlight so I could see my fish when I got it to the surface. It had been about 10 minutes but the fish didn't seem to be tiring. My 8-weight rod was bent like a streamer hook. The line was as tight as a guitar string.

Once again the fish spooked and pulled line off the reel. This run was straight out from me. Suddenly, I pulled and got no give. I had lost my bearings in the dark and didn't realize I had worked over by one of the submerged trees in the lake. My line was wrapped around it. As I pulled, I could still feel some movement on the line, but I couldn't get the line out of the tree. That fish had worked me over to a tree then made a dash for it. I quick-kicked my float tube over to the tree. I circled first one way, then the other, trying to figure out how to untangle that fish. Nothing worked. I couldn't just pull. I would break my rod for sure.

Finally, I decided to let up on the pressure, hoping the fish would remain hooked but without tension might free itself. I lowered the rod tip, waited about three seconds then pulled again. My line pulled free and my woolly bugger came up from the depths, even as my spirit plunged into them. That huge fish was gone. I thought huge fish, but I had no proof. How big was it? What was it? Was it a bass? It never broke the surface. It never jumped. Maybe it was a huge catfish. I would never know.

I cast out a few more times, but my heart wasn't in it. I heard a big swirl in the dark that made me think my fish might still be lurking about. He wasn't going to fall for another woolly bugger. Not this night, maybe never. I had a hard time sleeping that night. I kept chewing the events over in my mind. I had hooked the fish and I played it for a long time. That was fun. But it still tasted like failure. I hadn't been good enough, or smart enough. I had been too smug, thinking all I had to do was wait it out. I know I will obsess until I find some way to exorcise that loss from my soul.

The loss of a big fish is a terrible thing.
 
 

Closing

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Material for the Winter Issue of Long Casts must be in the Editor's hands by January 15

Southern Council Federation of Flyfishers
This page updated January 13, 1999