Volume 11 • Issue 7 • July 2006

Strong Surge of Activities Sweeps Through Club

Toward the ending of spring and the beginning of summer, those of our members who follow what's going on in our club closely may have noticed that we have more plates on the table nowadays. Let's take stock.

First of all, we can all feel a sense of pride and pleasure in nominating Dr. Guy Harrison for the Conservationist of the Year Award that will soon selected by member clubs in the Southern Council Federation of Fly Fishers.  Included in this issue of our newsletter is formal notification sent to Brian Ellis, vice-president of communications for the Southern Council making our nomination official. The letter succinctly presents Doc's resolve in pursuing the goal of reviving a healthy population of native Guadalupe bass for the state of Texas, beginning at the headwaters of our beloved Guadalupe River. Take note of this letter since it gives a convincing background leading up to the nomination. We expect other letters of support from some of the influential persons and organizations with whom Doc conferred to provide the necessary interest and impetus to initiate this very worthy endeavor. On June 29^th, all nomination letters will be posted on the Southern Council web site along with the voting ballot, which must be returned by September 13^th. Clubs and officers discuss nominations and make voting decisions between June 28th and September 13^th. The awards banquet will be on October 7th, 2006. Our Dynamo Doc could well qualify for other awards, but he felt that conservation was most significant at this time. We will await the results with great interest. This makes for an exciting step in honoring our most honored friend and arguably the most active member in our club.

Another interesting experiment that we undertook at our June monthly meeting was the outdoor casting instruction that took place on the large field in front of the Dept.of Public Safety Building. It was something of a gamble to see if many would turn out with rods and reels ready to participate in this departure from our standard programs. It was a success! Over twenty persons were on the field casting as traffic on South Sidney Baker had a chance to watch a lot of lines making their signature curves through the air. The proof is in the pudding that we can do this, and it may offer future opportunities to hold periodic casting sessions from time to time as we take on new members who may be seeking instruction and/or provide casting contests to hone the skills of veteran casters.

Speaking of new members, our club has been picking up several at each meeting over the past several months. Our board of directors has encouraged current members to bring guests to our meetings and some of the events in which we are involved. The call has been taken to heart by enough of individuals to be paying off not only with increased membership but also in the number of females showing up at out meetings. In June there were four among our midst, the most observed at a regular meeting, except for our Christmas Dinner Banquet since the club was first founded back in fall of 1994. A monthly announcement in the Kerrville Daily Times along with increased word of mouth and events that our club has been involved in that have had articles in the paper seem to be working.

Among those events have been the recent releasing of pure Guadalupe bass into the upper branches of the Guadalupe River in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Research Station at Mountain Home. This project is another bright star in our club's activities with not only local publicity but national attention through the Federation of Fly Fishers. This ongoing goal of preserving our state fish should continue to be an exceptionally rewarding endeavor of which our Hill Country

Fly Fishers may take much satisfaction along with ever recurring effort to truly repopulate our fine Hill Country waters with this unique fish that fights with remarkable zest and is a strikingly beautiful specimen that embodies the spirit of our area hills, rivers, and streams.

Our board of directors headed by club president, Danny Wheat, has been especially active this year in venturing into new approaches to longstanding undertakings. One of the best examples is with  club outings. Danny, along with Bill Elgin, have both been especially active in offering opportunities for interested members to take outings to the Gulf Coast–two or three within the past several months–and with a boost from Ed Stach to even venture an outing to Belize for a rare opportunity to experience fly-fishing that is rarely known among our local anglers. Also, Danny and "Doc" led two groups of our anglers–"Doc" in the morning and Danny in the evening–to all of the crossings on the north branch of the upper Guadalupe, where a half dozen at each session chose locations and fished until meal time, when all gathered to eat at the Dam Store in Hunt. And though still rare for some mystical reason, several posts are being made on our website's message board giving fishing reports and seeking fishing buddies for individual outings. The website offers grand way to get together with others and to share fishing experiences, but is still, at least on our club's website, struggling to get off the ground. Anyone have ideas for activating this avenue? Nevertheless, our outings have increased noticeably and offer promise for even bolder ventures.

Three more developments have taken place recently that are worth mentioning. First, is that our board of directors is now meeting once a month instead of every other month. The result is that our officers are keeping closer tab on what's going on with the club and more ideas are being launched. Another change is that during June and July when our meetings have been held at Camp La Junta due to our Junior Anglers' Youth Program, we will now have a separate meeting for our club apart from the La Junta dates. A third improvement is that our whole year's schedule is available on our website so that we are able to check out all of the planned events up through 2006. If you're not sure of what's taking place each month, just consult the website calendar. Of course, some new unscheduled things will crop up, but that's a good reason for checking out our website message board.

The bottom line is that our club is on the move. Exciting, interesting things are taking place. Make sure that you are a part of what's going on–and bring someone along with you.

–M.A.

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"It was a gentle river,  and I was in a gentle mood, and I felt a rare harmony with my surroundings that one does not often feel. I had almost forgotten that my purpose in coming had been to take a fish from the river; ironically I felt as if the river had captured me instead, hypnotizing with its rhythmic movements and dull reflected evening light, its deep sounds and its quiet friendliness. It sang a subtle siren's song and I had fallen victim to its wiles."

–from Steve Raymond, The Year of the Angler (New York, Simon & Schuster Inc, 1983)

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July Meeting: Thursday, July 20, 2006; 7:00 P.M.; UGRA offices at 125 W. Lehmann Drive (behind the Texas Dept. of Public Safety on South Sidney Baker); Business: reports by committees and other items of interest and importance; Program: a report on the fly-fishing outing to Belize for tarpon, permit, and bonefish, headed by Ed Stach, followed by a video by Jim and Kelly Watts. [Junior Anglers instruction at Camp La Junta will pick up again from July 17^th to 21^st with fishing on the 27^th and 28^th.]

Nominating Letter for "Doc"
as Conservationist of the Year
Southern Council, Federation Of Fly Fishers

P.O. Box 2106
Kerrville, Texas 78029

June 1, 2006

Brian Ellis, FFF VP, Communictions
2216 Viewroyal Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63131

Dear Brian:

The Hill Country Fly Fishers of Kerrville, Texas, wish to present an extraordinary individual for nomination in the FFF Southern Council's Conservation Award category. Dr. Guy Harrison —"Doc" to us— has led not only our club but also several state governmental entities, local civic organizations, and private individuals in an effort that is both unique and rewarding in many respects. Allow me to elaborate.

Two years ago, following several programs presented at our monthly club meetings during that period by various representatives of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., an unusual revelation emerged. We were surprised to discover that our state fish, the Guadalupe bass, was on the verge of being wiped out due to its hybridization with smallmouth bass that had been introduced into our state back in the 1970's. The situation's urgency was magnified by the fact that the Guadalupe bass exists nowhere else on earth that we know of except in the Hill Country of Texas.

Responding to the critical nature of this information, our nominee, Dr. Harrison, moved to rouse support of our club in an effort to approach influential individuals, relevant organizations, and appropriate governmental agencies to help restore the genetic integrity of this unique and fine sporting fish–indeed, the state fish of Texas–as a pure strain in its native habitat.

Following discussions with Dr. Gary Garrett of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Heart of the Hills Research Center at Mt. Home, Texas, "Doc," along with Dr. Garrett pursued the objective further with the possibility of using pure Guadalupe bass fingerlings to place in the least tainted waters of the Guadalupe River. The north and south branches at the sources of the river offered the best chances for success. There, hybridization was not widespread. The goal would be to increase the gene pool of pure Guadalupe bass to the point of making any smallmouth strain virtually insignificant. The Mt. Home facility was equipped to raise pure Guadalupe bass fingerlings from those occurring naturally in Johnson Fork Creek, which flows through the research center's property. This first effort would involve roughly 50,000 fingerlings and would increase over a five-year period plan to give a fair evaluation of the program's success. The project would be the start of an endeavor that could be continued over a period of years to revive significant populations of pure Guadalupe bass in numerous areas throughout the Texas Hill Country.

In order to initiate the above plan, "Doc" contacted numerous individuals in person, by phone, and by e-mail to promote both the concept itself, to solicit financial contributions, and to muster dedication by individuals to carry out other aspects of the project. Success resulted in all of the areas from such organizations as the national Federation of Fly Fishers, the Southern Council, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other Texas fly fishing clubs. As of this date, some $15,000 has been committed from the above sources. In June of this year, the first batch of fingerlings–close to 50,000–were released into the north and south forks of the Guadalupe River. "Doc" Harrison, almost single-handedly, was the driving factor in initiating and in bringing together the ingredients of this ongoing plan. The goal is to release approximately 225,000 Guadalupe bass each year for the next five years. We are optimistic that the preservation of this beautiful, truly unique fish will now allow a chance for it to occupy its native habitat without meeting the fate of extinction. "Doc" didn't let the opportunity to save this gem of a creature pass. He acted.

Dr. Guy Harrison is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute (VMI) with his M.D. degree from the University of Virginia. He is a WW II veteran, who later followed his medical career as a professor of pediatrics at the Baylor College of Medicine and as senior member of the Pediatrics Lung Division of Texas Children's Hospital. After retiring, he was honored to become a Professor Emeritus, Baylor College of Medicine.

Not limiting his activities to conservation, Dr. Harrison has also devoted countless hours in organizing and leading fly-fishing youth activities at Camp La Junta near Hunt, Texas, along with recruiting and spearheading activities at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's Junior Angler Program. His energy carries him into every aspect of fly-fishing. He could well qualify in other areas for FFF awards, but he felt the Conservation Award was most appropriate. His leadership role in the Guadalupe bass project, at this time, is most significant. It is the sole effort of which we are aware that is being pursued actively to turn the tide for saving the Guadalupe bass. "Doc" was once overheard to remark that " the only way you can cause something to happen is to make a nuisance of yourself." Well, the good doctor is absolutely the most productive and admirable "nuisance" that we have. We proudly nominate him as the Southern Council's Conservationist of the Year.

Sincerely,

Mike Andrews
Contact for the Hill Country Fly Fishers

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From FFF ClubWire. . .

A Formula for Determining the Weight of Fish
Submitted by Marty Seldon

The use of formulas to make estimates is common in medical practice and many other fields. They generally use scattered data points and yield approximate results. In determining the weight of fish, the value of the constant (K) is adjusted dependent on the species of fish and how fat or skinny it is. The formula for fish weight is: The (Girth) squared in inches, times the (Length) in inches, divided by a (Constant=K) is equal to (=) the weight of the fish in pounds.

For slender fish similar to trout: K=900

For fat bodied fish such as a permit or a fat black bass: K=800

Fat bass example: Girth = 18 in. and the length = 17 in.

18 x 18 = 324
324 x 17 = 5,508
5,508/800 = 6.9 pounds, the weight of the fish.

Trout example: Girth = 13 in. and the length = 16 in.

13 x 13 = 169
69 x 16 = 2,704
2,704/900 = 3 pounds, the weight of the fish.

Well known angler, author, and FFF Silver King Award winner, Dan Blanton, advises that the Constant K = 800/27.8 should be used for bonefish, tarpon, redfish, striped bass, and similar species. Barracuda, pike, and trout that are not excessively fat or girthy are more accurately described as Pacific bonefish that have less girth by using K = 900/31.1.

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URBAN ANGLER
By Robert Prytula
Taken from the Mid-South Fly Fishers Newsletter

For most fly fishers, the thought of getting away to a gin-clear stream up in the mountains away from civilization is what they know and desire. They long for the fog on the water, masking the rising sun. They listen for the kingfishers through the gray still of the cool morning. The sound of birds waking up, the cool, wet air and the rush of a cold trout stream seems to put them at ease. I, too, often desire this feeling and, as most, don't seem to get enough of it. Monday through Friday is reserved for work and the weekends are often reserved for activities other than fishing.

An article I wrote several years ago mentioned taking a mini-vacation by keeping a rod and a box of flies in your vehicle and fishing on your way home. You could fish after work, before work, or at lunchtime, depending on your schedule. I decided to take my own advice and I have now become a true urban angler.

What is an urban angler? Where do you meet and how does one become an urban angler? Is there special equipment and how much are the dues for this unique club?

I define an urban angler as a fly fisher who loves to fish and would like to do it as often as possible, but can't get to a mountain trout stream in a short period of time. This eclectic organization  meets at any location that may or may not have fish. No special equipment is needed. What you have already will do nicely.The dues. . . sometimes they can be stiff.

Keep in mind the following:

• You don't have to drive 2–4 hours just to fly fish.
• You can go several times a week, including daily trips after work or on your way home from dropping off the kids at a friend's house.
• You get to practice your casting and keep your form so you don't slap the water in front of other fly fishers.
• You learn new techniques that will improve your overall fly fishing ability and success.
• You can take a break from tying dozens of #20 flies and tie bigger bass and bream flies.
• You get to keep spending money to buy more gear.

Moving to an areas surrounded by lakes, streams and other waters has made me a true urban angler. Deb and I live on Chickamauga Lake and the Tennessee River runs right through town. There are countless streams that feed into the lakes and rivers of the area. I can drive less than five minutes and be wetting a line somewhere nearby. Being in a city or metropolitan area should not stop you. Shelby County has countless parks with ponds, rivers, streams and lakes. You probably will not catch trout, but if you can't get to a trout stream, anything pulling on the end of the fly line is a welcome surprise. I think we are all guilty of driving over bridges with a small stream under it and saying, "Someday, I ought to try to fish there." Sound familiar? What about that pond on the golf course? Well, today is the day. Go fish.

Unless you are aware of ten pound bass in a local pond (and if you are, PLEASE let me know where you are fishing).You can probably get away with using a 4 to 6-wt rod. These rods will do just fine for catching bream, bass and many other species common to streams. Poppers and Woolly Buggers will probably be the flies of choice.

Dues. These will vary depending on your location. Smaller dues are the hot weather, sunburned neck from an afternoon of fishing, and a sore arm from catching so many bream. The middle range of dues includes scrapes, twisted ankles from hopping across rocks, and breaking off a big fish. Larger dues include snakebite, frostbite, a hook in the finger or hand, and watching helplessly as a HUGE fish snaps your tippet like thread. Unfortunately, dues are mandatory.

FFF International Fly fishing Show & Conclave Upcoming on July 25th–29th, Bozeman, MT

This year the theme is "Celebrate Fly Fishing Under The Big Sky." If you haven't planned to come to Bozeman, Montana, or pre-registered for the Conclave, it's not too late! The dates are July 25th–29th. This year holds more than 150 workshops & free programs, annual youth fishing camp, women's program, more than 150 fly tying demonstrations, casting games, used book sale and book signings, auction, raffles, Danish casting games, photo contest, Spring Creek fishing, exhibit hall to bring you the latest in equipment, daily activities for the whole family and much more! You will not be bored. To get more information and pre-register click on http://www.fedflyfishers.org/conclave2006/begin.php.

If you have a great article that you would like to share with other clubs, please submit to Barbara Wuebber, ClubWire editor at fffoffice@fedflyfishers.org.  We want to hear from you.

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