| The Prez Sez | About Long Casts | Conservation Continues, by Paul "Sodie " Sodamann | Sowbug Roundup 2001, by North Arkansas Fly Fishers | Make Someone Happy, by Brian Ellis | Guidelines and Qualifications for Nominees of the Annual Southern Council Awards | Florida | Council Awards for 2000 Presented | The Fly Corner, by Terry Tanner | Texas Women Fly Fish!, by Constance Whiston | Southern Council Scholarship, by Chuck Easterling | Caddis, by Julie Ingersoll | Club Library, by Walter McLendon | Conclave 2001, The Odyssey Begins by Paul "Sodie " Sodamann | From the Editor, by Steve Fritz

You know, competition seems to bring out both the best and worst of us and the recent presidential campaign certainly proves this. In fact, I had no idea that my old fishin' bud George had the sort of gumption it took to bring home the bacon. -But, thinking back on some of the things I saw on last year's campaign trail got me to thinking about other competitive things in life which eventually brought up the question, "Is there too much competition in By fishing?" What? Do you think I was going to talk about politics here?

By asking around, I have found there are two wideb separated schools on this thought. One thinks that competition is OK, be it on the stream, in fly tying or that long held competitive field, fly casting. The other school believes that there should be no competition whatsoever in fly fishing, that it is a solitary sport and the only competition should be between the fish and you.

There is no denying that competition in our sport is on the rise. In the past, casting was about the only thing you could win a prize with. But these days, there are a number of fly tying competitions and to me, these seem a bit too subjective. I mean, when you have a hundred or so perfectly proportioned flies lying on a table in front of you, how can you say that one is really better than another? Did Art Flick specify bow many thread wraps are to be on the head of his Variant? Has Dave Whitlock ever written down exactly how many millimeters in diameter a Near NuffFrog body should be? So it all comes down to what the judge thinks is prettiest and like I said, that's a little too subjective for my tastes.

Then there's the actual fishing competitions. I thought we'd seen it all when bass tournaments started having million dollar purses but now we have fly fishing competitions. The big time came to these events with the advent of the One For Competition in Jackson Hole. I can't find a whole lot of fault with this event as it is held to raise conservation funds for the Snake River and the beautiful cutthroat trout that live there. The problem is that it has inspired numerous other copycat competitions whose only purpose seems to be centered on who can haul the most fish out of the river. In addition, we now have a World Fly Fishing Championship and, this year' ESPN came up with a televised fly fishing competition for their Outdoor Games. It makes me wonder where else this could possibly go.

Don't get me wrong though. I don't think that competition is an entirely evil thing. For instance, competition among rod makers has given us fly rods with actions we never could have dreamed of 20 Years ago, albeit they come with a price that makes me dizzy. And I'll be the first to admit that my fishing partner and I almost always bet a dollar on the first fish. Shoot, I've even been coerced into entering some big time casting competitors and, amazingly (to both myself and numerous stunned witnesses), I've won in both the accuracy and distance divisions. However, I am humble enough to realize that there are bunches of folks out there that make me look like a raw amateur and they'll never enter a casting competition because they have nothing to prove.

I guess it all comes down to self-satisfaction. I know that I can never tie a bass bug that will look better than one tied by Billy Munn but my bugs catch plenty of fish. I'll never be able to cast further than Steve Rajeff but I can still reach any redfish my degenerating eyesight will focus on. So I can be satisfied knowing that whatever competition there is in my fly fishing will remain between the fish and me. And yes, sometimes the fish do win. But, if you need the satisfaction in knowing that you can do something better than so-and-s0, then I guess that's for you to work out, and I won't be too critical. After all, beating the poop out of your friends and associates is the American way and one of the things that have made this country great. Just as George!!

With that in mind, there is one competition that I would like to introduce and I think it's a win-win deal for all concerned. During the months of February, March and April, I'd like to see what club in the Southern Council can recruit the most new FFF members. You're all familiar with the rod/reel incentives so you know that there are some great prizes that your club can get for signing new members. However, the Council will throw in an additional rod/reel certificate to the club that brings in the most before April 30, 2001.

But, unlike the FFF National program, where incentives are only given for new members, we will also include renewals for the Council prize. So, be sure to send the names of both new and renewed FFF members to Pat Smith so you'll be credited. The winning nature of this deal is not just involved in rewarding your club's treasury with the incentive prizes. The true reward is FFF members traditionally make the most active club members. The formula is proven - the more FFF members your club has, the stronger the club becomes. So let's see what you can do gang!

This is way off the subject, but before I go, there is one thing that has been bothering me for a long, long time and I want to know what you think. Are classic Atlantic Salmon fly tyers crazy or what? I mean, anyone that goes to that much trouble tying a fly has got to be at least a couple of enchiladas short of a combination plate, if you know what I mean. You ever look into their eyes when they start describing feathers? Usually, one eye is spinning clockwise and the other eye is spinning counterclockwise -they're that goofy over tropical birds! The flies are certainly beautiful, in their own sort of way, but I do have my doubts as to their fish catching ability.

In a bold attempt to defend the honor of salmon fly tyers around the world, charming Judy Lehmberg has generously given Tom Jindra and I some salmon flies and, by gosh, we're going to see what these things can do. So, as soon as the waters warm a bit, I'm off to the bass pond with a full dress Gwen Highlander. I'm going to try it on gar and carp in the Brazes River too. Tom is going to try his for anything that swims in the swamps and saltwater marshes in Southern Louisiana. Personally, I'm real curious on how they'll do with Hardheads, my all time favorite saltwater fly fishing target. I'll report back to you next time with the results. Until then...

Good Fly Fishing!
Brian Camp

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

The President of the Southern Council is Brian Camp, 3 13 Paint Pony Trail N., Ft. Worth, TX 76108

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

Changes of address should be mailed to the SouthernCouncil Managing Director, Pat Smith, 2603 Buford Spur Rd., Mountain Home, AR 72653

Advertising inquiries and correspondence should be directed to the Southern Council Treasurer, ShawnTaylor, HC1, Box 1775, Tecumseh, MO 65760

Long Casts is printed and mailed by Ed Reed, Reed Printing and Supply Co., Inc., PO Box 605, 619 S. Brindlee Mtn. Parkway, Arab AL 35016

To view Long Casts on the Internet, go to the Southern Council Web Page, at www.SouthernCouncilFFF.org To reach National FFF go to www.fedflyfishers.org

As reported in the last issue of Long Casts, several clubs were highlighted as to their accomplishments over the past several years. I would like to add a report of another club and their accomplishments.

Tulsa Flyfishers can boast of being very active promoting the sport of fly fishing. In recent years, they have provided free weekly casting clinics every Thursday night from May through October. The club has provided casting demonstrations for Tulsa Parks Department, Sand Springs Park Department and at activities associated with Senior Citizens Day. Casting lessons and fly tying lessons were provided to local boy scouts groups at Zink Ranch. Tulsa Flyfishers have put on fly tying clinics taught by club members and the proceeds were donated to the club. Girls from the local Four H group have also received demonstrations in fly tying. In the areas of conservation, Tulsa is very active. On a local level, the club is involved in creek cleaning projects and regionally they have donated time and labor to the Beaver Tail Waters Project at Beaver Lake, Arkansas. Tulsa Flyfishers have helped sponsor a three month project at Peggs, OK in connection with Wayne Moore Foundation getting kids involved in entomology, Vibert boxes, and planting fingerling trout. On the legal front, Tulsa Flyfishers have been very active in contacting legislators concerning issues relevant to our sport.

Now, what can your club do for fly fishing education and conservation? Foremost, get involved! Your club may not have a large budget, nor a large membership base, however, there is always something you can do in your local area which will only require a commitment of a little time and people power. Support a local scout group, work with your area parks department on programs, establish a clean up day at a local fishing spot and make sure you display some form of sign or wear shirts that promote your club and fly fishing. That is really all it takes! Oh, and of course, send me a description of your activities so that next time I may report to the rest of the council on your great work! pauls@manhattan.k12.ks.us

Billed as a "Celebration of Fly Fishing, Sowbug Roundup 2001, to be held March 30-31, at the Ramada Inn, Mountain Home, AR, will offer seminars, tying and casting instruction, drawings, auctions, demonstrations by expert tyers, and much more.

This, the fourth annual celebration, will feature vendors FFF certified casting instructors, as many as seventy fly tyers, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission specialists, and local guides and experts.

The cost of attendance is $5.00 for adults, and under-15 free with parent. The sponsoring club, a member of the FFF, expects 500 attendees, so plan on coming, and bring your friends.

The fishing on the White and Norfork Rivers has been great lately, with the fish in the area around the dam giving it up to white streamer flies. Please plan to attend! It will be great fun!

Fly fishers rank as definitely some of the most amiable folks I know. I can't help but to boast that the members of the Southern Council are even more so. I look forward every year to the Southern Council Conclave and the possibility of creating new friendships and renewing old ones. If you haven't ever been to a Southern Council Conclave, or, if perhaps it's been a while, then you are truly missing something special. Please make an effort to attend this year; I assure you that you won't regret it.

The Southern Council Conclave is also an opportunity to recognize some our members that devote so much to us and our sport at our annual awards banquet. With our Council membership

currently exceeding four thousand members, receiving one of our awards is definitely a significant achievement. I bet that you know of some candidates deserving of these awards and by

submitting their nominations you have the noble opportunity of giving someone the gift of one of their most pleasurable lifelong experiences.

If you are a club officer you should consider it you duty to make certain that your club members worthy of these awards are nominated. My affiliated club, The Ozark Fly Fishers, has been fortunate enough to receive several of these awards in the past couple of years and I can attest to the fact that the gratification of winning these awards far exceeds that task of submitting the nominations. Moreover, the winners are further recognized by acknowledgment on the Southern Council web site, (http://www.southerncouncilfff.org), our Long Casts newsletter, and perhaps on your club's own web site. Believe me, publishing some these achievements on your web site can be a significant promotion tool for potential new club members. It may be helpful to check out (http://ozarkfishers.org) to see some examples of successful nomination letters.

A list of the awards and requirements for nomination appears at the end of this article. Any member in good standing may submit nominations. Please try to limit the nomination letters to no

more than two pages and submit a separate nomination letter for each candidate. Nominations may be submitted via US Mail or e-mail. Either way your submittal will be acknowledged. Please

also remember to provide your club president with copy of your nomination letters and send them in as soon as possible.

This year's timetable for the Southern Council Nominations and Awards is as follows:

Nominations submittal due - June 22, 2001

Ballot packets mailed to your club president - July 9, 2001

Ballot packets returned to the SC VP Communications - September 14, 2001

Awards banquet - October, 6 2001

Please send your nomination letters to me at the address below. Brian Ellis, V.P. Communication 2216 Viewroyal Dr. St. Louis, MO 63131 phone 314-822-1819 E-mail: brian.j.ellis@boeing.com

Man of the Year- Presented annually to the man who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the Southern Council and, through his devotion, has benefitted 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 benefitted 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 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.

FFF Southern Council Conservation Award - 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 and/or benefitted the Southern Council in some way. Nominees must not be a member of the FFF SOC and need not be a member of the FFF. Need not be given annually 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.

While sport fishing off the Florida coast, a tourist capsized his boat. He could swim, but his feat of alligators kept him clinging to the overturned craft. Spotting an old beachcomber standing on the shore, the tourist shouted, "Are there any gator around her?!"
 
 

"Naw", the man hollered back, "they ain't been around for years!"

Feeling safe, the tourist started swimming leisurely toward the shore.

About halfway there he asked the guy, "how'd you get rid of the gator?"

"We didn't do nothin'," the beachcomber said. "The sharks got 'em."

---

Council Awards for 2000 Presented

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Man of the Year ..... David Barron - Ozark Fly Fishers

Woman of the Year ..... Grace Liu - Dallas Flyfishers

Federator of the Year ..... Chuck Easterling - Northeast Arkansas Fly Fishers

Club of the Year ..... Mid-South Fly Fishers

Fly Tyer of the Year ..... Joseph Aimonette - Ozark Fly Fishers

Jr. Fly Tyer of the Year ..... Nicholas Alan Looper - Ft. Smith Fly Fishers

Teach of the Year ..... Joseph Curry - Southwest Missouri Flyfishers

Conservation Award ..... Rob Schuphach - Cornhusker Fly Fishers

Friend of the Southern Council ..... Jeff Hines - Dallas Fly Fishers

100% Federation Membersihp Awards presented to: Austin Flyfishers of Austin, Texas, Coastal Bend Flyfishers of Corpus Christi, Texas, Flint Hills Flyfishers of Manhattan, Kansas, Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers of Springfield, Missouri.

Council President Awards were presented to: Paul (Sodie) Sodamann, Council VP of Conservation, Flint Hills Flyfishers of Manhattan, KS and Hod McIntosh, Retiring Council VP of Communications, Heart of American Flyfishers of Mission, Kansas

The Fly Corner

by Terry Tanner, Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers

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Quick Shrimp
 
 

When I was much younger, we didn't have the nice variety of hook styles we now have. There was a small spring creek near the college I attended, and it was full of scuds (we called them fresh water shrimp). Depending on what they were doing at the time, the scuds took on different shapes. Sometimes they were almost in the shape of a ball, when they were drifting in the current, and sometimes they were fully straightened out when swimming. Since we did not have curved scud-style hooks back then, we tied the various patterns on straight shank, 2x long hooks. When the tailwater trout fishing became popular at Lake Taneycomo, I fished this swimming style of shrimp with much success. Using a long tapered leader, tiny #6 split shot, and a floating line, it still, at times, is a great .way to pick up cruising trout in shallow, weedy areas (especially when the water is rising). Use short, 1-2 inch long strips to retrieve the cast and swim the scud a few feet, then pause, and repeat. I've tied many scud patterns over the years. They all seem to work at different times. The "Quick Shrimp" described here, was shown to me by Lake Taneycomo guide, Mike Ramsey. It can be tied on either a straight shank hook, like TMC 200R, or a curved shank hook, like TMC 2487. I believe Mike said the pattern originated out of the shop down close to the dam, at Taneycomo. I like it because it is quick to tie. Materials List Hook - TMC200R- Size 12-18 Thread - Monocord, or 6/0 flymaster - red, orange, olive, gray, or tan  Body - WAPSI's Sow-Scud or blend Antron with Australian Possum, gray, tan or olive Head Cement - Dave's Flexament, lacquer, or similar Tying Instructions Figure #1 - Attach thread behind the eye of the hook and wrap back to the hook bend. Figure #2 - Form a piece of dubbing by moistening 'tine palm of your hand, and rolling the dub mix between your hands to form an elongated, tapered at the ends, cigar shape. With a little practice, you will be able to get the right size, length and shape for the hook size you choose. Figure #3 - Tie in dubbing and carefully twist 3 or 4 turns around the thread (note: Tie in so the dubbing will start on the shank, just above the barb of the hook). Figure #4 - Twist the dubbing and thread together and wind toward the eye of the hook, forming segmentation as shown. Figure #5 - Whip finish and cement the head. Use a .17 Cal. brass rifle cleaning brush (or another dubbing teasing tool) to brush out the sides and bottom of the scud to create the legs. Be careful when picking out the body at this point. As in shaping the dubbing, after a little practice, you will be able to pick out the legs without cutting the thread 'that holds the scud body together.

 
 

Forty seven women met on the Guadalupe River January 26, 27 & 28 to fly fish for trout during the first outing of The Texas Women Fly Fishers.

Even though the flows were high, energetic women from all over Texas enjoyed fly casting lessons, a Trout Fishing Class and a luscious Dutch Oven dinner Saturday night. Ann Carr from Montgomery County Fly Rodders prepared a delectable variety of dishes from King Ranch Chicken to brownies & ice cream. We even had a fish shaped birthday cake and a round of song for two birthday girls. Surprisingly enough a few women actually caught trout in the high flow. David Sikes showed up to write an article for the Corpus Christi newspaper and Sugar Ferris, Executive Director of Texas Outdoor Writers Association composed a story for Texas Fish & Game magazine.

During the weekend the smiling, sun reddened faces of fisher girls reflected the enthusiasm, camaraderie and most important love of fly fishing. Everyone raved about the outing and is ready for the next adventure in April 20, 21 & 22 on the Llano River.

The Texas Women Fly Fishers spawned on September 17th on a Llano River fly fishing trip. Women from all over Texas jumped on board to create a new FFF fly fishing club open to every skill level ranging from novice to expert. There are several goals the group plans to achieve, the first being to teach women the pleasures of fly fishing Texas. TWFF will also encourage women who attend the six meeting/outings per year and to join the FFF fly fishing club in their hometown. Women feel vulnerable, self conscious even shy as beginners and the opportunity to enjoy the company of women in a low key, low cost, environment helps alleviate some of the anxiety. The more comfortable they are with a fly rod, the quicker they can adjust to a local fly fishing club that has a higher ratio of men to women.

Our mission statement reflects our commitment to women and the Federation of Fly Fishers:

WHERE:

The Homer Martin Ranch outside Mason, Texas on County Road 1723; for directions and information:
Web site: http://www.homermartinranch.com
Phone: 1-915-347-6852

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Phone the Homer Martin Ranch to make your cabin or campsite reservation. Place a check in the mail immediately to:
Homer Martin Ranch
10022 Simmonsville Road
Mason, Texas 76856

WHAT IS THE COST?

The cost for the cabin is $30.00 per person per night, be prepared to room with other women. The cost for camping is less than half the cabin cost.

WHERE DO I STAY IF THE CABINS ARE FULL?
 
 

Fort Mason Inn 866 San Antonio 915-347-0052	Hill Country Inn 454 Fort McKavitt St 915-347-6317
Carriage House B & B 1305 Westmoreland St. 915-347-6829	Oma's & Opa's B & B 617 El Paso St. 915-347-6477
Mason Square B & B 136 Fort McKavitt 915-347-6398

WHAT ABOUT FOOD?

Saturday night Tracy Martin will prepare a scrumptious dinner & dessert at $10.00 per person. Please pay in advance B mail your $10.00 dinner check along with your cabin or camping reservation to the Homer Martin Ranch

In Mason:

The Willow Creek Café
Cooper's Bar B Q
Inman's Bar B Q
& many more

You can eat in Mason or prepare & clean up your own food in the Homer Martin lodge kitchen. Saturday night will be the only catered meal.

KAYAK INFO:

If you would like to rent a kayak:

Call Buck Burckle in Castell, Texas: 1-915-247-4703 or Austin Outdoor Gear & Guidance: 1-512-473-2644

Two new policies adopted by TWFF officers:

*Promotion of an outfitter, fly shop, fly fishing business, guide service, written or verbal will not be permitted at any TWFF outing, event, show or meeting. Representatives may place flyers, business cards etc. on a table TWFF will allocate for advertising announcements.

*Responsible Consumption of Alcohol Permitted in the Privacy of Your Own Room - Storage of all alcoholic beverages must be in your room and not in any community ice boxes or refrigerators.
 
 

Texas Women Fly Fishers web site - http://www.twff.net
 

The Southern Council annually 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 31^st, for that year's Conclave.

The requirements for the scholarship are: The applicant must reside 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^TM; and either be a member or sponsored by a member of the Federation.

If you know of a potential applicant, please contact me at the address below, for an application.

Charles R. Easterling

VP-Education, SC FFF

3008 Neely Road

Jonesboro, AR 72404

870-802-1758 or 870-932-4355

creangler@insolwwb.net

Caddis

by Julie Ingersoll, Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers

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I was fishing this past weekend on a local lake. It was just past daylight and the air was filled with light colored insects I could not identify. As I sat in the boat trying to catch of them in my hand to get a closer look, fish were rising and splashing all around me. I spent a few minutes deciding what fly to tie onto my leader, until I became so distracted by the rising fish, I decided to stop thinking about it and use my favorite standby: an elk hair caddis imitation.

Mayflies and caddis flies (in their various life stages) are the two most prevalent food sources for trout, but other fish feed on them readily as well. Fly fishers have developed numerous patterns to imitate these stages and the size/color variations in which they are found. Most often fly fishers try to match their artificial to the insects on which they believe the trout are feeding, resulting in a pseudo scientific strategy for enticing the fish. But today I want to discuss what I believe to be the best all around fly patter, one which every fly fisher should carry. In fact, this pattern is so versatile that it serves as my "default" pattern in any freshwater fishing situation.

While I appreciate the artistry in fly tying, I've never really devoted myself to it. I have only learned to tie a few basic patterns that I use often; the elk hair caddis being one of them. And, given that I'm no expert fly tier, my caddis imitations can be pretty, well ummm...funky. They often turn out to be the same size, regardless of the hook size I use. And, not only are they usually much bigger than the live caddis I see, they often also appear to be somewhat deformed as well.

I used to worry about all of this (I do try to keep any real fly tiers from getting a good look at my fly box) but as I have used them in more places I have come to think that the pattern is so good that none of these shortcomings matters much. I have actually fished these caddis imitations all over the west (California, Oregon, Colorado and New Mexico); I have fished them in the northeast (Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maine); I have fished them in the south (Mississippi and Kentucky) and even in Alaska.

Primarily designed for trout fishing, I have had success with elk hair caddis while fishing for warm water species too. This past weekend I caught bluegill (the big southern ones) and bass. But the best part about fishing with a nice big caddis imitation is that I can sit and watch it as it drifts along in the water.

As I sat in the boat Sunday morning, the warm spring sunshine melted the fog from the lake. Still half asleep, I stared, mesmerized by the caddis fly, as its light color caught the sunlight. I suddenly had one of those fishing induced flashbacks. For just a few minutes I was a ten year old again, fishing with my dad on the lake in Maine. I wasn't casting, I was waiting. Waiting, waiting. Staring at the fly as if it were one of my red and white plastic bobbers. Waiting, waiting. Waiting for that magical moment. And then it happened, just like it always had. There was a splash and a pull. My rod tip flexed, bent to water. I played the fish as I pulled it toward the boat; thrilled by the connection between us made by my fly line. I gently reeled it in and lifted it from the water; gingerly holding it, I removed the hook.

I returned to the present as abruptly as I had left and then let the pan-sized fish slip back into the lake. I guess I'm a grow-up now.

To my surprise, in the last couple of years, I have found that several clubs do not have a library. A library can be a vital asset for any new fly fisher, as well as, the experienced. Pineywoods Fly Fishers has had a nice library since our inception in 1988, I believe. We have a volunteer librarian who brings the entire library to each club meeting each month. Club members are allowed to check out one or two videos and/or books at a time and return them at the following monthly meeting at no cost.

We have a homemade upright wooden bookshelf cart on two wheels and an extended handle on top with two shelves for about 45 books and two for about 45 videos. Each book and video case has the same type library card used a few years ago in your local library. We use the honor system for club members to select what he or she wants, sign his name and the date, then deposits the card in a designated box. Occasionally, a member will forget to leave the card or return the item the next month. We immediately send the PWFF policeman to search their home. Well, not really, and we don't even charge a late fee.

My club just voted to spend $200 per year for new videos and books to be selected by the librarian. From time to time, we have items donated by club members. We ask members for new recommendations and about once a year, we look at each card to determine which items need to be removed or replaced, based on usage. When we purchase videos, we immediately make a copy for the library, then do a recopy when the quality gets below par. We sometimes purchase items on sale but must be careful that we are not adding an unpopular item that will not be checked out. The Internet offers several websites that rate fly fishing books and videos. Several clubs do monthly book reviews in their newsletter.

We have basic books and videos on fly fishing and fly tying for beginners, as well as, more advanced items for all levels in our club. We also have something that no other club has to my knowledge! We offer a New Member's Packet for $10, that consists of a collection of about 60 pages of tips, tables, instructions and how to notes on every subject important to someone beginning an adventure in fly fishing. From Introduction to Fly Rods to Reading Trout water, Tying Knots to Selecting Fly Tying Materials and Recommended Flies to How to Fish specific species of fish; I do not think we have missed a subject. The packet also includes a $5.50 club nametag, a $2.00 club patch for caps or shirts, and a fly box of a dozen flies tied by fellow club members. It is no surprise that we have 7 members from other clubs in Texas.

Our library has made me a much better caster, fly tyer and fly fisherman. I could never afford a personal library, half the size we have. I highly recommend that your club start a library as soon as you can.

Conclave 2001,...The Odyssey Begins!

By Paul "Sodie"Sodamann, Conclave 2001 Chairman

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Conclave 2001 is launched and will be landing in Mt. Home, Arkansas open for your enjoyment October 5th, 2001!

So what is anticipated as the voyage gets underway? As yet, the keynote speaker has not been announced. Stay tuned for this announcement in the next issue of Long Casts, the Conclave Issue. Everything is coming together! The other members of the crew making sure this ship gets to its final destination are the most diverse and enthusiastic group with which I have ever had the pleasure of working! Just take a look at the list of those members, and start getting as excited as we are about Conclave 2001!

To ensure the auction/raffle runs smoothly and successfully, we have the mission specialist form the Capital City Fly Fishers of Jefferson City, MO. This group will ensure a smooth and successful fund raising event from start to finish.

Manning the fly tying crew will be the seasoned Tony Spezio of North Arkansas Fly Fishers. Tony is a veteran of many such missions and has rounded up a diverse and energetic group of fly tiers for several conclaves, I know he will do a wonderful job for 2001.

The recent past has added fly tying coaches to the event and this year will be no different. In fact there are rumors of some slight changes/improvements in the efficiency of this area. For a second year, under the direction of Dennis Reed of Northeast Arkansas Fly Fishers, the fly tying coaches should be more visible and audible than last year.

The young people on this mission will be under the direction of a very talented up and coming junior member of the bridge staff, Tracy Merrell, a young man, fourteen years of age, from the Tightlines Flyfishers of Rogers, Arkansas. Tracy has enlisted Gordon Miller (fifteen years old) as his second in command and Tracy's father (Dan--much older!) is holding an advisory position. They plan to provide a special area for youth registration and youth fly tiers. If all works well, they will have a group of young fly tiers on hand at the conclave showing off their talents. The youth group also plans to make some changes in the youth contest categories and the Dry Run Creek outing should be a blast!

Casting games coaches will again be Steve Antonic and Jerry Clark, two guys who run a great event, and who will coordinate with casting coach commander, Chuck Easterling. Chuck, as you may recall, is from Northeast Arkansas Fly Fishers and the past conclave chair. It was hard for him to give up the reigns on the conclave, but he will do a bang up job coordinating his crew of instructors.

Vendors and exhibitors will not be on short supply while you are wandering the main flight deck. This aspect of the voyage is being coordinated by Penny Plamann of the Flint Hills Fly Fishing Club. She has already secured a fine spread for the tables in the exhibit hall, and is working on more!

There will be many short programs and educational activities to participate in while on this conclave adventure. If you have never learned how to tie a fly and would like to start, there will be beginning fly tying classes available. All the tools will be provided and you can keep the flies you tie! Don't know how to cast a fly rod? Want to learn? Beginning casting clinics will be available. Maybe you just want to brush up on specific aspects of your cast; you will have that opportunity as well. Don't forget that the fishing in the area is very good, so at the very least bring your rod with you!

What is expected of your club? First and foremost, attendance! If you have never had a club member attend an FFF Southern Council Conclave, try to encourage a representative to come. If you have only had one or two members attend, try to double that to two to four members attending. We also want your clubs to suggest or provide programs which you have had at your local meetings. Every club has had great programs and speakers at their local level and usually these are local club members. Share that with the rest of the conclave attendees by lining those programs up for October, 2001.

Dennis Reed would like to have at least one fly tying coach from each club. These tiers do not have to be world renowned experts, just folks willing to share their fly tying talents with others who are just beginning.

If you have questions, comments, concerns, criticisms or rude remarks, you may address them to me at the e-mail address at the end of this article. If you would like to get in contact with one of the folks in charge of a specific area, their e-mails are as follows:

Tony Spezio - flytyr@southshore.com,
Dennis Reed - bear_72401@email.com,
The Merrell's - flypciii@arkansas.net,
Penny Plamann - ed@cjnetworks.com
Paul Sodamann - sodies@wamego.net

Get ready for a great adventure, liftoff has commenced!

From the Editor

by Steve Fritz

return to ToC

I've been editing this newsletter since midyear, 1995. During that time, I've not missed an issue, until the Holiday issue of 2000, which did not ever go to press. Health problems, which are now resolved, are responsible for this. Please forgive me for the missed newsletter and not that I will do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't happen again.

As you will find in this newsletter, plans for the 2001 Conclave are underway. Thinking back to last year, I remember when planning was underfor that conclave. I feel that those of us who go to the conclaves, ought to take a minute occasionally, and thank some of the people who work hard to put these conclaves together. They work so hard, and, yes, they do it because they love to, but, we sill ought to thank them for their tireless efforts. They are the unsung heroes of the Southern Council.

Also of note is a mention of the two special President's pins that were passed out during the 2000 Conclave. The pins were donated by Missouri Trout Fisherman's Association - Kansas City Chapter member Marty Mease. The pins, 14 carat gold flies designed to be worn as tie or lapel pins, are very beautiful and quite special! Thanks Marty! They are great.

You know, as of December 2000, the Southern Council is the largest of the FFF's fourteen Councils, when it comes to national FFF memberships. Please note the President's article in this issue, and his challenge to increase this membership. There is, in this and every issue, a form which can be used to join the national Federation of Fly Fishers. If you are not a member, please consider this a special plea to you, personally, to join.
 

FFF Southern Council

Forty Six Clubs in Eight States

The Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers^TM is one of the fourteen Council of the FFF. The Council is composed of forty-six clubs from eight states.

Texas has the most member clubs, with 15; followed by Missouri with 11; Arkansas with 7; Oklahoma, with 5; Louisiana and Kansas with 3 each; and Nebraska and Tennessee, with one each.

Southern Council, Federation of Flyfishers
May 9, 2001