Monday, March 23, 2020

COVID-19 update and cancellations

President Trump, the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Governor John Bel Edwards and state and local governments and agencies have issued strict guidelines to help protect Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The result has been closure of numerous facilities to public use, and strong advisement against social gatherings of more than 10 people.

Out of concern for our members and the public in general, the Red Stick Fly Fishers have cancelled our fly tying and general meetings until further notice.

We are also re-evaluating our upcoming trips. Some of the facilities we plan to stay at, or use for our gatherings, are closed until further notice.

We wish the best for all our members, friends, and their families during this crisis. We pray for all who are stricken and for a swift end to this pandemic.

Monday, March 9, 2020

Inaugural Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic this weekend!

Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic
Friday-Saturday, March 13-14, 2020
Percy Quin State Park, McComb, MS
FREE admission to park & festival
Entry fee for tournament: $25

The Fly Fishers International (FFI) Gulf Coast Council (GCC) will host their first-ever "Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic" fly fishing tournament and festival this Friday and Saturday at Percy Quin State Park just five miles from McComb, Mississippi.

The event marks a departure from the routine conclaves of past years, and joins the growing number of fly fishing tournaments, or events with a tournament component, that have become popular across the country.  Lake Tangipahoa inside Percy Quin offers fly anglers an opportunity for a trophy bass, as well as crappie over 2 pounds during March and April. 

Classic activities include: casting instruction and casting skills challenge, fly tying demos, Big Bream Contest (Friday afternoon) and the Sweetwater Classic Tournament (Saturday morning). The festival is FREE and admission to the park is free for attendees.

The Big Bream Contest entry fee is $5 cash (winner take all), and the Classic Tournament entry fee is $25 (register via iAngler). There’s also a “One Feather Fly Tying Contest” on Friday evening, and an “Iron Fly Tying” contest on Saturday afternoon.  Also, there's a fundraiser on Saturday with many great and one-of-a-kind items!

Anyone who registers for the tournament before Wednesday 11:59pm via the iAngler links is eligible for a drawing for $100 cash, to be drawn at the weigh-in. Must be present to win!

For complete details, including schedule, tournament rules, local lodging and restaurants, go to www.gulfcoastcouncilffi.org and click on the “Classic” page or any of the submenu items.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

March 9th general meeting

Red Stick Fly Fishers monthly meeting
Monday, March 9, 2020
7:00pm
Adult Education Building, Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

For this month, our guest speaker will be Harry Blanchet, Marine Fisheries Director for Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Blanchet will address the club on the current speckled trout status, as well as the process for gathering public response to proposed management plans to help stocks recover.

Also on the agenda, recap of this past Saturday's Red Stick Day, upcoming trips to Lake Concordia and Golden Meadow. As always, the public is welcome!