Event season is here!

Posted on January 15, 2024 by Catch Cormier

Here on the Gulf Coast each year we celebrate several seasons: shrimp season, oyster season, crawfish season, Mardi Gras season, football season… to name a few.   Spring is a time for some of those, but it’s also time for fly fishing events.  Across the South, there’s a wide range of regional events from large commercial expos like the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show and Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival to mid-sized events like our own “Gulf Coast Classic” to smaller club festivals like “Red Stick Day”.  There are also a number of fly fishing tournaments across the region put on by FFI clubs.

Here is a list of regional events taking place now through May, open to the public:

Jan. 20 (Sat) – 5th biennial CENLA FLY FISHING FESTIVAL, Kees Park Center, Highway 28 East, Pineville, LA. 8:30am – 3:30pm. Free admission. Presentations, fly tying demos, casting clinics, exhibitors and more. Special guests: Duane Hada, Tadd Fore. Jambalaya lunch available. Benefits Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Hosted by Kisatchie Fly Fishers club. Website: www.kisatchiefly.org.

Jan. 27 (Sat) – 31st annual Dr. ED RIZZOLO FLY TYING FESTIVAL, Terrace United Methodist Church, 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX. 8:30am – 4:30pm. The largest fly tying event on the Gulf Coast features over 80 tiers as well as seminars and vendors. Featured guest tier: Les Lehman. Hosted by the Texas Fly Fishers club. Website: texasflyfishers.org.

Feb. 2-4 (Fri-Sun) – ATLANTA FLY FISHING SHOW, GA South Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA. 9am – 6pm. Largest fly fishing show in the South featuring nationally-renown speakers, tiers. Workshops, seminars, destination seminars, exhibitors, and more. FFI will host the Learning Center, with casting and fly tying instruction free to show attendees. Website: www.flyfishingshow.com.

Feb. 24-25 (Sat-Sun) – 7th annual TEXAS FLY FISHING & BREW FESTIVAL, Mesquite Convention Center, Mesquite, TX. Nationally known fly fishing authors, professional guides, expert casters, fly tiers from across the country, dozens of exhibitors. Microbrew sampling. The Texas Council of FFI will have an education area. Website: txflyfishingfestival.org.

Mar. 9 (Sat) – 29th annual RED STICK DAY, Waddill Outdoor Education Center, 4142 N Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA. 8:30am – 3:30pm. Free admission. Seminars, tying demos, kayak demos, food, refreshments.  Several FFI MCI casting instructors will be on hand for presentations and coaching.  Hosted by Red Stick Fly Fishers. Website: www.rsff.org.

Mar. 21-23 – 26th annual SOWBUG ROUNDUP, Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, AR. 9am – 4pm, each day. Admission $10 for all 3 days, adults with kids under 12 free. Largest fly tying event in the country, over 120 tiers. Seminars, fly tying clinics, vendors. Special guests Davy Wotton, Tim Flagler. Hosted by North Arkansas Fly Fishers. Website: www.sowbugroundup.org.

Apr. 6 – 1st ever BLUEGILL BASH, Red River Refuge, Bossier City, LA. A celebration of sunfish. Seminars and other activities on fly fishing for bream. Hosted by the Arklatexoma Fly Tiers. For details, go to their Facebook page “Arklatexoma Fly Tiers”.

Apr. 27 – 12th CEDAR LAKE BLUEGILL TOURNAMENT, Camp Contributions, Road 536, Biloxi, MS. Sunrise to 12 noon. Hosted by Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers. This is a bluegill-only tournament, other sunfish are not eligible. Fish must be weighed in alive. For details, go to www.mississippicoastflyfishers.com.

May 3-4 (Fri-Sat) – 2nd annual FFI GULF COAST CLASSIC, Learning Campus, Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL. Seminars, fly tying demos, casting clinics, raffles, Mixed Bag Challenge fishing contest. Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) on Saturday 4pm. Hosted by the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International. Website: www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com or www.ffigcc.org.

May 11 (Sat) – THE DIRTY CARP fly fishing tournament, fly fishing tournament for carp in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard parishes. Bank fishing only. Hosted by members of the New Orleans Fly Fishers. More details and registration to come soon. Follow on instagram @thedirtycarp for details as they become available.

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Make plans now for the 2024 Gulf Coast Classic!

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Catch Cormier

Gulf Coast Classic fly tiers2024 Gulf Coast Classic
Friday-Saturday, May 3-4, 2024
Gulf State Park – Learning Campus
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Website: www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com

With the new year, it’s time to make plans for our 2nd annual Gulf Coast Classic fly fishing festival in May. Our new title sponsor is No Wake Outfitters out of Metairie, LA. NWO specializes in fly fishing, paddle sports, outdoor apparel and gear, and services.  Check them out at www.nowakeoutfitters.com

Our Classic website is up and we’ll be adding in sponsors, exhibitors, demonstration fly tiers, speakers, instructors and more within the next several weeks. As well as some new features to our event.  Back is the Mixed Bag Contest, with a few improvements. Also back is the 2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) on Saturday evening. In fact, tickets are already available online.

For sponsors, exhibitors, and donors, new this year are the early bird specials. An opportunity for discounts as much as 25 percent. It benefits us by getting our exhibition spacing and sponsor/donor marketing completed earlier. Remember: there are a limited number of exhibition spots. Getting in early not just saves money, it gets you in for the best event of the season!

There are special lodging opportunities for volunteers, demo fly tiers, speakers and instructors. Registration will be live shortly and details for those interested in making our event a success will be sent to those who have interest.

For those coming as strictly attendees, now is the best time to book lodging in the Foley and Gulf Shores area. Check out the LODGING page on the Classic website for details.

Again, bookmark the Classic site at www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com and visit often as updates will be posted routinely.

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Improve your tying with the FTG Series

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Catch Cormier

The FFI Fly Tying Group’s Online Tying Technique Series continues this month and into the new year. The Series is held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month thru April 30th. Time is 7:00pm CT.

The expert tiers leading these sessions will share their knowledge and guide the viewer through essential techniques that will improve your precision, efficiency, and creativity in fly tying. Whether you’re a seasoned tier or just starting, there’s something valuable for everyone.

Here is the schedule for the remaining tying sessions:

December 26th – Hairwing Techniques f/ Al Beatty
January 9th – Potts and Grant Weaves f/ Dutch Baughman
January 23rd – Dry Fly Techniques f/ Son Tao
February 13th – Managing Quill Wings f/ Jerry Coviello
February 27th – Touch Dubbing and Wire Wraps f/ Gretchen Beatty
March 12th – Joel Evens
March 26th – Intruder Fly Techniques f/ Tim O’Neil
April 4th – Saltwater Techniques f/ Alan Kuhre
April 23rd – Tying with CDC f/ Britt Davenport
April 30th – Bucktail Techniques f/ Gunner Brammer

All sessions are via Zoom webinar. If you’re a member of the FFI Fly Tying Group, you will receive a link via email. If you’re not an FFI member, or a member of the Tying Group, you can get the link by going to the FFI Fly Tying Group page: CLICK HERE

The link for the December 26th session with Al Beatty has been published.
To join the Demonstration:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87008502572?pwd=VkVmcnpEV0dPeFhQVlNmelgyaUprQT09

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LWF Commission amends proposed redfish regs

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Catch Cormier

Following rejection of a Notice of Intent (NOI) for new red drum regulations by a legislative committee last month, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) amended the NOI at their monthly meeting on Thursday.

LDWF biologists have assessed that redfish numbers are in decline due to a number of causes. A change in regulations is necessary to restore both escapement rate and Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) to above the conservation standard for the species.

In July, after hearing assessments and public comments, the LWFC passed an NOI that would have modified the daily creel limit as follows:

Current regulations:
– 5 fish daily limit, 16″-27″ slot with one overslot allowed
The proposed change:
– 3 fish daily limit, 18″-24″ slot with no overslots

This new regulation would’ve resulted in a 2 year recovery for escapement rate and an 11 year recovery for SPR.

In November, after a required period of public comments, the NOI was sent to a legislative committee for final approval. The Louisiana chapter of Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) successfully lobbied legislators to reject the NOI, much to the dismay of fly fishing and kayak fishing interests and other conservationists who supported the measure.

The NOI was then sent back to the Commission for changes. CCA requested a more liberal limit of 4 fish daily, 18″-27″ slot (no overslots). This proposal would result in a 29 year SPR recovery… unacceptable to everyone else!

According to comments received by LDWF, the biggest problem with the original NOI was the restrictive slot limit. After much discussion, and unanimous comments in support of, the Commission passed a compromise amendment which expanded the slot from 6 inches to 9 inches but kept the 3 fish per day limit. The amended NOI is now:

– 3 fish daily creel, 18″-27″ slot with no overslots

This new NOI will result in a 4 year recovery for escapement rate, and a 16 year recovery for SPR to the conservation standards.

Now the amended NOI goes back to the Legislative Natural Resources Oversight Committee. It’s expected that opponents to this NOI will again lobby against it. The FFI Gulf Coast Council and it’s allies will make every effort to insure that conservation wins out.

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New speck regs for Louisiana starting Nov. 20th

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Catch Cormier

Louisiana speckled trout regulationsLouisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has officially published the change in spotted seatrout (speckled trout) regulations. They will go into effect Monday, November 20th. According to biologists, these new regulations will allow the Spawning Potential Ratio of specks to return to 18 percent within 3 years. Currently, the SPR is 8 percent which is below the Conservation Standard of 14 percent.

The new regulations are as follows:

  • Size limit: 13-20 inches total length, only two fish included within the daily creel limit can be greater than 20 inches total length
  • Daily Creel: 15-fish daily limit per angler
  • Charter guides and crew will not be able to retain a creel limit while on a charter trip but may engage in fishing

The current limits are 12″ minimum size (no slot) and a daily creel of 25 fish east of Mermentau River and 15 fish west of Mermentau. The new regulations will be statewide.

The FFI Gulf Coast Council was instrumental in getting these new regulations passed and insuring the viability of this fishery for years to come.  According to a couple of commission members and a few legislators, it was members of the fly fishing and kayak fishing communities who wrote or spoke out in greatest numbers for a more conservative limit.  We faced opposition from a small number of groups – including the state’s largest “conservation” organization – that lobbied for no increase in the minimum size.  Despite evidence from LDWF biologists that this was a necessary requirement for increase in spawning biomass.   Thank you to all who made calls, wrote emails, or attended the Commission meetings – your efforts made the difference!

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Never too late to make Toledo Bend Rendezvous!

Posted on October 21, 2023 by Catch Cormier

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, November 3-5, 2023
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

If you haven’t yet made plans to attend the annual North Toledo Bend Rendezvous, it’s never too late! After all, this is a casual gathering with no organized activities. Everyone is welcomed to come fish, tie flies, watch some of the region’s tying fly tiers, or do some casting on the lawn in front of the meeting hall. The overnight accomodations are CHEAP and there’s always lots of food!

What is Rendezvous? For those unfamiliar with this event, it began 34 years ago when members of the Pineywoods Fly Fishers and North Louisiana Fly Fishers met at the state park to camp and fish. The following year, the clubs decided to rent the group facility. Since then, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – have gathered for a weekend of fly tying and fishing with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals. Some are members of clubs, some are not. Rendezvous is open to all!

The excellent facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park are ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. Activities take place at the park’s group facility, which features a commercial kitchen and dining hall, and lodging available for up to 150 people in 5 heated log bunkhouses (30 beds each). There’s also a heated central shower and restroom building with nice night lighting on all the sidewalks.

Rendezvous continues to be a gathering for some of the top fly tiers in the country, most of whom have been featured at regional and national expos. There are no organized activities. Whether you come to tie, or come to watch and learn, or just partake the great scenery, fishing and on-the-water location, you’ll be glad you came!

Fees. If you come as a family, the rate for the entire weekend for the whole family or individual is just $40 which includes lodging. For one night lodging, the fee is $20 and for day only the fee is $10. Be sure to sign in at our registration table in the dining hall.

For complete details, go to the Toledo Bend Rendezvous website at flycasting.bravesites.com

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Williams, Ferguson recognized for FFI awards

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Catch Cormier

Yesterday the Fly Fishers International (FFI) announced the recipients of their 2023 Awards of Achievement. These annual awards acknowledge individuals and organizations who demonstrate the highest levels of accomplishment, dedication, and contribution to preserving the legacy and future of fly fishing for all fish in all waters. These awards reflect FFI’s three focus areas of conservation, education, and community, and include additional recognition for leadership, literature, and contribution to various fly fishing skills.

This year, the FFI Gulf Coast Council (GCC) had two recipients.

FFI Fly Fishing Skills Education Award
Chris Williams
Sorrento, Louisiana
This award is based upon extraordinary contribution or continuous prominent effort promoting comprehensive fly fishing education.

A degreed marine biologist, Chris is an accomplished fly tier who enjoys traveling for fishing or to participate in fly fishing events. He chronicles his adventures and vast tying expertise on his “The Fat Fingered Fly Tyer” blog. Chris conducts tying clinics and workshops, and initiated a monthly casual tying event called “Flies and Flights” at a local brewery which became a blueprint for other regional casual tying events. He’s also involved in the Mayfly Project, a national non-profit which uses fly fishing to mentor and support children in foster care. He has also been a champion for targeting on fly – and conservation – of “underappreciated species”. Chris is a member of both the Red Stick Fly Fishers and the Kisatchie Fly Fishers.

This marks the 2nd straight year that a GCC member has been recognized for this award. Last year, Bill Morrison of Pineville, LA, received the Fly Fishing Skills Education Award. It speaks highly to the continuing education efforts within our Council!

FFI Mel Krieger Fly Casting Instructor Award
Jeff Ferguson
Lafayette, Louisiana
This award, honors Mel Krieger a well-known figure in the instruction of fly casting and author of the original Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor Program. It is presented in recognition of those who have made significant contributions to the FFI Certified Casting Instructor Program, have dedicated themselves to fly casting instruction and have shared their knowledge with others.  This year there were two recipients, Jeff Ferguson,  Louisiana and John Van Derhoof, California.

Jeff is Casting Director for the Gulf Coast Council, has served on the FFI Casting Board of Governors, is a Master Certified Casting Instructor (MCI) and a Level-2 Examinar, as well as a member of the FFI North American Events Committee and the FFI Awards Committee. He has been a fixture at club events, regional events, and several national events. He’s helped organize the largest casting certification event in U.S. history, and conducts casting clinics at all levels from beginning to advanced. Jeff is a member of both the Acadiana Fly Rodders and the Kisatchie Fly Fishers.

This is Jeff’s 2nd national award. In 2019, he was honored with the FFI Council Award of Excellence. He’s also been recognized by the Gulf Coast Council on two occasions: In 2019, for the GCC Education Excellence Award and in 2021 for the GCC President’s Award.

Please join us in congratulating Chris and Jeff for their accolades and on the great work they’ve done to advance the FFI mission of “conservation, education, and community”.

Chris, Jeff, and other 2023 FFI award recipients will be recognized in an Awards Ceremony to be held online on October 18th at 7:00pm CST. The public is welcomed to watch. Please visit FFI Awards Ceremony (flyfishersinternational.org).

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A Quick Suncatch Update

Posted on October 8, 2023 by Ben Roussel

I’m very happy to announce that we’ve finalized the award for the 12 species level Suncatch Expert and will be doing custom personalized wooden fly boxes. I received the first shipment this week and they came out looking very sharp, suffice it to say, I am thrilled with the results!

The wooden fly boxes will feature a new Suncatch logo that was designed by Brendan Bayard. The logo features one of our more mysterious target sunfish species, the Flier. A big thanks goes out to Brendan on the logo and to Oliver at WoodenFlyBox.com for his amazing craftsmanship!

Brian Roberts and Chris Williams will be our first fly box recipients having reached the 12 species level within the last few months. Congratulations to both Brian and Chris on the accomplishment!

If you want a custom fly box of your own get out there and start catching those sunfish! The Suncatch Challenge is free to all FFI members, be sure to visit the Suncatch page for more details. If you are a fly fisher in the Southeast who enjoys targeting native fish and is up for a challenge, try the Suncatch! I guarantee this is a fishing challenge unlike any other out there!

 

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