FFI Online for late June, July

Posted on June 27, 2020 by Catch Cormier

With an uptick in COVID-19 cases, many states are extending Phase II guidelines, which strongly encourage social distancing. As a result, most clubs in the Gulf Coast Council will continue to suspend live meetings.  As an alternative, some GCC clubs have been holding online meetings, and will continue to do so through July.

Fly Fishers International is also continuing our series of instructive live online discussions through the Zoom app (PC or mobile). These sessions are open to the public. To participate, click on the FFI Online Page, then click on the appropriate Zoom webinar session link.  Here is a summary of upcoming sessions:

Tuesday, June 30th – Tying Series
7:30pm CDT
Al & Gretchen Beatty show the Wonder Wing technique which allows use of large hackle to make small or large dry fly wings.

Thursday, July 2nd – Casting Series
7:00pm CDT
Mary Ann Dozer explains how a better cast catches more fish, and demonstrates a few techniques to accomplish this.

Tuesday, July 7th – Tying Series
7:30pm CDT
Woven Body Carey Special is demonstrated.

Tuesday, July 14th – Tying Series
7:30pm CDT
Woven Body Bitch Creek Nymph is demonstrated.

Tuesday, July 21st – Tying Series
7:30pm CDT
The Gray Wulff is demonstrated, which emphasis on selecting the proper hair for the fly and preparing it for application.

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FFI initiates Basscatch Project

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Catch Cormier

At their May 18th Zoom meeting, the FFI Conservation Committee voted unanimously to approve a new “Basscatch” program, similiar to the “Cuttcatch” program which has been a huge success. In keeping with their mission of protecting “All Fish, All Waters”, this project recognizes the value of bass to the fly fishing community.

Currently, 12 species of the genus Micropterus exist in some portion of their historic native range. The Project is intended to aid in the conservation by encouraging members to collect memories of the bass they catch and released.

FFI members catching and documenting four (4) species of bass will receive a cap and certificate in recognition of their accomplishment. Catching an additional 4 species and members can receive an additional award. Catching all twelve (12) listed bass species, and anglers will be eligible for the All Basscatch award.

Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier, Conservation Director for the Gulf Coast Council and a member of the FFI Conservation Committee, believes GCC members have a unique opportunity with the Basscatch program.

“Of the twelve listed species, all but one can be found within 8 hours of a population center within our Council. The Gulf Coast Council is home to some of the top warmwater fly tiers and anglers in the FFI. So I fully expect many of our members to participate and even several to earn multiple badges.”.

For more on the Basscatch program, including requirements and list of species, please click on this link.

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Cristobal headed for northern Gulf Coast

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Catch Cormier

Forecast map courtesy of WeatherNation

Currently centered over the Yucatan peninsula, Tropical Depression Cristobal is forecast to re-enter the southern Gulf of Mexico on Friday, then progress rapidly towards the Louisiana coast. While this rapid movement will likely prevent the storm from reaching Category 1 hurricane status, Cristobal is still expected to be a strong tropical storm when it hits the coast on early Monday morning.

The biggest impacts of the storm will be coastal surge and flooding from heavy rains. Tropical storm winds are possible from the western Florida panhandle westward to High Island, Texas. Anywhere from 2 to 4 inches per hour could occur in southeast Louisiana and Mississippi coastal areas, with 10 inches total before the storm remnants move into Arkansas.

2020 is already proving, as forecasted, to be one of the most active storm seasons in decades. Cristobal is the earliest third named storm ever. The typical average for ‘C’ storms is August 13th, and the previous earliest was June 5th.

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FFI Online this month

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Catch Cormier

Fly Fishers International is continuing our series of entertaining and instructive live online discussions using the Zoom application (PC or mobile). To participate, click on the FFI Online Page, then click on the appropriate Zoom webinar session link. Here is a summary of upcoming sessions for June.

Tuesday, June 2nd – Conservation Conversation
7:00pm CDT
Jason Ulseth of nonprofit Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will discuss developing water quality technology to address pollution issues on the popular Georgia urban trout fishery. Dave Peterson moderator.

Wednesday, June 3rd – Currier’s Global Fish Quest
7:00pm CDT
“Cameroon – the Final Fly Fishing Frontier”

Thursday, June 4th – Fly Casting Series
7:00pm CDT
Audrey Wilson shares her mental management system for fly casting – and fishing – success. Whitney Gould moderator.

Tuesday June 9th – Fly Tying: Taming Elk Hair
7:00pm CDT
Host Jerry Coviello shares working with elk hair for wings and tails on various patterns. Jerry will tie an Orange Stimulator as an example while explaining techniques.

Tuesday June 16th – Fly Tying: Parachute Flies
7:00pm CDT
Host Jerry Coviello will share 3 ways to tie a parachute fly, one of the most effective dry fly patterns for trout.

Thursday June 18th – Conservation Conversation
7:00pm CDT
Dr. Sam Snyder of Anchorage, Alaska, with the Wild Salmon Center will discuss the latest situation related to Bristol Bay and the Pebble Mine.

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LWFC to discuss menhaden at June 4th meeting

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Catch Cormier

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will hold their monthly meeting at 9:30am this Thursday, June 4, at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters in Baton Rouge. Added to the agenda is a report by Jason Adriance, LDWF Marine Fisheries biologist, on the Status of the Commercial Menhaden Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (agenda item #12).

Each and every predatory fish that sports anglers target along the northern Gulf Coast feed on menhaden (pogies) at some stage. In some estuaries, it’s the most important feed source for redfish, speckled trout, spanish mackeral, flounder, jack crevalle, and several others.

Equally of concern is the bycatch. The methods used to harvest menhaden often lead to the demise of thousands of bull reds (spawning stock). There is grave concern among a large number of Louisiana fly fishing guides that continuation of harmful commercial fishing practices may negatively impact gamefish.

Due to health guidelines set in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 25 members of the public will be allowed to attend the meeting. However, a live video stream of the meeting is available via ZOOM app.

To attend via Zoom webinar, click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email on how to join the webinar.

We strongly encourage all FFI members to attend via webinar (if not in person) and to send comments by email via comments@wlf.la.gov. The email must include the agenda item # (for menhaden, it’s #12) in the email subject, and your name and address in the email body before your comments. Here is an example:

Subject: Status of Menhaden Fishery in GOM #12
Body:
Jonathon Smith
123 Green Forest Rd, Chicotville, LA

I believe menhaden are overfished in the Gulf of Mexico, and there is too much bycatch that harms other fisheries of greater value.

Email comments must be received PRIOR to the meeting and no later than Wednesday midnight.

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Free Fishing Days coming in June

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Catch Cormier

Each year, wildlife agencies in each state designate a “Free Fishing Day(s)” for the public to fish recreationally in public waters without a fishing license. These events are part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 6-14, 2020.

It should be noted that while there is no cost (license) required to fish on these days, certain species or types of fishing may still require a permit. For example, red snapper fishing still requires a $10 Gulf Reef Fish endorsement and a saltwater angler registration.

Alabama
Saturday, June 13 (fresh & salt)

Florida
Saturday-Sunday, June 13-14 (freshwater only)

Louisiana
Saturday-Sunday, June 13-14 (fresh & salt)

Mississippi
Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7 (fresh only)
Saturday, July 4th (salt)

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Casting Skills Challenge a big success at the Classic

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Catch Cormier

Back in March at the first-ever Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic at Percy Quin State Park, one of the major non-fishing activities was the “Casting Skills Challenge” setup by our Education Director, Roger Breedlove. The CSC is an FFI program designed for all casters, from beginner to advanced, to be a fun way to study, practice and challenge oneself in a progressive fashion at one’s own pace.

Details about the Casting Skills Challenge can be found here on our website under “Casting” menu. The GCC CSC webpage has helpful links to the FFI website, as well as details about CSC activities within our Council.

Roger gave this summary of the Challenge at the Sweetwater Classic:

The Casting Skills Challenge was taken up by a goodly number of participants in the Classic in McComb, MS back in March. We spent the first day, (13th), explaining the challenge and helping folks where they were a bit weak. Lots of practice that day. Mike Carlin, (our Kisatchie club president), had driven over with me and was a great aid.

On Saturday, (14th), we began observing challengers in late morning as they returned from fishing the tournament. We got busy and remained so for several hours. The first challenger was Tom Bullock of Shreveport, LA, who went for Bronze and acquitted himself admirably. Next came A J Rosenbohm, (our council president from River Ridge, LA), who also did well and scored the Bronze. Third was Michael White of Youngsville, LA, who made short work of the Bronze. Next up was Fred Hannie of Lake Charles, LA, a tyer of great talent, who subdued the Bronze challenge.

Kyle Dugas of the New Orleans club came up and breezed through the requirements for Bronze, Silver and Gold. Gene Dufrene of the Mississippi Coast club was next and stood for the Bronze, which he achieved. After him came Larry Strohm, also of the Mississippi Coast club, who conquered the requirements for Bronze. Ken Holmes of St Francisville was next up and had precious little difficulty obtaining all 3 levels. His fishing buddy, Daniel Stelly, also from St Francisville, attained all 3 as well.

Scott Irwin, from Bossier City, LA, encountered no difficulty in attaining the Bronze. Then the Bronze rating next went to George Norton of Pensacola, FL. Glen Davis of Jackson, MS, demonstrated his skills in reaching all 3 levels. Albert Wood of Terry, MS, was last, but it was worth the wait as he scored all 3 levels.

Great participation and we apparently have several notable casters in our Gulf Coast Council. Kudos to all – Roger.

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FFI Online this week – and beyond

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Catch Cormier

Fly Fishers International is continuing our series of entertaining and instructive live online discussions using the Zoom application (PC or mobile).  To participate, click on this Zoom meeting session link.  Here is this week’s schedule.

Tuesday, May 5th – Soft Hackles for Panfish
7:00pm CST
Jerry Coviello, Chairman of the FFI Fly Tying Group, will lead a workshop on flies and fishing for panfish.

Wednesday, May 6th – Currier’s Global Fish Quest
7:00pm CST
Jeff Currier has fly fished the world for over 40 years, and caught more than 400 species on the fly. Jeff will deliver a series of presentations over the next few months starting with fishing in Iceland.

Thursday, May 7th – Mystery of the Keys Bonefish Spawning Grounds
7:00pm CST
FFI Conservation Chairman Dave Peterson with special guest Dr. Aaron Adams of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust will discuss how they are locating critical bonefish spawning habitat.

Future Casts:
Wednesday, May 13 – Currier, “Kendjam – the Exotic Species of the Iriri River in Brazil”
Wednesday, May 20 – Currier, “Oman – the Rarely Fished Waters of the Middle East”
Thursday, May 21 – Peterson & Spencer Shaver, Boundary Waters Conservation
Wednesday, May 27 – Currier, “Big Fish at our Back Door – Canada”
Wednesday, June 3 – Currier, “Cameroon – the Final Fly Fishing Frontier”

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