FFNWF, Morrison recognized by Fly Fishers International

FFI Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
7:00 pm CDT
Zoom webinar, public invited

The Fly Fishers International (FFI) Board of Directors is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 FFI Board awards. These awards are given to recognize and reward those individuals and organizations that have furthered the FFI mission of conservation, education and community. The recipients from across the globe have made outstanding contributions to FFI, our environment, fishery resources, angling literature, fly tying and fly fishing education.

The FFI Gulf Coast Council was well represented among the honorees, with one of our member clubs and one of our individual members receiving recognition.

The Fly Fishers of Northwest Florida (Pensacola) was given the McKenzie Cup award, given annually to that FFI club which has made the most outstanding contribution on behalf of the FFI. FFNWF has a long history of being active in the Southeast Council, and since 2006, in the Gulf Coast Council. During the pandemic, the club continued to hold tying sessions through Zoom, and hold social distance casting instruction on weekends. Since 2011, the club has sponsored the Pensacola program of Project Healing Waters, supporting the emotional and physical rehabilitation of disabled veterans. The club holds an annual Fly Fishing 101, a multi-week course encompassing all aspects of our sport. In cooperation with the city of Pensacola, FFNWF also initiated a week-long program intended to teach youngsters how to fly fish. And in 2020, FFNWF saw its multi-year effort to register their meeting place – a Civilian Conservation Corps building built in 1932 – placed in the National Register of Historic Buildings. These are just a few of the many activities and accomplishments of the Pensacola club.

Bill Morrison of Pineville, LA, was one of two honorees for the FFI Fly Fishing Skills Education Award. This award is given for extraordinary contribution or continuous prominent effort promoting comprehensive fly fishing education. An FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Bill has taught numerous folks to fly cast, and directs his Kisatchie Fly Fishers club’s annual Fly Fishing 101. He’s also chairman of the KFF Tying Committee, leading or organizing the club’s monthly tying sessions as well as beginner tying clinics. Early in the pandemic, Bill created a short series of “how-to” videos for clubs to use on how to do meetings and tying sessions via Zoom. He also shared his expertise on remote learning with several clubs. Another of Bill’s many projects was the initiation of the club’s annual “Mixed Bag Contest” where the goal is to catch a diversity of species, but also allowing anglers to use the generated database to learn about the many species of fish and their habitats.

Congratulations to Bill and FFNWF!

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LWFC passes NOI for new trout regulations

Yesterday at their October meeting, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to change speckled trout regulations.

  • Current: 12-inch minimum size / 25 daily bag limit
  • Proposed: 13.5-inch minimum size / 15 daily bag limit

When adopted, this rule will become statewide, removing the separate regulations in coastal western Louisiana.  The Commission’s adoption of an NOI is the first step in promulgating a final rule, which is usually adopted in 90 days. Comments to the proposed rule may be submitted before December 30, 2022. The full notice of intent can be found here:
http://ow.ly/SvVo50L3FZe

At the Commission meeting, biologist Jason Adriance reiterated some of the data given since the issue of recruitment failure arose three years ago. He also addressed some of the comments received during the past weeks. With regards to concerns that increasing size would result in much greater propotional harvest of females to males, his data showed that increasing to 13.5 inches would only result in a 3 percent increase greater harvest. With regards to concerns that guide limits contribute to a substantial harvest, the data showed that eliminating guide limits would have less than 1-percent increase in spawning biomass.

Adriance pointed out that we are at our lowest proportion of age 3+ fish in the history of stock assessment, with only 5-percent of female trout reaching age 3. This is critical because, at age 3 or roughly 14 inches, all female trout have spawned at least one season, and in some cases, 2 seasons. At 13.5 inches and a 15-fish limit, the increase in spawning stock would be 20 percent – the goal needed to recover to above the conservation standard.

Nearly all of the 20 persons who commented after the presentation were in favor of a 15 daily bag limit. There was approximately 2-to-1 in favor of keeping the minimum size limit at 12 inches. Many of the respondents stated that Louisiana needs to fix the problems that are causing reduced numbers of trout and even redfish. Among the causes cited: coastal erosion, pollution, menhaden overharvest, freshwater diversions, too many sharks, etc.. As pointed out by Commission members, these are beyond the scope of LDWF and will likely take much longer to resolve, and for now, changing limits is the only viable solution.

The FFI Gulf Coast Council had supported a 14-inch minimum size limit, with either a 15-fish or 20-fish bag limit. Either bag limit would’ve elevated to well above the conservation standard. However, a 13.5″, 15-trout limit will suffice and we plan to endorse the NOI fully. We strongly encourage ALL FFI members and members of FFI clubs to join along with us, and email your support for the biologists recommendation.

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Registration now open for FFI Virtual Expo

FFI Virtual Expo
Friday-Sunday, November 4-6
$25 registration
some workshops require fee

Building on the success of last year’s event, Fly Fishers International is again holding a Virtual Expo this Fall complete with presentations, fly tying demonstrations, casting instruction, workshops, auctions, vendor videos, and more. In addition to being an educational function, the Expo is also a major fundraising source for the FFI.

Registration is now open and limited to 1500 participants. Cost is $25 for members and $60 for non-members (includes FFI membership). Some workshops require an additional fee and have limited space (so register and sign-up early!).

The first of three online auctions begins October 1st. You must be registered to participate. Items will range from rods, reels, and other gear to guided trips to fly collections to art and other one-of-a-kind items.

To register, or review Expo activities, go to www.flyfishersinternational.org.

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LWF Commission to consider new trout limits

At their upcoming monthly meeting on Thursday, October 6, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will consider a Notice of Intent (NOI) to modify limits on speckled trout. Currently the daily bag limit is 25 fish with a 12 inch minimum size, except for the Calcasieu/Sabine estuaries where the daily limit is 15.   A NOI is a proposal that must go through a period of public comment for 90 days, after which it can be voted on by the Commission into regulation.

As we’ve documented here before (CLICK HERE), the recruitment of spawning spotted seatrout in Louisiana has been below the conservation standard for nearly 8 years.  Many of us have witnessed first-hand the decline in speckled trout fishing over the past decade.  There are several factors for this, but none of the solutions can be easily addressed.

At this time, the only viable solution is to increase the number of juvenile trout entering the fishery. LDWF biologists have proposed several scenarios which encompass either (a) increasing the size limit, (b) lowering the daily creel limit, (c) some combination of both.

After attending the first trout assessment meeting and a couple of public meetings involving the issue, we at the FFI Gulf Coast Council drafted a letter of support for a 14-inch minimum size limit, with either a 15 or 20 fish daily bag limit.  We continue to support a 14-inch minimum size limit as the only viable solution to this problem.

Our friends at CCA Louisiana are pushing for a 12-inch, 15 daily bag limit.  Their press release stated, “The CCA Louisiana’s Science Committee and many others have concerns about the impact on female trout if a shift to a larger minimum size adjustment occurs. Moving to a 13-inch or 13.5-inch minimum size seems drastic and unnecessary. Such a change could damage the female population, and have tremendous negative impacts…”.

As you can see from the graph, CCA’s position is not only invalid, but their language is overly dramatic. Yes, male trout grow slower and not as large as female trout. But a male trout reaches 14 inches only a few months after its female counterpart. After which, there are nearly equal numbers of harvestable male trout as there are female trout, even if the average male size is smaller than the female for a given age.

What’s more, CCA’s science doesn’t jive with the science of fisheries managers of 9 other states that regulate spotted seatrout. NONE of those states have a minimum size less than 14 inches. What does CCA know that they don’t?

Here’s what we on the GCC Conservation Committee know: that at 14 inches, a female trout has spawned several times and laid more than sufficient eggs to perpetuate the species even under moderately-high fishing pressure.  And that, based on the LDWF biologists data, retaining a 12-inch limit would have minimal effect unless the daily limit is drastically lowered  (like to 10 fish).

Please let the LWF Commission know what you support a 14″ minimum size limit. We also encourage members to attend the Commission meeting on October 6th at 9:30 at LDWF Headquarters on 2000 Quail Dr in Baton Rouge, or to email your comments at comments@wlf.la.gov

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Deadline for Rio Rodeo early registration this week

13th Annual Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, October 1st, 2022
7:00am – on-site registration
7:30am – 12:30pm – fishing time
Event site: No Wake Outfitters
1926 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA
Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club (NOFFC)
$15 entry fee includes lunch and refreshments

Advanced registration for the rodeo must be received by mail by this Saturday, September 24th.  The NOFFC club recommends mailing it before Thursday to ensure delivery on time.  Of course, you can always register onsite from 7:00am to 7:30am on the day of the tournament at No Wake Outfitters.  However, this could cut into your fishing time as the tournament kicks off at 7:30.

The Rio Rodeo is the longest running freshwater fly fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast.   Target species is the wary Rio Grande Cichlid. All entry fish must be caught on flies and fly tackle. Categories are “Longest Rio” and “Most Rios”. Net proceeds from the tournament go to Casting For Recovery.   For complete details, and to download registration form, go to the NOFFC website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

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GCC announces 2022 Achievement Awards

Since 2007, the Gulf Coast Council has annually honored those members and clubs for outstanding contributions to our mission. This year, we recognize four individuals and two clubs for their promotion and advancement of fly fishing, fly tying, conservation and community within the GCC.

Awards Chairman David Buckner and other members of the Awards Committee are proud to announce the following honorees. Each has received a personalized mug with their name (or club name) and award. The mug features an abstract of a redfish tail.

Fly Fisher of the Year – Danielle Davidson

Previously Man of the Year / Woman of the Year, this award recognizes individual(s) who have made significant contributions to the FFI, the GCC, individual clubs, the fly fishing community, or the sport in general.

Danielle is an accomplished angler and ardent conservationist. This past year, she served as President of the Eastern Shore Fly Fishers, Committee Lead for the ESFF annual Tripletail Classic, and as Women Connect Director for the GCC. Danielle also put together one of the most successful youth fly fishing events ever on the northern Gulf Coast, Fly Fishing with Kids, at the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Reserve Visitors Center in Fairhope. The activity included instruction and exhibitors for over 100 kids. As Women Connect Director, she organized the “Bikes and Bugs” event, which gathered 40 women to
Gulf Shores State Park for a day of fishing and biking. She continues to serve as a GCC board director, assisting with marketing for the 2023 Classic.

Fly Tying Lifetime Achievement – Marc Pinsel

Awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the art of fly tying, through a combination of innovation, enhancement of the art, instruction of others, or media education. In 2018, this award was modified to recognize lifetime achievement.

For over 30 years, Marc Pinsel has tied at various shows across the country and abroad. Although he ties a wide variety of flies, his specialties are salmon flies and woolhead patterns. His list of creations includes the 4M, B&W Woolhead, Bream Woolhead, and Orange Bream Bass Fly. He is a member of the Whiting Pro Staff and the Fly Dressers Guild UK. He has conducted fly tying workshops at FFI events, such as “Tying Salmon Flies for Largemouth Bass”. Marc served on the board of the FFI Southeastern Council and was a co-founder of the Gulf Coast Council. He is a previous recipient of the GCC Fly Fisher of the Year and President’s Award. He was honored by the FFI with the Charles E. Brooks Memorial Award for lifetime achievement in fly tying. Marc has been featured in fly fishing magazines such as Eastern Fly Fishing and American Fly Fishing.

Education Excellence Award – David Buckner

Awarded to individuals or clubs that have made outstanding contributions to passing along the art of fly fishing to others, whether in the form of fly casting, fly tying, rod building, or any of the other fly fishing arts and sciences.

David joined the FFI GCC Board in 2021 and has become a key contributor in the Council’s efforts. He is a former officer of HOSSFLY club and has been a driver in their growth and contribution to the GCC. David is an accomplished fly tyer and always seeks opportunities to share his knowledge and expertise. David was instrumental in the success of the 2021 GCC Sweetwater Classic, teaching several event sessions and demonstrating his fly tying skills. He developed several GCC materials and presentations for the event. David is a tremendous advocate for fly fishing in our region and within the GCC.

Continue reading

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Summer 2022 Gulf Streamer now online

Summer 2022 Gulf StreamerThe Summer 2022 edition of The Gulf Streamer, the newsletter of the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International, is now available to the public online. CLICK HERE to download (1.5mb, PDF format).

This issue was sent out to our members via email over a week ago. If you are an FFI member in good standing and did not receive that email, please check with the GCC Membership Chair to insure your email address is correct.

In this issue:

  • A.J. Rosenbohm shares insights on council activities
  • David Buckner announces 2022 Council Awards
  • Casting from a Kayak – Donald Dehm shares tips and tricks
  • Fred Hannie shares tips on deciding what flies to tie
  • Check that fish before you eat it! George Norton explains why
  • Night time is the right time for late summer fishing!
  • Why new regulations are helping with flounder issues
  • How the FFI Tying Skills Challenge can improve your tying
  • and much more!
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Get your tickets to win a Crescent CK1 kayak!

This Summer/Fall, the FFI Gulf Coast Council is again raffling off a fishing kayak.  This year’s model is the Crescent Kayaks CK1 Venture. It includes paddle and an inflatable PFD. Every ticket purchased helps to support GCC conservation and education initiatives. The raffle is open to the general public.

The CK1 Venture is one of the hottest new fishing kayaks on the market. Made in the USA, it has received strong reviews for it’s hull design that offers an optimum blend of speed, stability and excellent tracking for it’s length. It also weighs an amazingly light 60 pounds! A perfect kayak for all ages, combat launching or river or marsh fishing.

Donations are 1 ticket for $10, or 3 tickets for $20. A limited number of tickets will be sold. The deadline for ticket sales will be November 14, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Individuals can purchase tickets by mail via check, VENMO, or online via credit card or Paypal. If purchasing online, tickets are sold only in blocks of 3 tickets ($20 each), so make the payment to the amount of a block. For example, $40 for 6 tickets.

A very special thank you to Crescent Kayaks for their support of the Gulf Coast Council, and also to Donald Dehm of Floating Feathers Kayak Fly Fishing School for his assistance.

To learn more, or to purchase tickets, click on our RAFFLE page (menu above).

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