Summer is license renewal season in Alabama, Louisiana

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Catch Cormier

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reminds all sportsmen that all 2017-2018 recreational fishing licenses will expire on June 30, 2019. Licenses for the 2019-2020 seasons are now available for purchase and are valid from the date of purchase until June 30, 2020.

Licenses can be purchased in several ways: (1) online at https://la-web.s3licensing.com, (2) at local license vendors, and (3) at LDWF offices in Baton Rouge, Opelousas, Lake Charles, Pineville and Monroe. Acceptable methods of payment made online are Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

A new system implemented in 2018 allows license holders to reprint copies of their license during the year at no charge, create login information, and eventually an option to auto-renew online.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is reminding Alabama and non-resident anglers that recreational licenses expire August 31st. Licenses for the 2019-2020 season will be available starting on August 1st.

There are three methods of purchase: (1) online sales system, (2) license agent, and (3) ADCNR local offices. You must show proof of residency to qualify for resident annual licenses. Your social security number is also required (Federal law).

Like with Louisiana, Alabama license holders can reprint their current valid license as a PDF file.

For more info, go to www.outdooralabama.com.

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FFI announces Patrick Berry as new CEO, President

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Catch Cormier

Yesterday, Fly Fishers International (FFI) announced that Patrick H. Berry has been named as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. The announcement ended a months-long effort to select an individual that can bring world-class leadership and organizational experience to FFI.

Berry brings over 27 years of experience in the environmental conservation field, having come to FFI from the Vermont Community Foundation where he served as Vice President of Philantrophy. Berry also is a former Commissioner of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, and is recognized for his efforts to increase department revenue through private contributions, capital appropriations, and other venues. Previously, he served as Developmental Chair for Vermont Law School, where he successfully implemented a $15 million capital campaign.

An avid angler and hunter, Berry began his career as a fly fishing guide. He also tied flies commercially.

For more details about our new CEO, including comments by Mr. Berry and FFI Chairman Tom Logan, go to the FFI News Page.

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Free fishing days start this weekend

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Catch Cormier

This coming weekend kicks off National Fishing and Boating Week, a celebration of the importance of recreational boating and fishing in America. Most states have designated “free fishing days” either the first weekend or second weekend in June.

Free fishing days are a perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time. Or, if you’re willing to travel, to partake of fishing in another state without having to purchase a license. Some states may have certain restrictions. For example, you might be able to fish freshwater for free, but still have to buy a saltwater permit or trout permit. So please check before making plans.

Here are the free fishing days in Gulf Coast Council states:
– Alabama, June 8 (both fresh and salt)
– Florida, saltwater June 1-2, freshwater June 8-9
– Louisiana, June 8-9 (both fresh and salt)
– Mississippi, June 1-2 (both fresh and salt)

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Alabama implements new speckled trout limits. Is Louisiana next?

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Catch Cormier

On Saturday, the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board approved changes to size and creel limits on spotted seatrout (speckled trout) and flounder. Previously the daily bag limit for trout was 10 with a minimum size of 14 inches. Under the new regulations, the daily bag limit has been reduced to 6 fish with a slot limit of 15 to 22 inches, with an allowance of one fish over the maximum slot limit.

The commercial daily limit was also reduced to 30 fish.

The changes were recommended to mitigate a downturn in abundance. The Alabama Marine Resources Division held a series of public meetings to explain the problem, offer solutions, and get angler feedback. According to Alabama Marine Resources Division Director Scott Bannon, the number of people in support of a reduced bag limit was “surprising”.

While the decline of speckled trout was marginal, the decline of flounder has been of great concern. The estimated harvest has declined 60 percent over a 15 year span from 2002 to 2017.

Meanwhile, Louisiana faces it’s own speckled trout dilemna.

According to a preliminary survey earlier this year, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries acknowledged that speckled trout might be overfished. There was an unconfirmed report that the spawning potential ratio was now at 6 percent, well below the conservation standard of 18 percent.

This was not the first time that the SPR has been below the standard. In fact, it’s been below the standard on several occasions since established in 1997. But if true, this is more than twice as low as it’s ever been.

Continue reading →

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Regional fly fishing tournaments highlight May events

Posted on April 29, 2019 by Catch Cormier

If there’s any question about whether fly fishing tournaments are gaining in popularity, look no further than this past weekend’s 3rd annual “Fly Fishing for the Mission” event held at Pointe-aux-Chenes south of Houma, Louisiana. Once again, a strong turnout with the vast majority of participants under 40 years of age.

Like kayak fishing tournaments, fly fishing tournaments offer low entry fees and low payouts. It’s more about the fun of competition than any financial awards. What monies are taken in often go to non-profits. In addition to great comradery, tournaments offer participants a chance to do what we love most – actual fishing! We also learn from others success. Unlike those big pro tournaments, secrets are shared. These events also sometimes offer fly tying, fly casting, and other activities typical of “conclaves” (fly fishing festivals).

The Southern and Southeastern Councils have tournaments planned. A couple clubs in the Texas Council, as well as the Texas Council have tournaments coming up.

Here in the Gulf Coast Council, we are presently researching possible tournament options. The New Orleans Fly Fishers Club have their long-standing Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo scheduled again for October.

And this Saturday, May 5th, the Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers – another FFI-GCC member club – will host their 7th annual Cedar Lake Fly Fishing Tournament at Camp Contributions landing in Biloxi. Time is 6:00am to 12 noon. The tournament is open to the public. Entry fee is $30 and includes lunch from Your Mamaz House. Registration ends May 3rd. For complete rules and more info, click on this link.

On Saturday, May 25th, it’s the 10th annual Bass on the Fly tournament out of Lake Fork Marina on Lake Fork, Texas. This is a catch/photo/release (CPR) tournament exclusively for fly fishing with aim for highest total inches of five bass. Categories include Boat and Non-Boat (bank, kayak, canoe, float tube, etc). The tournament is open to the public. Entry fee is $70 per person, and includes Big Bass Pot. Register before May 15 and get into the drawing for a Sage Smallmouth Rod.

Activities for BOTF kick off on Friday afternoon with free casting clinics, product booths, fly tying, and kayak demos. There’s also a “Big Sunfish Tourney” from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, with a $10 entry fee. At 6:00pm, there’s the Captains meeting followed by a guide report.

Proceeds from Bass On The Fly go to support Reel Recovery and the FFI Texas Council. For more info, go to www.bassonthefly.org.

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NOFF Expo fundraiser for high school club a success!

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Catch Cormier

Several members of the St. Micheal club gathered as Glen Cormier (right) presented Kevin Andry (2nd right) monies from a GCC fundraiser.

Last Saturday was the inaugural New Orleans Fly Fishing Expo. Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishing Club and held at the new Deutsches Haus on Bayou St. John, the event drew rave reviews from many attendees. It was very well organized, with several unique and informative activities, and a good number of exhibitors.

The FFI Gulf Coast Council was graciously allowed to participate among the several fundraising activities at the Expo. We sold cards for a Gamblers Draw to raise discretionary funds for the St. Micheal Fly Fishing Club at St. Micheals High School in Baton Rouge. The club is one of only a couple dozen high school fly fishing clubs in the United States, and the only one in the GCC region.

A perch float popper tied by St Micheal FF Club member Tanner Pike

The following Monday, Glen Cormier visited St. Micheal High School and on behalf of the GCC, presented the funds to the club and their mentor and instructor, Dr. Kevin Andry. While many of the club members could not attend the ceremony due to schedule conflicts, the members in attendance were thrilled at the prospect of having more equipment. Currently, SMFFC members must share rods and tying vises, sometimes 2 or 3 students to one particular tool.

We wish to thank the New Orleans Fly Fishers for allowing us an opportunity to utilize their event to conduct this fundraiser.  And for giving us a table at the event to promote Fly Fishers International and the Gulf Coast Council.  We had several inquiries about joining the FFI.  Hopefully those will translate to membership.

This fundraiser was just the beginning. The GCC will be working with the club to identify needs that the Council or FFI Education program can provide. Also, several individuals have come forward wishing to make to direct donations to the club.

The club now has an account for direct donations. Please make check payable to:
St. Micheal Fly Fishing Club

And mail to:
St. Micheal High School
17521 Monitor Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70817

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Free Kids’ Fishing Clinic in Pensacola April 13

Posted on April 5, 2019 by Catch Cormier

Teaching children a lifelong hobby, instilling appreciation for our marine environment and providing fun, family outings are the objectives for a Kids’ Fishing Clinic in Pensacola on Saturday, April 13.   Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the clinic is for kids ages 5 to 15 and will be held from 9:00am to 12 noon at Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St.

Kids’ Fishing Clinics strive to achieve several goals, including fishing ethics, angling skills, and safety.  But the main objective is to create responsible marine-resource stewards by teaching children about the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems. In addition, environmental displays will offer participants a unique chance to experience Florida’s marine life firsthand.

Fishing equipment and bait are provided for kids to use during the clinic, but organizers encourage children who own fishing tackle to bring it. A limited number of rods and reels will be given away to participants upon completion of the clinic.

If conditions allow, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills and fish from the pier. This event is a photo catch-and-release activity. An adult must accompany all participants. Registration will begin at 8:30 am and will conclude when 350 participants are registered.

Individuals or companies interested in helping sponsor this event or volunteering at the clinic should contact Scot Mason at prfa@mchsi.com or FWC’s Thomas Vatter at 850-617-9644.

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GCC to hold fundraiser at New Orleans Expo to benefit high school club

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Catch Cormier

Click on image to enlarge

Many of us are looking forward to this Saturday and the first-ever New Orleans Fly Fishing Expo at the new Deutsches Haus on Bayou St. John in New Orleans. Hope you are too!

Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club, this event will feature seminars, exhibitors, casting instruction, fly tying demos featuring many of the best tiers from across the region, kayak demos courtesy of Masseys Outfitters, and even some unique activities such as an “Outdoor Writers Roundtable” and a “Iron Fly Tying” competition. For more details, see our previous post or go to www.neworleansflyfishing.com.

Fly Fishers International and the FFI Gulf Coast Council will have a table at the Expo. Joining us will be Tom Logan, Chairman of Fly Fishers International.  Tom will also be addressing the Expo that morning. At the booth we’ll be taking questions, and talking about FFI programs. The GCC has some exciting things planned and this will be the first public opportunity to share them.

The Expo will feature a few fundraising activities, some to raise money for charities such as Casting For Recovery. One of those fundraisers is being sponsored by the FFI Gulf Coast Council, to raise money for the St. Micheal Fly Fishing Club. This is a school club at St. Micheal High School in Baton Rouge, one of few school-based fly fishing clubs in the nation. With a membership of over 22 students, it was the subject of a recent article on the Louisiana Sportsman website. Click here to read about the St. Micheal High School club.

Click on image to enlarge

Highlighting the donations in the draw is a framed limited edition print by Fred Hannie. Hannie is a nationally-renown, award-winning realistic tier, artist, instructor and author. His flies have been featured in various publications, such as Fly Tyer magazine. He is also Vice-President of the FFI Gulf Coast Council and it’s Fly Tying Chairman. He is also a member of the FFI Fly Tying Group.

Fred will be donating two framed limited-edition prints to the Expo. One will go into the GCC Fundraiser. They both feature his artwork along with one of his signature flies. One print is that of a speckled trout, the other of a warmouth sunfish. Each is valued at several hundred dollars.

Click on image to enlarge

The draw will also feature a slightly-used TFO Axiom II 9-foot, 8-weight rod donated by Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier. It comes with the TFO case. Used only on two occasions, the rod brand new sells for $349. It’s Temple Fork Outfitter’s premium rod for saltwater and bass, very light in the hand and with zero swing weight.

There may be other items as well. The 1st winner will get to pick from the items on that table. The 2nd winner will get to pick from the remaining items, and so on.

The GCC is also coordinating individual donations to the St. Micheal club. We’re hoping for the club to be a great success and be the model for other such school-based clubs in our Council.

So come to the Expo this Saturday! Have a great time with other members of the fly fishing community on the Gulf Coast. Bring your money, check, credit card, and help some great causes while taking a chance to win some great prizes, including some one-of-a-kind items. And don’t forget to stop by the FFI-GCC booth and say hello!

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