March - Suncoast Fly Fishers

DayleMazzarella(MCI)demonstratesproperfly
castingtoSt.PeteandTampaareaflyfishersatthe
castingclinicatMaximoParkonMarch5.P12
SuncoastFlyFishershelpBoyScoutsworktowardtheirfly
fishingmeritbadge.P14
March 2016 Volume 26, Issue 3
TheNuCanoeFrontier12-footerisourliveauctionheadlinerfortheApril2HogRoast.P3
News ‘n’ Notes
2
Vote for officers, board. President’s note+
2
April 2 Hog Roast . All the scoop
3
March Meeting, Outing, and Everglades
4
Bill Scarola: I enjoy my NuCanoe Frontier
7
George Haseltine: Reviews and Previews.
9
Snapshots: February outing, Fort DeSoto Pk 11
15 common casting mistakes and fixes
12
Popular Casting Clinic at Maximo March 5
13
Boy Scouts prep for the fly fishing badge.
15
Report: Walt Ruda: Fish. Work. Fish. Bass!
16
Trout on Smitty’s shrimp, Burkard’s Clouser 16
He/shewasnotinvitedtoourFebruaryouting
atFortDeSotoParkbutcameanyway.P10
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Tying Bench: Capt. Pat’s Simple shrimp
17
Tying Bench: Alan Sewell’s Mayan Cichlid
18
Capt. Pat Damico: Fly Casting Clinic #76
19
Capt. Pat Damico: TBT’s Captains Corner
19
Bob Morrison: Fly Fishing How-To
20
Members weigh in: Why do we fly fish?
25
Bill AuCoin: Flyfisher Flyover
26
Page1
Suncoast Fly Fishers News 'n' Notes
NOMINATING COMMITTEE BALLOT
SFFNominatingCommitteerecommendsthefollowingslateofofficersandboardmembersfor2016.Newly
electedofficersanddirectorswillassumetheirresponsibilitiesattheendoftheMarchmeeting.
Yournominatingcommitteeispleasedtopresentanenthusiasticandactivegroupofleaderswhohave
demonstratedvision,judgment,initiative,responsibility,andteamplayerskills.Thesearepeoplewhohave
livedourvaluesofmeetingmemberneeds,continuousimprovement,andfriendliness.Theywillinviteand
encourageallmemberstoactivelyparticipateinthemissionofSuncoastFlyFishers.
President,GeorgeHaseltine
VicePresident,RickWarfel--AlanSewell
Boardmember:JohnCraig
Boardmember:BobBurkard
Boardmember:BruceEvensen
Boardmember:RickYarn
ThesecandidateswerepresentedattheFebruarymembershipmeetingandthefloorwasopenfor
nominations.AlanSewellwasnominatedforvice-president.IntheMarchmembershipmeetingwewillvote,
byshowofhands,onallunopposedcandidates.WewillthenvotebysecretballotontheVice-Presidentposition,
selectingeitherAlanSewellorRickWarfel.
Currentincumbentofficersanddirectorsnotupforre-electioninclude:
Treasurer:KarenWarfel
Secretary:DickMiekka
Boardmember:JeffHeer
Boardmember:TomGadacz
Thenominatingcommitteewillcountballotsandannouncethewinnerattheendofthemeeting.
NominatingCommittee:KenHofmeister,Chairman;AlPitcher,BillAuCoin,MarkHays,andTomTrukenbrod
AmessagefromoutgoingPresidentKirkBurton…
IT’S TIME TO MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!
No,I’mnottalkingabouttheupcomingFloridaPrimary,thisismuchmoreimportant.At
themonthlymembermeetingonThursdayMarch17wewillelectnewofficersand
boardmemberstoleadourclub.Theslateforthisyearincludesnominatingcommittee
recommendationsandnominationsfromthefloorduringtheFebruarymeetingisshown
onpage2.Iwanttothankthosecurrentofficersandboardmemberswhowereeligible
foranothertermandhavevolunteeredtocontinuetoserve.Ourofficersanddirectors
devotetimeandenergytotheclubtomakesurethatwemeetourresponsibilitiessetout
bytheIRS,thestateofFloridaandourownbylaws.Moreimportantlytheycreatethevisionanddevelopthe
programsthatwillsetthefuturecourseforagreatclubdedicatedtosharingtheloveofflyfishingandthe
knowledgeofflyfishing,flytying,rodbuildingandrelatedsubjects.
SeveralmembershaveaskedwhyIamnotrunningforanothertermaspresident.Unfortunately,anewjob
requiresthatIworkintheDCareaseveraldaysaweek,keepingmefromdevotingtheenergyonclub
operationsthatyou,themembersdeserve.Servingasyourpresidentforthepasttwoyearshasbeena
highlightofmytimehereinFlorida.Ihavebeenhonoredtoworkwiththededicatedvolunteerswhofreely
givetheirtimeandenergytomakingSFFthebestflyfishingclubintheSoutheastandperhapsthenation(I
maybealittleprejudiced).Ilookforwardtocontinuingtosharethefellowshipandloveofflyfishingwith
membersateveryavailableopportunity.Wishingyoutightlines,Kirk
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page2
Suncoast Fly Fishers News “n” Notes
April2–The13thAnnualSFFHogRoastandSilentAuction
4:00to8:00pm,CityofTreasureIslandAuditorium
120108thAvenue,TreasureIsland,FL33706
Thisisourpremierclubeventoftheyear.Itisourprincipalfundraiserandisamustattendeventforevery
SFFmemberandguestsinterestedinflyfishingorfunnightout!
BreakingNews:OurfeaturedspeakerisGlenPla,BrightHouseSportsNetwork’s“AverageAngler”
whomakessportfishingprogramsenjoyedbythewholefamily.
Ticketswillbeavailableattheregularmembermeetingsandallclubevents.Pleasepurchaseyourtickets
early.IfyouareplanningtoattendtheHogRoastandcannotattendameeting,youcanmailyourticket
requestandcheckorcallKarenWarfelat813-505-3162.Ifyouordertickets,youcanpickthemupatthenext
clubeventoratthedoor.Pleaseletusknowassoonaspossibleifyouplantoattendsowecanprovidethe
catererwithanestimateofattendees.Mailto:SuncoastFlyFishers,P.O.Box40821,St.Petersburg,FL
33743.Membersandguests$20/person.Children12andunderarefree.Pleasemakeyourreservationearly.
Signupatthemeetingormailyourticketrequest.MenuisBBQpulledpork,ribs,andchickenwithallthe
fixingsprovidedbySmokeyBones.Parkingpasseswillbeavailableatthemembermeetingoratthedoor.
Forthesecondyearinarowwewillhaveaveryspeciallive
auctionofaFrontier12byNuCanoe.TheDoorPrizewillbe
acustom-builtflyrod(9wt.)byAlanSewellwithmatching
line,reelandcase.Onlymembersareeligibleforthisoneof
akinddoorprize.Aticketforeachactivememberinattendanceisincludedinthepriceoftheevent.Grand
PrizeRafflewillbeforaPescador10sit-on-topkayak.Ticketsare$5eachor5for$20andit’sopentoall.
Wehavesomegreatproductsinthisyear’ssilentauction.Catchanopportunityforaprofessionally-guided
tripbyguyswhoknowthebestspots,bagsometrophyfliestiedbyourbestmembertiers,andgetyourlimit
withgearandmerchandise.Wehavethebestinrods,reels,fishingequipment,tripsandahostofotheritems.
AfewoftheseitemsincludeprofessionalqualitypolarizedsunglassesbyOnosandCosta;Planoflyboxes;
tricked-outOrvisSlingPack,AlpenOpticsspottingscopes;TFOLeftyKrehProfessionalSeriesrods;atwonightvacationpackageatthePlantationInninCrystalRiverincludinggolfforfourontheir18-hole
championshipcourse;roundtrippassageontheKeyWestExpress;winepackagepartiesprofessionally
hostedinyourownhome;flylinefromCortland;andaHydroGlowLEDfishinglightforyourdockorboat.
Thesilentauctionisopentoallattendees.
TheHOGROASTisanexcellenttimetoreviewyourbucketlistandgetwhatyouneedtocrossoffafewitems.
Forexample:Takeakidflyfishing--howaboutCabela'sWindRivercombosixwt,rod,reel,line,backing,
leader?Castaplugwithaflyrod--howaboutagenuinehandcarvedJimSwannplugnestledinabeautifulfly
box,alongwithacoupleofassortedspoonsorspinners?Afraidofsunburn?Fearnot--howaboutanewhat
andlotsofsunscreen?Can'tfindthebathroomatnightonyourPatagoniatrip?Nottoworry,wehavea
flashlight/keychainineverybucket.Stabanattackinglionwhileonsafari?HowaboutaJimSwannknife?
Needbinocular/monoculartobetterviewthescenicpanoramas?Howabout60%offcouponsfromAlpen
Optics?Roadtripandtimeforanoilchange?BobLee'soilchangecertificatesshouldhandleit.Extrareelfor
sinkingline?NoproblemwithRedington'sRedStart.Wannastarttyingyourownflies?Havewegotdealsfor
you!Everythingfrommaterials,instructionalbooks,vise,andtools.Suchdealsareyoursfor$1perticket,12
for$10,or26for$20.Bringyourbucketlistandcash.Thebucketraffleisopentoallattendees.Ken
WelookforwardtoseeingeveryoneattheHogRoast!
Rick&KarenWarfel
March2016
Co-Chairs,SFFHogRoast&SilentAuction
ONTHEFLY
Page3
Suncoast Fly Fishers News 'n' Notes
Docisstillwithus:
RichardOldenski’s
flyfishinggearhas
beendonatedto
PHWFF
March16,ProjectHealingWatersFlyFishingOuting,Fort
DeSotoPark
ProjectHealingWatersneedsvolunteerstohelpwithafishing,kayaking,and
picnickingeventatFortDeSotoPark’sArrowheadPicnicarea.Wewillmeetatthe
parkat8am.Thisisagreatopportunityformemberswhohaveconsidered
volunteeringwithProjectHealingWatersatBayPinestogiveitatry.Pleasecall
JohnCraig727423-3319ifinterestedsothatwemaygetanaccuratecountof
volunteerspriortotheevent.
AlsoPHWisalwayslookingforvolunteerstoparticipateintheweeklyprogramswesponsorattheBayPines
Campus.Volunteersteachflytying,casting,andthesportofflyfishing.Pastmeetingshaveincludedwestern
riversguidesandrecentlyagentlemanwhotiedprofessionallyforL.L.Beanasourveteranguests.Thevets
weretheteachers;wewerethestudentsatthosemeetings.Callme.727-423-3319.
John Craig
Thursday,March17meeting.
•
•
•
OurpresenterisDayleMazzarella,MasterCastingInstructor
OurflytierisLayne(Smitty)Smith
IMPORTANT:BringfliesfortheHogRoastauction.SeeMyronHansen.He
hasflyboxesforthem.Thisisabigpartofthesilentauction.Thanks.
Saturday,March19Outing,Largo’sWalsinghamLake.
Thursday,April21Meeting.
•
DayleMazzarella,MCI,
Marchmeetingpresenter.
OurpresenterisKellySobzakwhowilltalkaboutfishingtheEverglades,
CaribbeanIslands,TampaBay,Alaska,andmore.Takealookatsomeofheramazingpictures.
Saturday,April23,SouthSkywayOuting
Friday-Saturday-Sunday,April22-24,EvergladesOuting
ResearchEvergladesCanalfishing.
ReadsomeoftheReady-Set-Go
articlesinApril2013,April2014
andApril2015issuesofOnTheFly
byPaulSequira,DavidPutnam,
AlanSewellandEvergladesguru
RussHampton.
KenHofmeisterreportedthatwehavetwelverooms(twobedsineach)
reservedatSFFreducedratesof$103(includesbreakfast).Membersmay
call:LaQuinta,SunriseSawgrassMillsdirectlyat954-846-1200(askfor
Gladysoranyfrontdeskperson).Or,reservationsmaybemadebycalling
1-800-642-4230,option1.Moteladdressis13651N.W.2ndSt.,Sunrise,
FL.ReservationsmustbemadebycutoffdateofApril1.
TherewillbeaCanal-SideFishFryonSaturdaynoonattheouting,along
withtheCocoaFlyFishingClubFloridaFlyFishingAssociation).You’ll
dineonthefreshcatchofthemorningandhushpuppies.SFFgrillsand
cooksarewelcome.Youcatch'em,youclean'em,andwecook'em.
Needa‘yak?-AlanSewellwritesthathehasthreefishingkayaks
availablefortheEvergladesexpedition.Theyareonatrailer,ortake
themseparately.CallAlanat727-470-4570.Alanrecommendsyouread
UltimateGuidetoFishingSouthFloridaonFootbySteveKantner.Ittells
when,where,whyandhowtofishtheEverglades.AlanSewell–
Telephone727-470-4570
AlanSewellwithan
Evergladescanalbass.
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page4
Suncoast Fly Fishers News 'n' Notes
April12,1pm.GrandOpening,SuncoastYouthConservationCenter
SuncoastFlyFishersareinvitedtotoattendthe
grandopeningoftheSuncoastYouth
ConservationCenterinApolloBeach.Several
membershavealreadyannouncedtheywill
attendtolendsupporttoaveryinteresting
public/privatepartnershiptohelpyoungpeople
learnaboutmarinelifeandhabitat.
ThenewfacilitywillbemanagedbyKathryn
GuindonoftheFloridaFishandWildlife
ConservationCenterinSt.Pete.Guindon,whohas
spokentoSuncoastFlyFishers,initiatedand
managedtheinnovativeTarpongeneticsprogram
tomapthemigrationpatternsandrecoveryrates
oftarpon.
April16andMay7–IntroductiontoFlyFishingatBillJackson’sShopforAdventure
•
•
•
•
•
April16isthefirstoftwoIFFF-sanctionedeventshostedbySuncoastFlyFishersforpersonswhoarenot
flyfishersbutareinterestedinbecomingaflyfisher.ThesecondoneisMay7anditwillalsobeheldat
BillJackson’sShopforAdventureat9501U.S.19North,PinellasPark.BillJackson’shasgenerously
volunteeredtoprovideroomfortheclassaswellascoffeeandrollspluslunch
Theclassisfrom9:30amto1:30pmanditisfollowedbylunchfrom1:30to2:30.
Theclassislimitedto20pupils.
Clubmembersareneededtobe“socialassisters”toanswerquestionsaboutflyfishingandaboutour
club.
It’sfree,buttheclassislimitedto20.Soputyournameonthelistnow.TomGadacz,727-360-8030.
Thursday,May19meeting
•
•
OurflytierandpresenterisAllenWyattoftheAndyThornalFlyFishing
ShopinWinterhaven.ThesubjectisflyfishingforFloridabassand
bream.
FlyBoxExchange
Saturday,May21St.PetersburgUrbanOuting,
DowntownSt.PetersburgUrbanOuting.LunchatFloraWylieParkonNorth
ShoreDrive
RickYarn:Urban
Outingredfish
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page5
Suncoast Fly Fishers News 'n' Notes
MonthlyOutingsLocationsfor2016
March--WalsinghamLake
April--SouthSkyway
April--EvergladesCanals
May--DowntownSt.PetersburgUrbanOuting
June--NightLightsnookouting
July--PicnicIsland,Tampa
August--LakeMaggorie,St.Petersburg
EvergladesCanals.Bass,bream,oscars,
cichlids,andmore
September--ChassahowitzkaRiver
October--HillsboroughRiver,CarlHansontournamentagainsttheTampaBayFlyFishingClub(SFFishost.)
November--WeedonIslandPreserve
December--DonColemanClassicatFortDeSotoParkwithotherflyfishingclubsinourarea
For sale by members
STHReel.Eliseo’s12.MadeinArgentina.Usedonlytwice.Asking$175.CallDaveBarsonat407-973-7895
Jonboat.15-foot,SemiV,weldedaluminum(norivetssonoelectrolysis);twoswivelseats(w/storage
under);controlsatforwardseat;20HPJohnsontwostrokeoutboardmotor,plusMotorGuideelectrictrolling
motorwithbatteries;andgoodtrailer.Comeseeitat7040M.L.KingStreetSouth,inthePinkStreetsarea.
Asking$1,800,orbestoffer.CallCharlieMostat727/865-1425beforestoppingby.
Sage–Lamson.9-ft.10-wt.Graphite111,GFL1090-3RPLX,withLamsonreelandScientificAnglersWFF
line,withsparespoolloadedwithbacking.Lightusage.Newover$900.Willsellfor$350.DavidPutnam,727744-7536.
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page6
Bill Scarola: I Enjoy Fishing with my NuCanoe Frontier
Editor’snote:Theno-flipNuCanoeahybridkayak-skiff,headlinestheliveauctionstartattheHogRoast.It
comeswithaMax360seat.VisittheNuCanoewebsiteandlearnmoreaboutthisinshorefly-fisher’svessel.Visit
ourlocalNuCanoeretailer–WestCoastKayakandPaddleBoardat6447CentralAvenueinSt.Petersburg.
Ihaveenjoyedusingmy
NuCanoeFrontier,a12
footer.It'sbeenayearsince
winningthebidforitatlast
year’sHogRoast.I'vecaught
severaldifferentspeciesoffish
init,butnotaredorsnook.Yet.
Ilikeitsportability,buttheolderIgetthemoredifficultit
getsto"rooftopit"soI'vebeentraileringit.That'smuch
easier,especiallywithhelpfromacanoe-typedolly.
IoriginallymademyownkayakdollybutIusedplastic
wheelsand,ofcourse,theybrokeoff.SoIwentto
BillScarolaandhishigh-bidNuCanoeFrontier
Walmartforacommercially-madedolly.Ididmakemy
from2015.Liveauctionbiddingforthe2016
ownseatbracketasitislowerinheightthantheonesit
NuCanoeFrontierleadsoffthe2016HogRoast
camewith.Ibelieveitmakesitevenmorestable.
onSaturday,April2,4to8pm.
Thequickreleaseseatmountdidcausemetogetwetthe
firsttimeIusedit.Theseatbaseslidesoutofthereleasepart.Fortunately,Ihadanotherandmadethe
switch.
Mynextequipmentforitwillbeatrollingmotor.I'lluseasmallerandlighter'wheelchair'typedeepcycle
batterybutfornowit'stheole'ArmstrongMotor'.
Noregretsfromme!Thisyear'sbidwinnerisgoingtolovetheir2016NUCANOE.
TightlinesSFFers,
Bill
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page7
We are Suncoast Fly Fishers
SuncoastFlyFishers
P.O.Box40821
StPetersburg,FL33743-0821
www.suncoastflyfishers.org
Clubemailaddress...
[email protected]
ClubOfficers
Pres:KirkBurton,727-631-3033
VicePres:TomTrukenbrod
Secretary:DickMiekka
Treasurer:KarenWarfel
BoardofDirectors
DanBumgarner-JohnCraig-George
Haseltine-TomGadacz-Ken
Hofmeister-JeffHeer-RickWarfel
Committees
Volunteersneeded.Pleasespeakto
anyofficerordirectoratthemeeting
CastingSkills--PatDamico,MCI,and
DayleMazzarella,MCI
IFFFLiaison--PatDamico
FlyTying--MyronHansen
Membership--KarenWarfel
Webmaster--DickMiekka
HogRoast--KarenandRickWarfel
ClubOutingsandLunches--George
HaseltineandDanBumgarner
ProjectHealingWaters--JohnCraig,
TerryKirkpatrick
Raffles--DaveBarson
Programs--BoardofDirectors
Newsletter,publicity--BillAuCoin
AimsandPurposes
SuncoastFlyFishers(SFF)isanon-profit501(C)3organization
and a charter member of the International Federation of Fly
fishers.
Suncoast Fly Fishers are dedicated to sharing their total flyfishing experiences and to developing interest in fly fishing in
bothfreshandsaltwater.Wepromoteandteachbothflyfishing
and related subjects of fly-tying, rod building, fly-casting and
knottying.Throughcollaboration,fellowship,conservationand
sportsmanship we help members become more skilled, have
morefun,andbemoreproductiveinthesport.SFFsupportsthe
conservation of natural resources, boating safety and fishing
regulations.
MonthlyMeetingsarethethirdThursday
ofeachmonthexceptDecemberfrom6:00
to8:30pm,WalterFullerParkRecreation
Center,798126thAveN.,St.Pete
DirectionstoourmeetingatWalterFullerPark...From
22ndAvenueNturnNorthon72ndSt.N.Turnleft(South)on26thAvenueN.Thenturnrightintothe
recreationcenterparkinglot
http://suncoastflyfishers.com/meetings.html
TheSuncoastFlyFishers,Inc.(SFF)isanorganizationoffishingenthusiastswholove
fishing with the fly rod. We welcome all people of all ages with similar interests,
regardlessoftheirflyfishingskilllevel.Weenthusiasticallyteachthosethatwishto
learn or improve their fly casting, fly tying and related fly fishing skills. SFF meets
monthlywherewetalkflyfishing,tiefliesandmostmonthsfeatureaspeakerwitha
program highlighting local fly fishing opportunities. SFF is a non-profit, 501(C) 3
organization.SFFisachartermemberoftheInternationalFederation ofFlyFishers
(IFFF).SFFisamemberoftheFloridaCouncilofIFFF.
ByU.S.mail:SuncoastFlyFishers,P.O.Box40821,StPetersburg,FL33743-0821
Join. Renew. Application at www.suncoastflyfishers.com
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page8
Suncoast Fly Fishers Outing
Reviews and Previews and
Annual Tournament Update
The SFF Outing Committee is co-chaired
by George Haseltine and Capt. Dan
Bumgarner with help from Truk
Trukenbrod and John Craig
Co-chairCapt.DanBumgarner
Co-chairGeorgeHaseltine SaturdayFebruary20,2016,SFFoutingatFortDeSotoParkwithlunchatArrowheadPark
Howdoyoumeasureasuccessfulflyfishingouting?Bythenumberoffishcaught,bythenumberofpeople
fishing,bythenumberofpeopleatlunch?
WemeasuredthesuccessoftheFortDeSotooutingby
thepound.Yep,youreadright,bythepound.Alan
Sewellservedupadelicious12-poundsofpulledpork
to37veryhungrySFFmembers.Becausewehad51
(yes,51!)namesonthesignupsheet,Alanalso
preparedsausagesjustincase.Ithinkhespenthis
Fridaypreparingitallforus.Fortunately,therewas
enoughforeveryone,buttherewasnothingleft.Thank
you,Alan.Youdidasuperiorjob!
Pufferonthefly.Somedaysapuffer
is
AlsoMikeBesel,oneofournewmembers,broughta
betterthannothing.JustaskTomJones:
largeGreeksalad.Therewasn’tevenapieceoflettuce
“Iwasusingaspinningrodwitharootbeer
leftonthatpan.ThanksMike.
coloredplasticbaittofindsomefishandI
caughta171/2inchtrout.ThenIswitched
Asalways,wethankyoufaithfulmemberswhoalways
tomyflyrodandtheonlythingIcaught
helpout.JohnCraigisalwaysfaithfulinbringingthe
afterthatwasapuffer.Icaughtthepuffer
accessories--plates,plasticforks,knives,spoons,
onagrayBucktailbendbackflywithaCarl
napkins.
Hansonmonofilamentbodyandjustalittle
bitofsilverflashwithleadeyes.”
Nowtothefishing.Itwasabeautifulday.Thesunwas
shiningandthewindwasabout5-7mph.Thewater
wasfairlyclear.Wehadboaters,kayakerandwaders.Therewerequiteafewfishcaught,mostlyundersized
trout.AdamHayscaughta12-inchflounder.WaytogoAdam!TomJonesreporteda17-inchtroutbuthadto
confessthathecaughtitonajigwithasp****rod(expletivedeleted).Greatjoke,Tom.Hereallyhadusgoing.
RonKelleycaughta16-inchtroutbutthenMarkCraigreporteda16-1/32-inchtrout.(MarkHayscommented
thatprobablyneitheroneofthemhadaruler,Ha!)MarkCraigwouldhavewon,butwedecidedafter
consultingthenon-existent,notpublishedunofficial“fishingliarsmeasuringrules”thatthewinnerhadtobe
atleast1/16”longer.Forthoseofyouwhoremember,thisrulewasestablishedearlierbyoneofour
memberswhohassincegoneontofishtheothershore.So,RonandMarkbothgetagiftcertificateatthenext
meeting.Andbothshareleadershipfortheseatroutcategoryinthe2016tournamentstandings.
Continuedonnextpage>
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page9
Reviews and Previews, continued...
PREVIEW:Saturday,March19Outing–LakeWalsinghaminLargo
OurnextoutingwillbeatWalsinghamPark.Theweathershouldbebeautiful.We’recontemplatinganother
veryspeciallunchforthisday.
WewillhavechartsattheMarchgeneralmeeting.Once
again,theawardwillbeforthelongestbassorsunfish.
Wehaveeliminatedthelegallimitsizeandmore
changesaretocome.BesuretobeattheMarch
meeting.
Questions?YoucantextorcallGeorge@727-423-8110
[email protected].
DanBumgarner,GeorgeHaseltine,Co-ChairSFFOuting
CommitteewithTom“Truk”Trukenbrod&JohnCraig
George
Finalresultsarein…
2015-2016 TOURNAMENT WINNERS
Species
Longestbass- Longestbluegill Longestseatrout
Longestredfish Longestsnook Length Leadertodate 16.5inches
DavidPutnam 9.5-inches
TomTrukenbrod
20.5inches
MarkCraig
22-inches
MarkCraig
Nowinnerinthiscategory
Outingcaught
April:HillsboroughRiver
April:HillsboroughRiver
June:Docklightouting
June:Docklightouting
Note:Allfishenteredintheyearlycontestmustbecaughtatacluboutingandinsidethedefinedzone.Thenew2016tournamentstarted
withtheJanuaryoutingatPinellasPoint/BayVistaParkandcontinuesuntilthefinaloutingof2016.
It’sanewyear.
2016 TOURNAMENT LEADERS
Species
Longestbass-
Longestsunfish
Longestseatrout
Longestredfish Longestsnook
Length Leadertodate 16-inches
RonKelley/MarkCraig FortDeSotoPark(Feb)
Outingcaught
Note:Allfishenteredintheyearlycontestmustbecaughtatacluboutingandinsidethedefinedzone.Thenew2016tournamentstarted
withtheJanuaryoutingatPinellasPoint/BayVistaParkandcontinuesuntilthefinaloutingof2016.
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page10
Snapshots from the Fort
DeSoto Park Outing
Thisraccoonwasoverheardsaying,“Heyguys,please
leavesometablescrapsforme.”PhotobyRonHill
AlanSewell’samazingpulledporkandsausages
andMikeBesel’sGreeksaladawaitedflyanglers
atourFebruarylunchatArrowheadpicnicarea.
Below,fresh,Floridasweetstrawberrieswitha
chocolatetopping,averyjust-righttreat,
courtesyofRyanSollarsandhissonCooper.
March2016
Greategret.Greatpicture.Fishingwasslow,butwildlife
photographywasgreat.PhotobyRonHill
ONTHEFLY
Page11
Damico: Do You Make These 15 Fly Casting Mistakes?
AtourFebruarymeetingCapt.PatDamiconarratedaIFFFvideousedbyIFFFMasterCastingInstructorslike
Pattorecognizethe15mostcommoncastingerrorsandtoexplainthereasonforerrorsandexplainthe
changesneeded.
PinchedfromtheIFFFwebsiteherearethedescriptionsof
someofthemistakesandfixesshowninthevideo:
•
A cast in which there is too much slack on the water;
the line cannot be lifted correctly, and so, in order to get the
line off the water, the caster takes the rod too far back on the
back stroke. This problem is eliminated by eliminating the
excess slack. This is probably best done with a roll cast. Note
the awkwardness of the incorrect cast and the smoothness of
the correct one.
•
As the back cast is made, the angler turns the wrist
outward; on the forward stroke the wrist is then turned inward.
For a right-handed caster, this common error results in a curve
cast to the left every time. It is easily corrected by having the
caster stand next to a wall and perform the casting motions
without the rod. Note the straight-line path of the arm, rod, and
line during the correctly executed casts.
•
On the forward cast, the casting arm is thrown
straight forward. This is the most common cause of a tailing
loop. It is corrected by dropping the elbow during the forward
stroke; compare incorrect and correct arm movements
carefully.
Capt.PatDamicoalsotiedhissimpleshrimpfly
•
The rod is drifted forward during the pause between
attheFebruarymeeting.
back cast and forward cast (this is also called creeping). This
error can sometimes be difficult to detect because it can be subtle. Watch the rod tip after the rod has been
stopped on the back cast. It should not creep ahead before the forward cast is begun.
• The forward cast shows improper application of power, i.e., starting quickly and ending slowly rather than
starting slowly and smoothly accelerating. The correct stroke is smooth acceleration that starts slowly then
proceeds rapidly and ends with a positive stop.
• The caster attempts to shoot line but releases it too early. The line should not be released until after the rod
is stopped at the end of the forward stroke. This common error is corrected by having the caster say "Stop,
shoot."
• Wrist casting. Good casting involves the upper arm, forearm, and wrist (but only a little wrist.) In fact,
good casts can be done with no wrist movement at all. Emphasize that the wrist is bent ONLY at the end of
the stroke (both back and forward) and that it is ONLY bent a TINY bit.
• Forearm casting. Good casting must involve the upper arm as well as the lower arm. Watch the good casts
carefully and note the movement of the elbow as the rod is lifted into the back cast and then dropped during
the forward cast.
• There is no pause between the back cast and the forward cast. Bull whipping, to be sure. The rhythm is: Lift
and back cast, PAUSE, forward cast, drop the rod as the line falls. Remind them of Norman Maclean's
description of casting in "A River Runs Through it."
• A roll cast that is started too soon. The caster must pause long enough for the line to slide back past the
shoulder before beginning the forward stroke.
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page12
Master Casting Instructor Fly Casting Clinic at Maximo Park
OnSaturday,March5,SuncoastFlyFishersandtheTampaBayFlyFishingClubhostedaFlyCastingClinic
withfiveMasterCastingInstructors(MCI)–DayleMazzarellaandPatDamicooftheSuncoastFlyFishers,
SteveSmithofNewBrunswickandJimDowdof
Massachusettswithahugeassistbyotherwellknown
CastingInstructorsintheTampaBayarea,ChrisO’Byrne,
LeighWest,andSteveParker.
Evensomeofthemost
accomplishedflycasters
inourareahadtoadmit
thiscastingclinichelped
takethemtoanew
level…andtheystillneed
topracticewhatthey
learned.
DayleMazzarella(right)showedstudentshowto
causetheflytomakealeftorrighthookbeforeit
Grassdrillsofpick-up
landsinthewater.Thesecretisalast-secondtwist
andlay-down(PULD),
ofthehandwhichcausestherodtiptocurve.Thefly
falsecasting,feeding
followstherodtipleftorright.
line,double-haulandthe
constanttensioncast
weredemonstrated,explainedandthenpracticed.Eachdrillhadan
DayleMazzarella,MCI,works
withguestEthanFinchum.Bob advancedchallengeforthosepushingtheirlimits.Wetookabreak
betweensessionsandendedaboutnoonforalunch.Thecasting
Burkardphoto.
instructorswereavailableforquestionsanddiscussions.Afterlunch
optionalsessionsincludedcastingdrillswhichmostattended.Theyincluded4stations:1.one-leggedcasting
-(keeptheboatfromrocking);2.accuracy(undermangroves,docks,andtroutfishing);3.distance(getthat
redfish!);and4.quickcasting(getthatbonefish!).
SteveSmith,MCI,visitingfromNewBrunswick,
shareslongdistancesecretswithTomGadacz,
presidentoftheFloridaCounciloftheIFFF
AndaspecialthankyoutoSuncoastFly
FisherTrukTrukenbrodforbringing
coffee,donuts,andlunch.
March2016
InstructorLeighWesthelpedfly
fishersunderstandhowto
properlyexecutethedoublehaultogainvaluabledistance.
Continuesonnextpage
ONTHEFLY
PatDamicoMCIhelpedfly
castersworkoncastingthefly
soitlandedinasmallarea. Page13
Continued… Fly Casting Clinic at Maximo Park
Inall,41areaflyfishersparticipatedintheclinicandseveralcameforwardandsaidtheylearnedmore
thaninbignamecastingclinicscosting$250.Thiscliniccostonly$35butitwasfreetoIFFFmembers.
ClinicsbyIFFF-certifiedcastinginstructorsareamongtherewardsofmembership.PhotobyTomGadadz.
MasterCastingInstructorsSteveSmith(l),visitingfrom
NewBrunswick,chatsitupwithCapt.PatDamico.The
CastingClinicsareabi-annualeventstartedPatin2007.In
2013,PatwasjoinedbyDayleMazzarella,MCI,whohas
sincetakenanactiveroleinleadingtheseevents.Thisyear
participantswerealsocoachedbyChrisO’Byrne,CI,Jim
Dowd,CI,andSteveParkerandLeighWest.PhotobyTom
Gadacz.
March2016
IFFFCastingInstructorChrisO’Byrnecounsels
MangroveCoastmemberJoeCook.TomGadacz
photo
ONTHEFLY
Page14
Suncoast Fly Fishers Demo Fly Fishing to Boy Scouts
BobBurkardgetsreadytoshowandexplainthe
match-the-hatchpropertiesofalltypesofflies.
Scoutsalsowatchedhimtieashrimpflyanda
baitfishfly.
Bob’sdryflieswerejustoneofsevencategories
ofhisflieshedisplayedandexplainedtothe
scouts.Othersweresaltwaterflies,streamers,
poppers,bassbugs,nymphs,andwetflies.
InFebruary,attheinvitationofscoutmasterTerry
Tomalin,SuncoastFlyFishersPatDamico,BobBurkard
andBillAuCoinshowedBoyScoutsofTroop218attheSt.
RaphaelChurchauditoriumonSnellIslehowtocastafly
rod,howtotieafly,andhowtotietheimportantknots.
AtonemeetingPatshowedthemthearborknot,nailknot,
surgeon’sknot,loopknotandclinchknot.
AtthenextmeetingBoborganizedhisfliesinto
categories,andthenheshowedthemhowaflyismade.
Hetiedashrimpflyandabaitfishpattern.Billhelpedthe
scoutslearntocast30-feetormore–theyallsucceeded–
andmostwereabletolandtheflyinsideatwo-footsquaretarget.
BillAuCoin(right)helpedthescoutspracticelanding
BelowaresomeofthethingsBoyScouts
the“fly”insideasmalltargetarea30feetaway.
mustdotoearntheflyfishingmeritbadge.
FormoreinformationgototheIFFF
supportpageforcounselors.
• Explainhowtoremoveahookthathaslodgedinyourarm.
• Nameandexplainfivesafetypracticesyoushouldalwaysfollowwhilefly-fishing.
• Demonstratehowtomatchaflyrod,line,andleadertoachieveabalancedsystem.
• Demonstratehowtotieproperknotstoprepareaflyrodforfishing.
• Tieabackingtoaflyreelspoolusingthearborknot.
• Attachbackingtoflylineusingthenailknot.
• Attachaleadertoflylineusingtheneedleknot,nailknot,oraloop-to-loopconnection.
• Addatippettoaleaderusingaloop-to-loopconnectionorbloodknot.
• Tieaflyontotheterminalendoftheleaderusingtheimprovedclinchknot.
• Explainhowandwheneachofthefollowingtypesoffliesisusedandtieatleasttwoflies.
• Demonstratetheabilitytocastafly30feetusingbothoverheadandrollcasttechniques.
• Catchatleastonefishandidentifyit.Iflocalfishingandhealthregulationsallowit,cleanandcooka
fishyouhavecaught.Otherwise,acquireafishandcookit.
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page15
Walt Ruda: Fish. Work. Fish Some More
It’sthattimeofyearagain,springbassareturningon.Igetafewcastsinbeforedinneronthepondsinmy
neighborhood.Thebassandtilapiaarestartingtobedupandthebassarehittingtopwater.Youcanalsodrag
almostanythingthroughtheirbedsandtheywillusuallypickituptogetitoutofthere.ButIlovethe
topwateractionandwillfishitmostofthetime.
Ihavetolaughatmyselfsometimes‘causefishingisfunny….
Iwillgetuptwo-hoursbeforesunrise,driveanhourtofishaflat,
getskunkedallmorning.ThenIdrivehomeandcatcha3to4
poundbassjust50-ftfrommybackdoor…..
Hey,that'sfishin'.
Walt
Bill AuCoin: Fat Trout on Smitty’s and Burkard’s Flies
Onalateafternoonwade-fishingexcursionwithfellow
memberStevePutbreseaWeedonIslandsea-troutliked
thelooksofLayneSmith’sGoldenEyeShrimp
IwasthrowingSmitty’slittleshrimpona5-weight,with
12-poundfluorocarbonleader,flippingtheflythisway
thenthatway,givingitachancetosinkalittle.
ThenIfeltalittledragontheretrieve.Oh,heck,probably
grass.Nope,luckily,itwasnotgrass.Ifelttheyinandyank
ofarealfish.Therealfishshotrightpastmywaders.Abig
trout.Iletitrunandtakesomeoftheslackflylinewithit,
evenasIspunthespooltoputlineonthereel.
Afterafewminutesthefishhadplayeditselfout.Itook
somepictures.Thesunwasgoingdownanditlitupthe
mouthofthatyellow-mouthedseatroutandthegolden
eyeshrimp.
Then,Ithought,hey,thisfishweighsaboutfourpounds.It
willbeperfectfordinner.Alas,whileIwasattachingthe
stringerthespeckledtroutslippedoutofmyhandandfell
intothewater.Withacoupleofheadshakesitejectedthe
stringerandtookoffquickly.
AweekintoMarchIcaughtseveralnicetrout,includinga
19-incher,onBobBurkard-tiedClousers.Thetroutwereat
themouthofaresidentialcanalnearWeedonIslandand
feedingontheincomingtide.
Bill
A19-inchtroutswallowedaBobBurkard-tied
white-and-brownClouserminnow.
March2016
Thisfattrout,about4pounds,jumpedon
Smitty’sGoldenEyeShrimp.
ONTHEFLY
Page16
Tying Bench
Capt. Pat Damico’s Simple Shrimp Fly
Thisisashrimpflythatcanbetiedsimplyormorecomplicated.
Youcan…
• Adjustcolor
• Tieinantennaeornot
• Palmerhackletomakelegs
• Stripeitwithamarker
• Addmoreorlessweightwithdifferenteyes
• Varyhooksizefrom6to1.
Materials
Hook:Size4,Mustad34007(Tiewithsize1to6asappropriate)
Eyes:Dumbbell
Antennae:rubberlegs
Chenille:Estaz
Head:Fishhair
Glue:Flexcement
TyingSequence
Stepone:Beginwithsize4,34007Mustadhook.Wrapthethreadbackclosetothebendwithaharmonious
threadcolorandsize
Steptwo:Adddumbbelleyeswithfigureeightwraps.Continuewrappingthethreaddowntothebend.Add
rubberlegsforantennae
StepThree:Tieindoubleamountneededatthreadthenusethreadtosecureit
Stepfour:TieinEstazandwrapthethreadforward,leavingroomforbuildingupthehead.Coatthreadwith
flexcement
Stepfive:Whilestillwet,wrapEstazforwardwithatleasttwoEstazwrapsbehindtheeyesandtieoffthe
thread.
Stepsix:Selectsomefishhairorsimilarmaterialandtieinatthehead.Someflashcanbeaddedifyouprefer.
Stepseven:Taperandtieofftheheadwithwhipfinish.Trimittothedesiredlengthpastthehookbendand
taperthetailendwithscissors.
Stepeight:Holdthismaterialsothatitstaysontopoftheflybehindandbetweentheeyes.
Stepnine:Whileholdingitatthebendofflywithonehand,usetheothertoapplylightcuredresintothetop
ofthefly.Resinshouldcoverheadandpartofbend.Curewithlightanddosomefinaltrimmingtogetdesired
shape.
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page17
Tying Bench
Alan Sewell’s Mayan Cichlid Fly
IlOVEcatchingMayancichlids,oscars,
bassandbreamintheEvergladescanals.I
lovetothrowpoppers,spongeandcork,
andseethemengulfedbythesefish.
PurpleisthecolorfortopwatersthatI
reallyliketouse.Butstreamersalsowork
justaswell,ifnotbetter.Theexoticslike
toeatthefryofotherfish,andtheirown.
Thisflylookslikeacichlidfry.Castitinto
coverandmoveitslowly.Thefeatherswillundulate.Theflywillgeteaten.
Materials
Hook:Longshank,size4
Eyes:Bead-chain
Body:Bucktail,whiteandorangewithredknittingwool
Flash:Crystalflashonbothsidesoftail
Tail:Featherandchenille
TyingSequence
Stepone:Wrapthreadfromeyetobendandback.
Steptwo:Tieinbead-chaineyes.
Stepthree:Tietailwithbucktail,Iusewhiteandorange.
Stepfour:Addapieceofknittingwoolinred,combedapart.
Stepfive:Addcrystalflashtosidesoftail.
Stepsix:Tieinfeatherandchenilleatbend.Wrapchenilleandtieoffin
frontofeyes.
Stepseven:Palmerfeatheroverbodyandtieoffinfrontofeyes.
Stepeight:Tieoffthreadandcoatitwithsealer.
Stepnine:Trimtailandmarkwithblackmarker
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page18
Capt. Pat Damico: Fly Casting Clinic. Tip #76
BackCastPredictsForwardCast
ByCapt.PatDamico,IFFFMasterCastingInstructor
Thebackcasthasbeentoutedasyourmostimportantcast.Why?Becauseitisthe
setupforyourforwardcastandyourpresentationcast.
Makingaforwardcastwithapoorbackcastcomplicatesthingsandneverhasa
goodresult.JustwatchthebiggunsatourTBFFCNovemberevent.Youwillknow
whenthelongestcastsaremadebywatchingthebackcast.Backcastswithlarge
loops,tooearlyorlateforwardapplicationofpower,sag,180-degreerule
violations,andtickingthegroundwillallbesetupsforpoorfinalforwardcasts.
Watchyourbackcastduringpracticebyplacingyourcastingfootalittlebehind
yourotherfoot.Thisallowsyoutogetagoodlookatwhatisgoingonbehindyou.
Ifwhenyouturntoseeyourbackcastyourotateyourbodyorwrist,yourflylegs
willnotbeparallel.Tocorrectthis,turnyourheadatthelastminutetoseethe
backcast.Infishingsituations,youshouldkeepyoureyeonthetarget.
Pat Damico, St. Pete Beach
Fly fishing guide Pat Damico charters in lower Tampa Bay. Contact: captpat.com
(727) 504-8649
Captain’s Corner: via Tampa Bay Times
Slow-movingwaterfishingtips
ByPatDamico,TampaBayTimesCorrespondent
Asguides,we'reoftenlimitedtoaparticulardayandtimewhenaclientcanfish.Aretherewaystoimprove
ouroddsontheseless-than-perfectdays?Slow-movingwaterisoftenansweredbyanglersbystayinghome.
Thismeansgoodfishingareasthatareoftencrowdedwillbebarrenofboatsandanglers.Thatpresentsan
opportunitytovisitsomeofyourbestspots.
Boatandjetskitrafficthatscaresandchasesfishoutoftheshallowswillbeabsent,soexpectmorerelaxed
fishtooccupythoseareas.Windcanreallysloworaccelerateatide,andanunderstandingofthatwillhelp
youfindmoreactivefish.Onalargebay,wide,deepwaterwillnotbeaffectedasmuchasareaswherewater
isshallowandinnarrows.Passesandconstrictionsbetweenislandswillhaveimprovedflow.Pointsare
alwaysworthinvestigating,especiallythosethatstartshallowanddropoffintodeeperwater.Oysterbars,
especiallynearmangroves,deserveattention.Withwatermovingslow,itwillstayinoneplaceforalonger
timeandthesunwillhaveanopportunitytomakeitwarmer,alwaysawinterattractionforsouthernfish.
Fishareasexposedtothesunthelongest.Pickanafternoonwithadecenttide.Don'tspendtoomuchtimein
oneplaceifunsuccessful.Headtoyournextspot.Cold-waterfishlikeadeep,slowpresentation.
Havingtwoflyrodsrigged,onewithafloatinglinewithacraborshrimppatternandanotherwithasinktip
lineandaweightedsmallsizebaitfishfly.Darkercolorsorthosethatmatchthebottomareagoodplaceto
start.
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page19
Bob Morrison: How-To
SpringhasSprung(sortof)
Slowdown,youmovetoofast.Seatroutarecomingonstrongand
respondingtowarmingweatherandwater.Watertemperaturesareabove
60degreessosnookarebecomingmoreactiveinshallowwater.
Nonetheless,youshouldtakeitslowwhenretrievingyourflies.Varyyour
retrievalspeedandstyle,alongwithtryingvariousdepthsforthefly.
Thepausethatrefreshes.Topwaterfliessuchaspoppers,creaseflies,
andgurglersshouldcatchfishnow.Lettheflysitstillforhalfaminuteor
soafterithitsthewater;thenretrieve.Trytocreatesomenoiseandlittlesplashestoattractattention.
Howlowcanyougo?Tryretrievinglightly-weightedorweightlessfliesjustoffthebottom.Troutwillbe
favoringgrassybottoms,sotrytokeepyourflyjustabovethegrasstops.Remembertroutlimits—onlyone
fishinfivemaybeover20incheslong,andforyoursake,Ihopeheis.
Velcroisaflyfishingtool.Here'sagoodtooltip.CementapieceofVelcro,theonewiththehooks,tothe
handleofatoothbrush.UsethetoothbrushandtheVelcrotofluffuphair,hackles,anddubbingthatmayget
buriedduringthetyingprocess.Thisalsomakesforabetter,morenatural-lookingfly.
Goget'emandgoodluck
Bob
Herearemoretipsfrommembers
Needflies,needaguide?Callafellowmember.Ourflyclubmembership,particularlynewmembers,may
notknowofthecommerciallyavailableflytyingavailablebySmitty.WantadozenClousersorotherlongtimefavorites?HaveSmittytie'emforyou.Dittoguides.Thoughmostof
theguidemembershavea"card"inthenewslettertheirspecialtiesmay
notbementioned...livebaitandspintoo,alongwithflyfishing,socall
themwhenthekidscometotown,etc.Alotofnewfolksgotoretail
outlets,notknowingthecustomoptions.Someofourbestfishermen,Bob
Fischerforexample,onlyuseSmitty-tiedflies.Withthefliesyouget
advicetoo,andSmitty'sbeenaroundandhearsofallthesuccessfulflies.
(DavidPutnam)
Keepyourhandsdry.Ijust"invented"auseforelasticsweat
bandsusedbytennisplayersandfootballplayerswhowanttokeep
sweatandwaterofftheirhands.Ifyouwearoneortwoonyourwrists,
justbehindwhereyourrainjacketsleevecloses,ithelpskeepwaterfrom
runningdownyourwristandintoyourjacket.Flyfishingintherain,or
doinganyactivitythatcallsforraisingyourarmsintheraincancausea
lotofwatertoleakin.WhenIusecottontenniswristbandsIsqueeze'em
Thisiswhyyoushouldwear
outeverynowandthen,andI'mamazedathowmuchwaterthey've
sunglassesoryourglasses while
soakedup.WalmartorTargetforwristbands,cheap.(DavidPutnam)
fishing.(AlPitcher)
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page20
ToplaceanadinOnTheFlyplease
emailKarenWarfelat
[email protected]
Special Friends of
Suncoast Fly
Fishers
WWW-METAL-FAB INC. COM
March2016
ONTHEFLY
3625 S. Manhattan Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33629
727-504-4062
[email protected]
Page21
Special Friends of
Suncoast Fly
Fishers
!
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March2016
1-866-865-4695
WWW.ONOS.COM
Lifetime Warranty
ONTHEFLY
Page22
Special Friends of
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March2016
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ONTHEFLY
Page23
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March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page24
Question of the Month
Alotofflyfisherssaytheycatchmorefishwithspinningtackle,butthey
stillpreferflyfishing.So,whatistheessentialappealofflyfishing?
TomJones:Formeit’sthetyingofmyfliesandeven
designingmyownflies.AndsinceIhavechronic
tendonitisinmyelbowsflycastingismorecompatible.
Spincastingaggravatesthetendonitismore.
DickMiekka:Ifyouarenotcatchinganythingflyfishingis
alotmorefunthanspincasting,butthecatch22isthen
youarelesslikelytocatchafishonafly.
Anonymous:Feelingthestrikeinyourlefthandthen
feelingthefishonthefly
Anonymous:Tyingyourflyandgettingthefishtostrikeitisafeelingthatspinfishingrarely
creates.Theskilllevelofflyfishingisatleast10levelsabovespinfishing.
RonHill:Ienjoythehunt,purposeandartistryofflyfishing.Igetjustasmuchenjoymentfrom
designingandtyingmyownflies.Ilikehavingtofigureoutwhatisgoingoninthe
environmentyouarein.
BobMorrison.Flyfishingismorechallenging,requiringyourskills.
BillScarola.Thechallengeofmasteringthecastingskillsandthepleasureofcatchingafishon
aflythatI’vetied.
AlanSewell:Catchingfishisokbutthe“look”isthemostimportantpart.
DuaneMertz(new)—flyfishingismoreengagingthanspinfishing.Youaremuchmore
involvedwiththecastandthefight.
JeffHeer:Flyfishingcangetascomplexastheflyfisherwantstomakeit.Thereisgreat
satisfactioninmasteringallthefacetsofthesport.
AndyConstantinou:Castingaflyrodisabeautifulfeeling;noothermethodoffersthat.Playing
afishonaflyrodandthehandcontactonthelinewhenplayingafishisjustspecial.IagreeI
wouldmostprobablycatchmorefishifIwasspinningorbaitfishing,butIdon'tcare.
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page25
Bill AuCoin : Flyfisher Flyover
Heresnookie,snookie.Water’swarmingfastandthesnookbite
startsNOW.Areyouready?Don’tdelay.,SnookseasonclosesApril
30.Remember,ifyouneedafishinglicense,tokeepyoursnookyou
needasnookpermit.Oh,andmeasurecarefully.Itmustbebetween
28and33inches.Oryoucouldjustgivethemyourboat.(FWC)
BePrepared:Here’showtohelpaBoyScoutgethisflyfishing
meritbadge.He’llneedtocast30-feet,catchandcleanafish,know
theimportantknots.Figureonabout18-20hoursplusafishingtrip.
(IFFF)
Flyfishing’sAnnieOakley.She“canstillsliceapieceoffruitwitha
cast.”ThisisJoanSalvatoWulff,ofcourse.(Angler’sJournal)
Watch.Practice.Watchagain.LeftyKrehandEdJaworowski,patronsaintsofthemagic
wandcrowd,haveproducedwhatsomesayisthebestflycastinginstructionalvideoever.The
CompleteCastis,imho,theeasiesttounderstandshow-and-tellyou’lleverseeonascreen.
LeftyandEdteach25flycasttechniques.Here’smydrill:Iwatchalesson,thenIpracticeitin
thebackyard.ThesetwoDVDsandmyBlu-Rayareratherintimate.(Amazon)
Lookingdownfromabove.Manateesaredoingwell.Ateamof16observersfrom11
organizationscounted3,292manateesonFlorida'seastcoastandanother2,958onthewest
coastofthestate.(TheFishingWire)
Redsnapperonthefly?No,notlikely,butthatdoesn’tmeanwecan’tsupportouroffshore
anglerbrethrenwhoarelosingthesectorseparationbattlewithcommercialsand–thisisthe
partthatsticksinmygullet--theirnewallies--charterboats.Aaarrrgghhh.Here’sthe
sausage-makinghistoryandinsightsfromSportFishingMagazineEditorDougOlanderand
fisheriesscientistDr.BobShipp.(CoastalConservation)
Howtomakeyourownflytyingglue.CraigSmothers,oneFlorida’smostinnovativeflytiers
andoneofourclub’sSpecialFriends,haspostedaYouTubevideoexplaininghowtomakeour
ownTyingGlueforbuildingflies.ThisisdifferentfromFinishingGlueusedtoputashiny
finishonthefly.Worththewatch.(YouTube)
Keeptheheatondecision-makers.Pollutedwaterandlackofcleanflowsoffreshwater
continuetomakevastareasofSouthFloridavulnerabletoalgalblooms,browntide,seagrass
die-offs,fishkillsandthelistgoeson.AlPitcherhaspointedustoalinkwithanupdateonthe
problemsandwhatwecandoaboutit.(BonefishandTarponTrust)
LetuspausetogivethankstounderwatervideocamerasandunderwaterLEDlights.
Thisgoing-viralvideoofseatroutfeedingwasrecordedinoneofourGulfpasses.Takeaway:
speckledtroutmovelightingfastwhentheyfeed.PatDamicosentthisin.(FieldandStream)
Bill
March2016
ONTHEFLY
Page26