Above taken Sept. 25th, 2010 at La. National Hunting and Fishing Day, LDWF Education Center. RSFF Shines At National Hunting Fishing Day!

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1 Above taken Sept. 25th, 2010 at La. National Hunting and Fishing Day, LDWF Education Center RSFF Shines At National Hunting Fishing Day! Red Stick Fly Fishers was once again a participant at the 2012 National Hunting and Fishing Day Outdoor Festival at Waddill Refuge. We instructed fly tying, knots, and basic casting to well over a hundred persons of all ages, especially kids. Thanks to Larry Offner, Kyle Moppert, Greg Brignac, Dan Weber, Murray Neames, Kevin Cormier, Glen Cormier, and Gary Elbourne. We re already looking to next years event always the 4 th Saturday of September. ***************************************************************************** Red Stick Fly Fishers (RSFF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of fly fishing, conservation and outdoor ethics. Programs are held the second Monday of each month at Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries located on Quail Dr. at 7:00 pm. Fly tying is held the fourth Monday of each month, except December. The location currently alternates between Orvis, Cabela s in Gonzales and Bass Pro Shop in Denham Springs. These events also begin at 7:00 pm. Dues are $25 for individuals or families, free for students. RSFF is affiliated with the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) Gulf Coast Council. Submissions to The Red Letter must be received by the Editor no later than the first Monday of each month. Correspondence or club information can be obtained through the club web site, or by (see last page for member contacts), or by regular mail at: RSFF PO Box 3761 Baton Rouge, La RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 1 Baton Rouge, La

2 Special Notice Oct. Meeting Location & Time Once again, our meeting will NOT- be held at the Wildlife and Fisheries building for this month. In August, a broken water main flooded the first floor causing extensive damage. LDWF estimated at least a couple months of work to repair and replace sheetrock, carpet, and electrical wiring. For this reason, our September and October meetings - and possibly the November meeting as well - will be held at some other location. For October 8th, our meeting will be at: BREC s Perkins Park Recreation Center Time 6:30pm to 8:00pm. New Forum For RSFF For all the latest, check out our website at Our Calendar page has upcoming activities thru Fall, Also, any special events and activities such as Red Stick Day, Fly Fishing 101, Casting Clinics, and Advanced Fly Tying Clinics. If you go to our FORUM page, there s a link to our new Forum host at RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 2 Baton Rouge, La

3 The Fishing Report by Catch Enjoying this great early fall weather? The fish should be biting like crazy soon now that water temperatures have fallen a bit. The ponds at Waddill, Forest Park, Sherwood Forest, Pamlico and Perkins Park are full of bug life, including damselflies and dragonflies. The bass are jumping out the water, and popping bugs late in the afternoon are catching everything from 6 to 2-3 pounders. The bream are hand-sized at Perkins, a little smaller at the other spots but growing bigger each month since they were stocked this past spring. Reds have infiltrated the marsh ponds, and Mike LaFleur had a great day recently fishing the ponds around Big Lake south of Lake Charles. Jacob Cormier and his buddy Coco caught their limit of 10 before 9am at Pointe-aux-Chenes using topwaters including fly rod poppers. The Pete s Perch Float Popper in green/white and red/yellow have been the hot poppers and colors. Of course, the usual suspects of redfish flies crab patterns, charlies, seaducers, spoon flies, and rattle flies should also be in every box this fall. Night fishing for specks continues. Action off the Grand Isle bridge is still good, lots of male trout inches, and a few reds also. But now there's some good night action in the upper estuaries. Anywhere there are lights along a bayou or canal is worth trying with either clousers, epoxy shrimp, or crystal shrimp. Butch Ammons Bridgeside Shrimp, the Crystal Shrimp, Angel flies, and the always-reliable Clouser Minnow will work. This is the time of year to fish topwater for specks. Pete s Popper, Bob's Banger, or Pencil Poppers all work best from before sunrise to about 9 am, and again near sunset. Fish them close to dropoffs for a chance at big fish! When fishing specks, towards mid-morning you want to switch to a VOSI with a dropper fly. A VOSI is half a perch float, with the cut half sanded to a concave face (you can use a dremel bit to do this). This is the fly angler's popping cork rig. The dropper fly is a weighted fly, and usually about 18 inches under the VOSI. My favorite is a 1/50 ounce clouser. Another option is a Pink Charlie, but as a tandem rig rather than a single. Picture this on my leader: a semi-perch float, one charlie tied 12 inches below, and another tied 24 inches below. The line between fly tackle and commie tackle has never been fuzzier! When casting a VOSI rig, or a double fly rig, forget double hauls and even tight loops. Unless you enjoy wasting time peeling through tangles. You want to make gentle wide, open casting arcs. Distance is not necessary, specks are not shy. Once a VOSI rig has settled in the water, give your line a good strip to "pop" the VOSI. Then wait 2 seconds for a response. If none, continue all the way back to within 20 feet, then make the next cast. Sometimes, just bobbing the VOSI produces a hit. This rig is dynamite when fishing under diving birds. Expect to catch four fish for every keeper, so make sure to debarb those hooks so the fish survive. Until early November, whenever fishing weighted flies for specks, you ll catch white trout as well. Anything 10 inches or over produces a nice filet. Just remember to keep the white trout off the bottom of the chest their soft flesh gets mushed by heavy redfish. Keep them on ice drain the water off often. They don t freeze well, so keep only what you can cook that week. Otherwise, white trout taste as good - some say better - than specks! RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 3 Baton Rouge, La

4 Lunch Bunch By Mike LaFleur A number of RSFF members usually get together for lunch each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 11:30 am. We go to restaurants around town such a George s, Jason s or Podnuh s on Mondays, The Wall on Wednesdays, and the Superior Grill on Fridays. If you are interested in joining us, please Joe Kahler at yakfly@ cox.net in order for you to get on the notice list. We like to get confirmation, if possible, so we can get the right size table Saltwater Fall Catch and Eat Nov. 9-11, 2012 OK everyone; it's once again time for the Fall Saltwater Catch-and-Eat. Without doubt, this is typically the best RSFF Saltwater event, year-in-and-year out, in terms of number of fish caught and most pleasurable fishing conditions. (I sure hope that statement does not jinx us.) So ladies & gentlemen, start getting your plans together. Also, get your fishing license if you haven't already done so. Most of you know the format. For the new folks, fishing takes place along Highway 1 from Galliano south to Grand Isle. Find a partner(s) then group with others who fish by your style - boat, off-road, puddle craft. Everyone handles their own reservations at a favorite place of stay. Popular places are Boudreaux's Condeauxs, Galliano Inn, Catfish Lake Cabins, Days Inn all of which are in Golden Meadow. Also popular is Boudreaux's Motel in Leeville and Blue Dolphin Inn in Grand Isle. (Please chime in and add your suggestions to the above.) Here is web link providing Lofourche parish accommodations: Updates will be posted on our new Forum. Just go to the rsff.org website and click on the "Forum" link and you'll be redirected to our new forum at warmfly.com. We will check shrimp availability at the Seafood Shed when we get closer to the date and I'll post an updates on that. On Friday evening, we usually gather at one of the local restaurants in Golden Meadow and get fishing reports from the folks who fished Friday. We also exchange tips, techniques, and locations from those who did well. On Saturday evening, there's the traditional fish & shrimp fry. The location will most likely be Boudreaux's Condeaux's in Golden Meadow. Hopefully everyone will have caught enough fish to make a fresh fish contribution. The main course will be fresh fried fish fillets, shrimp, and potatoes. Also, I'll bring eggplant if the plants can survive until then. Dugan usually brings garlic bread. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 4 Baton Rouge, La

5 I will be looking for volunteers to bring their cooking rigs (burner, pot, gas) and cook. Sometimes folks ask if they can bring something to the fry. This is OPTIONAL. The main course is well covered. I would suggest hors d'oeuvres, snacks, salad, cookies, dessert, etc. But again, this is OPTIONAL. You do not need to bring anything (other than your own drinks) for this event. Make sure you all bring your own soft drinks or alternative beverage. You may also want to bring a couple of folding chairs as seating is likely to be limited. North Toledo Bend Rendezvous By Kyle Moppert When: Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8 Where: Group Facility - North Toledo Bend State Park - Zwolle, LA Rendezvous - the event that many southern flyfishers consider to be the most enjoyable event of the year started about ten years ago when FFF*ers from the North Louisiana Fly Fishers, Acadiana Fly Fishers, and Piney Woods Fly Fishers met for a weekend camp out. They had such a good time, it was decided to do it again, and a tradition of fly fishers and their families gathering on the shores of Toledo Bend was born. A tradition of sharing wonderful times, friendships, experiences, casting lessons, fishing, tying flies, and enjoying the fall weather. Many experienced and novice tyers come to tie flies. It's an opportunity to spend the whole time tying with some of the best fly tiers in the South, with folks from Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Then somebody might drop in from Wisconsin or Montana. You never know which tyers will be there. Others come to fish the large protected cove and main body of Toledo Bend. There are always casting lessons going on. Some just come to poke the fire, rock on the porch, and watch the kids playing in the woods. No schedules, no programs, no time limits, it's just a relaxed weekend of fun, friendships, and flyfishers from a large number of clubs. Reservations or notification of your plans to attend are not necessary. Even if you don't know anyone when you arrive, you'll have new flyfishing friends when you leave. However, you will see a number of Red Stick Fly Fishers and their families when you arrive, because more of us attend each year. As usual, we'll have the group facilities: five dormitories, central bathhouse, and main log constructed lodge/kitchen building - complete with its large front porch and rockers. The lodge has a large meeting/dining room, complete with an ample number of tables (for dining and tying) and with a stone fireplace on one end, and with a grand, completely furnished, commercial kitchen on the other. The large coffee pot and table of munchies (chips, dips, cookies, cakes, candies, and so forth) is placed in the middle of the lodge. The custom is that everyone stashes their edibles in the kitchen's oversized coolers, pantries, and snack food table. Then we all share to form wonderful banquets for every meal. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 5 Baton Rouge, La

6 The 5 log dormitories (complete with A/C and heat) each have bunk beds for 28 and a side room that is typically used as a dressing room for that dorm, so please do not sleep in it. The married couples take one dorm, single men another, one for families, one for single women and wives escaping husbands, and the last is the open dorm (no snorers allowed!). A number of people bring their RV's and campers and set up in the general camping areas. For those not wishing to use the dorms, private cabins may be still be available from the park, but reservations should be made as soon as possible. The clean, heated bath houses have plenty of hot showers and lavatories. It is centrally located between the dorms and has well lit sidewalks. The park's main gate closes at 10 p.m., so if you're arriving late, you need to call the park office , during the day for the lock combination. There is no need to pay at the gate upon arrival, just mention the Fly Fishers Rendezvous, and you'll receive an entry receipt. Upon arrival, sign in and pay $40 for the weekend ( $20 per night ) or $50 for the family weekend ( $25 per night). Cheap enough? Come as early as you like on Friday and stay as late as you want on Sunday. If you can only attend for a day, come on, don't miss it! It's worth the drive. See ya there! For more info: call Walter McLendon or go to Bring: Bedding, pillows, towels, food, munchies, tying/fishing gear. Bring if you wish: coffee, soft drinks, plastic forks, spoons, bowls, plates, paper towels, napkins, cleaning supplies, firewood, folding/rocking chairs, adult beverages, float tubes, boats, canoes, a book, and so on. Instructions from Baton Rouge: Take I-49 to the Natchitoches exit (LA Hwy 6). Go west on Hwy 6 (about 30 miles) to the US 171 in Many. Turn north (right) on 171 and go about 0.2 mile to intersection where US 171 turns off to the right. Take US 171 to Zwolle (about 11 miles). In Zwolle, cross the railroad tacks and take LA 482 west and then go north on LA 191/LA 482. After 1 mile, take LA 482 as it turns off to the left. After 0.5 miles, take LA 3229 as it Y*s off to the left. Go 4.2 miles to the intersection of the Park Road and LA Turn left onto the Park Road and continue 2.4 miles to the park office. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 6 Baton Rouge, La

7 Fly Tyer s Bench September by Emmitt Simmons Materials of Construction Pete Bongiovani Demonstrates Ron Begnaud s Red Chaser Hook: Mustad Size 4 Thread: Red 6/0 or flat waxed Dumbbell Eyes: 1/50 th oz or 5/32 Tail: 1/8 gold mylar braid found in wrapping or sewing sections of craft store. About 2 of braid is all that is required Body: Red Grande Estaz about 3 inches required INSTRUCTIONS 1) From eye of hook lay down about ¼ of threadbase 2) Tie in Dumbbell eyes. 3) Continue threadbase to point directly above point of hook 4) Pull center core from mylar braid. 5) Unravel about 1 of mylar to make the tail. Leave rest for tie down to shank of hook. 6) Tie down mylar tail and place rest of braid on top of shank. 7) Wrap braid down to just behind eyes. 8) Clip off excess 9) Run thread back to tail tie in point. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 7 Baton Rouge, La

8 10) Tie in red grande Estaz and run thread back to just behind eyes. 11) Wrap Estaz forward to just behind eyes and tie down. 12) Add conical thread head just in front of eyes. 13) Whip finish and cover thread head with Hard as Hull or Hard as Nails for durability. October 22 rd 7:00pm Cabela s Gonzales, LA RSFF s own Glen Catch Cormier will be demonstrating some new materials and techniques at the October meeting. Catch is always looking for new and innovative techniques for tying flies. If you haven t already, check out some of the patterns that he has on his website Let s all come out and support Catch in what promises to be an interesting and probably very entertaining evening. Good Fishing to All, Emmitt Simmons RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 8 Baton Rouge, La

9 Calendar of Events Catch Cormier, Events Chair Asterisk (*) denotes a RSFF-sponsored event. Activities designated with (M) are only for members and immediate family, or members of other clubs. All other activities are open to the public. For the most up to date list, go to and click on "Calendar". Recurring Activities * Membership Meeting: 7:00 p.m., 2nd Monday of each month, Wildlife and Fisheries building, Quail Drive, Baton Rouge. Casting instruction prior to meeting during Daylight Savings Time. * Fly Tying Sessions: 7:00 p.m., 4th Monday of each month. Meeting locations rotate. For more info, contact the Fly Tying Chair, Emmitt Simmons, at emmitt.simmons@cox.net - January, April, July, October - Cabela s. - February, May, August, November - Bass Pro. - March, June, September, December - Orvis. Fly Tying Clinics by Friends of RSFF - Bass Pro Shops, Denham Springs. 4th Saturday of each month except December, 9:30am to 12noon, Conference Room. Bring tools and equipment, materials provided. Call Ron Brooks (225) Events October 5-6 (Fri-Sat) - FFF Southern Conclave, Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Arkansas. The Mid-South's premiere fly fishing and fly tying show, sponsored by the Southern Council Federation of Fly Fishers. Features programs, workshops, fly tying demos and instruction, casting instruction and games, vendor exhibits, youth activities, raffles and auctions, much more. Registration available online or by mail. For details, go to October 30 (Sat) 9th annual Fall-N-Tide Kayak Tournament. Empire, LA. Delta Marina. Sponsored by the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club. $50 registration fee includes tournament entry, Friday Captains dinner, Saturday night fish fry, Captains bag, t-shirt, and chance for hundreds of door/raffle prizes. Free kids division with registered adult. Funds BCKFC charities such as Heroes On The Water. Check for entry forms, rules, and tournament details. November 2-4 (Fri-Sun) Southern Fly Fishers Rendezvous, North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA. Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Council FFF. An annual gathering of members of fly fishing clubs from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and beyond. No planned activities but plenty of fly tying, food, fly casting, fishing. Fee includes lodging and meals. Check out the Rendezvous webpage for more details: * November 9-10 (Fri Sat) - RSFF Spring Catch-and-Eat. Annual spring marsh outing for reds, specks, drum and other species. Highway 1 corridor. Culminates with Saturday evening fish fry at Boudreauxs Condeauxs in Golden Meadow or Boudreaux Motel in Leeville. For more info, check the April newsletter or forum at January TBA Advanced Tying Workshop. Details to follow. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 9 Baton Rouge, La

10 RSFF Board Position home work/cell address Dan Weber President Don Richardson Past President Greg Brignac Vice President Ron Braud Treasurer Sheldon Anderson Editor Mike LaFleur Secretary Glen Cormier Events Jack Dial Coldwater Emmitt Simmons Fly Tying Randy Leonpacher Saltwater Bill Brown Membership Roger del Rio Conservation Dugan Sabins Education/Programs Jack Lithgoe Warm water Friends of RSFF, Please support our club sponsors! A Bayou Runs Thru It - PO Box 1062, Broussard, LA 70518, (337) , Jerome & Dena Hebert - Custom Flies, Wildlife & Game Fish Art. Backpacker Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA, (225) , Camping, canoes, kayaks, outdoor clothing. Bass Pro Shops - Denham Springs, LA 70726, (225) All outdoors. Sage, Bass Pro, Redington, TFO fly rods, reels, fly tying materials, lines and accessories. Free fly tying class every 4th Saturday. Cabela's - Gonzales, LA All outdoors. St Croix, Sage, Ross, Cabela's own fly rods and reels, fly tying materials, lines and accessories. Fish With Rich Guide Service - Capt. Rich Waldner, New Orleans, La, (504) , Fly fishing for reds and specks in the Southeast Louisiana Marsh Green Trout Fly Shop N. Range Ave. Denham Springs, La. (Located in Seldom Seen Antiques). or Specializing in TFO products, Teeny fly lines, warm water flies and accessories. Louisiana Fly Fishing Louisiana's online fly fishing resource since Check the LFF Calendar and Forum for all events related to fly fishing and kayak fishing in Louisiana and the region. Louisiana Sportsman Magazine PO Box 1199, Boutte, LA, (504) , Louisiana's premier outdoors magazine and online resource. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 10 Baton Rouge, La

11 Orvis of Baton Rouge Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810, phone (225) Alex Beane, Store Manager. Hours Mon Sat: 10:00am - 6:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm, extended hours for tying clinics. Temple Fork Outfitters Makers of affordable quality fly fishing products. Top Flies for Catch & Eat L to R, T to B: Clouser Minnow, LaFleur s Charlie, Borger Crab, Coma Spoon, Pete s Perch Float Popper (Kirk D version), Seaducer, Whitlock Baitfish, Roger s Flip Flop Popper, Ron s Redchaser. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 11 Baton Rouge, La