Sunday, December 20, 2020

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.

Saturday, November 28, 2020

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!

Sunday, November 1, 2020

November Virtual Tying Tuesdays

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.

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Great Fall weather for this Saturday's Rio Rodeo

12th annual Rio Grande Rodeo
Saturday, October 3, 2020

7:00am to 8:00am - registration
8:00am to 12 noon - fishing
Shelter #2, LaFreniere Park, Metairie
$15 entry fee includes lunch & refreshments

A reminder that this Saturday, it's the annual Rio Grande Rodeo sponsored by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club. This is a fly fishing only tournament for the Rio Grande cichlid that inhabits the waters of Orleans and Jefferson parishes. Two categories will be awarded: Longest Rio and Most Rios.

While most fishing events have been cancelled since March due to Covid-19 or more recently, tropical storms, the Rio Rodeo is set to go on. Weather should be ideal - forecast calls for SUNNY and high of 72 degrees! Participants are asked to wear masks when gathering and maintain proper distancing.

Although the early registration is passed, onsite registration is available from 7:00am to 8:00am at tourney headquarters at LaFreniere Park. Look for the NOFF signs at Shelter #2. To speed up registration, please print and fill out the registration form below and bring it with you that morning.

Registration Form

After registration, you may branch out to any PUBLIC accessible fishing waters in the boundary area (Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines parishes). Just make sure to be back for the 12 noon weigh-in deadline.  

Raffle.  We'll be holding a raffle to help Casting For Recovery. The prize is a TFO fly rod. Tickets are $10 each, or $20 for 3 tickets.

Saturday, September 19, 2020

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 (twisted), 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

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

September 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


Monday, August 31, 2020

September 8th Tying Tuesday - Mini Death Grip

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.  Also, this session was postponed a week due to impacts from Hurricane Laura. **

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

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

August 18 Tying Tuesday - Rio Bandito

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

Friday, August 7, 2020

Tying the Slumpbuster

At the last Virtual Tying Tuesday, Bill Morrison led our Zoom session on the Slumpbuster. Here's the video on tying John Barr's outstanding streamer fly.


Wednesday, July 29, 2020

August 4th Tying Tuesday - Slumpbuster

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

Thursday, July 23, 2020

July 28th Tying Tuesday - Jitterbee reboot

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 posted below.

* 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 *

The Jitterbee was created by Randy Leonpacher of Baton Rouge. This bream fly is most effective in areas where bees and other flying insects congregate and build nests. Larry will 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.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

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

KFF - AFR clubs joint tying session
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. Also please note the new time.

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 session, 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. 

At a flyfishing show in North Carolina in 1999, Catch Cormier 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 improvements to better "match the conventional hatch". He says the Silli Minnow is the best crappie fly he has ever fished, period!

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.

Friday, June 19, 2020

June 23rd Tying Tuesday

KFF - AFR clubs joint tying session
Tuesday, June 23, 2020

6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

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

This week, Glen 'Catch' Cormier will lead us in tying the "Black Boudreaux", a pattern created by Ray Boudreaux, longtime member of Acadiana Fly Rodders. As Ray tells it, he 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: dry fly hackle (grizzly or black)
  •     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 demo of the fly that will be recorded for later. After the walkthrough, attendees can tie along with Catch and ask questions. We welcome all members to join in and tie, or simply watch!

Sunday, June 7, 2020

June 9th Tying Tuesday

KFF - AFR clubs joint tying session
Tuesday, June 9, 2020

6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

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

This week, Jim Guillory will lead us in tying the Rusty Sparrow. Created by Kyle Moppert of Baton Rouge, it's a 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 is also different in that it 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. We welcome all members to join in and tie, or simply watch!

Friday, May 22, 2020

May 26th Tying Tuesday

KFF - AFR clubs joint tying session
Tuesday, May 26, 2020

6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Please join us for another installment of Virtual Tying 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.

This week, Jim Johnson will lead the group in tying Matt Bennett's Lunch Money.  Matt grew up in southwest Louisiana and currently lives in Austin.  A professional fly tiers, he has been named one of the top fly designers in the country.  His  Lunch Money is a great bite-sized baitfish streamer that works for bass 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!

Monday, May 18, 2020

May 19th online fly tying session - 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.

Monday, May 11, 2020

May 12th online tying - Woolybugger

AFR - KFF online fly tying session
Tuesday, May 12, 2020

6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Acadiana and Kisatchie club members will participate in another joint online tying session this Tuesday.  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.

Monday, May 4, 2020

May 5th online tying - Tips & Techniques Tuesday

AFR - KFF online fly tying session
Tuesday, May 5, 2020

6:00pm
Zoom meeting at http://zoom.us

Acadiana and Kisatchie club members will participate in another joint online tying session this Tuesday.  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.

This week, it's another installment of Tips and Techniques Tuesday.  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!

Thursday, April 30, 2020

AFR teaming with Kisatchie club for "Tying Tuesdays"

With social distancing guidelines in place for the foreseeable future, the Acadiana Fly Rodders have joined up with the Kisatchie Fly Fishers of Alexandria for a series of virtual fly tying sessions using the Zoom video conferencing application.

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.

The Kisatchie club purchased the Zoom Pro Plan, which has unlimited number of sessions, unlimited time duration, and up to 100 participants. After their first session, members of the KFF Tying Committee decided to invite Acadiana club members to participate in, and in some cases lead, future sessions.

Tying sessions will be every Tuesday at 6:00pm. Sessions will alternate each week between a fly pattern (or two) one week, followed by a "Techniques Roundtable" the next week. 

The biggest challenge will be for members to acquire the materials for the upcoming flies to be tied.  Bill Morrison with KFF has a materials list for each fly he has emailed out.  If you did not receive this email, check with Bill, Mike White or Flip Siracusa. Our friends at Pack & Paddle should have most of these materials, but some may have to be ordered.
 
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. Each tying session will begin with the instructor demo tying the fly without pause, so it can be recorded for posting to Youtube. 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.

Meeting Schedule  (all times 6:00pm)

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

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

COVID-19 update: April activities cancelled or postponed

Yesterday, President Trump and members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force met with reporters and announced that federal guidelines such as social distancing will be extended across the country until at least April 30th.

Later, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he is extending the state's stay-at-home order through the end of the month. He also hinted that they could remain in place into May unless the state turns the numbers on reducing the infections of coronavirus.

Needless to say, all regional fly fishing activities for April involving groups is cancelled or postponed.  The events that are postponed have been tentatively rescheduled for Fall dates.

The list of cancellations includes:
- our club meeting scheduled for April 16th
- Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club meeting
- Pack & Paddle fly tying and Fundamentals workshops
- Fly Fish Texas
- the Fly Fishers International Expo set for July (MT)

The list of postponed events includes:
- Reel Recovery retreat to White Lake
- Lake Athens Fly Fishing Festival  (TX)
- Mission 6 Fly Fishing Tournament (Pointe-aux-Chenes)
- Cenla Fly Fishing 101 (Kisatchie club, Forest Hill)

March events that were cancelled include: Sowbug Roundup (AR), Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival (TX), New Orleans City Park Big Bass Rodeo.

Monday, March 9, 2020

Inaugural Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic this weekend!

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.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Big weekend ahead at Pack & Paddle

Pack & Paddle Beer & Gear Social
Friday, March 6th
5:30pm - 8:00pm

Demo Day at Vermillionville
Saturday, March 7th
10am - 2pm

Our friends at Pack & Paddle have a big weekend coming up! It kicks off Friday evening with their annual Beer & Gear Social at the store on 601 East Pinhook. Enjoy local brews provided by industry reps, talk paddling with reps and local paddlers, also fly casting with some of the fly fishing reps from TFO, Scott, Airflo, Freefly.

On Saturday, it's the big Spring Demo Day. Now expanded to include fly rod testing from Scott and TFO. Folks can also try out kayak and paddleboard models from Jackson, Hobie, Native, Bonafide, Hurricane, Swift, NuCanoe, Wenonah, BOTE and others. It's all FREE. There's also deals on selected boats at the demo.

For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Monday, February 10, 2020

LDWF meeting on seatrout Thursday in Lafayette

A reminder that this Thursday, February 13th, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will hold a public meeting here in Lafayette on the future of spotted seatrout (speckled trout) management. The most recent stock assessment indicated spotted seatrout are overfished and undergoing overfishing and changes are necessary in order to recover the stock.

Location is the Lafayette Council Chambers on 705 West University Avenue.  Time is 6:00pm.  We need all conservation-minded anglers to attend and speak up in favor of new regulations that will bring back this once-great fishery.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Houston fly tying festival this Saturday

Hosted by the Texas Fly Fishers of Houston, the 28th annual Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival features the largest group of fly tiers of any event on the Gulf Coast, with over 70 tiers from several states. Once again, it'll be held at Bethany Christian Church Community Center on 3223 Westheimer. 

In addition to the tying demos, there are also several seminars during the day, there are also exhibitors, and demo casting. A barbecue lunch is available for a nominal cost.

Each year, TFF brings in a prominent name in fly tying as their headliner. This year's special guest is Gunnar  Brammer  of  Duluth,  Minnesota, one  of  fly  tying’s  most  amazing  young  tyers. Gunnar specializes in designing  and  tying  predator  flies  for  all  big game  species.  Can visit his website at www.streamersbygunnar.com

For more info on the festival, go to www.texasflyfishers.org.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

LDWF announces public meetings on seatrout management

* Please note updated times and locations *

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced dates for public meetings to be held on spotted seatrout (speckled trout) management. The most recent stock assessment indicated spotted seatrout are overfished and undergoing overfishing and changes are necessary in order to recover the stock.

The slide to the left was part of the presentation given by LDWF biologists at the January meeting of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. It shows that speckled trout spawning stocks have been on the decline since 2010, and below both the conservation target (yellow line) of 14 percent since 2012, and the recruitment threshold (magenta line) of 10.2 percent since 2013.  It also shows what various savings in the spawning biomass or potential ratio (both had similiar graphs) would result in.  CLICK on the images to enlarge.

No action is being taken at this time.  The Commission indicated it would like to hear public input before considering management changes.  LDWF’s biological opinion is that a 20% reduction in harvest is needed in order to recover the stock by 2025 or sooner, but there are a range of options that can achieve that goal.  From the standpoint of Fly Fishers International Gulf Coast Council (FFI-GCC),  the best management goal is one that takes us above the conservation target in the least amount of time.

Management change options recently presented to the LWFC in early January 2020 included:
- creel limit only changes
- minimum size limit changes only
- combined creel and minimum size limit changes
- slot limit only changes
- combined slot limit and creel changes.

Below is a list of meeting dates and locations.  All meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m., except the meeting in Ruston, which will begin at 1:00 p.m.

- Monday, February 10 – North Branch Library, 4130 West Park Ave, Gray
- Wednesday, February 12 – LDWF HQ, Herring Room, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge
- Thursday, February 13 – Lafayette Council Chambers, 705 West University Avenue,  Lafayette
- Wednesday, February 19 – East Bank Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Avenue, Metairie
- Thursday, February 20 – Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 Second Street, Slidell
- Wednesday, February 26 – Calcasieu Parish Extension Office, 7101 Gulf Highway, Lake Charles
- Thursday, February 27 – Rapides Parish Extension Office, 300 Grady Britt Drive, Alexandria
- Saturday, February 29 – Lincoln Parish Library, 910 North Trenton Street, Ruston

LDWF is partnering with Louisiana Sea Grant to use interactive voting technology at these public hearings in response to a survey that will be given at the meetings.  LDWF will also be sending out an email survey identical to the survey that will be administered at public meetings.

For more information, please contact Jason Adriance at 504-284-2032 or jadriance@wlf.la.gov.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Fly Fishing Film Tour coming to PnP February 1st

The 14th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is coming to Pack & Paddle here in Lafayette on Saturday, February 1st.

Prior to the showing, PnP will hold one of their "Fly Fishing Hangouts".  Things kick off at 3:00pm with complimentary beer, soft drinks and snacks.  There's a "MarshMan Sharpshooter Casting Competition" starting at 3:00pm, and an "Iron Fly Tying Competition" at 4:00pm. At 5:00pm, the film festival kicks off.

F3T is a collection of independent short films highlighting the adventure and conservation aspects of our sport. Shot across the US, Canada and around the world, these films celebrate fly fishing in all it's splendor.  F3T is shown at select venues across the country, which each  year bringing new adventures, new spectacular scenery, and new fascinating stories.

The films range from fishing adventures, to tales of conservation, stewardship and friendship.  One of the short films that many are looking forward to is "Time", which profiles Lefty Kreh and Flip Pallot, who both taught and inspired thousands of anglers.

Tickets are $15. Tickets are available at Pack & Paddle or can be purchased online at their website at www.packpaddle.com. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged as the event is limited to 60 tickets and has sold out the last two years. 

Monday, January 13, 2020

January 16th monthly meeting

Acadiana Fly Rodders monthly meeting
Thursday, January 16, 2020
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle Outpost, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette

Come join us for the first meeting of the new year.  Guests are welcome!  On the agenda:  activities for the coming year, trout coming to Girard and Southside parks, fishing reports, and more.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Make plans for the Cenla Festival on January 18th

Cenla Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Festival
Saturday, January 18, 2020

9:00am to 4:00pm
Kees Park, Pineville, LA
FREE admission!

In just two weeks, our neighboring club to the north - Kisatchie Fly Fishers - will host their biennial Festival. Held in even years, the event features seminars, fly tying demonstrations from two dozen of the region's top tiers, fly casting instruction, a Casting Skills Challenge, exhibitors and more.

There's also a giant raffle to raise funds for The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, as well as the KFF club's conservation efforts.

Complete details can be found on the 2020 Cenla Fest page on the KFF club's website at www.kisatchiefly.org.  It includes schedule of events, list of tiers and their bios, list of speakers, map link to the Festival and much more.