Tuesday, November 29, 2016

November meeting recap

From Rich Hudson, Secretary/Treasurer. VP Carlton Townsend presided as Catch was out of town. Our guest speaker was Howard Malpass, owner of Gray Wolf Fly Shop in Shreveport. Howard entertained the group with stories of his introduction to fly fishing in England and Scotland and the experience of owning the only privately run fly fishing shop in North Louisiana.

He moved on to specifically talking about the San Juan River in Northwest New Mexico, a location he has frequently fished.  He focused on lodging, transportation, areas to fish, necessary gear,  water temperature and safety.  Additionally, he brought several flies, tied on size 26 and 28 hooks, that are commonly used on the river.  He donated these to the club for a future fund raising event.  He also brought several packs of hooks, many were purchased by members.

Prior to his conclusion, Howard discussed Hero’s on the Water and Louisiana Yard Dogs, organizations he is involved with, that support veterans and others suffering from PTSD and other injuries.  This is primarily through fishing experiences.

In the business segment, Carlton announced nominations for the 2017 Board of Directors, as well as a list of club events and activities for the first quarter of next year. Also, a reminder to members about the Christmas Gathering on December 12.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

November 28th general meeting

Our final club meeting for 2016 will be this Monday, November 28, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

We are pleased to welcome Howard Malpass as our guest speaker for the November meeting.  Howard is the owner of Gray Wolf Fly Shop in Shreveport, a fly fishing and fly tying instructor. He's a United States Air Force disabled Vietnam Veteran, a former Chairman of the Shreveport Airport Authority, and was a Boy Scout leader for 21 years. He's been involved with Heroes on the Water and Project Healing Waters. Check out Howard's website at www.graywolfflyshop.com.

Howard will give a presentation on fishing the San Juan River in New Mexico, as well as answer any questions members might have on fly fishing and products.

As always, guests are welcome!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

November 21st fly tying

Our next fly tying session - and final one for 2016 - will be Monday, November 21, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month Catch Cormier will lead us in tying the Silli-Butt.  Like the Fluff Butt fly, it's a minnow imitation based on the popular crappie jigs. Except the Silli-Butt is more like a tube jig. The tail is made from Sili-Legs (also sold under Crazy Legs), and the body is Krystal Flash Chenille.  It can be tied on a 1/80 or 1/64 oz jighead, or on a jig hook with a brass or tungsten bead.

Catch will also explain why this fly is so effective for redears, bluegill, crappie and even smallmouth bass.

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, otherwise the club has a few toolsets for those without tools.  Materials are provided.  See you Monday!

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Jon Cave demonstrates acceleration casting

Check out this new video posted by casting guru Jon Cave of Florida. It demonstrates the acceleration phase of the casting stroke for distance casting (using the double haul).  Take notice of where his arm is during the entire stroke - low and relaxed with a final push out to deliver maximum speed (the stop then causes strong negative accleration causing the fly line to sail out).

A Jon Cave fly casting instructional. Performance Fly Casting: The Acceleration Phase of the Casting Stroke