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Newsletter July 2000
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| OZARK FLY FISHERS Drew Spanogle, Editor spanogle@cs.com |
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Dam Casting In July
by Brian Flinchpaugh |
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| July in St. Louis means Cardinal baseball, sweltering heat, swimming pools, air hazy and humid enough that it almost can be cut with a knife, and a bit of a lazy time as far as local fishing is concerned. Sure, trout can be had in the rivers but the aluminum hatch is often thicker than the insect variety, and the water in nearby ponds and lakes takes on the feel of warm dishwater under a hot sun. It's the time of year those fortunate few of us are thinking about trout fishing in the West or about perhaps trips to cooler climes like the Great Lakes, Canada or Alaska. In keeping with this vacation season, it's also the month that we try to keep things simple as far as the club meeting is concerned. It's the time when we try to tune up our casting arms, maybe check out a new rod someone has brought to the meeting, and maybe gab a little before the sun sets. Our annual casting night is again set to begin as early as 6 p.m. on July 27, 2000 at Tilles Park, just off Litzinger Road in St. Louis County. We're gathering at the park pond to do a little casting off the dam. Ozark members, some who have even been certified as casting in-structors, will be available to help you out with your casting stroke or tackle advice. Bring that expensive weed, brand spank'n new space age rod with a house-payment or two or three price tag discount house cheapo or anything in between. Bring out of the closet those oldies but goodies - whether they are graphite, metal, bamboo and, yes, even fiberglass. It's a good chance to rediscover some tackle that may hold forgotten pleasures. |
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Fly Casting Instruction For The Intermediate Caster
by Mike Webb |
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| I often wonder what students think when they are being taught how to fly cast properly. The experienced fly fisherman or woman may be thinking "I have been doing this for twenty plus years now, do I really need this additional lesson?" The beginner, "This looks really difficult and I am not sure whether I can do this or not." The intermediate fly fisherman or woman, " This sport is fantastic! How can I better improve my casting, tying and other fly fishing skills?" The experienced and beginner fly casters usually are not as receptive to the lessons to be learned form experienced fly casters. While they may be second guessing themselves, the intermediate individual has an open mind! This is the key. All of us from the exceptional caster such as Jerry Clark, to the beginner need to watch, listen and learn from better casters. Should you be going to the International Conclave for the FFF in Livingston, Montana, sign up for a fly casting class. Maybe that additional hour of education before one of the Ozark meetings will help. Take the extra step and go to the Southern Council Conclave to learn from better fly casters. Should you want to catch the fish on the other side of the river, (who knows maybe it's a behemoth,) you need to be able to cast to that area to have a chance. Mike Webb Casting Instructor |
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New Members
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Montana Here We Come
by Mike Webb |
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| Ozark has many people going to Montana for the conclave this year. I hope that we have one of the largest showings at the conclave and that for the new people who have not been to Montana, you will have an experience of your lifetime. The first time fly fisher in going to Montana sometimes is intimidated by the amount of water to fish and often spends more time driving than fishing. This is not a bad thing but it does seem to wear on you. Take it from a person who knows! Take your time and enjoy yourself. The conclave is a gathering of some of the most fabulous people in the business and there are multiple educational topics which you can take in. Should someone need additional information on where to fish or what to do, do not be afraid. The fly shops are great in Livingston and many other cities of the "Big - Sky," state. There are often boards which post the hatches. The guides usually hang out at the local watering hole until dusk and this is a great place to pick up some tips. Just have fun, enjoy yourself and we will look forward to seeing you in Livingston, Montana! Mike Webb |
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Fall Speakers
by Brian Flinchpaugh |
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| It looks like we've got some good people lined up as speakers for upcoming meetings. All the details haven't been finalized and things could change. We'll let you know in upcoming issues. But as of now, Scott Branyan, a guide on the Beaver, Norfork and Bull Shoals tailwaters, may be our August 24 speaker. Scott uses a drift boat, which is unusual for this part of the country. He was also featured last year on the White River segment that ran on the Trout Unlimited television program on ESPN2. Duane Hada, another Arkansas guide and great smallmouth fisherman may be up on September 28. Rich Osthoff, author of a great book on backpacking for trout who we had as a speaker a few years ago, may be back in October for a program on fly fishing for trout in Southwestern Wisconsin. |
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From the editor...
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| That was a nice turn out for the Swap Meet/Fly Tying meeting. I always enjoy those, being a pack-rat at heart. I enjoyed talking to John Hammond who brought some interesting old tackle and books. John used the mysterious but effective negotiating tactic of refusing to tell me "how much is that (rod, book)?" Regrettably I will be unable to attend the July casting meeting and will be out of town for a while which make it important for you to have your August Newsletter contributions mailed to me in a timely manner. I will not have the time to solicit contributions and it is important for you to have your messages to me by 8/12. 23 Clayton Downs, St. Louis, MO 63131 or Spanogle@cs.com Anyone wishing to sell better used tackle on the internet (Ebay) but need advice or help. give me a call. I feel I know the ropes, bought a digital camera and can help get you top dollar for your old gear. After 8/15. Drew |
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