The Red Letter. Official Publication of Red Stick Fly Fishers. September 2012

Transcription

1 The Red Letter Official Publication of Red Stick Fly Fishers Next Club Meeting: Monday, Sept. 10th, 7:00PM at BASS PRO SHOP Denham Springs, La. All are Welcome Next Fly Tying Meeting: Monday, Sept 24th, 7:00PM at Orvis Sporting Goods, Baton Rouge, La.

2 Above taken Sept. 25th, 2010 at La. National Hunting and Fishing Day, LDWF Education Center A great example of why we volunteer!!! 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

3 Special Notice The Sept meeting will -NOT- be held at the Wildlife and Fisheries building. In August, a broken water main flooded the first floor causing extensive damage. I spoke to Rusty McKinley with LDWF today and they now estimate at least 2 months of work to repair and replace sheetrock, carpet, and electrical wiring. For this reason, our and October meetings - and possibly the November meeting as well - will be held at some other location. For updates on the 10 meeting, announcing location, please check the following: our website - ww.rsff.org our new forum - or go to rsff.org and click on "Forum" new site - issue of our newsletter, "The Red Letter" Board Meeting Scheduled for Sept 25 th If you have any topics or issues needing attention, contact any of the RSFF Board members noted at the end of this newsletter. 10 meeting at Bass Pro Joel Stewart The next meeting of the Red Stick Fly Fishers will be on Monday, 10, at the Bass Pro Shops in Denham Springs. Time is 7:00pm. Please note the change in location, as the meeting room at the LDWF building is currently under repair from water damage. We are honored to have as our special guest this month Commander Joel Stewart, US Navy. Joel is author of "A Fly Rod in My Sea Bag". It begins with his introduction to fly fishing as a young boy in Montana, later becoming a commercial fly tier at age 12, and then his enlistment into the Navy after high school. But most of the story deals with his time in Iraq, as a member of the Multi-National Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom, beginning in It was during this tour of duty that he started the now-famous "Baghdad School of Fly Fishing" which later became the "Baghdad Anglers Club and School of Fly Fishing", and introduced the sport of fishing and fly fishing to large numbers of America's finest. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 2 Baton Rouge, La

4 Joel has circumnavigated the globe and fished on six continents. Presently he is stationed in New Orleans as the executive officer for the future U.S.S. ANCHORAGE (LPD 23), which will be stationed in San Diego upon commission. He always has a fly rod in his sea bag, and uses his liberty time to seek opportunities to fish new waters and catch different species wherever in the world his duties take him. This promises to be a terrific meeting you'll not want to miss! RSFF Returns to Lake Concordia Fall Warm Water Trip By Jack Lithgoe, Warm water Chair Start tying your jitter bees, cap spiders, poppers, fluff butts and yo-yo flies for the return to Lake Concordia. That's right, RSFF warm water fly flingers will descend upon Lake Concordia on Sept 21-23, and we'll have the main house at Lakeview Lodge. If you plan to stay in one of the separate rooms, you should call to make a reservation before 7th. There are rooms at Sportsman's Lodge also, but the Big House has been sold and not available for rent. Team up with someone or bring a guest. Lake Concordia is ideal for bass boat, bateau, flats boat or skiff, as well as paddle craft. You'll see people fishing from bay boats and pontoon boats as well. Don't have a boat, come anyway. You can fish from the pier, or stowaway on someone s boat. If you or your guest just wants to get away for the weekend and not fish, bring a book and sit in one of the swings under the cypress trees. It sure beats painting the garage. can still be plenty hot, but by then, there will be a hint of fall in the air and night time temperatures will be pleasant. Rod selection can be anything, but a 3 or 5 wt is ideal. Bring your 8 wt and get up early and try a bass popper or frog at first light. Bring a towel and wash cloth, bug spray, sun block, water and snacks. We'll have a fish fry on Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning. You're on your own Friday night, but there are plenty of places to eat. A number of us have gotten used to grilling steaks while nursing an adult RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 3 Baton Rouge, La

5 beverage. There is a grill and we'll have charcoal. You'll probably eat better than if you stayed at home. And lest I forget, bring your vice and tying gear and share your tying expertise. I hope to see some of you tying balsa poppers that you got from Kirk Dietrich's class. If you don't have any warm water flies, or are challenged by this part of the sport, go see Uncle Larry at Green Trout Fly Shop in Denham Springs. He ll fix you up with some proven bream poppers. Get him to show you the new BVK rod from TFO while you're there. I look forward to this trip as it usually is signaling the change of seasons. I hope you can make it. Please send me an confirming your attendance on this trip whether you are staying in the lodge or individual room. Committed at this time: Jack, Murray, Dugan, Gabe and Dad, Randy, Thad, Charles, Frank, Bill M. Call or me to sign up for this trip. Jack Lithgoe , jacklithgoe@gmail.com Volunteers needed for NHF Day Sat, Sept 22 by Catch Cormier, Events Chair The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will host their 28th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, 22, at four venues across Louisiana. This celebration of the outdoors features numerous exhibits and activities designed to educate and entertain both young and old. Once again, RSFF has been asked to exhibit at the Waddill venue here in Baton Rouge. We've been a part of NHF Day since our inception as a club 24 years ago. I realize this date conflicts with our Fall Weekend to Lake Concordia. It s not the first time probably won t be the last either. But with nearly 100 members, we have always find 6-8 folks who only have that Saturday open, and can t make Concordia. But can make NHFD if only for a few hours. If you re one of those the few the brave the proud the restricted from a weekend trip, then you belong with us at NHFD. We can have up to six "official" volunteers, however, we routinely have unofficial volunteers as well. The unofficial assist the officials and help teach casting and fly tying, or answer questions about a wide range of topics from knots to where to fish. They just don t get a free t-shirt or a shot at door prizes at the end of the day. The BR venue has several thousand attendees and each year we make several converts to our sport. Not to mention the joy of watching a youngster tie his or her first fly, or master the basic cast. To volunteer (officially or unofficially), please Catch Cormier at catch@laflyfish.com. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 4 Baton Rouge, La

6 Calcasieu Pig Boat A Tom Nixon pattern as demonstrated by Greg Brignac 1. Insert the cone weight point first over the point of the hook. If you wish to retain a barb, the cone weight will not slide easily over the barb. You can push it on with needle nose pliers. It will flatten the barb a bit, but not completely. You can fish as is or use a dull knife to pry it back up into its proper position if you wish. Then slide the cone all the way up to the eye of the hook so that the point of the cone rests against the eye. 2. Start your thread just behind the cone weight and lay down thread base and return the thread back to a point near the back of the cone weight. Just as you would normally try to avoid crowding your hook eye, try not to crowd the back of the cone weight. This, rather than the hook eye, will be the tie off point for 3 different materials, so try to leave a small amount of space for wrapping them in. 3. Tie in a length of 25 lbs. test monofilament for weed guard. Optionally, leave a small length of mono in front of the tie in point that you can fold back over your thread, then wrap over all to lock it in. Continue securing the mono to the hook shank by wrapping your thread back well into the bend of the hook. ***NOTE*** the farther back you wrap, the stiffer your weed guard will be. 4. Position your thread so that it hangs about halfway between the point of the hook and the barb. This is your tie in point for 3 different materials. 5. Tie in a length of marabou for the tail at this point. Optionally, you could use about 6 rubber legs for the tail. Secure the tail by wrapping toward the cone weight and then return the thread to the tie in point. 6. Tie in a neck or saddle hackle by its tip. This will be palmered forward later. Do NOT use high quality RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 5 Baton Rouge, La

7 hackle. The cheap stuff will have longer fibers and present a larger profile, which is desirable in this case. Next, return the thread to the tie in point and tie in a length of ice chenille. 7. Advance your thread to the tie off point behind the cone weight, then wrap the ice chenille forward and tie off. 8. Next, palmer your hackle forward and tie off behind the cone weight as well. 9. Apply a small amount of head cement to the tie off point using your bodkin. More will be applied after the rubber legs are tied on. 10. Cut your rubber legs so that you have 12 legs about 4 or 5 inches long. The legs will be tied in just behind the cone weight at the midpoint of their length, producing a 24 leg collar. 11.Take 3 legs, fold them around the thread at their midpoint, and then slide them down to the shank of the hook positioning them on the side of the shank nearest you (about the 9:00 position). Secure with about 3 tight wraps. 12. Repeat the process with 3 more legs positioned on top of the shank (at the 12:00 position). ***NOTE*** after this, you may wish to rotate your vise 180 degrees or (if you do not have a RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 6 Baton Rouge, La

8 rotary vise) simply invert your hook in the vise. It may be easier to tie the 9:00 and 12:00 positions again than to tie the 3:00 and 6:00 positions. 13. Repeat the process at the remaining 2 quadrants so that your legs are evenly distributed around the shank of the hook. 14. Gather the legs with your free hand and whip finish at the tie off point (just behind the cone weight), apply head cement, and trim your thread. Then restart your thread in front of the cone in order to complete the weed guard. 15. Now for the weed guard. Pass the tag end of the monofilament down through the vise jaws behind the hook bend, bring back up to the side of the shank just behind the hook eye, and tie in with about 3 firm wraps. Adjust to the desired gap between the mono loop you ve just created and the hook point. Then mark the monofilament at the tie in point with a sharpie. Pull the slack out of the loop to create some space between your mark and the thread. It will not move much. Trim the tag end a short distance above the mark and then burn the monofilament down to the mark (burning off the mark). Simply moving the flame away from the mono is not RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 7 Baton Rouge, La

9 sufficient as the mono sometimes ignites like a wick. Be prepared to quickly blow out the flame and cool the mono to halt the melting process at the desired point. This produces a ball of melted plastic at the end of the mono. Pull the mono loop back into its desired position. The melted ball will stop the mono from coming out of the thread wraps. Secure with several more tight wraps, whip finish, and cement. 24th 7:00pm Orvis, Baton Rouge, LA Pete Bongiovani will be demonstrating a Ron Begnaud saltwater pattern for this session. Pete has been a member of RSFF for several years now and is a former New Orleans Fly Fisher member and has held several offices in that club. In addition to that Pete has tied flies commercially as well. Pete is a great promoter of the club and will tell you- We have the best club in the state. Come on out to Orvis and see what Pete has planned for us. Good Fishing to All, Emmitt Simmons RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 8 Baton Rouge, La

10 RSFF Calendar of Events by Catch Cormier, Events Chair What's happening in the weeks and months ahead. Asterisk (*) denotes a RSFF-sponsored event. Activities designated with (M) are only for members and their 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 "Calendar" page to see what's scheduled. 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,, 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) Summer & Fall Events * (Fri-Sun) - Fall outing to Lake Concordia. Friday thru Sunday. Our annual spring trip to Lake Concordia offers world-class fly fishing for bass, bream, crappie, other species. Stay is at scenic Lakeview Lodge. Nearby options also include Lake St. John, Old River Vidalia, Bayou Cocodrie. Culminates with Saturday evening fish fry. For more details, check or contact Jack Lithgoe, Warmwater Chair. * 22 (Sat) National Hunting and Fishing Day, Waddill Outdoors Education Center, 4141 Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge. 9am 3pm. Free admission. Sponsored by LA Wildlife and Fisheries. Activities for the entire family, exhibitors, and wild food tasting. RSFF will again conduct fly tying and fly casting. 6 volunteers needed for our booth, signup at the July and August meetings, or contact Catch Cormier. 29 (Sat) 4 th annual Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo. Lafreniere Park, Metairie. Fishing for Rio Grande Perch. Free and open to all members of fly clubs. Check the New Orleans Fly Fishers forum on for details. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 9 Baton Rouge, La

11 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 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 RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 10 Baton Rouge, La

12 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! Cabela's - Gonzales, LA All outdoors. St Croix, Sage, Ross, Cabela's own fly rods and reels, fly tying materials, lines and accessories. 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. ***** 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. Fish With Rich Guide Service - Capt. Rich Waldner, New Orleans, La, (504) , Fly fishing for reds and specks in the Southeast Louisiana Marsh 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 11 Baton Rouge, La

13 Temple Fork Outfitters Makers of affordable quality fly fishing products. RSFF, PO Box 3761, Page 12 Baton Rouge, La