While I’ll be back with a regular scheduled post Thursday morning, I wanted to take a moment to highlight four upcoming events and a good cause. While the first four are Louisiana specific, I’d urge everyone to take the time to read through the end. The good cause is well worth supporting, and you just might win one heck of a trip!
Native Black Bass of the Southeast with Ben Roussel (RSFF; 08/08/22)
If you happen to be in Baton Rouge Monday night (August 8th), be sure to stop by the Broadmoor Methodist Church to check out Ben Roussel’s talk on Native Black Bass (Micropterus sp) of the Southeast.
Ben has traveled extensively across the southeast targeting many of the 19 recognized (and provisional) species with many of these travels documented on his blog, Mountains to Marsh. While I’ll be in central Louisiana and unable to attend (more below), I highly recommend checking out Ben’s talk if you’re in town.
Tying Clouser’s Swimming Nymph (KFF Fly Tying; 08/08/22)
As referenced above, I won’t be in attendance at Ben’s RSFF talk Monday evening. Instead, I’ll be up in Alexandria leading the Kisatchie Fly Fishers‘ monthly tying session.
We’ll be tying one of my favorite warmwater patterns, Bob Clouser’s Swimming Nymph. Originally designed to target smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna River, the pattern has become a favorite of carp anglers and has quickly become my go-to when targeting gar. Be sure to stop by the Rapides Westside Library if you’re in Alexandria or join the club to participate remotely via Zoom.
Flies & Flights (Rally Cap Brewing; 08/17/2022)
We’ll be back at Rally Cap Brewing for Flies & Flights on Wednesday, August 17th, beginning at 7PM. This will be our fourth straight month hosting this event, and we’re hoping for a larger crowd as we’ve shifted to the third Wednesday of each month to distance the event from RSFF’s general meeting.
Whether you’re an expert tyer, looking to learn or just interested in having a beer with fellow anglers, be sure to stop by. We’ll have a few extra vises on hand and materials availabe for those looking to learn.
Acadiana Open Fly Tying Night (Acadiana Fly Rodders; 08/23/22)
For those in Lafayette, keep an eye out for the next Acadiana Open Fly Tying Night. A collaboration between Pack & Paddle and the Acadiana Fly Rodders, the inaugural meet was held last month in the Pack & Paddle Outpost (behind the main shop).
While no date is set for the next meeting, I’d highly recommend adding it to your calendar when the time comes. With folks coming from as far as Alexandria and Sorrento, it’s a great opportunity for tyers from a number of local clubs to come together to swap tying tips and fish stories.
Update: The next Acadiana Open Fly Tying Night is slated for 08/23/22!! Sign up here if you’re interested in joining in.
A good cause: CRAFF-ACPM’s 2022 Fundraiser
As promised, one final note regarding a good cause. The Costa Rica Association of Fly Fishers (CRAFF-ACPM) is currently holding their 2022 Fundraiser. A non-profit dedicated to conservation and fly fishing education, CRAFF is currently seeking donations to help with the initiation of their fly fishing education program including the construction of a casting pond.
An ambitious and worthwhile undertaking, CRAFF is sweetening the pot for potential donors with the prospect of winning one of two great prizes!
- Those donating at least $50 will be entered into a drawing for a custom Bamboo Rod from Brandileone Rods.
- Those donating $100 will also be entered in a second drawing for a 3-day (2 days Bluewater/1 day River) fishing trip for 3 Anglers!
The fundraiser will run through October 15, 2022, so be sure to contribute here if you’d like to support a great cause and have the chance to win a pair of great prizes.
I think that about covers things for now. Hope to see many of you at one or more of the events above! And, please be sure to check out the CRAFF fundraising link! They’re a great group of anglers doing excellent work to further the sport of fly fishing and support conservation.
Until next time. Tight lines!
Chris