Established We support catch and release. December 2018

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1 R E E L L I N E S Established We support catch and release. December 2018 MISSION STATEMENT The Arizona Flycasters Club is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to encouraging, supporting, and educating its members and the community in the sport of fly fishing, the techniques of fly fishing, and the ethics of catch and release, which promotes the conservation of fish and their habitats. The organization s activities also promote friendship, enjoyment, sportsmanship, and safety. President s Lines Brad Norgaard President Don Mickus Vice President Alan Davis Secretary Barney Rouse Treasurer AFC is affiliated with Fly Fishers International, an organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through conservation, restoration, and education. Tis the season. The holidays are fast approaching and with them come the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, writing cards, preparing food, getting together with loved ones, and everything else. It s also time to reflect on this past year and plan for the year ahead. At AFC, we have had a busy 2018, and I want to thank all the members who contributed to the betterment of the club. We could not do it without everyone s involvement and commitment. We have a few board members whose terms expire at the end of the year and who have volunteered to continue serving on the board if re-elected. Those members are John Doss, Paul Finell, Steve Nemecek, and Bob Sickles. At the December 13 general meeting, we will vote to continue their board positions for two more years. I personally want to thank each of them for offering to continue their service to our club and its membership. We have some new things on the horizon. One is Salt River Saturdays. We will be meeting at the Phon D. Sutton ramada on Saturdays after the trout stockings to share knowledge regarding fishing moving water and do some fishing. We ll cover gear, techniques, flies, and rigging. Look for the schedule and equipment list in a separate . Among the other new things are the venue and date for our Annual Banquet and Raffle. We ll be at the Arizona American Italian Club on Saturday, that s right, Saturday, March 2, The banquet committee has been busy ensuring this year s event will be better than ever. Tickets will be available at the December through February general meetings as well as online. More details to come. For our raffle, we need your donations of new and gently-used items, fly fishing-related or otherwise. Do you know someone who has a business that might want to contribute a gift card or a discount on their products or services? It s great exposure for their business and would be greatly appreciated. Take time this holiday season to cherish time with loved ones. Time is so fleeting and making memories together so precious. Happy holidays to all! Your President, Brad Norgaard

2 SCHEDULE December 1, 29 9:30 AM Salt River Saturdays (Phon D. Sutton Ramada) 5, 12, 19, 26 10:00 AM Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups (Roadrunner Park) 13 7:00 PM General Meeting (Bryce Sisson/Christmas Extravaganza)(SSCC) 15 9:00 AM Casting Class (Roadrunner Park) 18 7:00 PM General Education Class (Selecting Flies)(SSCC) 20 7:00 PM Board Meeting (SSCC) January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 10:00 AM Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups (Roadrunner Park) 10 7:00 PM General Meeting (Chris Taylor/Fisheads San Juan)(SSCC) 12 9:00 AM Casting Class (Roadrunner Park) 12, 26 9:30 AM Salt River Saturdays (Phon D. Sutton Ramada) 17 7:00 PM Board Meeting (SSCC) 30 7:00 PM First Basic Fly Tying Class (SSCC) February 4, 5, 6, 11, 19, 7:00 PM Basic Fly Tying Classes (SSCC) 20, 25, 27 6, 13, 20, 27 10:00 AM Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups (Roadrunner Park) 14 7:00 PM General Meeting (Pat Dorsey)(SSCC) 16 9:30 AM Salt River Saturday (Phon D. Sutton Ramada) 21 7:00 PM Board Meeting (SSCC) March 2 Annual Banquet & Raffle (Arizona Italian American Club) 6, 13, 20, 27 10:00 AM Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups (Roadrunner Park) 6, 18, 20 7:00 PM Rod Construction Classes 9 9:00 AM Casting Class (Roadrunner Park) 14 7:00 PM General Meeting (Duane Redford)(SSCC) 16, 30 9:30 AM Salt River Saturdays (Phon D. Sutton Ramada) 21 7:00 PM Board Meeting (SSCC) International Sportsmen s Expo (WestWorld of Scottsdale) New Member Orientation Classes Sunnyslope Community Center Ron Robinson, Education Chair Attention new members: David Mayl has put together an orientation class, with packet, that is held before every general meeting. These are very informal and fun gatherings designed to help explain things our club offers and perhaps identify what you might be able to do to make our club even more successful. We give everyone the opportunity to ask questions. Though the classes are designed specifically for new members, all members are welcome to attend and participate. We meet just before the general meeting at 6:00 PM in the classroom we use for fly tying at the Sunnyslope Community Center. Hope to see you there. If you have questions, give Ron a call at

3 AFC Christmas Extravaganza Featuring Bryce Sisson Arizona Game & Fish Department Thursday, December 13, 7:00 PM, Sunnyslope Community Center Bryce Sisson, a past recipient of the Chick Scott & Dario Travaini Memorial Scholarship, will be here to discuss hatchery and fish production updates. Born and raised in Prescott, Bryce developed a passion for the outdoors at an early age, spending as much time as possible camping and fishing. He was hooked when he felt the tug on the line from that first bluegill at Goldwater Lake. When he wasn t at school, he could be found trying to entice a strike from a finned friend at the nearest body of water. His greatest angling accomplishment occurred in the summer of While fishing Reservation Lake, Bryce landed a goliath brown trout that measured 36 inches long and tipped the scale at almost 23 pounds. That beautiful brown has been the Arizona state record for over 19 years. Bryce graduated from Prescott High School and the Yavapai College agribusiness program. He went on to graduate from NAU with a B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in fish and wildlife management in Bryce always knew that he wanted to pursue a career in the outdoors. While attending college, he was selected for several summer internships with AZGFD, including working on the Apache trout recovery project and raising trout in one of the Department s hatcheries. Shortly after graduating from college, Bryce accepted a fish culturist position at the Page Springs Hatchery and had a wildfire-shortened stay at Sterling Springs Hatchery. He moved on to Tonto Creek Hatchery, where he currently resides with his wife and two daughters. When Bryce isn t managing the daily operations at the Tonto Creek hatchery, he can be found enjoying the solitude and sharing his enthusiasm for the great outdoors with his family. Last Chance To Win The Fly Rod Of A Lifetime! Craig Mernitz, Fundraising Chair You have one final opportunity to win an amazing prize valued at over $1,000 a Winston Air 4-piece, 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod with Arizona Flycasters 2018" inscription and a nickel silver handle with a burled maple wood insert, a logo Condura travel case, and "The Big Hole" baseball cap with "R L Winston Rod Co." inscription. We have sold 89 of the 100 squares. Only 11 chances to win remain. Each square costs $10 and buys one chance to win. The raffle is open to members and non-members. Come to the December 13 general meeting and be the winner! If you cannot make it to the meeting and would like to purchase squares, or if you have questions, contact Craig Mernitz before December 13. 3

4 Casting Class Saturday, December 15, 9:00 AM, Roadrunner Park Ron Robinson, Education Chair Our next casting class be held on Saturday, December 15, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Roadrunner Park, located at Cactus Road and 36th Street, just a block east of State Route 51. We gather at the northeast corner of the park, with most of our instruction on the grass. The club has rods and reels for those in need and a fine group of casting instructors. We offer instruction ranging from the very basics to more advanced techniques. This month our focus will be on making delicate and accurate presentations. If you have questions, give Ron a call at General Education Class Selecting Flies Tuesday, December 18, 7:00 PM, Sunnyslope Community Center Ron Robinson, Education Chair Our topic this month will be Selecting Flies. We will focus on strategies and tactics that will help you be a more effective fly angler. Be prepared to take notes, as the handouts will be fairly general. We ll be at the Sunnyslope Community Center on Tuesday, December 18, from 7:00 to 8:45 PM. If you have questions, give Ron a call at Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups 10:00 AM to Noon at Roadrunner Park John Doss, Programs Chair Remember we meet every Wednesday morning at 10:00 at Roadrunner Park. Keep in touch, we occasionally take a quick fishing outing to the Salt River, or we may do some carp fishing here in town, who knows. It s a great opportunity to get together with like-minded anglers and talk fly fishing. If you have questions, call John Doss at Salt River Saturdays Phon D. Sutton Ramada Jim Rondoni, Outings Chair We re starting a new program that will be a lot of fun for beginning and experienced fly anglers. A couple times each month, after the river is stocked, we ll meet at the Phon D. Sutton ramada to talk about fishing moving water and do some fishing together. One of our seasoned members will be there to lead the discussion and will focus on a different topic each time. Beginning and experienced fly anglers are encouraged to attend, and experienced anglers are encouraged to assist the beginners. We ve already sent an blast with information on how to prepare and the tentative schedule. The dates we have planned are December 1 and 29, January 12 and 26, February 16, and March 16 and 30. Be sure to check the calendar on the website and updates for any changes. We ll start at 9:30 AM. NOTE: You are required to have a Tonto National Forest Pass or a National Park Pass to visit the Salt River. Here is a link to vendors: If you have questions, call Jim Rondoni at

5 AFC Annual Awards Don Mickus, Vice President Can you believe it? It s already December. Where has the year gone? With the end of the year fast approaching, it s time for a call out to the membership for nominees for the club s top three annual awards, which will be announced at our Annual Banquet & Raffle on Saturday, March 2, The awards are the Silver Doctor, Member of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award. This is the nomination and award process: Silver Doctor Nominee must be a woman, in good standing, and active in the club within the past year. Nominations can be made by any club member and must be accompanied by a written explanation supporting the nomination, received no later than December 31, Nominations must be hand delivered or ed to the Vice President, who acts as the chairman for the Committee of the Whole (the past recipients of the award are collectively called the Committee of the Whole). The Chairman will collect the nominations and send to the Committee of the Whole for a vote. Committee members will vote on nominees and send to the Chairman, who will tally the votes. A framed print silver doctor fly will be ordered, and the Treasurer will procure a monetary award. Recipient will receive the award at the Annual Banquet & Raffle, given by the past recipient. Member of the Year Nominee must be in good standing and active in the club within the past year. Nominations can be made by any club member and must be accompanied by a written explanation supporting the nomination, received no later than December 31, Nominations must be hand delivered or ed to the Vice President, who acts as the chairman for the Committee of the Whole (the past recipients of the award are collectively called the Committee of the Whole). The Chairman will collect the nominations and send to the Committee of the Whole for a vote. Committee members will vote on nominees and send to the Chairman, who will tally the votes. An award plaque will be ordered, and the Treasurer will procure a monetary award. Recipient will receive the award at the Annual Banquet & Raffle, given by the past recipient. Lifetime Achievement Award This is the highest honor bestowed by the club. The recipient is no longer required to pay dues. Nominee must be in good standing, active in the club within the past year, an outstanding ambassador, and must continually contribute to the betterment of the club in a number of ways. Nominations can be made by any club member and must be accompanied by a written explanation supporting the nomination, received no later than December 31, Nominations must be hand delivered or ed to the Vice President, who acts as the chairman for the Committee of the Whole (the past recipients of the award are collectively called the Committee of the Whole). The Chairman will collect the nominations and send to the Committee of the Whole for a vote. Committee members will vote on nominees and send to the Chairman, who will tally the votes. An award plaque will be ordered, and the Treasurer will procure a monetary award. Recipient will receive the award at the Annual Banquet & Raffle, given by the past recipient. These are prestigious awards. The club and its members should be proud of the recipients and their many contributions to the club. Each nominee is given careful consideration. If you would like to make a nomination, please shoot me an or hand me a sealed envelope at the December 13 general meeting. The nomination should state the award, the nominee s name, and a detailed explanation of why you believe the nominee is deserving, and must be received no later than December 31, Don Mickus, Vice President mickusdv@cox.net 5

6 Hook: 3xl nymph, sizes 10 to 14 Thread: 6/0 black Weight: Optional lead wrap under the thorax Tail: Moose Rib: Copper wire Body: Black dubbing Wing case: Turkey flat Thorax: Same as body Hackle: Black hen hackle Head: Thread Denny s Black Diamond 1. Place a debarbed hook in the vise and start the thread towards the rear of the hook, wrapping back to the start of the bend. 2. Cut, clean, and stack a small bundle of moose hair for the tail. Tie in the moose hair at the bend of the hook; it should be about the length of the hook shank. 3. Now tie in the copper wire at the base of the tail and let it hang out of the way until needed. 4. Dub the body of the fly, trying to keep it carrot shaped, and being sure to leave enough room for the thorax and the hackle in front. 5. Counter wrap the wire around the body in about four wraps, and trim the excess. 6. Next cut a small strip of the turkey feather and tie it in on top of the hook for the wing case. 7. Place more dubbing on the thread and form the thorax, making it a little larger in diameter than the body. 8. Fold the turkey feather over the thorax, tie it down, and trim the excess. Use a piece of Velcro to pull out the fibers on the bottom of the thorax. 9. Now take a black hen feather and strip off the top part of the feather. Tie in the feather by the stem. Make no more than two wraps around the hook shank, tie off the feather, and trim the excess. Pull the hackle fibers back over the fly and make wraps of thread around them to hold them over the fly. 10. Make a small, neat head, whip finish, and trim the thread. The fly is now complete. Developed by still waters master Denny Rickards, the Black Diamond is a mayfly imitation. Denny recommends the Black Diamond for exploring depths of 2 to 6 feet when no insect activity is present, and using intermediate line with jerky, 4 to 6-inch pulls. This is a good fly for dark days and rippled or offcolored water. Fishcat 10-IR 10 stand-up personal pontoon with accessories, storage bags, wheel (to get to water), and anchor. If you are interested, Brad Johnson at flyfisherbrad@icloud.com. 6

7 Board Members Brad Norgaard President Don Mickus Vice President Alan Davis Secretary Barney Rouse Treasurer John Doss Programs Chair and Communications/Social Media Chair Barb and Brian Fayle Hospitality Co-Chairs Paul Finell Badges Chair Chuck Howey Technology Chair Norm Johnson Project Healing Waters David Mayl Membership Chair Craig Mernitz Fundraising Chair Ron Robinson Education Chair Jim Rondoni Outings Chair Ben Sheridan Special Events Chair and Youth Activities Chair Bob Sickles Raffle Chair Greg Stock FFI Representative Steve Nemecek Newsletter Editor OPEN OPEN Merchandise Chair Volunteer Coordinator Chair Board Positions Available We have two board positions to fill: Merchandise Chair and a newly-created Volunteer Coordinator Chair. These are excellent opportunities to help the club. If you are interested in a position or just lending a hand, please contact any board member. Membership Dues David Mayl, Membership Chair It is that time again. Your 2019 membership dues still just $35 for a family membership are due January 1, Here are just a few of the great reasons to renew your membership or join the club: Club-sponsored outings throughout the year including two outings to the San Juan River Monthly education classes Casting classes in the fall, winter, and spring Winter and fall fly tying series Monthly meetings featuring guest fly fishing professionals from around the country Monthly raffle Annual Banquet & Raffle Social interaction with like-minded anglers Happy Holidays! 7

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9 Arizona Flycasters Club P.O. Box Phoenix, AZ Arizona Flycasters Club general meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the second Thursday of every month at the Sunnyslope Community Center. The Annual Banquet and Raffle is held in February or March. Watch for further details. The Arizona Flycasters Club newsletter is published by the Arizona Flycasters Club and is distributed to its members and advertisers. Opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the club. Advertisements are placed as a means of conveying the message of the advertisers. The Arizona Flycasters Club does not necessarily endorse the advertiser s products or services. Arizona Flycasters Club P.O. Box Phoenix, AZ Next General Meeting: Christmas Extravaganza Bryce Sisson Arizona Game & Fish Department Thursday, December 13, :00 PM This space reserved for your name and address. 9