Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. is a St. Louis, Missouri based fly-fishing and conservation organization affiliated with the Federation of Fly Fishers whose primary objectives is to improve fisheries and promote the sport of fly fishing.  Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. was a 2005 winner of the coveted McKenzie Cup presented yearly by the Federation of Fly Fishers to the outstanding club in the nation.

President's Message - August, 2010

As my term is starting to wind down, one of the most important tasks I have left to do in my post is helping the board of directors find a nomination committee chair and its members.

This task that I have along with the board to finding the nominating committee chair is not as easy as it may seem. I have sat at this clubs board table for what is going on eight years straight. I have seen officers and directors come and go even in the middle of their terns leaving the active officers and directors in a lurch. As president I have had an unpleasant job of appointing a member to that vacant position. This committee will be taking on the task of building a board of officers and directors that will be the clubs leaders for the next two plus years. I just cannot think of a more important position to have at this time in this club than the chair and members of the nominating committee.

The committee members must have the time and patience to seek out and interview the members that are nominated for a position. It is hoped that the committee members would be a very active member attending no less than half or all of the general membership meetings and possibly helping the club in other capacities, giving that member a hand on the pulse of the club. Also the member should be a paid Ozark Fly Fisher, Inc member for five years or more. The more active the member the easier it will be to find the right member for the job.

I am very proud at this time to announce that Ozark Fly Fishers Inc member Bill Armon has accepted the post of nominating chair. He will be taking on this most important job at hand, setting in motion the future of this club. Now that you are aware of the committee position openings, please contact Bill of your interest. Once Bill has picked his four committee members, I will post their names in my next presidents’ message for everyone to know whom to contact with nominations.

There will be a big change of club leaders this year with the president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, education and communications directors all up for election. Along with some of the chair positions becoming open, fly tying chair and publicity chair. First I would like to make sure that everyone in this club knows they can nominate any one for a position in the upcoming weeks. All you have to do is contact me through one of the officers or contact the soon- to- be nominating committee or wait until there is a call at the general membership meeting for nominations. The line of communications will always be open via phone or email. Once you nominate a person for a position, the nominating committee will contact that person for further information.

Mike Swederska
President - Ozark Fly Fishers Inc

Missouri Fly Box
Best 25 Flies

A listing of the Missouri Fly Box and the Best 25 Flies as presented at the General Membership Meeting on Thursday, August 26th can be download by clicking on Top 25. The program has been downloaded in pdf format. If you do not have pdf available on your computer, go to the newsletter page in the Menu - Media/Newsletter. A free read only download is available.

Federation of Fly Fishers
Southern Council Conclave
Mt. Home, Arkansas
September 30th thru October 2nd

Mark your calendar for this year's Southern Council Conclave in Mt. Home, Arkansas. Take in a good fly fishing program presented by one of the experts, watch some of the best fliers tiers in the midwest demonstrate a new pattern, try your hand at the Jerry Clark Casting Games, or try your hand at catching a trout in the famed White River. Pick one or all four and be assured of a great fly fishing experience. For more information check out the Southern Council's website.

Best Fly Rods - Top Fly Fishing Rod Manufacturers
By Brian Milne, About.com Guide

The best fly rods as used by the record holders in the 2007 World Record Game Fishes book, according to the International Game Fish Association:

1. Sage Fly Rods (75 world records) - Courtesy SageIt's obvious Sage fly rods are the best fly fishing rods in the eyes of world record fly fishermen. With 75 world records, Sage has more than three times as many records as the next closest competitor.
   Sage, founded in 1980 by legendary rod designer Don Green, is currently located in Bainbridge Island, Wash.
   "Sage was created with one idea in mind - to build the world's finest performance fly rods," the company's website notes. "Using world-class materials and years of experience gained while working with Fenwick and Grizzly rod companies, Don revolutionized the fly fishing world."
   Guide Review of Sage Fly Rods Read Review
2. G. Loomis Fly Rods (24) - G. Loomis knows a thing or two about world records. Along with the 24 fly fishing world records, G. Loomis' longtime designer Steve Rajeffthe holds the world casting record of 243 feet.
   Guide Review of G Loomis Fly Rods Read Review
3. Thomas and Thomas Fly Rods (18) - Little known fact about Thomas and Thomas Fly Rods? The company was started in Beltsville, Maryland, by a Dorsey and Maxwell.
   Read Review
4. Orvis Fly Rods (14) - A household name for outdoorsmen across the country, Orvis carries plenty more than waders and outdoor gear. Orvis' ZG Zero Gravity Helios fly rod series, for example, was named "Best of the Best" by Field & Stream magazine the past two years.
   Guide Review of Orvis Fly Rods Read Review
5. Redington Fly Rods (7) - Founded in 1992, Redington, based in Bainbridge Island, Wash., is a relative newcomer when it comes to the fly rod makers on our top 10 list.
   But Redington also better understands the new generation of angler better than many rod makers, and gears its fly rods to that audience, which is why it’s helped so many anglers set world records in recent years.
   Read Review
6. Albright Fly Rods (4) - Albright Tackle LLC makes everything from rods to reels and lines, focusing on providing "affordable and relevant fishing tackle." Manufacturer's Site
7. R.L. Winston Rod Company (4) - R.L. Winston Rod Company produces fine fly rods made of everything from bamboo to second-generation boron and graphite composites. Manufacturer's Site
8. Cabelas Fly Rods (3) - The self-proclaimed "World's Foremost Outfitter," Cabelas is a outdoors superstore with plenty of options for the fly fisher.
   Guide Review of Cabelas Read Review
9. Temple Fork Fly Rods (3) - Temple Fork Outfitters started off with the "Killer Caddis" and originally made flies and tying tools but is now a proven rod maker as well. Manufacturer's Site
10. Seven Others (2) Seven other rod makers are tied at two world records apiece.

Best Fly Reels - Top 10 Fly Reel Makers
Best fly reels as listed by IFGA
By Brian Milne, About.com Guide

The top 10 fly fishing reel brands used by the record holders in the 2007 World Record Game Fishes book, as listed by the International Game Fish Association:

• Abel (56 world records) - Abel's mission statement is to design and build the best, most dependable gear in the world and give world class customer service. Manufacturer Site
• Tibor (50) - Self-proclaimed maker of "The World's Finest Fly Reels." These reels are pieces of art, and they catch fish, too. Manufacturer's Site
• (Tied Third) Orvis (10) - A household name for outdoorsmen across the country, Orvis carries plenty more than fly rods. Manufacturer's Site
• (Tied Third) Ross (10) - "The No. 1 selling fly fishing reels in the USA." Manufacturer's Site
• Fin-Nor (8) - Fin-Nor makes everything from bass rods and spinning reels to saltwater combos, leading to more than 380 world records in the process. Manufacturer's Site
• (Tied Sixth) Lamson (5) - Waterworks-Lamson isn't your average fly fishing company, with outdoor roots that trace back to the bicylcle industry of all things. Manufacturer's Site
• (Tied Sixth) Loop (5) - Based in Sweden, Loop was founded in 1979 by two young fly fishers who were eager to explore and fish areas that were previously impossible to reach. The site also includes a blog page. Manufacturer's Site
• (Tied Eighth) Redington (4) - This Washington-based company was founded in 1992 and produces performance- and value-based rods. Manufacturer's Site
• (Tied Eighth) Sage (4) - In a "think green" move, Sage has recently downsized its print catalog and is focusing more of its resources on its Web site, where you can find a new rod along with helpful resources like a cast analyzer. Manufacturer's Site
• Five others tied (3) - Five other reels makers tied with three records apiece

Project Healing Waters
By Clint Carpenter

Project Healing Waters program is moving forward at a pace as fast as the 15 volunteers can handle. We have 10 fishing trips planned for the JBVAC through the end of the year. Two of the trips are to Westover Trout Farms which will cost us $1300..... More

Taneycomo Outing
September 16-18, 2010 [depart Septemer 19th]

It was great, great, great, last year and this year will be even greater!

It was so great last year I was told I would be hung with my own fly line if it wasn’t a do again this year. Don’t miss out on this year’s outing; it is going to be bigger and better. Taneycomo Lake, located in Branson Missouri, is one of the top tailwaters.... More

Lt. Dan Two-Fly Contest and
Fishing Weekend - October Fest

OHA (Old Hippies of America, ala our friend and fellow fly fishers lead by Jim Wallace and Chris Hellman) is proud to sponsor the 4th annual Bust'n for Lt. Dan October Fest (fishing outing and a two-fly tournament) at Montauk State Park. The fishing outing and two-fly contest is in honor of Lt. Dan Riordan who was killed in Iraqi in 2007 and will be held on the weekend of October 8th - 10th. All procedes will go to the Lt. Dan Riordan fund that provides scholarship for students at Vianny High School. Jim has sponsors a weekend at Montuak each year since Lt. Dan's death and all proceeds from fly sales, contests, etc. going to the fund. Although not an Ozark Fly Fishers activity, it is a Great Cause and worthy of noting on the web site. For more information and what you can do to help click on Lt. Dan or October Fest