Franklinton resident Trey Riley fits into his surroundings even better than the game that frequently finds itself in his sights.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, the Lake Charles Civic Center will come alive with one of the largest expos ever dedicated to fly fishing, fly tying and kayak fishing on the northern Gulf Coast. The FFF Gulf Coast Expo 2007 comes courtesy of the newly-formed Gulf Coast Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers.
Want to learn about Texas Hill Country rivers, kayak-fishing Grand Isle marshes, chasing tarpon in Pensacola or what insects trout and bluegill feed on? Those are just a few of the many programs by regional and national experts.
You can also sit in on some of the several dozen fly tiers who’ll be demonstrating patterns for bluegill to blue marlin. Or test cast some of the many great fly rods on the market today.
This event offers something for the entire family. In addition to the fly tying, programs and many exhibits, attendees can also enroll for free one-hour classes in beginning fly casting and beginning fly tying. There’s also classes for youngsters and women on Saturday, again free with admission.
Admission is only $10 for an adult, and it covers their spouse. All youngsters 17 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult. What’s more, one ticket is good for both days. For less than the cost of a movie, a family of four can enjoy a great day or weekend learning the sport of fly fishing.
For those who want to take their tying, casting or kayak fishing skills to the next level, optional workshops are available for a nominal fee. Registration is required for those, and class sizes are limited, so early registration is encouraged. Forms are available online at www.gulfcoastfff.org.
In conjunction with the show, members of the Gulf Coast Council FFF will also hold their inaugural awards banquet and auction on Saturday evening. Anyone is welcome to attend; being an FFF member is not required. Simply send in the registration form. The auction will feature many great items, including premium tackle, artwork and guided trips.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention — headlining this event will be two of the greatest names in fly fishing: Lefty Kreh and Nick Curcione. You know these guys are special because nobody ever mentions them by their last names; it’s always “Lefty” and “Nick.”
Together Lefty and Nick have written more articles and books, made more appearances on television (stretching back to the “American Sportsman” days) and done more to promote our sport than all of us “semi-famous” personalities have combined. Lefty alone has taught many thousands how to fly cast, and even in his 80s, still does over a dozen clinics each year.
A council is born
The Federation of Fly Fishers is an international organization dedicated to conserving, restoring and educating through fly fishing. Since their formation in 1965, they’ve been involved in numerous conservation projects, and even the production of the award-winning television series, “The New Flyfisher.”
Folks who join the FFF are devoted to passing on the rich traditions of our sport. In fact, legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, a longtime member, volunteered to be the organization’s spokesperson.
FFF members and affiliated clubs are divided into regional entities, called “councils.” Prior to last August, Louisiana clubs were split between the Southern Council FFF and the Southeast Council FFF, both of which covered nearly a dozen states.
Realizing that smaller councils better met the needs and interests of its members, the FFF decided to spin off a Florida Council from the Southeast. When this happened, about 30 members from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi met to determine if a new council representing Gulf Coast clubs was also viable.
Last August, the Gulf Coast Council FFF was formed. Currently acting as a subcouncil until it meets the parent organization’s minimum requirements for number of clubs and members (which it’s already far surpassed), the GCC stretches from west Texas to Destin, Fla., and north to the 32nd parallel.
It’s the charge of this new council to assist clubs in whichever way possible. While most want to grow their membership, or have more interesting programs, some would like to have a website, a better newsletter, more fishing trips or greater interaction with wildlife agencies and other conservation groups.
Conservation will be a major focus of the GCC. One project already under way is the restocking of native bass in the Guadalupe River above Canyon Dam near New Braunfels.
Fishing reports
Louisiana fly anglers are enjoying a banner season so far.
Members of the Shreveport and Monroe clubs have been tearing up the rainbow trout on the Little Missouri River in southern Arkansas. The Little Mo and the Mountain Fork River (southeast Oklahoma), are both year-round trout fisheries just over two hours north of Shreveport. Peak stocking for both tailwaters is in spring.
Most of the fish have been 12 to 14 inches, with a few larger. Top flies are olive woolybuggers, parachute adams, A&W emergers and gold-ribbed hares ears.
The newly-formed Natchitoches club reports great action on redears at Cane River Lake and Caney Lake, and on bass at Toledo Bend and Grand Bayou Lake. The bass are hitting poppers sizes 2 to 6 late in the afternoon.
Members of the Baton Rouge club are split between fresh and salt. The freshwater guys are killing big bream at Lakes Concordia, St John, Verret and False River. Best flies are jitterbees and tussel bugs under a tiny float, or in the case of False River, metallic-braid fluff butts on an intermediate or sinking line stripped fast.
The salt guys who are using kayaks and canoes are encountering small pods of redfish in ponds from Lafitte to Theriot. The grass is thick, so weed-resistant flies like bendbacks are the ticket. Those fishing boats say the specks are eating up Clousers near cuts and over shell reefs.
One of the Acadiana (Lafayette) club gals told me that the chiquapin were on at Miller’s Lake. Sure enough, a trip the last weekend in March produced some of the biggest I’d caught in years — several well over a pound!
Best bet this month is Toledo Bend. It’s overall size intimidates many fly rodders, but there are multitudes of quiet coves that hold lots of grass and some big bass. Throw a popper, and prepare for heart-stopping strikes.
