Long Casts Table of Contents

Hi Gang!

It's hard for me to believe that a year has really gone by since we gathered for our last Conclave, but, ready or not, it's almost that time again! So tyers - polish up your tools, speakers - dig out your very best slides (you know, the ones with the BIG fish) and the rest of us just need to be patient and harness our excitement for a few more short weeks. Fall in Mountain Home is such a special time and I hope that everyone reading this will come join in on the fun. Shawn Taylor, this year's Conclave Chairman, has done an exceptional job in organizing the event and everyone, no matter what their level of fly fishing skill, will find an abundance of activities to enjoy here. And don't forget to bring Mom and the kids this year as Shawn has planned activities for everyone. And for those of you that actually fish, as opposed to just talking about it, I've heard there might be a few fish for you to match wits against in a river or two somewhere in the vicinity. I can't wait to see you all!

There's been some good things happening within the Federation lately, most noteworthy being the hiring of an Executive Director. The FFF has never had anyone in this capacity before and with the growth our organization has experienced over the last few years, it became apparent that we really needed a true professional at the helm if we wished to grow beyond what we are now. So, I'm proud to announce that Mr. Jim Rainy has been hired, and he moved to Bozeman to run our National FFF office last May. I was privileged to sit on the search committee that was faced with the daunting task of finding the best person for this job, and while we had over 100 qualified applicants to consider, our choice was unanimous when we finally finished the interviews. Jim brings a wealth of experience, along with great enthusiasm, to this job and I feel quite certain that you are all going to see some wonderful things happening within the Federation over the next couple of years. If you find yourself in Bozeman (yeah, there are a few trout streams worth visiting up there too) then make sure you stop by our office and say hi to Jim.

As far as things in our own Southern Council go, things couldn't be much better. We're still the largest Council in the Federation, and I must give a special thanks to all of you that have joined or renewed your membership this year. In the past it was hard for us "Southerners" to get a lot of respect at the National level, but, thanks to all of you, the numerous issues facing our Southern fisheries are right there on the front line where they belong. There really is something to say about numbers and that "squeaky wheel" thing. Many of our Southern Council clubs have received funding from both the National FFF and the Council and they are doing some amazing things in fisheries within all of our Council's states.

If you're one of those folks that's not sure what the Federation is doing for you, you don't have to travel far, no matter where you are, to see and experience the great work being performed by the clubs, the Council and the National FFF in cold water, warm water and salt water too. Habitat improvements are going on in streams all over the place, fish are being re-introduced in fished-out areas and the political battles that are endangering our fisheries everywhere are continuing to be won by our dedicated Federators. It's not only satisfying for me to see these things happening, I'm truly proud to have been able to lend my help. So if you're not already a member of the FFF, shame on you! The FFF is truly helping you in many ways and we sincerely need your help to continue making the Southern Council a great fishing destination for us all to enjoy. I'll see you soon and...

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

The time since last conclave is passing quickly. The 2002 Conclave will bring old friends together again and introduce new friends to our fishing community. It will also bring about a change in leadership for the council as several of the officers are not running for another term. These self imposed term limits can be a good thing for the council. That is not to say that the officers who are bowing out have not done a good job, quite the contrary. The leadership of the council has never been stronger, in my opinion. However, the positions open for new nominations allows the opportunity for new blood and new ideas on which to set our course into the future.

So what does this have to do with conservation, since I am the current VP-Conservation? It means that with my stepping aside, that one of you needs to step in and improve on the conservation efforts for the Southern Council. As outgoing VP, let me just say that the job is not too difficult. It can, however, be as challenging as you wish to make it. Obviously if the position had an unlimited budget and the officer had unlimited time to commit to the job, wonderful things could be accomplished. The reality is much different. Funds vary from year to year depending on how much is raised at conclave and how many fingers have already been stuck in the pie from prior years commitments. And since the council covers such a large area, it is difficult to travel to all the states and see all the clubs (something I never did, but dreamed of doing).

So then, what needs to be accomplished by the new VP-conservation? At the very least communication. Communication with all the clubs and council members via e-mail, newsletter articles, phone calls or letters. Make sure the membership is aware that the council is available to help with conservation issues at the local level as well as state and regional. Serve on the National Conservation Committee. This is an automatic position with Council VP status, however, it does require a commitment of time and an understanding of what is going on at National level. Be willing to travel. If you live far from Mt. Home where the meetings are generally held, you will need to be there several times a year. You may also be called upon to travel to various clubs for programs and to address conservation issues. This is the short list of things to consider for the position.

Who is going to step up to bat and take a swing at the job? I do not know. And at this writing, I am not sure where the nomination committee stands on candidates. What I strongly suggest for each and every one of you is to look closely at yourself or your club membership and pick out the strongest candidate for the position. And then make sure that person gets nominated! I don't want to here anyone say that the council is run by a group of "good ole boys" who have been around forever, so why try to get elected?

I was new to the council and relatively new to fly fishing when I opened my big mouth and said I wanted to get more involved. That is all it took to be provided with the opportunity. And I am very glad I did! I will probably open my big mouth again in the future and jump back into the saddle somewhere. But for now, a little R&R and some serious fly fishing while someone else drives the bus.

This year's youth conclave will have an extra special opening with Lefty Kreh. The youth conclave has become a popular treat for children under the ages of sixteen. This is the opportunity to turn budding flyfishers into potential fish bums and fanatic fly tiers. The activities begin at 9am on Saturday morning with an introduction by Lefty, who better to inspire youngsters and turn them into casting maestros! The day will progress with the basics of the sport and eventually end up on the banks of Dry Run Creek, where many trophy trout will no doubt be caught. Enthusiasm is the only

prerequisite, as equipment and lunch will be provided.

Best of all, the price of admission for this whole day event continues to be nothing! There is no greater bargain during the entire Conclave. A check for drivers' license WILL be implemented for all you adults looking for the chance to rub elbows with Lefty! For further information or to volunteer to help supervise the activities, please contact: Dennis Galyardt at 417-284-3320 or flyfish@townsqr.com.

Don't miss the finale for the 2002 FFF Southern Council Conclave. I'm sure you have read elsewhere in this newsletter about the awards that will offered during the evening. You don't want to miss the delight on your friends faces when they receive an award.

Lefty Kreh will offering his words of wisdom that you don't want to miss. Plus, you will have a prime seat already claimed for the Fabulous Johnny & Dennis show coming up after the program.

We have a wonderful meal planned for you. We will be having Lasagna, ham, fried shrimp, green beans, twice baked potato casserole, pasta salad (oil & vinegar dressing), glazed carrots, baby lima beans, a relish tray, Caesar salad, fruit salad and rolls and cornbread. For dessert will have wonderful fruit cobblers.

The Deer Hair Ant

This fly fishes great, all through the spring, summer and fall. Cast it close to the edge of the bank, and then watch out!

Materials list:

Thread: Black 8/0 Uni-thread

Hook: TMC 100 or 101, sizes #12-14

Body: Black deer body hair

Head Cement: Flex-Seal

1. Attach thread (fig.#1) with a jam knot at the hook eye, and wrap back to bend. Tie in a small clump of deer hair with the points of the hair going back as shown, and advance thread forward to be able to wrap the abdomen.

2. Fold the deer hair forward and wrap the thread 4 or 5 turns around to form the abdomen (Fig. #2).

3. Fold the hair back, and advance the thread forward, as shown (Fig.#3).

4. Pull the hair forward, and make 4 or 5 wraps around to make the thorax, then fold back 6 to 8 hairs to form the legs. Wrap thread in front of the legs to hold them back (Fig.#4).

5. After advancing the thread to the eye of the hook, pull the hair forward and tie off to form the head. Trim excess, and add the whip finish knot and head cement. Hint: Leave the legs a little long, and they will move better in the water, and attract more fish.

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

1. Nomination submittals due (to Brian Ellis, email or U.S. Mail) June 21, 2002

2. All nomination letters posted on the Southern Council Web Site and ballots mailed to club contacts and officers - June 28, 2002

3. Clubs and Officers discuss the nominations and make voting decisions, June 29th - September 13th, 2002

4. Ballots returned to Pat Smith (SOC Managing Director) - September 13, 2002 Deadline

5. Awards Banquet - October 5, 2002

Please take a moment to look over the information below outlining the description of the qualifications for each award, and, if serving as club president, or other voting member of a club, vote for the nominee best exemplifying the guidelines set for each award.

Contact me with any questions concerning awards: Brian Ellis, V.P. Communication, 2216 Viewroyal Dr., St. Louis, MO 63131 314-822-1819 E-mail: brian.j.ellis@boeing.com

Guide Lines and Qualifications

For Nominees of the Southern Council Awards

(updated for 2001)

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

Woman of the Year: An award presented annually to the woman who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the Southern Council and, through her devotion, has benefited the Southern Council, the

FFF and/or her club.

Federator of the Year: An award 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: An award 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: An award presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the art of fly tying.

Junior Fly Tyer of the Year: An award presented 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: An award presented 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: An award or awards given to an individual, individuals, group, or groups who have befriended and/or 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: An award presented annually to that individual who is the best, most vocal tall tale-teller in the Southern Council.

The time has come to start working on the details of the annual (or the first) trip to Mountain Home, Arkansas for the 2002 Conclave! One of the details to work out would be to sort all your favorite Fish Tales, this year's theme. If you don't have any good stories based on experiences, create some!

Lefty Kreh , world renowned flyfishing personality and humorist, will be this year's keynote speaker. It has been many years since he has entertained Conclave attendees and he is always eager to share Tales of his own. Ten very fortunate people will have the opportunity to work on their casting technique in a two hour casting class with him on Friday and all of us will have the chance to see him demonstrate his famous style on Saturday afternoon. "Why We Fish" is the name of his presentation after the banquet on Saturday night.

Lefty is not the only attraction! The Southern Council's most talented fly tiers will be sharing their knowledge all day long on both days, fellow anglers and guides will be presenting fascinating programs on topics from coldwater to saltwater, flytying to fly collecting, photography to knot tying.

Have you been looking to add to your equipment collection or heading out on a guide trip? The vendors' tables will be available to satisfy any lustful desire. If you don't have the money to buy all that you "need", it may be cheaper to take a chance with the raffle items that are being generously donated by fly shops and companies from all over the midsouth. Heeeeere's Johnny!!! Nothing gets the blood flowing and the arms raising more than the voice of Johnny Chamness. Once again you will have a reason to bring out the "plastic" when Johnny comes to town. Friday and Saturday nights will provide the chance to purchase very special items during the live auctions and support the efforts of the Southern Council. This year will bring back Family Entertainment and a couple of special items for the youngsters.

All of this and more will be available at this year's Conclave. This fun can be had for a fraction of the cost of a family vacation in the land of long lines and expensive food while at the same time setting the stage for many great experiences down the road .

Please plan on being in Mountain Home, Arkansas on October 4th and 5th. And don't forget to work on those Fish Tales!

From The Editor

Want to learn how to cast better, or tie better flies? Would you like to learn about fly fishing in Sweden or Central America? Wish you could make your own leaders, or catch more smallmouth bass?

Your fly fishing experience will be enhanced by our Conclave. Conclaves are wonderful things, and October 4th and 5th, you will have a unique opportunity to combine learning about all of the above and lots more, with the beauty and wonderful fishing opportunities offered by Fall in the Ozark Mountains. Please come!

Bernard "Lefty" Kreh will return to the Southern Council Conclave for 2002. Lefty, who has written more than 20 fly fishing and tying books, will present the Saturday night banquet program, give casting lessons and demonstrations, and tie at the Conclave.

Having won award after award for his teaching and leadership in the field of fly tying, fly fishing, and salt water fishing, Lefty might seem unapproachable, that is, - until to you meet him. He is the nicest guy you will ever meet, and the easiest to talk to, and his likable manner makes it easy to learn from him. He knows so much valuable information, that just being around him will make you a better fisherman. His experience fishing all over the world, the research he has done for his numerous magazine and newspaper articles (he has written for most of the major outdoor magazines and is the retired outdoor editor of the Baltimore Sun newspaper), make Lefty a treasure of fly fishing and fly tying information.

Come see Lefty's programs. I personally promise you that you will not be disappointed! He is the real deal!

Aug. 5-10, Livingston, Montana

EPA's Christine Todd Whitman to Speak

Christine Todd Whitman, Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, will be guest speaker at the 37th Annual FFF International Fly Fishing Show President's Banquet, Wednesday, August 7, 2002.

Whitman became EPA Administrator on January 31, 2001. Before that, she served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey. Governor Whitman leads an agency of more than 18,000 public servants whose mission is to protect human health and safeguard the environment: air, land, and water. Among its many responsibilities, EPA administers the National Environmental Education Act of 1990, which requires EPA to provide national leadership to increase environmental literacy. EPA's Office of Environmental Education works to advance and support education efforts that develop an environmentally conscious and responsible public.

"While our mission is complex," said Whitman, "our goal is simple: to make our air cleaner, our water purer, and our land better protectedè Much work remains to be done, however, and the path to continued environmental improvements will require a new emphasis on partnerships. Some of the most creative solutions to our problems are generated at the local level by citizens, businesses, state and local governments, and other interested organizations, and we all need to work together to achieve the next generation of environmental progress."

FFF is vitally concerned with protecting and enhancing coldwater, warm water, and saltwater resources. We are equally concerned with education efforts that result in environmentally conscious citizens. It is an honor to have Governor Whitman as our guest speaker. All Federators are interested in learning how FFF and EPA can forge a partnership to ensure protection and improvement of the resources that sustain the sport of fly fishing.

Show attendees will be offered many programs and workshops, including casting and tying classes, and streamside fishing clinics. For more information and registration information, contact the Federation of Fly Fishers, P. O. Box 1595, Bozeman, MT 59771

Please note: The deadline for registration for the Southern Council Conclave by mail is Sept. 16th. Get your registration in early. Classes fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out! Avoid registration lines!

Material for the Fall Issue of Long Casts Must be in the Editor's Hands by July 31st. Submission of stories, pictures, and artwork are welcome and will be considered for publication. Please direct all advertising inquiries to SC Managing Director, Pat Smith, whose address can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.