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| Volume 10 • Issue 9 • September 2005 | ||
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Fly-Fishing for Heaven
Not often, but occasionally, one may run across a philosophical thought about fly-fishing as being some sort of religious experience. In fact, several times I have had people curious about our sport query me on this concept. Once a news reporter asked me if fly-fishing was not unlike a religion. As I recall, my reply was that it all depended upon one's priorities–what I could say was that it was an extraordinarily pleasant way to spend leisure time. I thought the concept of fly-fishing as a religion seemed a bit excessive. Now, after entering a new century five years ago, so many dramatic, nerve wracking changes have taken place in all aspects of life, I have begun to wonder just what station in our lives a healthy fly-fishing experience actually does play.
Any mention of politics or religion in a variety of situations raises a red flag . In some cases, friendships have ended in disputes over these two emotionally-loaded subjects. On a larger scale, countries and people have gone to war repeatedly throughout the centuries in conflict over their beliefs. Just watch the news on television or read in today's newspapers for a current update. Amidst this background, the following thoughts are not meant to be argumentative but, instead, pleasant recollections incorporating positive experiences with fly-fishing that tend to counter many of the depressing happenings going on in the world today.
In recalling the years since I first bought a cheap rod, reel, and line and started practicing casting in my yard, I cannot, for the life of me, recall a single mean-spirited or destructive fly-fishing experience. Instead, my memories bring forth tranquil scenes, exciting adventures, new friendships, thrilling strikes on my line, an osprey flying overhead, deer crossing the river, magnificent sunsets. . . There is no end to the healthy, healing thoughts that flow somewhat like pretty casts landing just where they should upon the water. Yes, I've had a few dunkings, tangled lines, and downright dangerous episodes escaping a dismal ending, or coming within a hair of being bitten by a cottonmouth, but even these have added lessons in patience and exercises in keeping a clear mind when a crisis presents itself. Are such things a religion? Not quite, I think, but maybe connected.
As I watch the news and see fanatics exploding themselves to kill innocent men, women, and children in the name of their religion, I begin to think. As I listen to persons of various beliefs profess to know all of the answers while trying to impose their convictions upon others, I cannot help thinking how wonderful it would be if all humans living on this tiny speck in the vastness of space would simply try to live productive, healthy, happy, thoughtful, caring lives while leaving others alone. It would be kind of like heaven, I suppose. I could argue that all malcontents should take up fly-fishing, an idea far-fetched but thought provoking.
Speaking of religion, consider all of the various concepts as to what heaven might be. To some, it is a place where men have harems of beautiful women (pity the poor women); to others, a place of golden streets and marble buildings with people in white robes; and yet even for others, a grand family reunion in the sky. People and individuals scattered about this earth have almost limitless visions of an afterlife -- some most noble; others, a bit selfish, like becoming members of a millionaires' country club or winning the lottery and never having to worry about anything. Some of the pictures conceived in the human brain challenge the imagination to its limits. Please hold on. I'll tie this all into what it has to do with fly-fishing shortly.
Not trying to be sacrilegious, it might be nice to think that all humans may believe as they choose if they would stop the fussing, fighting, and cutting down those who disagree with them. Unfortunately, the odds are awesomely against that happening. For just a moment, picture this: lives lived near the banks of a fine, flowing stream framed in a panorama of various oak trees and a scattering of juniper spread among gently rolling hills. The climate is any one of the four seasons, but each is moderate in temperament. There are nearby friendly neighbors with various backgrounds who, most noticeably, tend to live in peace with each other. Food, clothing, shelter -- all of the basics of life are present. To enhance the picture, numerous opportunities to cast a fly are close at hand. If one chooses, he or she may choose to venture far afield to absorb scenic beauty in great variety while following the call of a fly-fishing urge. At least for a time, such an environment might be a little bit like heaven. Is it a religion received with both thankfulness and delight such a situation? Probably not, but it triggers feelings of a closeness to something that is extraordinarily powerful, and good.
When I began this essay, a storm was developing in the Caribbean. Little did I know that before my thoughts on all of the above could be concluded, a vicious storm would bring most awful, heart-rending, crushing results to part of our land. We do not yet know the fullness of its pain and devastation. It has been a taste of hell. Perhaps, it brings a fitting end to this bit of philosophizing.
Is fly-fishing like a religion? Currently, my answer would be: not exactly, but it's kind of like a sweet taste of heaven. All might agree that in dramatic contrast, we have also had a taste of hell brought about by an unforgiving aspect of nature–the gut-wrenching destruction delivered to our shore by the hurricane, Katrina. After watching a collage of depressing scenes saturated with agony and destruction, we might all benefit from a morning, an afternoon, a day of fly-fishing. It would be a good time to take a sip from a little bit of heaven. We'll make out casts with a prayer of anticipation and hope for a reward at the end of our line.
–M.A.
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August Meeting Notes
Last month's meeting proceeded with a variety of topics covered in several portions of the evening's lineup. President Dennis Glenewinkel initiated our round of introducing ourselves as we sported new name tags made and donated for our members by John Floyd.
The first item discussed largely involved topics covered at the August board of director's meeting. There has been some question as to how the fly-fishing portion of this year's Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Expo 2005 would be conducted. Apparently some shuffling within TP&W has raised the question of whether fly-fishing would be included this year. If so, would there be a fly-fishing tent, as has always been the practice in the past? Our directors approved an effort to actively encourage a movement to keep the tent and to possibly enlist assistance from business entities willing to help with any expenses. At this time, it appears that there will be a tent, but some of the previous activities in which a dozen or so fly-fishing clubs across the state are involved may be on a more limited status, with most of the action taking place around the individual tables each club sets up. What each club decides to do apparently will be left up to that club. This situation may have been resolved by the time you receive this newsletter.
President Glenewinkel also called attention to a new insurance policy offered through the efforts of the Federation of Fly Fishers that was accepted for the club pending approval by our members. It would cover us when we conduct activities, primarily instructive, such as Camp La Junta if a member or the club should be sued for some reason or another by any participant under our supervision. A vote of club members present -- about fifteen or more -- passed approval to subscribe to this coverage.
Dick Koon,our treasurer, wasn't present for this meeting with his usual proficient report, but it may be safely assumed that our healthy financial standing is being maintained.
Rick Wilson, cold water committee chairman, gave some statistics on the numbers of fly-fishers signing in at our two trout locations indicating that both Crabapple Creek and the Double B were used enough to warrant stocking again this coming trout season. A third location will also be considered.
Mike Andrews, membership committee chairman, called attention to the new membership tags and an experiment in putting all tags on the entrance table and let those present pick theirs up and turn them in at the end of the meeting. This will serve two purposes if the experiment proves effective. It will help us when we try to recall someone's name and also help keep an accurate record of our attendance. The secretary also asked for anyone who has changed his/her e-mail address to let your newsletter editor know. Also, there is a possibility that the club would like to hold the annual Christmas Meeting at the new Cabela's meeting room. We have been invited to use the facility just outside of Austin. Of course, last year's gathering at the Lazy L was quite popular. The matter will be acted soon. You may post your preference on our web site's discussion board. Finally, Mike will be calling or e-mailing the last list of membership committee members to meet at 6:30 before our September club meeting at UGRA to discuss briefly some goals for late 2005 and the year 2006.
Roy Hickman, salt water committee chairman, announced plans a fine video on salt water fly- fishing along with an account by Danny Wheat of his recent fishing trip out west for the September program. Also, Rick Wilson volunteered that he had had a very successful outing at the Lighthouse Trail State Park on the coast recently using Clouser Minnows. He also described a very successful rigging that places a split shot about three feet above the fly and a floating strike indicator with a hole through its center large enough for it to slide up or down as the depth to the bottom underwater varies.
Doc Harrison, education committee chairman, thanked those who have helped him in measuring up and satisfying all of the requirements for our club to be accepted by the FFF as adopting a stream to keep clean and environmentally sound. That stream includes the north and south forks of the Guadalupe River. A handsome permanent sign has been placed near the bridge just outside of Hunt, Texas, calling attention to our efforts and encouraging the public to respect the project. Doc said that a formal dedication for this project may soon be arranged. He also stated that Ronnie Ray of TP&W was in charge of the fly-fishing segment of Expo 2005 and had arranged special fly tying table for very young children at the event to have some form of participation. The good doctor also has arranged three rooms for those in our club who will be attending the Southern Council FFF's Conclave in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Finally, he said that Blanco State Park was seeking a fly-fishing program for both adults and youths during a November 12th event.
Following Doc's report, President Glenewinkel announced that the Board of Directors had voted to pay expenses for Doctor Harrison and Mike Andrews to attend the Southern Council's Conclave. Needless to say, both men are honored by this development. The good Lord willing, both will bring back a report of the events and use every opportunity to actively represent our club in a positive manner. It is an honor much appreciated.
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The
Program: Our program for this meeting consisted of two parts: Gene Smith
presented an overview of this year's Octoberfisch, set for October 21st
through 23rd at Keller's Riverside Store ten miles south of Mason (rain
or shine). Gene painted an enticing picturethe upcoming affair. Rather than try
to capture the flavor of its offerings and activities, your editor encourages
readers to see a fine description on the Fredericksburg club's website. It gives
all the details including pictures, a schedule of events, camping facilities,
etc. Take a look at www.fredericksburgflyfishers.org.
Bob Miller, who has handled some big fly-fishing projects through the years and continues to organize important events with the Texas Arts and Crafts Festival, was kind enough to share some pointers to pull together a spring event lining up some well-known fly fisher to conduct a workshop over a weekend at one of several possible locations that have the proper facilities for food and housing. The goal would be to build up funds for the Guadalupe Bass restoration project while at the same time offering a nice opportunity to get to know and learn from a fly-fishing celebrity.
Mention must be made that Bob has been successful twice in scheduling Dave and Emily Whitlock to conduct classes and workshops in past years –yes, Emily is a delightful person and is extremely skilled and well qualified to add a bonus to the Whitlock events. In fall of 1997, Bob presented A Weekend on the River with Dave and Emily, which was held at Camp Rio Vista, and even though heavy rain occurred, the "boot camp" was a fine success. At the last year of Bob's Texas Fly Fishing Show in San Marcos, Dave and Emily were a main attraction and, as expected, a big hit. Naturally, they were the first to came to mind as Bob talked to us.
Bob's estimate was that it would require about $400 per each person signing up for the planned event to raise enough to attract the Whitlocks. He said that it would be ideal to find a big name that hasn't been to Texas for a long time. The problem is that many of the fly-fishing gurus present an ego problem. This is not true of the Whitlocks, who are so engaging in their attempts to teach that they would probably be a good choice despite their being in Texas rather frequently.
One certified FFF instructor for each five or six persons signing up for the workshop would be required in addition to a good stretch of water shallow enough to accommodate thirty anglers or so. Bob used Camp Rio Vista in 1997. The main problem he had in addition to the rain was that the beds were too short. They were designed for young people. Weather is a factor, and it would be an important consideration in scheduling such an event. Bob went into further detail and answered questions. He volunteered to offer his services in helping the club organize such a project. The man who was bold enough to organize and run the Texas Fly Fishing Show for a number of years did a dandy joy of filling us in. We will probably be calling upon him in the near future.[Since the August meeting, Bob, Doc Harrison, and your editor visited camp La Junta to check things out. It passed all requirements as for a suitable facility. We shall see how things unfold. You will undoubtedly hear more about this project at the September meeting.]
From FFF ClubWire. . . TYING CORNER
North Fork Special
Article by Eric Schubert–North Idaho Fly Casters Club
One of the great bonuses of being a member of the North Idaho Fly Casters Club is the opportunity to experience some great educational programs. During our February meeting I had the opportunity to meet and discuss fly-fishing and fly tying issues with our guest speaker, Tim Wade. Tim left the hustle-bustle life of California to go fly-fishing in Wyoming, and ultimately decided to stay.
He has been a guide and outfitter in Cody, Wyoming, since 1984. Tim opened the North Fork Anglers Shop as a retail location in Cody in 1987, where it remains today. Throughout his fly-fishing career, Tim has designed many fly patterns that have been great producers for trout, panfish, and salmon. Our Fly-of-the-Month, the North Fork Special, comes from the vise of Tim Wade. This pattern has become so successful that the largest fly pattern supplier in the world, Umpqua Feather Merchants, is now making this fly available commercially.
Tim originally designed the North Fork Special to represent a general purpose nymph. This came about while guiding anglers over the fussy Yellowstone cutthroat in Yellowstone Park in the early 90's. Somehow, after many changes to the design, he came up with a bead head nymph that works extremely well.
The pattern morphed into a "swimming" nymph due to the angle and set of the goose biots for the tail. For the fly Tier, achieving this angle is one of the keys to the success of this fly. The fly actually rocks back and forth as it sinks. Fishing it in current amplifies the movement and attracts big trout on a regular basis. The North Fork Special has been called "a Prince Nymph went to Harvard" by some of Tim's clients.
The fly has worked well on steelhead and trout in the East, especially on tributaries of the Great Lakes. When tied in a black color, the North Fork Special also works on farm ponds and on panfish and bass when fished around weedbeds, using a slow retrieve.
Tim has experimented with varying colors and has found that one only needs a natural hare's ear version (caddis and golden stonefly imitation) as well as the original black. Most of the time sizes 10-12 will work. It works successfully in tail waters like the Green and San Juan Rivers, where midges are the norm, and scores big brown trout when fishing it deep under an indicator.
How the fly is presented doesn't really matter, although dead-drift presentation is how the fly was originally intended.
Since this fly has numerous tying steps, I suggest that you go to Tim Wade's website at http://www.northforkanglers.com for a close-up photograph of this potentially deadly fishing fly.
The North Fork Special looks like a fly pattern that may find great success in our area. While you're getting your gear ready for the fly-fishing season, tie up some North Fork Specials for your fly box.
September Meeting: Thursday, September 15th, 2005; 7:00 P.M.; UGRA offices at 125 W. Lehmann Drive (Behind the Texas Dept. Of Public Safety on South Sidney Baker); Program:an outstanding video on salt water fly-fishing, plus Danny Wheat reporting on his latest fishing expedition in Colorado and southwestern New Mexico; Business: Reports from officers and committee chairmen and discussions on various projects.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Texas Parks and Wildlife EXPO 2005, October 1st and 2nd, at TP&W Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas. -- All sorts of outdoor sports represented with booths, tents, buildings containing displays, instruction, items for sale, food, etc. An impressive array of outdoor events for the whole family.
Southern Council FFF Conclave in Mountain Home, Arkansas, October 6th-8th -- a gathering of all Southern Council Clubs with numerous meetings, workshops, displays, visiting, and fishing.
Fredericksburg Fly Fishers Octoberfisch at Keller's Riverside Store ten miles south of Mason, October 21st- 23rd (see article in this issue of the newsletter)–workshops, displays, food, camping, fishing, etc.