Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year!

Here's wishing our members and friends, and all of their families, a most blessed holiday season. Hope everyone finds something under the Christmas tree they can use for their piscatorial pursuits in the coming year.

We also wish everyone a prosperous and healthy 2021.  With much emphasis on healthy!  Hopefully, this time next year things will be back to normal, and we can enjoy the company of others and celebrate as we have in the past.

While Christmas is a season of festivity, let's not forget the reason for the season: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” John 1:14. Please be giving to those in need, and pray for those who are less fortunate, for those in suffering, and for those away from their families this season - especially our troops. Love and peace to everyone!

Club honorees recognized at banquet

At our annual Christmas banquet, the club honored those members who have had an outstanding year, either in service to the club and/or with individual achievement.  Each recipient will receive a customized coffee mug with their name and recognition.

Fly Tier of the Year - Captain Tyler Wood
Awarded to that member who, either through active participation, or educating and sharing skills, or significant improvement in their own skills, advanced the art within our club. Tyler, a new member to our club in 2020, not only led a trio of our online fly tying sessions, but also brought a wealth of knowledge about flies, materials and techniques. Tyler is a great addition to our excellent group of club tiers.

Member of the Year - Bill Morrison
Awarded to that member who, either made important contributions to our club, or assisted in helping others, or achieved milestones in their own skills. Bill hit home runs on all three criteria! In March, he earned his certification as an FFI Casting Instructor. In April, he organized and initiated our Zoom meetings, creating YouTube tutorials that not only benefitted our members, but also other clubs that are now holding their own Zoom meetings. In addition, as Chair of the Tournament Committee, he helped make our 2020 Mixed Bag Contest the most successful ever.

Presidents Award - Rich Hudson
This award is selected by the president in recognition of service to the club, or for any actions or deeds that he/she sees worthy of recognition. For the past several years, Rich has done a truly outstanding job as our secretary/treasurer. But with the challenges of 2020, and lack of public events or access, he somehow managed to promote our club and generate membership throughout the year. Our club now stands at 83 member families - largest in the state! Rich has been a great club ambassador, reaching out through various community connections to promote our club.

Please join us in congratulating all of our award winners!

 

3rd annual Mixed Bag Contest final results

Channel catfish caught by Jim Johnson

At our recent Christmas banquet, Tournament Committee Chair Bill Morrison gave a recap of this past year's Mixed Bag Contest. The MBC is a CPRO (catch-photo-release optional) tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does. Basically, most species caught within a defined geographical area wins.

Year 2020 saw a record total of 126 fish entered, despite restrictions on travel and several favorite spots severely impacted due to  hurricanes. Of those, the top three species entered was bluegill (17), followed by rainbow trout (12), and longear sunfish (9). The most unusual entries were Goldeneye Shad, Skipjack Shad, Striped Mullet, and Northern Hogsucker. Altogether, 33 different species were entered into the contest!

Entries came from four states - Louisiana (85), Arkansas (39), coastal Alabama (1), and Oklahoma (1).  None came from Texas or Mississippi.  The most entries from one body of water was the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas (28). While most of those were rainbow trout, they also included brown trout, smallmouth, largemouth, and several other species.  Runnerup location was Little River near Fishville/Jena, with 16 entries.

Top flies were poppers (10 entries), Clouser Minnows (9), Sqwirmies (8), Fluff Butts (8), Lunch Money (5) and Mardi Craw (5).

Six places were awarded. Here are those winners and number of species they entered:

• 1st - Bill Morrison (18)
• 2nd - Carlton Townsend (15)
• 3rd - Glen Cormier (12)
• 4th - Joel Dinnat (11)
• 5th - Jim Johnson (11)
• 6th - Robert Hughes (11)

* 4th, 5th, and 6th places were determined based on the tiebreaker rule of first entered

As is tradition, each participant who entered a fish and did NOT get awarded was entered into the Consolation Drawing. Each received one ticket based on the number of fish entered, e.g., Terry Stafford had 6 entries so 6 tickets were placed in his name.  This year's Consolation Winner was Hunter Lonsberry, who had 4 entries in the Mixed Bag.  Hunter wins a new Cheeky Tyro fly reel.

The club wishes to thank everyone who participated, and to the members of the Tournament Committee - Bill Morrison, Jim Johnson and Glen Cormier - for another successful contest.  The Committee will hold a Zoom meeting over the holidays to finalize details for the 2021 Mixed Bag set to start on January 1st.  If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please do submit them to one or all members before the new year.

December Virtual Tying Sessions

Tuesday, December 15th
6:00pm
Batman Redfish Fly

* Due to the holidays, this will be the only tying session for the month

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/EoF42ZHmka8tY7j78
Deadline to submit: Sunday, December 6th

This session, we'll tie the "Batman Redfish Fly" (not to be confused with the Batman Nymph, a trout fly). The Batman is an interesting fly whose originator was a friend of Don Reed, owner-operator of Saltwater Flytyers in St Augustine, Florida. Don tied these flies for his friend's clients who reported great success.  Drew Chicone learned of this and it became one of his favorites. It's included in Drew's book, Redfish Flies.

New for this session!

• Active participants can join us via Zoom (www.zoom.us).  Download the app for use on any PC, tablet, or smartphone. If you do -not- have the password for our virtual tying sessions, please email Bill Morrison.
• Casual observers are now encouraged to join us via live-streaming on YouTube!   No downloads necessary, just click on the link and watch!

Mixed Bag Contest ends November 30th!

We're in the final days of our 3rd annual Mixed Bag Contest... submissions must be entered no later than 11:59pm on Monday, November 30th. Winners will be announced and receive prizes at the annual Christmas party in December.  It's not too late to get several entries in. In fact, weather over the Thanksgiving week looks great, the fish are biting on the Red River (even off the bank) and also in the marsh.

Remember, while we will be awarding the top six (6) spots, it only takes ONE entry - just one - to enter your name for the consolation prize. And the consolation prize is always a good one!

Here are the current standings (number is different species registered):

 *   Bill Morrison (18) - Black Crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, freshwater drum (goo), golden shiner, green sunfish, ladyfish, largemouth bass, longear, pinfish, rainbow trout, redear, redfish, speckled trout, spotted bass, warmouth, white bass, white crappie
*   Carlton Townsend (14) - Black Crappie, bluegill, brown trout, carp, channel catfish, cutthroat trout, goldeye, green sunfish, longear, rainbow trout, redear, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass
*   Glen Cormier (12) - bluegill, chain pickerel, channel catfish, largemouth bass, longear, rainbow trout, red spotted sunfish, redear,  speckled trout, warmouth, white crappie, yellow bass
*   Joel Dinnat (11) - bluegill, catfish, black crappie, largemouth bass, longear, pumpkinseed, redear, striped mullet, warmouth, white bass, white crappie
*   Jim Johnson (10) - bluegill, longear, redbreast, redear, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, green sunfish, warmouth, white bass, channel catfish
*   Gene Taylor (9) - bluegill, channel catfish, freshwater drum, pompano, rainbow trout, white bass, green sunfish, longear, warmouth
*   Robert Hughes (9) - black crappie, bluegill, brown trout, cutthroat trout, green sunfish, longear, rainbow trout, spotted bass, tiger trout

Others - Jim Guillory (7),  Terry Stafford (6),  Phil Havener (5),  Keith Breazeale (3), Rich Hudson (3), Justin Wilson (2), Pitt Merryman (2), Mike Carlin (2), Eddie Quita (1),  Preston Keiser (1)

Tying the Pat's Rubber Legs nymph

At our November 10th virtual fly tying session, Bill Morrison led us in tying Pat's Rubber Legs, created by Pat Bennett. Later, Bill recorded an instructional video on tying this simple, but highly effective stonefly imitation. It has been uploaded to YouTube, but can also be viewed by clicking on the video below.

Tying Mayer's Mini-Leech

At our October 15th virtual fly tying session, Bill Morrison led us in tying Mayer's Mini-Leech, created by Landon Mayer. Later, Bill recorded an instructional video on tying this wonderfully diverse pattern. It has been uploaded to YouTube, but can also be viewed by clicking on the video below.

Tying the Countach Plus fly

At our September 19th virtual fly tying session, Catch Cormier led us in tying the Countach Plus nymph, a hybrid variation of Clark Pierce's Countach Jig Nymph and John Newbury's Knuckle Dragger nymph. Catch later recorded a video of the pattern, which is now uploaded to YouTube. It can also be viewed by clicking on the video below.

Tying the Mini Death Grip

At our September 10th virtual fly tying session, Tyler Wood led us in tying Gunnar Brammer's Mini-Death Grip. A recording of the Zoom session has now been uploaded to YouTube. It can also be viewed by clicking on the video below.

November Virtual Tying sessions

Tuesday, November 10th
6:00pm
Pat's Rubber Legs

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/EoF42ZHmka8tY7j78
Deadline to submit: Tuesday, November 3rd

Created by Pat Bennett, longtime eastern Idaho guide, the Rubberlegs is a variation of the Girdle Bug, and a somewhat nebulous imitation of a stonefly nymph. It's become a favorite of many western trout guides. Bill Morrison will lead us in tying both the original and the beadhead versions.

Tuesday, November 24th
7:00pm
Bad Hair Day streamer

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/EoF42ZHmka8tY7j78
Deadline to submit: Tuesday, November 17th

Created by Dave Pinczkowski, this streamer with it's darting motion has been popular for a wide variety of species, from steelhead to smallmouth and largemouth bass. Tyler Wood will lead us in tying this versatile pattern.

All sessions are via Zoom (www.zoom.us). Download the app for use on any PC, tablet, or smartphone. If you do -not- have the password for our virtual tying sessions, please email Bill Morrison.

November Fly Casting dates & times

Social Distance Casting
Mondays
4:30pm to dark
Big Island Field, City Park, Alexandria

* With the end of Daylight Savings Time, we will begin our weekly casting an hour earlier at 4:30pm.  Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.

In addition, we're going to add a fun format. Challenges for casters of all levels of proficiency.

Hula Hoop Loop. See if you can throw a loop thru a hula hoop.
Casting Target. See if you can cast a fly into a hula hoop laying on the grass.

Balloon Pop. This is a test of high accuracy. See if you can hit a balloon target and make the balloon pop!

As always, there will be casting instruction and tips to improve your casting. Or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.  Our Casting Committee led by Roger Breedlove and Chris Perkins will be very happy to guide you through the process.

October 27th general meeting

KFF general meeting (Zoom)
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
6:00pm
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

Join us for an online general membership meeting this Tuesday, in lieu of our regular tying session.  We will be meeting using the Zoom app (laptop, tablet or mobile).  If you have not received Bill Morrison's document on using Zoom, please request.  

We will have a presentation from members who attended a recent fishing trip to Colorado.  We had other members who also fished there during September, and so there's no shortage of interesting stories!  

We'll also discuss upcoming club trips,  Mixed Bag Contest standings, Christmas Party, and share fishing reports.  Look to see ya'll online! 

Oct. 15th Tying Thursday - Mayer's Mini-Leech

Virtual Fly Tying
Thursday, October 15th
6:00pm

www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

* Due to expected outages from Hurricane Delta, this week's "Virtual Tying Tuesday" has been moved to Thursday *

VTT is open to all members of recognized fly fishing clubs. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password. If you did not receive the ID and password, email Bill Morrison.

For this session, Bill Morrison will lead us in tying Mayers Mini-Leech. Created by renown guide and author Landon Mayer, this fly exemplifies his philosophy of "smaller and slower" when fish won't take a big streamer pattern. As many VTT participants now know, pine squirrel is a great material for lifelike action in the water. Using tiny twitches in retrieve maximizes the action of this fly.

Materials to be used:
- hook: Czech nymph hook or similiar
- underbody: medium holographic tinsel
- rear body: zonked pine squirrel
- front body: ostich herl or similiar

* Remember to use the online form to request sample materials for future tying sessions.
Materials Request Form

Social Distance Casting returns for Fall

Social Distance Casting
Mondays
5:00pm to dark
Big Island Field, City Park, Alexandria

Cooler weather is here!  Now is a great time to practice your casting skills for great Fall fishing ahead.  Come join us every Monday at Big Island in City Park starting at 5:00pm until dark.  Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines. 

Our Casting Committee led by Roger Breedlove and Chris Perkins will help you improve on your casting skills.  Or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.  Also, get a chance to win a fly rod donated by Roger!

Sept 29th Tying Tuesday - Countach Plus Nymph

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, September 29th
6:00pm

www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

VTT is open to all members of recognized fly fishing clubs. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password. Members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers, Acadiana Fly Rodders, and Red Stick Fly Fishers should receive this by email. If you did not receive the ID and password, email Bill Morrison.

For this session, Catch Cormier will lead us in tying the "Countach Nymph Plus".  Or "Knuckle Dragger Plus".  The story is that Clark "Cheech" Pierce created the Countach Nymph while John Newbury created an almost identical fly called the Knuckle Dragger. When the two were both named to the Fulling Mill Pro Staff, they learned of each other's fly. And had a good laugh. Great minds think alike!

Whatever you decide to call it, definitely include the "Plus".  The plus is the addition of antron in the abdomen and a tiny marabou tail. Catch says the original is a killer for trout and bream, but the "Plus" version is 🔥

Materials to be used:
- hook: barbless jig, size 12 (Gamakatsu J20-B, Fulling Mill 5045)
- bead: 1/8" tungsten, black nickel
- legs: grizzly flutter legs, rootbeer (1 strand)
- abdomen: antron dubbing, color Rust or March Brown
- thorax: micro pine squirrel zonker, color Rust
- ribbing: midge diamond braid, color tan or pearl or rootbeer

* To request a bag of sample materials (ties 2-3 flies) please fill out the form link. We will mail out on Thursday prior to the meeting. Future tying sessions are included. Materials Request Form

Tying the Elk Hair Caddis

At our September 15th virtual fly tying session, Bill Morrison led us in tying the Elk Hair Caddis. Bill has filmed the tying instructions in HD video and uploaded to YouTube. It can also be viewed by clicking on the video below.

Sept 15th Tying Tuesday - Elk Hair Caddis

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, September 15th
6:00pm    
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

VTT is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers & Acadiana Fly Rodders. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password. If you need the ID and password, email Bill Morrison.

For this session, Bill Morrison will lead us in tying the Elk Hair Caddis. Created by Ed Troth in 1957, the EHC is considered the best searching type imitation of adult caddisflies. Caddis, a.k.a. sedgeflies, are a major food source to many species and are found in nearly all trout waters. However, the Elk Hair Caddis has also been used with good success as a cricket imitation for bluegill.

* To request a bag of sample materials (ties 2-3 flies) please fill out the form link. We will mail out on Thursday prior to the meeting. Future tying sessions are included. Materials Request Form

Upcoming sessions:
- September 29 - 6:00pm - Countach Plus Nymph, led by Catch Cormier
- October 13 - TBA soon

Sept. 8th Tying Tuesday

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, September 8th
7:00pm  **    
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

** Please note this is an hour later than our normal time **

VTT is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers & Acadiana Fly Rodders. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password. If you need the ID and password, email Bill Morrison.

For this session, Capt. Tyler Wood will lead us in tying the Mini Death Grip, a 3 1/2 inch articulated fly.  Created by streamer guru Gunnar Brammer, this fly is a bite-sized verson of his Death Grip, able for a good caster to throw with a 5-weight rod. Nearly weightless, it's ideal for clear lakes or creeks, or spooky fish. If you've never tied an articulated fly, this is a solid introduction.

* To request a bag of sample materials (ties 2-3 flies) please fill out the form link. We will mail out on Thursday prior to the meeting. Future tying sessions are included. Materials Request Form

Upcoming sessions:
- September 15 - 6:00pm - Elk Hair Caddis, led by Bill Morrison
- September 29 - 6:00pm - Countach Plus Nymph, led by Catch Cormier

Social Distance Casting on hold

Due to the impacts of Hurricane Laura, our weekly Monday afternoon casting clinic has been put on hold. In addition to a powerline down, there are numerous branches and other debris in the area that have forced Alexandria Parks and Recreation to close the area to the public.

We hope to resume casting in 2 or 3 weeks.

Tying the Jitterbee

At our August 4th fly tying session, Larry Offner led us in tying the Jitterbee, one of the best submergent flies for sunfish. Created by Randy Leonpacher of Baton Rouge in 1995, it was designed to be the fly version of a longtime favorite panfish lure. Catch Cormier has now filmed the tying instructions in HD video and uploaded to YouTube. It can be viewed by clicking below. At the end of the video, there's a list of materials, best color schemes, and other notes.

Aug. 17th Casting Monday, Aug. 18th Tying Tuesday

Social Distance Casting
Monday, August 17th
5:00pm starting
Big Island Field, City Park Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.  You're welcome to come join at any time starting at 5pm.

Improve on your casting skills with the help of our casting instructors, or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.  Also, get a chance to win a fly rod donated by Roger!

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, August 18th
6:00pm    
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

VTT is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers & Acadiana Fly Rodders. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password. If you need the ID and password, email Bill Morrison.

For our next session, Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Rio Bandito. It's also referred to as the Mardi Kraw, although there's another fly of that same name. It was created by Chris Johnson of Living Waters Fly Fishing, for the Rio Grande Perch in the Hill Country waters of Texas. However, it's also been a great fly for bream, crappie and even bass.

Materials:

• hook: Jig hook - size 12
• bead: tungsten beads - metallic red - size 1/8”
• tail: guard hairs of fur
• body/collar: fur dubbing in a loop (rabbit or squirrel strips), Crawfish Orange
• legs: silicone legs, matching color

* To request a bag of sample materials (ties 2-3 flies) please fill out the form link. We will mail out on Thursday prior to the meeting. Future tying sessions are included. Materials Request Form

Upcoming sessions:
- September 1 - 7:00pm - TBA, led by Tyler Wood
- September 15 - 6:00pm - Countach Plus Nymph, led by Catch Cormier

Tying the Slumpbuster

At our August 4th fly tying session, Bill Morrison led us in tying the Slumpbuster. Barr's Slumpbuster. Created by John Barr, this fly was intended to mimic a baitfish with materials that look alive in the water.

Mixed Bag Contest - update August 5th

We're now in the last full month of SweatFest 2020 - the festival no one likes to celebrate! Fishing has been real slow as of late, but there's still opportunities to land a few diverse species on fly rod for our annual Mixed Bag Contest.  With the rivers down and clear, white bass, catfish, spotted bass, and longear catches have been good.

Entry to the MBC is free to all members.  Just catch a fish, and submit it online via the Mixed Bag page. Even entering just one species insures your name in the drawing for the grand consolation prize!

There's been a big shakeup since our last report. Bill Morrison is well on his way to promoting diversity in the fly fishing species ranks. But it's now a very tight battle for the second place spot, with seven anglers in striking distance!

Here are the current standings (number is different species registered):

• Bill Morrison (16) - largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, longear, white crappie, redear, golden shiner, rainbow trout, speckled trout, ladyfish, redfish, spotted bass, warmouth, green sunfish, white bass, channel catfish
• Carlton Townsend (11) - black crappie, rainbow trout, longear, bluegill, redbreast, redear, smallmouth bass, green sunfish, spotted bass, white bass, channel catfish, cutthroat trout
• Glen Cormier (11) - bluegill, chain pickerel, channel catfish, redear, rainbow trout, yellow bass, largemouth bass, white crappie, warmouth, redbreast sunfish, longear sunfish
• Joel Dinnat (10) - warmouth, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, longear, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, white bass, catfish
• Jim Johnson (10) - bluegill, longear, redbreast, redear, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, green sunfish, warmouth, white bass, channel catfish
• Robert Hughes (9) - rainbow trout, longear, green sunfish, bluegill, brown trout, black crappie, spotted bass, tiger trout, cutthroat trout

Others - Jim Guillory (6),  Gene Taylor (6),  Terry Stafford (4),  Phil Havener (4),  Rich Hudson (3), Justin Wilson (2), Pitt Merryman (2), Mike Carlin (2), Eddie Quita (1),  Preston Keiser (1)

Aug. 3rd Casting Monday, Aug. 4th Tying Tuesday

Social Distance Casting
Monday, August 3rd
5:00pm starting
Big Island Field, City Park Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.  You're welcome to come join at any time starting at 5pm. Improve on your casting skills with the help of our casting instructors, or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, August 4th
6:00pm    * note time change *
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

VTT is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers & Acadiana Fly Rodders. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password. If you need the ID and password, email Bill Morrison.

For our next session, Bill Morrison will lead us in tying the Slumpbuster. Created by John Barr, this fly was intended to mimic a baitfish with materials that look alive in the water.

Materials:

• hook: streamer hook (3x-4x long) size 8
• head: medium gold conehead
• underbody: lead wire .020 gauge
• ribbing: gold brassie size wire
• body: gold sparkle braid
• tail, overbody, collar: crawfish-colored pine squirrel zonker

* We now have a form to request a bag of sample materials (ties 2-3 flies). We will mail to your address on Thursday prior to the meeting. Future tying sessions are included. Materials Request Form

Upcoming sessions:

- August 18 - Chris Johnson's Rio Bandito (aka Mardi Kraw), led by Jim Johnson

- September 1 - TBA, led by Tyler Wood

- September 15 - Countach Plus Nymph, led by Catch Cormier

July 28th Tying Tuesday - Jitterbee revisited

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, July 28th
6:30pm
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

VTT is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers & Acadiana Fly Rodders. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password.

Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to do last Tuesday's session on tying the Jitterbee.  So this week, we'll try again.  Larry Offner will lead the session.  Details about this fly are on the previous post.

* For everyone who has had difficulty connecting to our Zoom sessions, here's what we learned from last Tuesday.  If your phone, tablet or computer does automatic updates, you need to shut down and restart before starting a Zoom session.  Zoom will give you a message that says "userid not valid" or "password not valid" when in fact it's really some change in your operating system or in the Zoom app that was applied *

Tying the Sili Minnow

At our July 14th fly tying session, Catch Cormier led us in tying the Sili Minnow, a proven pattern for crappie, bream and white bass. Created by Catch, it's designed to mimic the classic Tube Jig lure originated by legendary crappie angler Bobby Garland. At the end of the video, Catch has included a list of materials, his favorite color schemes, and other notes, including where to order custom made jigheads.

July 20th Casting Monday, July 21st Tying Tuesday

Social Distance Casting
Monday, July 20th
5:00pm starting
Big Island Field, City Park Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.  You're welcome to come join at any time starting at 5pm. Improve on your casting skills with the help of our casting instructors, or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, July 21st
6:30pm
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

VTT is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers & Acadiana Fly Rodders. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password.

This week, Larry Offner will lead us in tying the Jitterbee, a pattern created by Randy Leonpacher of Baton Rouge. The Jitterbee is one of the most effective bream flies in areas where bees and other flying insects congregate and build nests. Larry will also share some of his secrets for fishing this fly.

Materials:

• hook: Eagle Claw Baitholder #080 or #181 size 8 or 10
• head: 1/8 or 4mm bead, gold or copper
• body: fine chenille or ultra chenille (vernille)
• tail: black rubber legs, or black metalflake sili-legs

You will also need a pair of pliers to bend the hook point enough to slide the bead on. Also, if using the #181 hook, there are two very tiny barbs on top the hook that need to be crushed down.

As our usual procedure, the lead tier will first do a walkthough demonstration of the fly that will be recorded for later use. After the walkthrough, attendees can tie or watch and ask questions.  If you did not receive the email with meeting ID and password, please email Bill Morrison prior to the meeting.

July 7th tying moved to the 14th - Silli Minnow

Virtual Tying Tuesdays
Tuesday, July 14th
6:30pm *
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

* The session for July 7th has been moved to the 14th due to the passing of Catch's mom.

We are now mailing out sample materials for the tying session.  If you would like to recieve a sample bag of materials, please email with the subject "Fly Tying Materials" and your name and address - no later than Thursday 3pm before the session.

VTT is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers & Acadiana Fly Rodders. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password.

This week, Catch Cormier will lead us in tying the "Silli Minnow", a flyfisher's version of the tube jig. The tube jig was created in 1964 by the legendary Bobby Garland and is one of the most effective crappie and bass lures ever made. 

At a flyfishing show in North Carolina in 1999, Catch watched a tier demonstrate "Gitzit Fly" named after the original tube jig. It was tied on a jighead hook, with standard chenille body, and spinnerbait skirts for the tail. Catch made a couple of improvements to better "match the conventional hatch". Mainly, using a flashy chenille for the body, and keeping the silicon tail clumped by using a hair tying technique.  Catch says the Silli Minnow is the best crappie fly he has ever fished, period!

The material list:

•     hook: jighead size 1/80 or 1/64 ounce *
•     thread: your choice
•     tail: Sili Legs or other silicone skirt material
•     body: medium Krystal Flash Chenille

* alternative: 60 degree jig hook with 5/32" tungsten bead

As our usual procedure, the lead tier will first do a walkthough demo that will be recorded for later use. After the walkthrough, we'll do a group tying where attendees can tie (or watch) and ask questions.

Tying the Black Boudreaux

At our last bi-weekly online fly tying session, Catch Cormier led us in tying the Black Boudreaux, an excellent pattern for bream and trout. Created by Ray Boudreaux of New Iberia, a longtime member of the Acadiana Fly Rodders, it can be fished straight or under a strike indicator. During mid to late summer, when lake organisms have a dark coloration, this little fly really shines! Here is a video of Catch's walkthrough of tying the Black Boudreaux.

July 6th Casting, new casting incentive program

Social Distance Casting
Monday, July 6th
5:00pm starting
Big Island Field, City Park Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.  You're welcome to come join at any time starting at 5pm. Improve on your casting skills with the help of our casting instructors, or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.

* BREAKING NEWS!  Over the next 3 months, the club will raffle off a rod at each casting session. These rods are provided by Roger Breedlove. Most have been repaired, but not all. All the rods are in good condition and serviceable. They make super back-up rods, rods for kids, or rods to keep handy in your vehicle or elsewhere. The raffle will be $5 per chance. Hopefully this will increase participation at the casting sessions, while raising a little money for our club's education program. If you don't own a fly rod, come out anyway, the club has outfits for use during these sessions!

June 29th Casting Monday, June 30th Club Meeting

Social Distance Casting
Monday, June 29th
5:00pm starting
Big Island Field, City Park Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.  You're welcome to come join at any time starting at 5pm. Improve on your casting skills with the help of our casting coaches. Or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.

General Membership Meeting (Zoom)
Tuesday, June 30th
6:30pm

www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

Join us for an online general membership meeting Tuesday, June 30th.  We will be meeting using the Zoom app (laptop, tablet or mobile).  The instructions for using Zoom have been sent out via email.

During the meeting we will discuss our way forward for fly tying and fly casting.  We will also share some of our favorite local area spots to fish during summer, and what flies to use. 

Upcoming sessions:

Virtual Tying Tuesday, July 7th
6:30pm
Catch Cormier will lead in tying the Sili Minnow

Virtual Tying Tuesday, July 21st
6:30pm
Larry Offner will lead in tying the Jitterbee

VTT is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers & Acadiana Fly Rodders. Join the meeting at www.zoom.us using meeting ID and password.

Bluegill Belly Bean revisited

Back in February - at our last live attendance tying session - we tied up the Bluegill Belly Bean. The BBB was created by Paul Beel of Indiana, fly fishing writer and owner of FrankenFly website.

This fly gets down deep, where bigger bream hang out during late summer. Beel suggests letting the fly sink down using the countdown method, then stripping short strips.

I got a report this week from a crappie fishing guide at Toledo Bend. He mentioned that he's finding bream in 5-10 feet of water on submerged humps and points.  Perfect scenario for the BBB.

Since we didn't post it before, here's the materials list:

• hook: jig hook size 8 standard length (J2 602, J2 604, Diachi 4640 or 4647, Lightning Strike JF2, Hanak 480, * Umpqua 555) 
  
• eyes: double pupil x-small chartreuse
• tail: midge flash in root beer color
• legs: Chicone's Barred Micro Crusher legs, olive color
• abdomen: Estaz petite, opal olive color
• thorax/head: Hares Ear Plus Dubbin, olive color

* Be careful when buying Umpqua U555, these run 2 sizes larger, eg, size 12 is really size 8

June 22nd Casting Monday, June 23rd Tying Tuesday

Social Distance Casting
Monday, June 22nd
5:00pm starting
Big Island Field, City Park Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.  You're welcome to come join at any time starting at 5pm. Improve on your casting skills with the help of our casting instructors, or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, June 23rd
6:00pm
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

This week, Glen Cormier will lead us in tying the "Black Boudreaux", a pattern created by Ray Boudreaux of New Iberia, a longtime member of Acadiana Fly Rodders. Ray had just joined AFR and participated in a fishing outing at a local pond. One of the members was having great success catching bream on a small fly.  Ray tried to recreate the fly and in the process, came up with something new and different. Fellow member Bob Boese was so impressed with the fly, he named it after Ray.

The original pattern uses the following materials:

• hook: size 14 scud
• thread: size 8/0
• tail: brown kip tail
• body: peacock herl
• hackle: grizzly hackle
• eyes: small black bead chain

Bob's variation of this fly uses brown or black hackle for the tail, and tinsel instead of peacock for the body.  We're going to tie the original, but with hackle for the tail. The reason will be explained during the session.

As our usual procedure, Catch will first do a walkthough demonstration of the fly that will be recorded for later use. After the walkthrough, attendees can tie or watch and ask questions.

If you did not receive the email from Bill Morrison with the meeting ID and password, please email Bill prior to the meeting.

Tying the Rusty Sparrow

Tuesday we held our bi-weekly online fly tying session using the Zoom video conferencing application. Bill Morrison led the group in tying the Rusty Sparrow, a variation by Kyle Moppert of Jack Gartside's original Gartside Sparrow. Jim Guillory learned it from Kyle some dozen years ago, and it's been one of his favorite flies for trout on the Little Mo. Here is a video of Bill's walkthrough of tying the Rusty Sparrow.

June 8th Casting Monday, June 9th Tying Tuesday

Rusty Sparrow

Social Distance Casting
Monday, June 8
5:00pm starting
Big Island Field, City Park Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.  You're welcome to come join at any time starting at 5pm. 

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, June 9
6:00pm
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

This week, Jim Guillory will lead us in tying the Rusty Sparrow.  This fly is Kyle Moppert's variation of the original Jack Gartside Sparrow.  Jim learned to tie it from Kyle about 12 years ago, and since then, it's been one of his favorite patterns for trout (hook sizes 12-16) and in larger sizes, for bass.

The original fly used feathers all taken from different parts of a pheasant, but did not use weight.  Here is a YouTube of the original Gartside Sparrow. The Rusty Sparrow variation uses weighted lead to get the fly down deep.

As our usual procedure, Jim will first do a walkthough demonstration of the fly that will be recorded for later use. After the walkthrough, attendees can tie along with Jim and ask questions. Or attendees can simply watch, and ask questions.

If you did not receive the email from Bill Morrison with the meeting ID and password, please email Bill prior to the meeting. The meeting is open to all members of KFF as well as Acadiana Fly Rodders.

May 25th Casting Monday, May 26th Tying Tuesday

Social Distance Casting
Monday, May 25
5:00pm starting
Big Island Field, City Park Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space and there is strict adherene to social distancing guidelines.

Roger Breedlove will arrive at 5:00pm. You're welcome to come join at any time starting then or after. He and other club casting gurus will provide assistance to anyone looking to improve their casting, be it beginner or expert. Or come participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.

Virtual Fly Tying
Tuesday, May 26
6:00pm
www.zoom.us (see email for meeting id)

This week, Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the "Lunch Money", a pattern created by Matt Bennett. Matt grew up in southwest Louisiana, and currently lives in Austin. A professional tier, he's been recognized as one of the top fly designers in the country today, having created numerous patterns for warm, salt and coldwater fishing.

According to Matt, the Lunch Money was created out of need for a bite-sized baitfish streamer for the Texas Hill Country. However, it's been a great bass fly anywhere there is clear water and an abundance of small baitfish.

Here are the materials you will need:

• #4 Stinger Hook, Gamakatsu B10s or equivalent stinger‐type hook (Sub: #4 or #6 stinger or Standard #4 saltwater hook)
• 140 denier thread ‐ olive (Sub: black or different size or color)
• Medium lead dumbell eyes ‐ red (Sub: different color or size)
• Rabbit fur strip ‐ 1/8" green olive (Sub: different size or color)
• Senyo laser dub ‐ yellow and olive (Sub: any long fiber dubbing such as EP fibers)
• Rubber legs ‐ olive/black or any dark leg such as crazy, silli, loco legs (Sub: any rubber leg)

In preparation for tying this pattern, check out Matt's video on Youtube. In the Zoom session, Jim will add his own perspectives on this pattern, so you don't want to miss this!

May 19th online fly tying - T&T Tuesday

Kisatchie-Acadiana clubs online fly tying session
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Please join us for another installment of Tips and Techniques Tuesday. Remember to enter the Zoom meeting ID and password before joining the session.  If you need the id and password, send an email to Bill Morrison.

Also, a reminder that on May 26, Jim Johnson will be leading us in tying Matt Bennett's Lunch Money streamer.  One of the best modern patterns for predatory fish.  If you need to order materials, please do so early this week.

May 18th Social Distance Casting

Social Distance Casting
Monday, May 18, 2020
5:00pm until
Big Island Field
City Park, Alexandria

KFF President Mike Carlin would like to remind everyone that, if you're tired of too much "virtual", you're welcomed to come out and join us for our Social Distance Casting. Big Island has a lot of space and there is strict adherence to social distancing guidelines.

Roger Breedlove will arrive around 5:00pm and with help of other casting gurus in our club, provide assistance to anyone looking to improve their casting. Even an accomplished caster will pick up some valuable lessons. Or may be able to help someone else.

Also, we will continue our Casting Skills Challenge. As per the previous post, this has been a highly successful club venture. Several of those awarded are also FFI members and will be recognized on the regional and national level.

Members recognized for Casting Skills awards

FFI CSC Gold Level Pin

Last year, the club adopted the "Casting Skills Challenge", a Fly Fishers International (FFI) program designed for all casters, from beginner to advanced, to be a fun way to study, practice and challenge oneself to reach casting milestones while doing it at their own pace.  Chris Perkins has been our director of the club program, while Roger Breedlove, an FFI Certified Casting Instructor, has been chief facilitator.

The CSC consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold. Each level represents a more advanced achievement, that is, being able to master certain types of casts.  Details about the CSC can be found on our "Casting" page and on the FFI website at www.flyfishersinternational.org.

Members do not need to be FFI members to receive the KFF Casting Skills awards.  However, we strongly encourage them to consider joining FFI.  Since our program is an exact duplicate of the FFI program, club members who are FFI simply need to send in the paperwork and a small fee (which KFF will reimburse).  FFI members receive a pin as well as recognition on the national and regional level (see www.gulfcoastcouncilffi.org).

Here's the latest list of KFF Casting Skills awards.  Please congratulation them on their achievement!

Bronze

Johnathon Bennett.	Richard Dewees.	Joel Dinnat.
Chester Gatlin.	Phil Havener.	Rich Hudson.
Robert Hughes.	Preston Keiser.	Lindsey Torbett.
Carlton Townsend

Silver

Mike Carlin	Frank Coe	Jim Guillory
Jim Johnson	Justin Wilson	Tom Zabasky

Gold

Bill Morrison	Chris Perkins	Gene Taylor

Mixed Bag Contest - update May 13th

Largemouth taken by Justin Wilson on Foam Stone Fly

Let's hope we never have another Spring like this one, ever again!  With so many businesses and schools on lockdown because of the Corona Virus, folks of all ages have taken to local waters in droves. It's like every day is a Saturday.  The big fish are staying deep, hoping to avoid getting run over by a bass boat or jet ski.

Fortunately, our Mixed Bag Contest is a CPRE tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does.  Any KFF member can participate, entry is free.  Just catch a fish, and submit it online via the MBC page.

We'll be awarding SIX places, but if you don't finish in the top 6, that's okay too. Because it means your name will be entered into the Consolation Drawing from all members who entered at least one fish. So get out and fish and put an entry in!

Here are the current standings (number is different species registered):

• Glen Cormier (10) - bluegill, chain pickerel, channel catfish, redear, rainbow trout, yellow bass, largemouth bass, white crappie, warmouth, redbreast sunfish
• Bill Morrison (7) - largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, longear, white crappie, redear, golden shiner
• Carlton Townsend (6) - black crappie, rainbow trout, longear, bluegill, redbreast, redear
• Jim Johnson (5) - bluegill, longear, redbreast, redear, chain pickerel
• Joel Dinnat (5) - warmouth, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, longear
• Robert Hughes (5) - rainbow trout, longear, green sunfish, bluegill, brown trout

Others - Rich Hudson (3), Terry Stafford (2), Justin Wilson (2), Pitt Merryman (2), Mike Carlin (1), Phil Havener (1), Eddie Quita (1), Gene Taylor (1)

May 12th tying session - Woolybugger

KFF online fly tying session
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Remember to enter the Zoom meeting id and meeting password before joining session.  Instructions on how to join a Zoom meeting, and how to test for sound, are in the April 6th post.  If you do not have the Zoom access information, please email Bill Morrison and he will resend.

This week's pattern will be the Woolybugger, one of the most universal patterns of all time. Created by Russ Blessing, versions of the WB have been used for trout, salmon, bass, panfish, and even saltwater!  Here are the materials you will need (obviously, any substitutions will work as well).

- hook, 4x streamer or 3x long nymph hook, sizes 10 or 8
- thread, 140 denier (olive, or color to match fly)
- bead, 1/8" gold brass bead or substitute. Can omit bead.
- lead wire. Size .020 or bigger (wrap less) or smaller (wrap more)
- antron chenille or other chenille (color to match fly)
- strung marabou (olive, or other color, any feather will work for tail)
- saddle hackle (olive or matching color, schlappen feather substitute)

If you don't have these materials (or substitutes) you are still welcomed to join in and watch. In addition to tying a particular fly, we are using these online sessions to share fishing reports and other interesting discussion items.

May 5th tying session - whip finishes, half-hitches, and barbell eyes

KFF online fly tying session
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Remember to enter the Zoom meeting id and meeting password before joining session.  Instructions on how to join a Zoom meeting, and how to test for sound, are in the April 6th post.  If you do not have the Zoom access information, please email Bill and he will resend.

Please join us for another installment of Tips and Techniques Tuesday. This week Bill Morrison will lead us in examining two methods for whip finishing by hand and using the half-hitch for ‘saving work’ and finishing. We will also look at various techniques for tying on barbell eyes. If there is anything else you would like to see covered, please let Bill know!

May "meeting" dates revised

Mondays will be "Social Distance Casting" with Roger Breedlove. Location TBA. 5:00pm. Join Roger for casting instruction and/or Casting Skills Challenge. Remember to wear a mask and keep a 6 foot distance. Limited participation, so pre-registration required.

Tuesdays will now be a continuation of our online fly tying sessions via the Zoom online video meeting website / application. To join in on "Tying Tuesdays" remember to go to www.zoom.us and enter the meeting ID and password. As we've done previously, each session will begin with the instructor tying the fly without pause, so it can be recorded for posting to YouTube. After the demo, the group will tie the pattern together.

Tuesday, May 5 - Tying Techniques, Q&A
Tuesday, May 12 - Wooly Bugger - Gene Taylor
Tuesday, May 19 - Tying Techniques, Q&A
Tuesday, May 26 - Matt Bennett's Lunch Money streamer - Jim Johnson

Tying the Bully Bluegill Spider

Monday we held our weekly online fly tying session using the Zoom video conferencing application. Bill Morrison led the group in tying the Bully Bluegill Spider, a simple but effective pattern created by Terry Wilson. Terry and his wife Roxanne have co-authored several books on fly fishing warmwater species.  Here is a video of Bill's walkthrough of tying the BBS.

April 27th tying session - Bully Bluegill Spider

KFF online fly tying session
Monday, April 27, 2020
6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Remember to enter the Zoom meeting id and meeting password before joining session.  Instructions on how to join a Zoom meeting, and how to test for sound, are in the April 6th post.  If you do not have the Zoom access information, please email Bill at this email address and he will resend.

For each tying session, there will be two parts. The first part we will demo the fly without pause and record the demo for posting to the KFF website.  The second part, we will start over and all tie the pattern together. During the 2nd part, questions can be asked.

On Monday, we'll tie the Bully Bluegill Spider. This is a very easy fly to tie, yet one that should be in every bream angler's fly box.  The BBS is weighted towards the rear for a vertical descent.

Materials:
- nymph hook #10 or #12 (Sub: dry fly or almost any hook in this size range)
- black thread 70 denier (Sub: heavier thread or different color)
- lead wire size .015 (Sub: .020 or .025.  Omit, but fly won't sink as well)
- ultra chenille standard, chartruese or any color you want. (Sub: regular chenille, small)
- black rubber legs, small  (Sub: any rubber leg or spinner‐bait skirt material)

If time allows, we'll also tie a Foam Spider. Like the BBS, the rubber legs allow for lifelike action that bluegill can't resist.

Materials:
- Fly Foam 2mm, chartreuse (Sub: 3mm foam or craft foam [super glue two layers together if too
thin]. Foam spider kits with pre‐cut bodies, legs, and hooks are availble from several suppliers)
- Legs and thread ‐ Same as for the Slow Sinking Spider

April 21st tying session - Basics, Problems, and Q&A

KFF online fly tying session
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Remember to enter the Zoom meeting id and meeting password before joining session.  Instructions on how to join a Zoom meeting, and how to test for sound, are in the April 6th post.  If you do not have the Zoom access information, please email Bill and he will resend.

We won’t be tying a particular fly but will go over a few basic tying skills or techniques and answer any questions you may have about fly tying.  Our tentative plans are to look at the following techniques:

•     Multiple methods for tying in rubber legs
•     Applying dubbing:  forming a dubbing noodle and dubbing loop.
•     Any requests you may have (such as Mike’s suggestion about tying on eyes)

Attendees can use the Zoom "raise a hand" feature to ask questions during the session.

Please email Bill Morrison with any other techniques you would like to see or any tying questions you may have.

Tying the Slow Sinking Spider

This past Monday we conducted our first-ever online fly tying session using the Zoom video conferencing application. Featured pattern was Stephen Robert's Slow Sinking Spider.  The first half of the session, Bill Morrison did a walk-through demonstration using Zoom's recording feature.  Bill has since posted that part of the session to YouTube.

April 13th fly tying online - Slow Sinking Spider

KFF online fly tying session
Monday, April 13, 2020
6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Remember to enter meeting id and meeting password before joining session.  The id and password were sent to all members in an email. If you're a KFF member and did not receive this email, please make sure to contact Rich Hudson or Bill Morrison.

Instructions on how to join a Zoom meeting, and how to test for sound, are in the post below.

Monday kicks off the first of several weekly tying sessions during the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.  These sessions will alternate between tying patterns and covering tying basic skills.

On Monday, Bill will lead us in tying the Slow Sinking Spider, created by our friend Stephen Robert of Houma.  The SSS is a great pattern for bedding bream and for fishing around docks and under trees.

KFF kicks off virtual fly tying sessions

With social distancing guidelines in place for the foreseeable future, the Fly Tying Committee has been experimenting with using Zoom - an online meeting tool - to continue our fly tying sessions during this time.  Zoom meetings can be attended on a computer (PC or Mac), smartphone, tablet, or other device with internet access.  From a participant standpoint, Zoom is free, and fairly simple to use.

Last week, FTC member Bill Morrison sent all active members an email with details. These included:

• Youtube videos created by Bill on how to use Zoom on computer or smartphone
• Other links for instruction on Zoom
• Dates for upcoming sessions and what fly will be tied at each session  (see below)

The biggest challenge for members will be to acquire the materials. Bill has listed each fly that will be tied, and sent out a materials list in case some need to be ordered. The list also includes substitutions so members can use materials they might have on hand.

Each tying session will begin with the instructor demo tying the fly without pause, so it can be recorded for posting to the KFF website (via Youtube) later. After the demo, the group will start over and everyone will tie the pattern together. During the 2nd half of the session, participants can "raise a hand" to ask questions.

In order to join each tying session, members will need to enter the meeting ID and password for that session. It will be emailed to members in advance. Since there is a limit on participants, members are asked -NOT- to share this info. In addition, the host (instructor) will review the guests list to insure there are no "crashers". 

Meeting Schedule

Tuesday, April 7 - Zoom practice session. Use this session to test your equipment and practice using Zoom.

Monday, April 13 - Fly Tying - Slow Sinking Spider - Bill Morrison

Tuesday, April 21, 2020:  Fly Tying Basics, Problems, and Q&A

Monday, April 27 - Fly Tying - Bully Bluegill Spider, Foam Spider (time permitting) - Bill Morrison

Monday, May 4 - Fly Tying Basics, Problems, and Q&A

Monday, May 11 - Fly Tying - Wooly Bugger - Gene Taylor

Monday, May 18 - Fly Tying Basics, Problems, and Q&A

Monday, May 25 - Matt Bennett's Lunch Money streamer - Jim Johnson

KFF Specific Zoom Videos (How to join our meetings and use basic features of Zoom)

Short YouTube of Zoom’s basic features on a computer:
https://youtu.be/0oUVKETpejM

See Bill's email for videos on how to join meetings.

To join by phone or tablet:

Download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Store.

Start the Zoom app -> tap Join -> enter meeting ID ->enter your name as you want it to appear in the meeting -> tap the join button ->enter password.

To test computer equipment:

Join a test meeting to check camera, mic, and speakers at:  https://zoom.us/test

Tutorials on how to use Zoom:

A tutorial document specific to joining meetings from various platforms (Windows, Mac, iPhone, & Android) 
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

Details on how to use Zoom on various browsers: 
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362593-Launching-Zoom-from-a-web-browser

There are lots of other tutorials on the Zoom page at
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697

COVID-19 update: April meetings cancelled, FF101 postponed

On Monday, President Trump, the White House Coronavirus Task Force , Governor John Bel Edwards and state and local agencies issued strict guidelines to help protect Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The result was closure of numerous facilities to public use, and strong advisement against social gatherings of more than 10 people.

Out of concern for our members and the public in general, the board of Kisatchie Fly Fishers has voted to cancel our fly tying and general meeting for April, and postpone our Fly Fishing 101 - which was scheduled for March 28th - until sometime in the Fall.

For those members who wish to improve their casting skills, Roger Breedlove has agreed to coach a few members behind the library on the 3rd and 4th Monday of April.  Please make sure to contact Roger in advance.  We do not want to have more than ten folks show up at a time!

Both club trips now through May are still on as planned.

All other fly fishing events across the region through May have been cancelled as of this date. The NLFF Masters Series in July is still on.  In addition, we are still considering our annual "Summer Workshop" in late June.

Bill Morrison receives his FFI Casting Certification

A big congratulations go out to our own Bill Morrison. This past weekend, Bill participated in a Fly Fishers International (FFI) Casting Instructor Certification Program in Lake Charles. According to his mentor, Roger Breedlove, Bill took and passed his practical and teaching exams on Friday, and his written exam Friday evening, and PASSED all three!

Roger says Bill did exceptionally well on the performance test and "smoked" the teaching tasks. The judges were impressed. He also made an "A" on the written exam.  Bill joins Roger and Glen Cormier as KFF members with FFI instructor certification.

Hosted by the FFI Gulf Coast Council, this certification event was the largest of its kind in North America the past year, with 7 examiners and over 15 candidates. The FFI Certification Program was created in 1992 to enhance the overall level of instruction in fly casting and to create a common terminology and methodology of casting mechanics. The CCI program also establishs a communication network among all instructors, with the purpose of sharing new ideas and teaching techniques.

Please join us in congratulating Bill on his impressive feat!

March 16th meeting - annual "On the Water" picnic

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, March 16, 2020
Cotile Lake Recreation Area
(weather permitting)

** If inclement weather, we'll reschedule this meeting at a later date. **

With Daylight Savings Time in effect, it's time for our annual "on the water" meeting.  Once again, we'll meet at the Cotile Lake Recreation Area.  KFF members, family members and member guests are welcome to attend!

Come anytime that afternoon and fish from the bank.  Or bring your boat, kayak, pirogue, and launch at the Rec Area.  Or take in some casting lessons and/or participate in our Casting Skills Program.  Roger Breedlove will be on hand early to assist anyone with casting.

Then at 7:00pm, we'll start gathering at Pavilion #2 (the open pavilion overlooking the lake) and share fishing stories while nourishing on burgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill.

Please note the following:
1. There is NO entrance fee for our group. Tell Butch or whoever at the entrance that you are with "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" and they'll let you in free.
2.  Bring your favorite beverages.
3.  Bring a chair.
4.  Bring your fly rod and flies.
5.  Bring a camera (or smartphone) to submit entries for the Mixed Bag.

If you plan to attend, please fill out this short form:  CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP.

Please signup if you plan to attend so we'll know how many burgers/dogs to get.

Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic coming this month

Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic
Friday-Saturday, March 13-14, 2020
Percy Quin State Park, McComb, MS
FREE admission to park & festival
Entry fee for tournament: $25

The Fly Fishers International (FFI) Gulf Coast Council (GCC) will host their first-ever "Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic" fly fishing tournament and festival this Friday and Saturday at Percy Quin State Park just five miles from McComb, Mississippi.

The event marks a departure from the routine conclaves of past years, and joins the growing number of fly fishing tournaments, or events with a tournament component, that have become popular across the country.  Lake Tangipahoa inside Percy Quin offers fly anglers an opportunity for a trophy bass, as well as crappie over 2 pounds during March and April. 

Classic activities include: casting instruction and casting skills challenge, fly tying demos, Big Bream Contest (Friday afternoon) and the Sweetwater Classic Tournament (Saturday morning). The festival is FREE and admission to the park is free for attendees.

The Big Bream Contest entry fee is $5 cash (winner take all), and the Classic Tournament entry fee is $25 (register via iAngler). There’s also a “One Feather Fly Tying Contest” on Friday evening, and an “Iron Fly Tying” contest on Saturday afternoon.  Also, there's a fundraiser on Saturday with many great and one-of-a-kind items!

Anyone who registers for the tournament before Wednesday 11:59pm via the iAngler links is eligible for a drawing for $100 cash, to be drawn at the weigh-in. Must be present to win!

For complete details, including schedule, tournament rules, local lodging and restaurants, go to www.gulfcoastcouncilffi.org and click on the “Classic” page or any of the submenu items.

March date changes and non-club events

March is a busy month for our club!  We have several activities planned, and some rearrangement of meeting dates.  There's also some regional events club members may be interested in.

Please note the following:
- NO fly tying session this month.  We resume in April.
- Our annual Spring Picnic meeting is a week early this year,  March 16th.
- Our annual "March Brown" trip to the Little Missouri is March 19-22.
- We'll be at a special event Alexandria Farmers Market on March 24th.
- Our annual "Fly Fishing 101" is March 28th.  Details on the "FF101" page.

Other activities of interest this month:
- Pack & Paddle's annual Spring Demo Day on Saturday, March 7th at Vermillionville in Lafayette. Time is 10am to 2pm.  Free event, with kayak demos and fly rod testing demos.  For details go to www.packpaddle.com.
- Red Stick Day on March 7th in Baton Rouge, the Red Stick club's annual conclave.  Free admission. Location is Waddill Outdoors Center in Baton Rouge.  For details go to www.rsff.org.
- Winnfield Rotary Club meeting, on Wednesday, March 11th at Lydia's Country Kitchen in Winnfield.  Time is 12 noon.  KFF member Glen 'Catch' Cormier will speak on fly fishing.
- Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic, fly fishing tournament and conclave,  Friday-Saturday, March 13-14, Percy Quin State Park in McComb, MS.  This is a new event by the FFI Gulf Coast Council.  Free admission, with a $5 entry fee on Friday's Big Bream Contest and $25 entry fee for the Saturday bass and crappie tournament.  Details and registration are at www.gulfcoastcouncilffi.org.
- Alexandria Farmers Market,  Tuesday, March 24th,  2727 Jackson St (across from United Methodist Church).  KFF will be displaying and doing casting lessons for the general public.
- Sowbug Roundup, Thursday-Saturday, March 26-28, Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, AR.  This is the largest fly tying event in the country, hosted by the North Arkansas Fly Fishers.  Admission is $10 good for all 3 days.   Go to www.sowbugroundup.org.

Also, the Lake Athens Fly Fishing tournament and festival will be the first weekend in April,  Friday-Saturday, April 3rd and 4th.  Location is Lake Athens Marina in Athens, TX.  Free admission, with the Big Bass Contest having a $40 entry fee.  Proceeds benefit Project Healing Waters. Go to www.johnnyonthefly.com.