LONGCASTS
published quarterly by the Southern Council, Federation of Flyfishers
CONCLAVE ISSUE, June, 1999
| The Prez Sez | by Brian Camp |
| About Long Casts | |
| From the Editor | by Steve Fritz |
| Notice of Meeting | |
| Show me the Money | by Paul "Sodie" Sodamann, SC VP Conservation |
| A Hat Is Just a Hat - or Is It? | By Gerald C. Hinds, North Arkansas Fly Fishers |
| Sign up nor for the1999 FFF Show and Conclave | |
| Fly Fishing - Don't Take it for Granted | by Ron Schwartz, Caddis Fly Fishers |
| Commercial Exhibitors, 1999 SOC Conclave | |
| Auction/Raffle Update | Slim Mitchell, Auction/Raffle Chairman |
| SC Conclave ‘99 | by Michael Verduin, ‘99 Conclave Chairman |
| Women's Outreach | by Pat Smith, SC Managing Director |
| Conclave Tyers | by Michael Verduin, Conclave Chairman and Grace Lui, Fly Tying Chairman |
| Annual Awards Balloting: Council Scholarship Award | by Hod McIntosh, VP Communications |
| The Fly Corner: The Big Shad Fly | by Terry Tanner, Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers |
| Fishing Tips: Loop Knots | By Larry V. Notley |
| FFF Loses a Friend | by Steve Fritz |
| Closing |
| THE PREZ SEZ |
You know, there is a lot to be said about convenience. Some would even go so far as to suggest that much of today's society revolves around convenience and the ease of life it affords.
For example, a couple of weeks ago I had to go to the grocery store. For most of you, that's not too big a deal. But for me, it's a rare journey, as I have a very loving wife, who takes exceptionally good care of me, so that I never have to go to these male intimidating megamarkets. It's a very convenient arrangement (for me, that is).
I guess I shouldn't say I never have to go to the grocery store. Once in a while, like all dads, I get the call to pick up some milk or something. So, in typical male fashion, I make an assault on the store. Guys, you know what I mean by assault - Straight to the item in need, straight to the checkout, and out of the store in less than five minutes. It's a well coordinated attack and we never, I repeat never, deviate from the plan by even so much as to take a sideways glance or wander an extra aisle or two. It's simply get the milk and get out, before succumbing to the allure and temptations so common in today's modern market (Sir, would you like to try a sample or our new Norwegian Reindeer Milk cheese?, she asks with a sexy Scandinavian accent. It's yummy!).
This time, I had to go to the store. Cherrie was out of town for over a week and the proverbial cupboard was bare. There was no choice but to grit my teeth and enter the sterile, white, fluorescent world of the supermarket.
Boy, was this trip ever an eye-opener! Guys, you simply will not believe some of the stuff they've got in there! Shoot, the frozen food section alone is worth the trip. The days of baching it only in the company of Swanson's 'Sweaty Man' dinners are over! They are freezing all kinds of amazing things now. Plus, all of this stuff is microwavable. Nuke the pot pie for five minutes and, boom, you're eating. Now that's what I call convenient!
Convenience certainly does make our lives easier. It does have its down side though. I've often noticed that if certain things become too convenient, we often end up taking them for granted.
For instance, have you ever caught a fish and wondered how it got there? Doesn't matter if it's an Idaho trout or a Florida redfish. When you caught it, did you really contemplate anything past, "Boy, what a nice fish."? We all need to start thinking beyond just catching, admiring and releasing the fish and give some serious thought about understanding the entire resource. More importantly, we need to try to understand what it is going to take to keep the resource. That Florida redfish quite possibly would not have been there had it not been for a group of very dedicated FFF members that fought hard to eliminate commercial netting in the Gulf. You may not have caught that Idaho trout had it not been for some FFF members that restored the stream, bought the access rights or put in the Vibert box that the trout hatched from. Of particular importance to you and I, numerous fisheries in every state in our Council have benefited through similar activities from FFF members. Coldwater or warm, freshwater or salt, our fellow FFF club members have been out there making your fishing hole a better place. It's time we stopped taking all of this for granted.
In my last column, I asked you to join the FFF and many of you did. I want to personally thank all of you that did for your commitment and support. But there are still thousands of you reading this right now that have not joined, probably because it's just too convenient to let others make the commitment for you. Aren't you interested in better fishing? Is there a downside to this I am missing?
As of March 1999, our Council had 1,138 FFF members, and the local conservation projects that have been funded through the membership dues, contributions and labor from this small group has been staggering. Can you imagine what we could do if the other 4,000 or so local club members that are reading this joined the FFF? It boggles my mind just thinking of the possibilities.
This will be my last column that I try to convince you to join the FFF. You either understand us now or you never will. Either way, there are many other fun things that I want to talk about in future editions. So please, take this final plea to heart and please join us today, right now. We've made it very convenient for you, as there's a membership form in this newsletter! Help us in improving the fisheries throughout our Council, join the FFF.
I hope to see you all at this years Conclave. Mike Verduin and his group from the Dallas Fly Fishers have put together an incredible show. It's going to be great. Oh, and by the way, the Norwegian Reindeer Milk cheese was pretty tasty. Give it a try.
Until next time,
Good Fly Fishing!
Brian Camp
| About Long Casts |
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 Managing Director, Pat Smith, 2603 Buford Spur Rd., Mountain Home, AR 72653
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
| From the Editor... |
This Conclave Issue of Long Casts has information about this summer's National FFF Conclave, to be held in Gatlinburg, TN, as well as the Southern Council's Annual Conclave, to be held in Mountain Home, AR. The information has been separated, to make it less confusing, and identified at every possible opportunity. Please note that these are two separate conclaves, and do not get them confused. Both will be wonderful, so please make every effort to attend the two. A pre-registration form for each of the two Conclaves is provided in this issue, both for your convenience, and to make it easier for those planning the conclaves. Note that pre-registering for the Southern Council's Conclave prior to the Conclave (postmarked by Sept. 10th) will save you money!
Also please note, that this issue goes to press in early summer, and
some of the information on programming may change prior to the Conclave.
If this occurs, the changes will be prominently reported in the Fall Issue
of Long Casts, giving readers adequate warning of any changes
in scheduling occurring between July and September.
QUOTE
Some do it for a living, some for brief vacations, some for sublimation, submersion, reversion, religion, competition, contemplation, interpersonal relations, piscatorial connections, some (apparently) to solve midlife crises, and, some, waist deep in a remote river, do something called "find themselves" (their memoirs might well begin "In our family there was no clear line between fly fishing and psychotherapy"). John Engles, the brilliant poet, told me that fly fishing was merely the "one coherent discipline of his life".
--Nick Lyons
| NOTICE OF MEETING |
There will be a meeting of the General Membership of the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers™, at the Ramada Inn, Mountain Home, AR, on Sunday, October 3rd, at 8:00 am
The purpose of the meeting will be to conduct such business as the General Membership may bring before the Board of Directors of the Council.
Immediately following the above meeting will be the Annual Conclave Directors Meeting. Council Officers, Council Director, and Club Presidents, who are members in good standing of the FFF, and who are not going to be available for the meeting are asked to use the proxy assignment in this issue to transfer their right to vote on the important issues sure to be discussed and voted on during the meeting. The deadline for returning the proxy to Managing Director Pat Smith is September 25, 1999.
| Show Me the Money! |
By Paul "Sodie" Sodamann, SC VP - Conservation
At my last writing, I had pointed out several areas in which funding from SCFFF had been provided for conservation projects. Since that time, we have funded more conservation related projects and I have received feedback on previous projects.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation received money for Thermal assessment of the Mountain Fork River trout fishery. The tailrace below Broken Bow Dam provides quality angling opportunities in the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma. ODWC and Tennessee Valley Authority are working in conjunction to assess the flows necessary to maintain the fishery while meeting hydropower demands.
A Texas Watch water monitoring project received funding from Southern Council and is off to a good start. Working in conjunction with Angelina and Neches River Authority and having ties with Steven F. Austin University, eight members of the Piney Woods Fly Fishing Club took their water monitoring training. It would appear from the e-mail I receive that Piney Woods Fly Fishing Club is doing a great job. As one of the water monitoring groups, the club found many dead fish along one of the creeks where they started their investigation. They reported this information to the proper authorities and, at this writing, I am awaiting follow up reports. Although the reports of dead fish is alarming, I am greateful to the members of Piney Woods Fly Fishing Club who have been keeping me posted on their club's activities. While reading between the lines of the correspondence with Walter McLendon and Bill Heugel it would appear that these two gentlemen would be great fun to fish with! Keep me posted guys!
Austin Flyfishers are looking into the possibility of a conservation project dealing with the largemouth and Guadalupe Bass in the Colorado River below Austin. The Guadalupe Bass is the Texas state fish, if I have my information correct. River clean ups, Texas Adopt-a-River program, improved access and stocking are some of the possibilities being considered. Even though some of my own club members may disagree, warm water species are just as deserving of conservation as trout!
The National Conservation Committee met via conference call on April 4th. During this call, which lasted over an hour, a lot was accomplished. The main focus was to decide on funding from National for several projects which had been submitted since our last meeting. Some of these projects include: Salmonids in the Classroom (Mereced Fly Fishing Club of California), French Creek Hog Farm Suit (Hawkeye Flyfishing Association), Oconto River Modification (Hornberg Fly Fishers, Green Bay) and several other projects. All received funding from National. Another area discussed was the Endangered Fisheries Initiative. Several fisheries were nominated to be on the first posting of the Endangered Fisheries list. With some discussion, a list was generated. I will let Verne expound on that in the Flyfisher.
All in all, the year has been flowing along smoothly as far as conservation projects are concerned. The Southern Council still has funds available for conservation projects.
If your club has a project which you would like to have considered for
funding, contact me, by e-mail <pauls@manhattan.k12.ks.us> or at the
shop 785-494-2340.
| A HAT IS JUST A HAT -- OR IS IT? |
by Gerald C. Hinds North Arkansas Fly Fishers
It's only a hat, right? So, what's the problem? Sure, you have to take the practical function into consideration. It must be comfortable. It should be able to stand a little punishment, a few soakings and briar patch or two. It should be cool and shady on hot days and dry and protective on wet, cold mornings. But, above all, it should make a clear and impressive introduction to everyone you meet. It should obliterate all doubt during those first impressions that you are a committed fly fisherman. Not necessarily a great fly fisherman, nor even an experienced one, but it absolutely should say, "I am obviously a committed fly fisherman."
But, buying a hat is not a pretty task. The hat packs an entire course in psychology. This is no laughing matter because for a fisherman, just the thought of being laughed at is no laughing matter. Let me tell you about shopping for a hat with my friend Ernie. It went something like this: "I can't wear that hat," Ernie says as I offer it from the rack. "Why not? It's the same hat that Harrison Ford wore in Raider of the Lost Ark. You loved that hat. It's a real man's hat. It offers everything you need in a hat."
"Gary Borger wears a hat like that in all of his fishing videos," he replies. "So what," I said, with just a taste of confusion. "He must think as much of it as I do. Maybe he saw the same movie. What's the problem?" "Gary Borger is a great fisherman, he can wear any hat." "So. He wears this one. Now you can wear the same hat as Harrison Ford and Gary Borger. It must be a great hat or they wouldn't wear it." "Don't you see? I can't wear a hat like Gary Borger. Everyone I meet will think that I believe that I'm as good as Gary Borger." "But you are as good as Gary Borger. You're just not as good at fly fishing as Gary Borger." "That's just the point. The hat that I wear must not give people the idea that I think that I am as great a fly fisherman as Gary Borger. It must say that I want to be as great as Borger and that I am committed to becoming great, but that I recognize my limitations and inexperience."
"Try this standard up-downer. Lots of people seem to be buying it." "Never! That's a yuppie hat. Makes everyone think I've been bone fishing. Do you think I want everyone to think that I'm a yuppie?" "But you are a yuppie! A yuppie that is committed to fly fishing." "Forget it. I'll just use this trucker's cap with the store logo on it." He said as he reluctantly put the Harrison Ford model back on the rack.
"What's next?" I offered. "Boots, clippers, and a vest," he mumbled
as he crossed the store. "Here's a vest that is unobtrusive, not too many
pockets. No will even notice that you're wearing one. You'll be a picture
of humility and discretion." "No, I think I'll get this one. It's got to
be the best model." "Why is that?" "Because Gary Borger wears one just
like it." "I'll wait for you in the bar."
| SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 1999 FFF SHOW AND CONCLAVE |
The FFF annual show and conclave is more than great fishing, world-class workshops, and superior fly tyers. It includes a special symposium on Bamboo rods, a fly fishing photography contest, book signing by famous authors, a casting contest, and awards for fly fishing clubs, conservation programs and fly tiers. In addition, the lively auction and Saturday night barbecue are not to missed.
After a day of learning, casting and tying, you can have a drink with some of the world's most famous fly fishers, including Charles Jardine, Joe Humphreys, Joan Wulff, Bruce Richards and too many others to mention. Make your plans soon.
The waters around Gatlinburg, Tennessee include multiple watersheds,
with brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as warmwater species, including
smallmouth bass. In addition to great fishing, there are over 200 hours
of workshops and 30 hours of free seminars at the show. In your free time,
you can sit across the table from some of the best fly tyers in the world,
including Charles Jardine from UK, Henry Hoffman of Hoffman Hackle, Al
Beaty with his hairwing flies and almost 100 others with amazing levels
of ting skill. Also available is a website with a list of accommodations
(including campgrounds), including phone numbers and room rates. You can
also register for the show on-line. The website address is <http://www.fedflyfishers.org/fffshow99.htm>
Stop by! The lush green Smoky Mountains are at their most beautiful in
late summer - hope to see you there.
| FLY FISHING -- DON'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED |
by Ron Schwartz Caddis Fly Fishers, Russellville, Arkansas
Have you ever stopped to think about how fortunate we are here in the U.S. to be able to go fishing just about anytime we please? I have to admit that I all too often take this privilege for granted.
A few years ago, I remember watching a Saturday-morning TV show about fishing in Yugoslavia. I don't remember many of the details, but I remember being impressed with how beautiful the country was. I suppose that may no longer be the case.
When I pick up my fly rod to go fishing these days, I can't help but think about the fact that there is probably a fly fisher in Yugoslavia or Kosovo being forced to put his/her rod down - perhaps to pick up a weapon or maybe to flee for their life. I'm sure there are even U.S. Citizens putting aside their enjoyment of our sport in order to be involved in this conflict.
I'm not saying this to make anyone feel guilty or anything like that.
Quite the contrary, we are blessed with wonderful privileges - enjoy them.
But,
do not take them for granted. Be thankful and do what you can to make sure
our children have the same privilege. Next time you're asked to write a
letter or attend a meeting regarding issues facing our sport - do it.
| COMMERCIAL EXHIBITORS - 999 SOC CONCLAVE |
| A Bayou Runs Through It | Kurt Weieneth |
| Anglers & Archery Outfitters | Leo E. Eck |
| Backcountry Outfitters | Longhorn Flies & Camp Supplies |
| Badger Fly Tying | Lyle Williams |
| Bill Karduck | Mark Shelton |
| Blue Ribbon Flies | Orvis |
| Brazos Fly Fishers | Pockcit Sports |
| Classic Rods | River Run Outfitters |
| Dogwood Canyon National Park | Riverside Outfitters Camp, Fly Shop |
| Duane Hada | Sage |
| Epoch Marketing | Taylormade River Treks |
| Evergreen Report | Terry & Roxanne Wilson |
| G & W Guide Service | The Woodsman |
| G. Loomis Rods | 3 Rivers Outfitters |
| Harvey Ragsdale | TNT Fly Fishing |
| J. Simpson Custom Fly Rods | Whitlock Fly Fishing School |
| Judy Lehmberg | Emily Whitlock |
| Just Fishin' Guide | Woodruff Guide Service |
| AUCTION/RAFFLE UPDATE |
As you read this article I know you are wondering "What can I do to make the 1999 Southern Council Conclave the best and biggest ever". After all this is the major fundraiser for our council.
First, donate your time and talent by looking through your fishing gear. Donate those serviceable items you don't use or want. Donate a dozen of your favorite flies in those fishing catching patterns. Why not donate that birthday present you didn't really need or want. What about donating a guided trip to your favorite fishing spot. You might even spice up the deal by providing cheese and crackers along with all the fish that are caught. (Stretching the truth about size and number caught is acceptable.)
Second, check with local businesses in your area. Many of them will gladly support our efforts. It also helps them get the word out about what they provide which may interest other customers. However, don't limit your request to only the fly shops. Clothing, discount certificates, other outdoor sports activities, paintings, jewelry, and the like help support our council and provide diversity at the auction.
Third, spread the word about the conclave and make plans to get your fellow club members, yourself, and new flyfishers to Mountain Home. With the wonderful list of classes available and the fly tiers showing off their latest, it will be a great opportunity.
There will be ticket raffle and silent auction items throughout the day both Friday and Saturday. These will be held at the Fairgrounds with the live auctions being held at the Ramada Inn Friday and Saturday evenings.
Remember, in order the make this years conclave the most successful event in our councils history it will require everyone help and support. There are no items too large or small.
You may send your donation directly to my home: 15305 Plum Lane,
Russword Acres, McKinney, TX 75070-6202 or the Pat Smith at her home address:
2603 Buford Spur Rd., Mountain Home, AR 72653.
| SC Conclave '99 |
By Michael Verduin '99 Conclave Chairman
The strongest statement supporting the Federation that can be made is by joining and maintaining your membership, and by attending your Conclave. Get involved - it feels good. Members and non-members may become involved by donating flies, tackle and those prized handmade items.
My most treasured piece of fishing memorabilia came from the 1985 live auction, a fly-tying kit made be members of the Green Country Flyfishers. The tools were made of Bois D'arc and the box was made from a fence post on a member's farm. My heart was beating as the bid reached $75, and the bid was down to my wife and I and another couple. At $95, it came down to me. Triple digits was more than serious money to us. I was sweating and Bert could sense my emotional attachment to the prize. She squeezed my hand and it was done - $100. I vividly remember every detail, not because of the item, but because I got to play the game. Feel the joy of participating - contribute to the auction and come experience the joy and inspiration that participating can bring. (The tool kit will be on display - It is not for sale.)
The 1999 Conclave will emphasize a broad spectrum of programs, including trout, salt water and warm water, as well as topics on managing private waters, building fly plates and photographing the out of doors. New faces and new concepts line the two-day program. A move to new space will allow the show to grow and expand.
This year's Conclave daytime activities will be held only a mile or so from the Ramada Inn at the Fairgrounds - where the commercial displays, fly tiers and silent auction/raffle activities will take place. The Ramada Inn is still our headquarters and our rich tradition will remain there with our nighttime activities - the Friday night program and live auction, and the Saturday night awards program, banquet and live auction will take place there.
Why did we move? The growing attendance exceeded the space available. At the fairgrounds, the space is more than doubled and parking is unlimited. With the fairgrounds comes the opportunity to try some new ideas - Ideas in commercial displays, outside activities and fly tying programs.
Southern Council Conclave Registration Form
Conclave Activities, Friday October 1, 1999
Conclave Activities, Saturday/Sunday
October 2/3, 1999
| WOMEN'S OUTREACH, TOPPING TO SPEAK AT SATURDAY LUNCHEON |
by Pat Smith SC Managing Director
Women's Outreach has big plans! Even though our plans are still undergoing renovations, we still have quite a bit to tell you.
This year our Outreach speaker will be Rhea Topping. Rhea has been fly fishing since 1988. In 1994 she sold her successful real estate company in Middleburg, Virginia and gave herself two years to become proficient at fly fishing, vowing that if she failed, she would return to the "real world." Five years later, she is still working on becoming proficient, but has nevertheless made fly fishing her profession. On the Pro Staff for Ross Reels, Simms, Patagonia and Ex Officio, Rhea guides and instructs fly fishing in Virginia, DC and Maryland.
She has been an instructor in several states for the "Becoming an Outdoor Woman" program. In 1997, Rhea was the associate producer of the new video, "Joan Wulff's Dynamics of Fly Casting." Rhea has had the opportunity to fish for trout in most of the Western States; for Atlantic salmon in eastern Canada; for Northern Pike and trophy brookies in Labrador; for tarpon, snook, permit and bonefish in the Florida Keys and Mexico and for gargantuan sea run brown trout in Tierra del Fuego. In 1996 she won the FFF Distance and Accuracy competitions in Livingston, Montana and in 1998 placed third in the Women's "Best of the West" Casting Competition in San Mateo, California.
Fascinated by casting, instructing and communicating, in addition to her mentor, Joan Wulff, she has studied with most of the top fly fishers in the world. Rhea is a certified casting instructor and in 1998 became one of the only two women to receive her Master Certification. Rhea was a participant in the first two Joan Wulff East Coast Instructor's Schools. The following spring she was invited to be a substitute instructor of Joan Wulff's school becoming the first woman instructor (other than Joan) in the twenty five year history of the school! In 1997 she became one of Joan's five full time instructors and commutes 7 hours each way from Virginia to New York State every weekend during the school season.
A former primary school teacher, Rhea is particularly interested in working with children. She is in the early states of producing an instructional fly fishing video geared completely toward children. Currently, Rhea is a National Director of the Federation of Fly Fishers and serves on National's Education, Membership, Outreach and Site Search Committees. She also chairs the National Awards Committee.
Prior to the luncheon on Saturday, Rhea will conduct a casting clinic for interested students. The class is by registration only; however, there are no fees involved. The class is open to all and available on a first come basis. She is in the final stages of completing a book of fly fishing etiquette, which will be available in 1999. This book provides the topic for her program at the Outreach luncheon on October 2nd. For those of you who have attended the luncheon in the past several years, the Twin Lakes Republican Women's Club is again catering the luncheon. They bring the most wonderful salads. Between the delicious salads, the raffle, Johnny and the auction and Rhea, we're looking forward to a great time. Don't miss this event. Outreach also plans to offer other seminars and classes for those interested. Some classes are related to fishing and some are not. We realize we have some ladies who do not fish and we are trying to offer them an alternative.
On Friday morning we will offer a class on flower arranging with Sally Zielinski of Mountain Home. Sally is a Master Gardner and an entertaining speaker. On Friday afternoon, we will offer a program presented by Ronna Fulton of Blue Ribbon Fly Shop on "River Accesses." Ronna and her husband Dale have owned and operated Blue Ribbon for a number of years. They also have a lodge on the White River where they offer guide services. Ronna would fall into the category of "Expert" on access and good fishing spots on both the White and Norfork Rivers.
Phyllis Speer, Educational Director with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, will teach a class on Dutch Oven Cooking. The class, limited to 16, will prepare an entire meal over the campfire. Some of you who have access to the Arkansas Educational Television Network, may have seen Phyllis cooking or fly fishing on "Arkansas Outdoors." Not only is she an excellent cook, she is also a very proficient Outdoors' Woman. She is giving up the first day of the deer bow season to do this class for us
Also, on Friday afternoon, Emily Whitlock will present her program on Wild Flowers. Emily has taken photos of wild flowers all over the world wherever she and her husband Dave are fishing. Not only does she know the common names of the flowers she can even tell you the Latin names.
We are currently in the process of arranging one or two other classes which will be offered on Saturday, in addition to Rhea's programs. Details will be made available as soon as the classes are set.
On Friday afternoon at 4 PM, the Women's Outreach will hold their
annual business meeting. Please plan to attend. This is where we decide
what to do with the money we raise from our raffle and auction at the luncheon.
If you have any ideas or would like to take part, please come. The meeting
will be in the Outreach Room at the Fair Grounds.
| Conclave Tyers |
By Michael Verduin, Conclave Chairman; and Grace Lui, Fly Tying Chairman
This year's tying program will be an expanded one, incorporating both our established invitees and a new format, in which each council club has been solicited to send one representative tyer in addition to any receiving a tyer's invitation. This format should provide an avenue for new talent, an opportunity for club participation and a vehicle for awards and rewards within each club. The talent of tyers in the Southern Council has been second to none, and this year's list is no exception.
In our new Conclave facility at the fairgrounds, we can accommodate 96 tyers, giving each tyer demonstrating, one, four-hour session each day. With a two- shift format each day, tyers will get an opportunity to participate in other activities. This format was introduced last year with favorable results.
Many of our established tyers have offered to give up their places to provide an opportunity for others. Giving up a place will not be necessary, as we will have plenty of room, and an expanded format - thanks to all of those who have taken the time to provide their comments and ideas.
Here are some of the tyers who have already committed to tying at the Conclave, in October, along with the type of flies they will tie: Tyers with asterisks after their name are club nominated tiers. Judy Lehmberg is a Busek Award winner( this is the highest award the FFF gives for fly tying).
Tom Berry - Saltwater - "Big skinny" for trout, redfish and bluefish.
"El shrimpo" shrimp pattern; Craig E "Sam", Blivins - Live body
foam bugs for bass, bream. Attractors, terrestrials, streamers, nymphs;
Mike
Butler* - DSB nymphs, dsb damsels; Doug Christian - Warmwater,
foam flies; Fred Clingerman - Saltwater, warmwater; Doug Farthing
- Trout and catfish flies; Doug Hansler - Trout flies, wets, dry
and nymphs; George Harmelling - Trout, bass, bream; Bill Heugel
- Bass hair bugs; Jeff Hines - Nymphs, traditional wet flies, streamers
and warmwater patterns; Judy Lehmberg - Atlantic Salmon Flies; Verne
Lehmberg - Spring creek flies Walter McLendon - Dame Juliana
Berners' 12 flies (by hand) & other centuries old flies;
Tom Nixon
- Warmwater flies - has been published in "Fly Tyers Round Table," Field
and Stream," "Fly Tyers Quarterly," "American Angler," "Fly Tyer," "Southern
Outdoors," and "Bassmasters." Don Oblander - nymphs, streamers; Cecil
Ray Scantlin* - Damsel, dry flies, nymphs;
Jim Simpson - Sparrow
nymphs, woolhead bass flies, spoon flies;
Paul "Sodie" Sodamann*
- Developed the cattail leech; Tony Spezio
- The woven mayfly; Ray
Tompkins - Terrestrials; Gene Wheeler - Trout flies. Originated
the "Dell" fly.
| Annual Awards Balloting, Council Scholarship Award |
by Hod McIntosh, VP Communications
Ballot packets, complete with copies of each nomination letter, are scheduled to be in the mail to your club president by June 30, 1999.
Your club must, then, get the completed ballots back to the SC VP Communications by September 13, 1999. Having ballot deadline at this time will insure that the plaques will be ready for awardees at the time awards are announced, at the Annual SC Conclave, the first weekend in October.
Be reminded that any correspondence, nomination letter, or ballot, should be sent to the following address:
Hod McIntosh
VP Communication
6666 Woodson Drive, Mission, KS 66202
...
It is time, again, to place in nomination, any deserving candidate for the $1,000.00 Bill Lambing Southern Council Scholarship.
Those wishing to make nominations should be advised that nominees must meet the following criteria: Each nominee must live within the geographic boundaries of the Southern Council, be in his or her second or later year of college study, be pursuing a degree in a field consistent with the goals of the Federation of Fly Fishers, and either be a member of, or be sponsored by, a member of the Federation.
Those who have nominees with these qualifications may send their nominations to:
VP Education Chuck Easterling
P.O. Box 1502
Jonesboro, AR 72403
| The Fly Corner |
by Terry Tanner, Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers
The Big Shad Fly
I was talking to an Arkansas Guide one day, about working up a trip to Lake Washita (AR, near Hot Springs) to fly fish for stripers. He said most people who come to fish for large stripers, don't use large enough flies. His contention was that the smaller stripers don't take the large shad, but the big boys do. To shorten the story, I decided to whip up a really large shad pattern. Here it is!
Material List
Hook - 4/0 or 5/0 #3366 Mustad or similar - (nickel or S.S. is best)
Red antron dubbing
Pearl Krystal Flash
White Icelandic Sheep Hair
Turkey Flat (gray)
Supreme Hair (white)and (gray)
Thread 6/0 (gray)
Flex-a-ment, Shoe Goo II or Goop (marine), and Zap-A-Gap
Solid Plastic Eyes (gold) 7mm
Fire Fly (pearl)
Tying Instructions
Figure#1
First, bend back the hook, behind the eye (about two lengths
back) a very slight amount, and the put the hook in a vise and dub a small
amount of red antron into a ball. Tease the antron back with a .17 caliber
brass rifle bore cleaning brush, dubbing pick or similar tool. This will
be a base to start shaping a high vertical profile pattern.
Figure#2
Next, add the pearl Krystal Flash. Use much more on top than
on bottom, as shown. Measure the flash on top as shown (two or three times
the body length), and leave enough length to fold the flash down after
the top is tied in, so that the left over becomes the flash at the bottom
of the fly. When building this and similar flies, two things are important.
First, adding some type of tying glue, like Zap-A-Gap or a flex-a-ment,
and lifting up the flash while it is drying, will raise the profile on
the fly, causing it to pick up a permanent vertical curve that will help
vertically bulk up the profile. Second, an absolute minimun of material
should be used below the hook shank of the fly, as any extra bulk below,
will cause the fly to ride on its side, when stripped on retreive.
Figure#3
Tie in a small amount of Icelandic sheep hair (white) above
the top flash. Now add Supreme Hair, starting with white, then a small
amount of flash, then gray Supreme Hair on top. Note: Use Zap-a-Gap in
between layers of material, to build the high vertical profile. Finish
with pearl firefly (very flashy dubbing) down the sides, covered by a turkey
flat as a gill cover on each side. Then add gold eyes as shown. Pre set
the eyes with Dave's Flex-A-Ment, then use shoe goop to permanently fix
the eyes in place.
I've tested this fly in the water out in front of Bass Pro, and
it rides well and looks great in the water. I used an 8 weight, and it
cast well, but I would use a 9 weight when fishing for stripers. The finished
fly should end up thin, veritcally round, and long - about 7" long!
| Fishing Tips: Loop Knots |
By Larry V. Notley
The fishing was great, last spring, on Hollywood Lake. The bass were striking hard and swift, setting the hook themselves. The only help added was lifting the rod tip firmly. However, this was not the case earlier in the day.
The day started, tying the popper to the leader with an improved clinch knot. Action with the clince knot rig was only fair, the fish swiping at the popper, with hookups coming sporadically. The popper did not seem to be too impressive on the retrieve. The retrieves were lifeless, plain, and boring. During some retrieves, the popper would only generate a skip or skim across the water surface.
A fix was in need, now, or this would be another long day on the water. The fix would be a switch to a loop knot. My options were a choice between a slip loop and permanent loop knot. I selected a permanent loop knot so I would not have to reopen the loop after each strike and/or catch. Loop knots are most effective and perform best on medium to large flies, due to their size and/or weight. The lively action of the popper or fly happens with the hook eye of the fly moving freely around the loop. This action attracts and entices fish up from deeper waters to take the bait.
My choice of a loop is the Drop-Loop. This loop is quick and easy to tie, and enhances greatly the darting, twitching and gyrating motion. This action generates aggressive strikes that account for more fish brought to net. Once mastered, the Drop-Loop will be as second nature as tying the Improved Clinch knot.
Other types of loop knots exist, such as the Non-Slip Mono, Tautline Hitch, and Uni, only to mention a few. Select a loop knot that suits your needs best, then learn to tie it efficiently and effectively.
Editors note: Larry V. Notley is a quarterly columnist for Long
Casts. A member of Dallas Fly Fishers, he has authored three
books which cover knots and leaders, and is owner of Pockit Sports,
manufacturers of fly tying tables, benches and desks. Larry's newest book,
Fly
Fishing Knots, is now abvailable. See his ad on this page.
| FFF LOSES A FRIEND |
Mary Black passed away March 25, 1999 at Washburn, Missouri, and was buried there. She was born March 8, 1937 at Washburn.
Mary was active in the Federation at all levels. She was a member of the Green Country Flyfishers and has served as a director there. She was a member of the Tulsa Flyfishers and has served as a Vice President there. She was the first woman to serve on the Executive Committee of the Federation of Flyfishers.
Among Mary's many FFF honors, were Two FFF President's Pins,
Woman of the Year, and Senior Advisor; Southern Council Award of Excellence
and Woman of the Year, and Green Country Flyfishers' Bob Cunningham Award.
Those who wish to do so may make a donation to the All Fish, All Waters
Foundation, which serves the Federation of Flyfishers education,
conservation, youth programs and the International Fly Fishing Center.
Make checks payable to AFAW, - memo them "Mary Black Memorial", and mail
them to AFAW, 3213 Harvey Road, Bartlesville, OK 74006
| Closing |
Material for the '99 Fall Issue of Long Casts must be in the editor's hands by July 15th
Southern Council Federation of Flyfisher
This page updated July 19, 1999