Some blamed the unusually hot and dry weather we've had this month. Others blamed the full moon. Whatever the cause, the fish at Cotile Lake were mysteriously absent this morning. Even moreso than the last week. Despite some good action of bass busting shad and redears biting along the dam, neither was happening today. A few small bream here and there, and that was it!
However, it was a great day for casting, and our "Casting Challenge" program. Roger Breedlove - our newest FFI Certified Casting Instructor - used the shaded grounds of Cotile Park to teach casting early on, then facilitate the Challenge for a number of club members.
At our last meeting, Chris Perkins with the club's Education Committee presented on the particulars of the Challenge. Roger has been facilitator for the early testing. Last Sunday Bill Morrison rolled all 3 levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - in about an hour!
Today, Chris finished up his requirements for the Gold Level, having already earned the Bronze and Silver. Jim Johnson and Lindsey Torbett swapped off for about an hour or so and both completed tasks for the Bronze Level. Then Carlton Townsend breezed through the requirements for Bronze and he was followed by Rich Hudson. Rich hesitated and then went to work in earnest. In a half hour, he was casting beautiful loops and completed the Bronze Level. Preston Keiser began work on his Bronze Level and completed about half the list before hustling off to fish. Gene Taylor is scheduled to do all 3 levels Sunday evening.
The club will recognize those members who achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold levels at the club level, and also at the FFI level if they are, or become, FFI members. In addition, FFI club members who achieve casting challenge certificates will be recognized on the FFI Gulf Coast Council website (www.gulfcoastcouncilffi.org).
The group gathered at 12 noon at Lillian's Lakeside Diner for lunch and to exchange fishing and casting stories. We all enjoyed the morning, and hope to have much better fishing - and cooler temperatures - for our October event.
