LONGCASTS
published quarterly by the Southern Council, Federation of Flyfishers
Spring Issue, April 2000
| The Prez Sez | by Brian Camp, President |
| About Long Casts | |
| Roubidoux Fly Fishers Acquire Creek Access | by Chuck Tryon |
| The Fly Corner | by Terry Tanner, Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers |
| Annual Awards for 2000 | by Hod McIntosh, VP-Communications |
| Women's Outreach | by Pat Smith, Council Managing Director |
| Commercial Space Available | by Chet Smith, Conclave Commercial Co-Chair |
| Southern Council Scholarship | by Chuck Easterling, VP-Education |
| Kill It and Keep It! | By Paul Sodamann, VP-Conservation |
| National FFF Offers Change to Win Hyde Drift Boat | |
| From the Editor... | |
| Multiple Strike Indicators | by Larry Notley, Dallas Fly Fishers |
| The Cats Out of the Bag! | By Paul Sodamann, Flint Hills Fly Fishers |
| Flyfishing, A Work in Progress | by Roger Maler, Mid-South Fly Fishers |
| The Old Body and Fly Fishing | by Allen Crise, Fort Worth Fly Fishers |
| FFF Southern Council Changes Web Site | |
| Conclave 2000 | by Chuck Easterling, Conclave Co-Chair |
| Springtime, The Perfect Time to Help Others | by Chuck Easterling, VP-Education |
| Fly Fishing with Children, a book review | by Bob Hurd, Santa Lucia Fly Fishing Club, FFF Clubwire |
| THE PREZ SEZ |
At some point in every fisher's career, we explain to someone that the fun lies not in just the fishing trip but also in the anticipation of the trip. We can go further in saying it's not just the anticipation but it's also the preparation, and while preparation may be a part of the anticipation, it really is a separate issue.
For instance, in a couple of weeks I'm going tarpon fishing. There are flies to tie, of course, and all the reels have been carefully spooled with new lines and backing. And I reckon that I've gone through at least a mile of mono in trying to tie only twelve leaders with perfect Bimini twists. These intense preparations have gone on for weeks. However the anticipation of this trip to faraway, exotic waters has been with me for years.
Of course, all of this is not just unique to fishing trips. It also applies to events. I personally know several hundred people that are anticipating our next annual Conclave right now. In fact, they've probably been anticipating it since leaving Mountain Home last October. I know I have! They're also preparing for the 2000 Conclave - making reservations, tying boxes full of sowbugs and soft hackles, etc., etc., etc.
The neat thing about being a FFF member in the Southern Council is that the Conclave is not the only event we anticipate and prepare for. Other annual events include the Sowbug Roundup in Cotter, Rendezvous at Toledo Bend, the Fly Tying Festival in Houston just to name a few. And more of these great events are being added every year all over our Council!
If you know of a fly fishing event coming up in your area, make sure that you prepare an advance write up for the Long Casts and send it to Steve Fritz, so we can all get in on the anticipation. Also, after the event, make sure you do a write up of the event for Steve, so all that couldn't come can be jealous and start that anticipation cycle a full year in advance!
Before I go, I guess I'd better take care of some FFF business. After all, you did elect me to do something besides ramble on about fishing trips and other stuff. First, I'm proud to announce that Chet Smith has assumed the duties of one of our International Directors. Most of you know Chet so you know that it's a given that he'll do a great job for the Council. Welcome aboard Chet! He is assuming the reigns from Frank Schneider. Frank has served the Council for more years than I dare to count and we all owe Frank our most sincere thanks. Frank, you've been more than just an associate, you've been a true friend and we wish you nothing but big fish and lots of 'em!
If you are interested in anything that goes on in the Council, make sure you visit our Web Page. It has the latest in Conclave info, Council business items, links to all the clubs with web sites, back issues of past Long Casts and a ton of other stuff. Bill Brant performs yoeman's work on this project and deserves a serious round of applause. The web address is listed in this newsletter. Check it out!
All of your Council officers have been working very hard on a host of issues this past year and we have made some noteworthy accomplishments. Of great importance is Council communications. Hod McIntosh has greatly improved our network in getting information to all of the clubs and we plan on refining this even further. If your club president or contact has not sent us an e-mail address, please get it to us soon so we can include your club in our news network. We truly want to make each club an integral part of the Council, but we can only do it with your help.
Speaking of clubs, I had a most enlightening conversation, recently, with an officer of my home club, the Fort Worth Fly Fishers. I had asked him if the club Board of Directors had made a decision on what they were going to do with the FFF membership incentive they had received from us in early January. I knew that they had had two board meeting since receiving the packages but nothing had been announced to the club. I was told that the offer had been discussed a couple of time but they hadn't made a decision yet as they were really not clear on "What the FFF does for them?" To say the least, I was astounded.
I guess I really shouldn't have been, because, for years, we have all heard fly fishermen ask the similar question of, "What does the FFF do for me?". To answer this question, I have to ask when you join Trout Unlimited, what do they do for you? Well, you get a very nice magazine every year and you know that your money goes toward restoring habitat on trout streams and a host of other conservation activities that make trout fishing better for everyone. It's a very worthwhile cause. When you join Ducks Unlimited, what does DU do for you? Well, you get a few very nice magazines and you know that your money goes toward wetlands purchases, wetlands restoration, population surveys and a lot of great programs that assure that our priceless waterfowl resources are protected so we can all enjoy these magnificent birds. Again, a very worthwhile course. The same could be said for the Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, The Yellowstone Coalition and dozens of other conservation groups. All are extremely valuable in protecting the finite resources that we all value dearly.
So, when you joint the FFF, what does it do for you? Like the others just mentioned, you get a few very nice magazines every year and your money goes directly into conservation activities. But unlike these other organizations, it doesn't just end there. We are the only organization on this planet that uses fly fishing, and the furtherance of our sport, as the major motivating factor for supporting these conservation activities.
In the last year, we have helped to purchase land to allow access to Capps Creek, a beautiful Missouri stream that has previously been private. We have given money to the State of Oklahoma to help train their trout biologists to they can improve the trout fishery below Broken Bow Reservoir. We have helped with the legal fees in a lawsuit against the EPA to get them to stop the destruction on Crooked Creek. We have given money to the State of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to help construct new stocking structures on the White River. We have donated money to several clubs and State programs for the purchase of water quality testing kits. We give scholarships to college students. We provide fly tying tools and materials in addition to rods and reels to clubs for their education programs, at no cost to the clubs. Our FFF affiliated clubs have performed stream clean-ups, lectured in schools and taught hundreds, perhaps thousands, of hopeful anglers how to cast, tie flies, etc.
I could go on and on, but it is important to note that this is just a partial list of what goes on in the Southern Council alone. The list of what is done annually, nationwide, by the FFF would take several pages.
So what does the FFF do for you? It's really very simple. The activities of the FFF are for the benefits of the fish - all fish in all waters. You are a member of a fly fishing club. As such, you have made a statement that you are interested in fly fishing, be it learning or teaching. By joining the FFF you are taking the next step by making a statement that you are interested in the fish and the beautiful waters in which they live plus you want to do these things to benefit the sport of fly fishing.
Last, but most importantly, I want to thank each and every one of you that has recently taken that next step and joined the FFF through our Council/Club membership drive. Thanks also to all of you that have renewed your memberships. As a grassroots organization, you are truly the backbone of our organization.
Until next time, I hope you had a great holiday season and....
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
| Roubidoux Fly Fishers Acquire Creek Access |
by Chuck Tryon
Word comes from Chuck Tryon, that members of the Roubidoux Fly Fishers recently donated $1,000 to the Missouri Conservation Department, to be used to acquire a sizeable stretch of Capps Creek, a popular trout stream in southwestern Missouri. Three of Roubidoux's members donated an additional $2,500, and the property is now under Conservation Department management.
| The Fly Corner |
by Terry Tanner, Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers
Sheep-A-Bou Streamer
Using a #300 or #9394TMC Hook, tie in first a strand of Mylar or tinsel (silver), running down the hook shank, so that it is secured at the bend of the hook, facing off the back; then a doll fly-like marabou tail (white, gray or tan marabou and thread) (the bigger marabou feathers if available), also tied at the back, and also secured all the way up the hook shank, for strength and bulk.
Next, take some individual marabou fibers, tie them in at the bend., spin them like dubbing around the thread, and wind them to the front of the hook, about two eye lengths back, and secure. Palmer the Mylar to segment, tie off in the same place.
Then, add a small clump of red hackle fibers or marabou for the beard, and a top wing of Icelandic Sheep Hair (color the same as thread and marabou above), with pearl Krystl Flash as an underwing, if desired.
Colors of materials should be changed to help match the baitfish in the area fished. Good fishing!
| Annual Awards for 2000 |
by Hod McIntosh, VP-Communication
When you attend the next club meeting, please look around at your club members and pick out those guys and gals who have been people who have made things happen for your club. You know your members who have made contributions to your club, the Council or Federation programs and projects. Please send me a great nomination letter for each of your candidates. Awards and guidelines appear below.
The deadline for nominations will be June 23, 2000, and you will be busy fishing, so please work on your nominations now, when you have time to write a great nomination letter. Many thanks to those who sent in nominations for our 1999 Awards. Send your letters of nomination to:
Hod McIntosh
6666 Woodson Drive
Mission, KS 66202
e-mail: singingreels@worldnet.att.net
GUIDE LINES AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR NOMINEES
OF THE SOUTHERN COUNCIL ANNUAL AWARDS
MAN OF THE YEAR -- Presented annually to the man who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the Southern Council and, through this devotion, has benefitted the Southern Council, the FFF and/or his club.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR -- Presented annually to that woman who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the Southern Council and, through this devotion, has benefitted the Southern Council, the FFF and/or her 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 also are 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 projects and activities.
FLY TYER OF THE YEAR -- Awarded annually to an individual who has made significant contributions 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, group or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the conservation of our fisheries resources. Need not be given annually if no worth while 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.
| Women's Outreach |
by Pat Smith, Council Managing Director
The Women's Outreach of the Southern Council has, for the past several years, has as it's philanthropic endeavor, the giving of scholarships to women who could not otherwise afford the expenses of attending the "Becoming An Outdoor Woman" (BOW) program in their home state. Outreach would like to give several scholarships this year.
If you are unfamiliar with the "BOW" program, it is a weekend workshop offering such courses as canoeing, birding, hunting, game care & handling, campfire cooking, shooting as well as many, many other activities. Of course, one of the most popular classes if fly fishing. Each woman selects four classes of interest and will spend at least half a day on each subject. This course is a definite esteem and self confidence builder for those attending.
If you know of someone in your area who might have an interest in this program and could not otherwise afford the expense of attending, please contact wither Pat Smith, Council Managing Director (877-664-4401 - cpsmh@centurytel.net ) or Dixie Turner, Outreach Chairlady (870-445-4440 - evergreen@southshore.com).
| Commercial Space Available |
Due to the move of the Southern Council Conclave to the Baxter County Fair Grounds in Mountain Home, we have more room than ever before. For the 2000 Conclave we have space available for additional commercial exhibitors. If you are interested in joining the ranks of exhibitors in the largest regional Federation Conclave, please call Chet Smith, Conclave Commercial Co-Chairman, at 877-664-4401, or e-mail him at cpsmh@centurytel.net. These prime spaces will go fast, so don't delay.
| Southern Council Scholarship |
by Chuck Easterling, VP of Education
The Southern Council annual awards a scholarship of $1,000 to a deserving student who is in his or her second or later year of college study. The recipient of this scholarship is announced, each year, at the Southern Council Conclave. The application deadline is each August 31st for that year's Conclave.
The requirements for the scholarship are: the applicant must reside within the geographical boundaries of the Southern Council; be in his or her second or later years of college study; be pursuing a degree in a field consistent with the goals of the Federation of Fly Fishers™; and be either a member of or sponsored by a member of the Federation.
If you know for a potential applicant, please contact me at the address below for an application
Charles R. Easterling
VP-Education, SCFFF
P.O. Box 1502
Jonesboro, AR 72403
870-802-1758 or 870-932-4355
| Kill It or Keep It! |
By Paul Sodamann, VP - Conservation
It is not often that you hear a fly fisher us the words above in the title, but I am not referring to a fish. I am referring to two items: The first is a dam, the Bell Foley Dam, which has been proposed on the Strawberry River in Northern Arkansas - Kill It!
The dam is not a new development. It has been on the books since 1938 and although never developed, it has raised its ugly head several times over the past decades. Once again, talk is surfacing on trying to develop this dam. It would seem that the only people who would stand to benefit, would be some local and state politicians who have positioned themselves favorably in land acquisition. The need to kill it would appear to be a no-brainer! All that needs to be done by Congress is nothing! Imagine that, writing your Congressman in Washington and asking him/her to do nothing! If no action is taken, no money thrown at this project, it will die natural death and become de-authorized automatically in two years.
So why then the concern? The local residents are tired of living with a potential man made disaster hanging over their heads. And, yes, some local political power groups are trying to get it started again. True, they may not get far, but we can help out some nice local people by putting our two cents worth in with our representatives in Congress.
The second item is the Strawberry River itself - Keep It! This river boasts one of the most diverse populations of fish species of any river in North America! A total of one-hundred-seven different fish species have been identified in this one river alone. That is about fourteen percent of the total fish species diversity located in North American waters. Of those one-hundred-seven species, one is an endemic species named-the Strawberry River Orangethroat Darter (Etheostoma fragi). Because this species is found only in the Strawberry River, it is imperative that the river be saved. Saving the river, however, is not as simple as just stopping development of the dam. It will require a lot work involving stream bank restoration and some changes in local ranching/farming practices in order to stop the silting caused by bank erosion. But help is on the way. A group of local citizens is taking a grass roots stand to save their river. They are getting out the word on the dam and how to get it de-authorized. They are also seeking ways to improve the water quality of the Strawberry. I had the opportunity to meet with Charles Martin, a resident along the Strawberry, and found out quite a lot about their situation. Charles asked me to pass the word on to the members of FFF and asked for our support. While giving Charlie a quick fly fishing lesson, we talked about what is taking place along the river corridor. He was also kind enough to show me several river access points, some of which are state owned, which lend themselves nicely to fly fishing and canoeing access. So what can we do? A simple letter, e-mail or phone call to your Congressman in Washington expressing your concern would be the very least. But the Southern Council is not stopping there. We are working with a developing partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas to help stabilize the stream banks. These and other projects could help preserve and improve the Strawberry River for us and future fly fishers.
If you would care to learn more about the Strawberry River or the Bell Foley Dam, contact Charles Martin at his e-mail address: crmartin@daviscomp.com. or myself at the e-mail address below.
In other conservation related news; the national committee which was assigned to develop a Warm Water Policy Statement for FFF disbanded. This committee, which I was asked to chair, did not receive enough input from interested parties to adequately develop a workable policy. New emphasis will be placed on native fish conservation/restoration and a national program on combating exotics which threaten fisheries.
There has been some work towards revitalizing the existing warm water committee and salt water committee which have not been extremely active over the past few years. I have contacted Verne Lehmberg, our national conservation director, and asked to be placed on the salt water committee. I am not sure what a character from Kansas can do for a salt water committee, but it is my first love in fly fishing. If you have any thoughts or suggestions related to salt water, send them to me.
To date, I have no further word on the feed lot situation in Nebraska which I eluded to in the last Long Casts. If some member of the Cornhuskers Club could contact me and update me on the situation, I would appreciate it. Also, if your club has conservation projects which need a little extra funding, contact me and I will see what I can do. Last year Texas clubs got off to a good start with their Texas Watch programs. I would love to be able to support other such projects. On a personal note, I would like to apologize to Walter McLendon. I went to Rockport, Texas over Christmas break to try my hand at Reds and Specs and Walter was going to meet us the last weekend. To make a long story short, the full moon at solstice caused the lowest tides possible and fishing was not too good. We decided to leave early but with no way to contact Walter, he arrived on New Years Eve to find we had left. Apparently we missed a fantastic fireworks display. Walter, if you are still talking to me, I would love to come back to Texas and try again. Or maybe I can make it up to you by taking you on a Kansas Grand Slam trip up here! We go after carp, gar and buffalo, if you are interested.
We are now well under way into the new century. The future looks bright for Southern Council and FFF. Conservation issues, however, will continually need our attention. Please feel free to contact me with any conservation concerns you might have.
e-mail (pauls@manhattan.kl2.ks.us)
| National FFF Offers Chance To Win Hyde Drift Boat |
From FFF Headquarters and the makers of Hyde Drift Boats comes an offer that is hard to refuse. For a $10 donation, you receive a chance to win a $9,000 Hyde Drift Boat.
Money raised will be used to further the cause of fly fishing. To receive your chance to win, send your donation to:
The Federation of Fly Fishers
P.O. Box l595
Bozeman, MT 59771, 406-585-7592,
e-mail <fffoffice@fedflyfishers.org>
| From the Editor... |
In Texas, within the past year or so, there has been controversy over a group of businessmen who are pressing for an exemption to the slot limit on bass. Evidently, this group is pushing for the relaxation of the slot limit only during bass tournaments. Voting members of the Southern Council, during a yearly business meeting at the annual Council Conclave, voted to send the following resolution to the Texas Legislature, concerning what was thought by the Council to be a harmful idea:
Resolution By the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers
Whereas, when the State of Texas' management tool for largemouth bass was a 15 inch limit, very few fish over 15 inches were available, and
Whereas, fisheries researchers, managers, and policy makers have put forth a conscious, well-planned, and science based program, years in duration, resulting in some of the finest bass fishing, including big bass fishing, it is possible to find, and
Whereas, a few businesses are ready to trade little profit for themselves at great cost to the State of Texas and are showing a willlingness to kill the goose that is laying golden (bass) eggs by circumventing the program that produced the wonderful bass fishing Texas supports by exempting bass tournaments from abiding by current slot limits, and
Whereas, the great majority of Texas anglers who have financed the fisheries programs leading to the present great Texas bass fishery will be breaking the law and subject to penalties if they ignore the slot limits on bass, an unbelievable proposition, now therefore be it
Resolved that the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers assembled in annual conclave this third day of October, 1999, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, do oppose any form of fisheries management, for any reason, not based on well-planned, science based programs.
| Multiple Strike Indicators |
By Larry Notley Dallas Fly Fishers
I have read several articles on the use of multiple strike indicators and their benefits and have enjoyed each. Over the last several years, I have experimented, and used this method of nymph fishing in numerous rivers in several states. I used small and medium indicators from Sierra Pacific, Turn-on, Accu-Strike, Biostrike, and others. Each worked well as a single indicator, but problems started when I used two or more indicators at one time, no matter which brands I put together.
I would like to share a few tips and suggestions about drawbacks I encountered when using the multiple strike indicator method, and give some solutions I found.
Casting: Two or more strike indicators will change your normal casting rhythm, style and possibly, your casting motion, because of the added weight. The additional weight puts a sag in the leader during a normal cast. I found I must speed up my back and forward casting motion to eliminate this sag and to propel this weight.
Extra time must be added to the forward and back cast to allow the leader to straighten out, and achieve its position in the cast. Even though these indicators are small and may not seem to weigh much, the added weight, size, and shape will affect the leader aerodynamics and subsequently the cast. Once onto the backcast, do not allow the leader to drop below parallel.
When you lift the leader and strike indicator from the surface of the water, additional strike indicators increase the amount of resistance. The added weight of the indicators also makes it more difficult to propel the leader forward and achieve a normal motion. the resistance, or drag, will affect control and direction, and alter normal stripping and mending techniques.
Rod: I suggest a stiff rod for casting the multiple indicators. I prefer a slightly more flexible rod of medium action, for most situations, but for this, a rod with backbone is necessary.
| The Cats Out of the Bag! |
By Paul Sodamann, Flint Hills Fly Fishers
We have all experienced it from time to time: Standing waist deep in ice cold water, working up a sweat throwing fly after fly at fish which only occasionally strike. The person next to us, however, is calmly and consistently catching and releasing fish after fish, cast after cast. Our pride keeps our mouth shut, as we try to match the other person's style, move for move, presentation for presentation. After continued frustration, we finally break down, swallow our pride, and ask, "what are you using"? If we are fortunate enough to get an honest response, it is usually a fly we do not have or one for which we only have an obviously inferior facsimile.
What a wonderful feeling when the role is reversed, and we are the successful one on the stream! True, it does not happen very often; for some, only in dreams! But that is exactly what has happened to me the past few times I have been on the river.
I enjoy fishing the White River below Beaver Lake in Arkansas. The drive to the river from St. George, Kansas, is short enough to allow for several weekend trips every year. I have listened to numerous fly fishers expound on "the fly". And it would seem that "the fly" type is as numerous as "the fisherman" one speaks with! So I decided to develop "the fly" for me. And I hit paydirt!
After tying up several of this new pattern, I was wading into the river followed by two others. We were about fifteen yards apart as our lines started delivering our choice of fly. Cast after cast were being presented by the three of us, the only difference being that I was getting a hookup every cast, while my river companions- were only wetting their lines. Eventually the inevitable happened and those words rang out. "What are you using?", from the closest caster. "Cattail Leech!" was my response. "What the ---is that?" Echoed back.--- I was nice enough to share!
The cattail leech is no super secret fly, tied whit only rare exotic materials found in the far east! No, it is a simple, fast to tie, fly which uses materials readily available to all: Cat tail! Not the plant!
Cat Tail! Being a member of the Flint Hills Fly Fishers, I have helped promote a subculture of "domestic dubbers"! We use only the choicest of furs available from pets and )FORD's (found on road dead)!
Cat tail, more specifically the softer fur on the underside of the tail near the base (Cul-De-Feline of you will, or, as some say, "purr fur"), is the base for this creation. Field tests have shown, however, that neither the color, nor for that matter, the species, truly matters. This fly has been tied with fox and dog instead of cat, and remarkably, is equally effective. The only apparent characteristic the fur needs to display is it needs to be long and sonic.
To tie the fly, start with a 2x long hook, and wrap it with lead or other wire. Next, tie in a small amount of soft, long cat tail fur. Too much will catch and hold air during the false cast and not allow the fly to sink immediately. Then palmer rabbit fur made into a dubbing loop all the way up the hook shank. Form a head and whip finish.
The leech is heavily weighted, so it fishes near the bottom. Even trough it is a weighted fly, I tend to add a small split shot about a foot up from the fly to get it down even faster. A slow steady retrieve evokes many strikes on each retrieve. A stop-start retrieve such as a swimming sculpin, also elicits strikes. The tail should not be too long, because the strikes are often short and on the tail. Size of the pattern doesn't seem to matter, so it can be tied on small hooks and thrown with 7x, or larger hooks for bigger tippets.
This fly has proven effective from Colorado to Kansas, and in fact, won a recent "One Fly" tournament held on the White River. It may not look like much, but is easy to tie, and fun to fish.
Why not give it a try!
| Flyfishing, A Work in Progress |
by Roger Maler, Mid-South Fly Fishers
It seems that by now I should know every way to screw up a fishing trip. A recent trip confirmed my naivete in this regard. So you may be spared the same experience, please read on.
Tracie and I had a one day shot at a bonefishing trip in Cozumel, Mexico, as a stop on a cruise we took last month, booked and prepaid through a California outfitter. The language barrier not with standing, we were assured of a short boat ride, glassy waters, and great fishing by the guide and his superior.
We questioned the high winds on shore (18-20 m.p.h.). But, our fears were overruled by visions of great fishing, -a near fatal mistake. Maybe it's the metric system, but the "short" boat ride "Just around the point" turned into a 1:15 hour horror trip in a flats boat (of somewhat questionable condition) in 6'-8' seas!! And we still had not gotten to the "best" area. Stopping several times to question the sanity of our guide and strap on life jackets, we opted to stop the torture and pull into a sheltered lagoon. My God! The flats were whitecapping too!!
Now, you are all thinking we are exaggerating, surely it couldn't have been this bad. Let me assure you we were bruised, soaked to the skin and shaken to the core. During this "ride" we saw no other boats of any size and no other people or evidence of civilization along the coast. Mentally I was trying to judge if we could swim to the shore when the skiff overturned! We poled around for a few hours "blind-casting" to shadows fully dreading the ride back to safety. Thereafter, in a following wind, we surfed down the backside of 8' foot swells for 1:30 hours, returning to the marina.
Thankful for our skins intact, Tracie gave the guide forty bucks as a I tip! Now clip this list of does and don'ts for your future referral:
Don't totally prepay any trip which requires a boat ride.
Don't take the word of any prepaid guide.
Do get a real map and calculate the distance of the trip to
your destination.
Get some wind/weather information from someone other than your
guide, Coast Guard, Marina captain, etc.
Do make sure life jackets and two-way radio are on board. (Even
check the fuel on board.)
Condition payment for such trips based on determination of safe
enroute travel to and from.
You can NOT bonefish in high winds. Period!!
| The Old Body and Fly Fishing |
by Allen Crise, Fort Worth Fb Fishers
I hate to say it, but I am getting older, and with age comes the slowing down of timing. This is something that many of us will experience in the next few years. So what does this do to our fly fishing? Like me, you may find that your response to the strike is a little slower, and the timing of your back cast may be a bit off. You might even find yourself taking breaks just to rest your arms.
After a day of fly fishing, you may wake up in the night with a pain in the arm or shoulder areas. Don't worry, it will not stop you from fly fishing. It's just your body warning you to do something about the way you cast or what you are casting.
There are two things that will help. The first is warm-up exercises. No, not jumping-jacks or push-ups. Today's information leads us to a better way to warm up our "old" bodies. S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G. All that's necessary is five or ten minutes of gentle stretching, much like a cat does when he gets up from a nap. Here are a couple of stretches to warm up your fly casting arm: Bend at the waist and let your arms swing freely, then rotate in small circles and then bigger circles for 15 seconds. Stand up straight and reach up with both arms as far as you can. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Drop your left arm behind your head and grab the left elbow with the right hand and pull gently. Repeat with the right arm for 15 seconds. Reach out in front of you with both hands, stretching the back muscles. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Reach out in front or you and open and close your hands about five times. Raise your elbows and rotate your arms in small circles, then the other directions in bigger circles. Step forward with one leg and keeping the other foot flat on the floor, stretching the calf and leg muscles. Repeat with the other side. So how long does this take? About 5 or 6 minutes is all that is necessary, and you will feel better and do better both today and tomorrow.
What is the second thing? Slower responses require a slower action rod-- one that does not require precise timing to get the line traveling in the tight loops that we all like to see. I will be the first to say that a fast action will produce the tightest loops when casting, but the tailing loop from poor timing might be a worse condition. With all sports there is a "young" way to do something and an "experienced" way.
You can learn better timing and other tricks to make the fly land where you want and make casting look easy. Don't sell off or retire the fast action rod. Just use it with a one weight heavier line and no one will know that you are a little slower. Tight loops on the back cast are not needed if you are casting a weighted nymph or fly, sink tip or full sinking line. They tend to cause a "wind knot". Instead, try a more open back cast with a side arm back and kind of a modified 'Belgium cast' to an over-head forward cast. This can help the old arm and shoulder carry the loaded rod better, with less strain.
| Southern Council Changes Web Site |
The web page address of the Southern Council has changed to: <www.SouthernCouncilFFF.org> The old address will stay active for a while, but please bookmark the new one when convienient.
| Conclave 2000 |
by Chuck Easterling, Conclave Co-Chair
It is not to early to start thinking about this year's Conclave! Every conclave that I have been to, has been a really great experience, but we think this year's may be just a little bit extra special.
Here is the early inside scoop on what is going on. Chico Fernandez will be one of our speakers. If you have ever seen one of Chico's tapes, read one of his articles or been fortunate enough to have met him in person, you understand why we are justifiably proud to have him at this Conclave. Chico will be presenting casting, fly presentation and knot tying programs, and he truly is one of the very best.
Guess what? Chico is not the only special speaker. There are others, but to build some suspense, we will save those for a later Conclave Countdown bulletin. Want to improve your casting? We will have some very special programs available, First, Bill Gammel, who is on the Board of Governors for the casting certification, and co-authored "The Essentials of Casting", will be giving a number of programs. Second, Art Mazzier will be presenting the "Theory and Philosophy of Casting". Curve casts, slack line casts and aerial mends, how to make them and when to use them. (And remember these programs will be in addition to Chico Fernandez.)
How would you like to sit in and tie flies, and learn from with one of the best, and I truly mean "Best" tyers in the country? Well, you will have the opportunity to attend a very special class and have a unique learning experience. I would tell you more about this tyer but we will just hold off untill the next bulletin.
Do you like fishing tailwaters, but at times, find them curious frustrating?
We are going to have one of the truly recognized masters of tailwaters
at Conclave 2000, and you can learn strategies and tips that will
be invaluable. I think I could go on and on, but we will save more information
for the following bulletins.
To advertise in Long Casts, Contact Southern Council
Managing Director, Pat Smith, 2603 Buford Spur Rd., Mountain Home, AR 76253; e-mail <cpsmh@centurytel.net> 877-664-4401. Ad sizes and rates are available upon request.
| "Springtime"
The Perfect Time To Help Others |
By Chuck Easterling, VP-Education
Spring is rapidly approaching and I am starting to hear from various clubs and members requesting the reservation of the Southern Council rods, reels and flytying equipment. In the past I have noted that it seems that the same clubs and usually the same individuals make use of this equipment.
After talking with the people who use the equipment they always talk about what a great experience it was introducing young people to flycasting or fly tying or both. A number of the members who have used the equipment send me pictures of the classes and I can see why this teaching experience means so much to the instructors, it is simply the joy of the youngsters taking the class. I have been in on teaching several of these classes and I must admit I think I have received far more than I have given.
Recently, a grandmother of one of my former students stopped by to see me and brought me a half dozen or so flies. She told that all her grandson talked about for a solid week was how much he enjoyed the class, how much he enjoyed the fishing and that he wanted to give me the flies as a special present.
Now, those flies are very special to me, but knowing that I helped give this child a special day is an even greater reward.
If you or your club have not held a class for youngsters recently, I urge to do so. I guarantee it will be one of the best things that will happen to you this year. Remember, the Southern Council can supply with some really nice rods, reels and flytying equipment, all you need to do is set up the classes. Please contact me if you would like to utilize this equipment.
Chuck Easterling
V.P. Education
P.O. Box 1502
Jonesboro, AR 72403
870-932-4355 (Office)
870-802- 1758 (Home)
| Fly Fishing with Children |
A Book Review
by Bob Hurd, Santa Lucia Flyfishing Club
Fly Fishing with Children, by Philip Brunquell, M.D., is published by The Countryman Press, Woodstock Vermont.
Not many would argue that fly-fishing is easier than parenting. When is the last time your rod talked back to you or refused to eat its vegetables? But, with fly-fishing as difficult as it is, how do you get to the point where you can safely stand in a trout stream with your child, fishing and sharing your love of the outdoors? Dr. Brunquells book, Fly-Fishing with Children, has just the information you need to get your children on the water at your side enthusiastically with a fly rod. Clears stated, the goal of the book is: "to bring parent and child closer together in a patient, loving way; to help them share an outdoor experience and to develop an environmental ethic together."
When fishing with your children and things threaten to take a sour turn, stop and think about the analogy that you are a guide and your children are the clients. Instead of missing out on the complex relationship that can develop between you and your children, remember that successful guides are patient, don't condescend, and never fish when their clients are. Your kids are in the same position as the clients, and whether they realize it or not, their needs are the same (though they are less likely to tips. It is this kind of common sense, down-to-earth, advice that Dr. Brunquell shares in his book.
The book is well organized, always keeping mind the goals, covering orientation, tackle, knots, outings, safety, the bugs, clubs, fly-tying, disabled children, and stewardship. Orientation establishes the basic premise that the whole enterprise must be fun, while recognizing some obstacles. Subsequent chapters provide the knowledge how to deal with the obstacles. Thankfully in the chapter "Tackle Time" Dr. Brunquell doesn't advise that you buy your child that new 5-piece Sage SP fly rod. He does, though take the time to explain the needs of children when it comes to rod, reel, line, leader, and flies.
"Knots" is equally straightforward, foregoing the forty knots listed in Lefty Kreh's "Practical Fishing Knots" and all knot tying tools for one all purpose knot: the Duncan Loop. The result is the basis for any almost nearly knotless fly-fishing method. Outings provides guidance on that first trip along with techniques for dapping, dumping, and troll-walking. Safety describes the basic hat, safety glasses and sunscreen that should be on your child whenever fishing or casting.
"The Bugs," continues with the same no nonsense information one water entomology as do the remaining chapters. Lastly, "Stewardship," builds on the notion of the environmental ethic with science and- activities to do with your children on the water. Even though ostensibly a book for fly-fishing with children, Fly-Fishing with Children, is a good reading primer for any fly fisher. : The quotation in the front of the book by William G. Tapply pretty much sums it up for parents though; "the patience of the adult must exceed the attention span of the child."
Southern Council Federation of Flyfisher
This page updated June 13, 2000