FFI Gulf Coast Council

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, November 1-3, 2019
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

In October 1989, members of the Pineywoods Fly Fishers and North Louisiana Fly Fishers met at North Toledo Bend State Park to camp and fish. After two successful years, and growing interest from other clubs, it was agreed to rent the group facility. The facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park proved to be ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. Since then, the tradition has continued and grown.

So what is “Rendezvous”? It’s an informal gathering of fly tyers – and other fly fishing enthusiasts – along with their families, from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and elsewhere. There’s no planned activities, but plenty of fly tying, food, fly casting and fishing, with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals.

The 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.  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!

Thanks to donations from six regional clubs, as well as the FFI Gulf Coast Council, attendees can continue to enjoy affordable lodging rates. Rates are $20 per night (family or individual) for those staying in the bunkhouses, and $10 for those coming just for the day.

For complete info, go to the Rendezvous website at flycasting.bravesites.com.

11th annual Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, October 5, 2019
8:00am to 12:00pm (weigh-in)
Sign in: 7:00am to 8:00am

Sponsored by the New Orleans Fly Fishers
$10 entry fee, includes lunch and refreshments
All proceeds go to Casting for Recovery

Onsite registration and weigh-in will be at the intersection of Henry Thomas Drive and Celebration Drive (under the oak trees across from the Blue Rose art sculpture). Look for the NOFF sign and tent.

Mail-in registration deadline – September 21st
Onsite registration deadline – October 5th, 8:00am

This tournament is fly fishing only for the Rio Grande Cichlid. All entry fish must be caught on artificial flies. Two categories will be awarded:

• Longest rio wins top prize and bragging rights for the year.
• Most rios caught by a fly fisher takes first prize in the second category.

Now into it’s second decade, the Rio Rodeo is now bigger and better than ever! This tournament is fly fishing only for the elusive Rio Grande Cichlid.

The Rio Grande Perch is native to south Texas and northeast Mexico, making it America’s only native cichlid. Sometime in the early 1990s, rios began appearing in waterways in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, most likely the result of dumpings by pet store and aquarium owners. Since rios are more cold-tolerant than other cichlids, most are able to survive the mild winters of southeast Louisiana. They are now common across ponds and canals across Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes.

Rios make excellent fly fishing quarry on light tackle. While not the greatest fighters, they can get up to 2 pounds and “fight like a wet cat”. The larger specimens are called “brainiacs” because of their obtruding front lobe. They are also very wary, making presentation and choice of fly critical.

For complete rules, and registration forms and details, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Kids enjoy canoeing at Outdoorama On The Rez, one of several NHF Day events across the GCC region.

Established by Congress in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated the 4th Saturday of September. The day recognizes the contributions of America’s hunters, anglers, and other outdoors enthusiasts to our natural resources, with events in 37 states. This year, NHF Day is Saturday, September 28.

Across the country, wildlife agencies and organizations sponsor events aimed at getting kids and families to learn about the many facets of the great outdoors. There are usually numerous exhibits, as well as hands-on activities such as archery, fishing, target shooting, live animal displays, and more – including fly fishing. These events are made possible thanks to financial sponsorship and the help of volunteers and organizations.

In Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hosts annual outdoor festivals at four venues – Bodcau, Monroe, Baton Rouge, and Woodworth – with attendance at each in the thousands. Admission is free, and there’s even food and soft drinks provided at no cost. The Waddill (Baton Rouge), Bodcau and Woodworth venues feature fly casting and fly tying thanks to the Red Stick Fly Fishers, North Louisiana Fly Fishers and Kistachie Fly Fishers clubs, respectively. For more details, go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

In Mississippi, the Mississippi Wildlife Federation hosts “Outdoorama On The Rez” at the Turcotte Education Center, located in Canton. Like the LDWF events, there are numerous exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. There’s even fly casting and fly tying courtesy of the Magnolia Fly Fishers club. For more info, go to www.mswildlife.org.

For folks in south Alabama and northwest Florida, there’s the Wiregrass Wildlife Expo at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama. Unlike the one-day events in Louisiana and Mississippi, the Wiregrass takes place both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to vendors and exhibitors, fish and wildlife biologists will give seminars and demonstrations on a variety of topics. Alabama 4-H will offer fun outdoor activities for children and adults. Cost is $5 for adults, free for kids. All proceeds go to 4-H educational programs. For more info, go to www.aces.edu.