Tuesday, November 5, 2024

November Activities

Great marsh fishing continues this month with the cooler weather. We'll take advantage of this nice weather to hold a much-awaited casting clinic.  We also have an important membership meeting lined up early this month.  This will be our last routine meeting of the year (December is our Christmas Party). 

RSFF Casting Clinic
Saturday, November 9th

8:00am
BREC Perkins Rd (Kennilworth) Park

We've had several new members express interest in getting some casting lessons lately, so we hope to see you all there!  We may also have some students from the St. Michael’s High School fly fishing club join us!  This clinic is free and open to anyone.

RSFF General Meeting
Monday, November 11th

7:00pm
LDWF Headquarters, 2000 Quail Dr, Baton Rouge, LA

No guest speaker this month, but various club topics:
1) annual club elections
2) discussion on proposed change to the clubs dues structure.
3) we'll also go over the Jambalaya Challenge standings, and touch on some potential “new” sunfish species in our area for next year’s challenge.

Flies & Flights
Wednesday, November 20th

7:00pm
Rally Cap Brewing (11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA)

Join us at Rally Cap Brewing for this month’s brewery night.  We haven’t settled on a featured pattern as of yet, but keep an eye out for updates as the date approaches.

F&F is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews. While not affiliated with Red Stick, it was hatched by a few club members as an alternative to a traditional meeting environment. Everyone is welcome!

Keep an eye out for a follow up email with more details.

**Tools, vises and materials available for those looking to learn**

RSFF SackUp for Clean Water
Saturday, TBD

Where: TBD

While we have a date tentatively set for this month’s waterway cleanup event, the exact details are still to be determined.  We’ll send out a separate announcement as soon as we have more to share.

RSFF Fly Tying Meeting
Monday, November 25th

7:00 pm
Orvis Baton Rouge, 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge LA
Featured Patterns: EP Baitfish

Join us Monday, November 25th, as RSFF Fly Tying Chair, David Rogers, ties up a simple, but effective, EP Baitfish Pattern.  Quick to tie and durable, these patterns produce a great baitfish silhouette and are effective on a variety of fresh and saltwater species.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to tie this simple, yet deadly, pattern!

As usual, beginners and guests are welcome.  Tools, vises and materials available for use during this session for those looking to learn.  Come early and get some retail therapy in at our Orvis sponsor!

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Reminder: October 14th meeting - Dr. Aaron Adams

RSFF General Meeting
Monday, October 14th, 7:00pm

LDWF headquarters, 2000 Quail Dr, Baton Rouge
Topic: Addressing Conservation Concerns in the Gulf of Mexico, with Dr. Aaron Adams

Reminder that tomorrow night we will have Dr. Aaron Adams joining us remotely.  Dr. Adams is Director of Science and Conservation for the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.  He'll share a presentation on the various conservation concerns facing fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Make plans to attend this very special meeting!  If you can't attend in person, check your email for the Microsoft Teams log-in instructions.

Friday, October 4, 2024

October Activities

This month brings a return to great weather and great fishing, especially in the marsh. We kick off the month with a very special general meeting featuring one of the most renown fisheries scientists in the nation.

RSFF General Meeting
Monday, October 14th, 7:00pm

Where: LDWF Headquarters, 2000 Quail Dr, Baton Rouge, LA
Topic: Addressing Conservation Concerns in the Gulf of Mexico, with Dr. Aaron Adams

This month Dr. Aaron Adams, Director of Science and Conservation for the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, will be joining us remotely to share a presentation on the various conservation concerns facing fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. Renowned for his fisheries research, Dr. Adams is also an accomplished fly fisherman and author who has published several books on angling including the “Fly Fisherman’s Guide to Saltwater Prey.”

Be sure to mark your calendars for this one! For those members unable to attend in person, keep an eye out for a follow up email with Microsoft Teams log-in instructions.

Flies & Flights
Wednesday, October 16th, 7:00pm

Where: Rally Cap Brewing (11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA)
Featured Pattern: TBD

Join us at Rally Cap Brewing on Wednesday, October 16th, for this month’s brewery night.  We haven’t settled on a featured pattern as of yet, but keep an eye out for updates as the date approaches.

F&F is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews. While not affiliated with Red Stick, it was hatched by a few club members as an alternative to a traditional meeting environment. Everyone is welcome!

Keep an eye out for a follow up email with more details.

** Tools, vises and materials available for those looking to learn**

Fall Saltwater Catch & Eat Trip
October 25-27, 2024

Meeting Place:  Boudreaux's Motel, Leeville, LA

For those new to this annual event, we fish the waters along Highway 1 from Galliano south to Grand Isle, for reds, specks, drum, sheepshead and other marsh fish, then gather on Saturday evening where everyone shares some of their catch for a fish/shrimp fry and share reports about where they fished and what they caught.

All participants are responsible for making reservations at their favorite place of stay. If you haven't received an email from Randy Leonpacher about places to stay - as well as many more details about this fantastic and popular outing - contact Randy by email (RMLeonpacr@bellsouth.net) and inquire about the 2024 Fall Saltwater Catch & Eat.

RSFF Fly Tying Meeting
Monday, October 28th, 7:00 pm

Where: Orvis Baton Rouge, 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge LA
Featured Pattern: Redfish Toad

Join us Monday, October 28th, as RSFF tying chair, David Rogers, ties up some Redfish Toads in preparation for winter redfish.

For a larger view of this pattern, click on the image.

** Tools, vises and materials available for those looking to learn**

RSFF Sack Up for Clean Water X Casting Clinic
Date: TBD


With our Casting and Conservation Chairs both on the road this past month, details are slim regarding possible October meet ups.  Rest assured though, we’ll send out a follow-up email as soon as any plans have solidified.

"Our love of fly fishing is not just about uncovering amazing locations; it’s also about taking responsibility for our environment. As our consumption increase so does the litter that finds its way onto our streets, into our infrastructure, ending in our waterways. RSFF is committed to educating and advocating for responsible practices to keep all of our favorite spots pristine.” -Conservation Chair, Robinson Almeida

Volunteer Sign-up form

Monday, September 30, 2024

Toledo Bend Rendezvous coming up Oct. 18-20

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, October 18-20, 2024

North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

For those unfamiliar with Rendezvous, it began 35 years ago when members of two clubs met at North Toledo Bend State Park to camp and fish. The following year, the clubs decided to rent the group facility.  Since then, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – have gathered for a weekend of fly tying and fishing with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals. Some are members of clubs, some are not. Rendezvous is open to all!

There are no organized activities. Everyone is welcome to come fish, tie flies, watch some of the region's top tiers, or tie themselves. You can come for the day or the entire weekend. If you come as a family, the rate for the entire weekend for the whole family or individual is just $40 which includes lodging. For one night lodging, the fee is $20 and for day only the fee is $10.

The excellent facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park are ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. 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.

For complete details, go to flycasting.bravesites.com.

Friday, September 20, 2024

September 23rd fly tying - Llano Bug

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, September 23, 2024

7:00 pm
Orvis Perkins-Rowe
7601 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge LA

This month fellow club member Bob Cook ties up Kevin Hutchinson's Llano Bug.  A long time Texas favorite, this foam offering is just as fishable on our local streams and lakes.

Our fly tying sessions are open to the public, and beginners are welcome. Bring your vise and tools and tie with us, or just watch. For those without tying tools, the club has some for use during these sessions.  Materials are provided.

Sunday, September 8, 2024

September Activities

Some very busy weeks ahead for regional fly anglers and tiers!  RSFF members have an opportunity to:  demonstrate their tying and favorite patterns, watch other tiers from across the region or country, learn about coastal fisheries, teach kids and even adults about fly casting or tying basics, participate in a fly fishing tournament, join other RSFF members for a weekend of fishing and comradery.

Natchitoches Fly Fishing Tie-In
Saturday, September 14th

9am - 4pm
Natchitoches Chamber Building
716 Second St, Natchitoches, LA

This event is being hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers, an independent group of fly tiers from the four corners region. This event is free and open to the public. Many of the top tiers from across the region will be on hand to demonstrate a wide range of patterns. 

According to Mike Hawkins, there's room for more tiers - contact Mike at flyfish.hawk@gmail.com.

FFI Fly Tying Group Rendezvous
Friday-Saturday, September 27-28

Springlake Event Center
Farmers Branch, Texas, TX

Organized by the Fly Fishers International (FFI) Fly Tying Group, this event will feature tiers from across the country.  It's an opportunity to see many tiers from across the country, perhaps some flies and even tying techniques that RSFF members may not be familiar with.

Admission is free, and there's multiple activities both Friday and Saturday.  These include: Over 40 demonstration tiers, Featured Fly Tyers (theatre-style demonstrations), classes for beginners, workshops and seminars, a banquet and fundraising event on Friday evening, Rendezvous shirts and hats, and more. For more info, go to https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/FTG-Rendezvous 

3rd annual ASGA Fisheries Science Symposium
Friday, September 27th

10am - 3pm
Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans
Free admission but pre-registration required

The American Saltwater Guides Association will host their third Fisheries Science Symposium at the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans. It will feature a comprehensive lineup of guest speakers and presentations focused on current events, research and management updates for iconic Gulf species like redfish and jack crevalle.  They'll also take a peak at artificial intelligence and it's use in the future of fisheries data.

Over the past year, ASGA was a partner with the FFI Gulf Coast Council and other allies in the battle to get sensible new regulations for red drum, speckled trout, and menhaden here in Louisiana.

While the event is free, there's a maximum capacity and a deadline of Tuesday, September 17th to register.  For more info and to register, CLICK HERE.

National Hunting and Fishing Day
Saturday, September 28th
Waddill Outdoors Education Center
4141 N. Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge
8:30am to 2:00pm
Free admission!

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries celebrates NHF Day at four venues across the state, including here in Baton Rouge. Admission  is free. Activities including archery, canoeing, fishery, target shooting, outdoor games, live animal exhibits, educational displays, and more. 

Red Stick Fly Fishers has been part of NHF Day at Waddill for 30 years.  We demonstrate fly tying and fly casting, along with hands-on teaching of tying and casting.  We also talk about fly fishing and opportunities for doing so here in Louisiana and elsewhere. As always, we need volunteers for fly tying, fly casting.  Or to just talk fly fishing. 

Rio Grande Rumble
Saturday, September 28th

Weigh-in: No Wake Outfitters
1926 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA
Registration: $20

Our neighboring club in New Orleans - New Orleans Fly Fishers Club - is hosting their 15th annual Rio Grande Rumble Fly Fishing Rodeo on the 28th. The target species is the invasive and wary Rio Grande cichlid. Categories are Longest and Most. Fishing starts at 6:52am  and ends at 12:30pm.

Pre-registration is available on the NOFFC website. Anglers can also register the morning of the tournament at No Wake Outfitters. For complete details, and to pre-register, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

RSFF annual Fall Weekend at Lake Concordia
Friday - Sunday, October 4-6

Lakeview Lodge, Ferriday, LA 

While our Fall Concordia trip is officially the first weekend in October,  the club tying session later this month will be the last opporunity for club members to ask questions and get information prior to this activity.  We book the large camp building and some members book individual motel rooms.  Food is provided, however for the Saturday night fish fry we ask all attendees to contribute part of their catch.  We'll be fly fishing for bass, bream, crappie, other species. 

For details, check with Thad McDonald. 

Friday, September 6, 2024

September 9th meeting - Rigging for Success

RSFF general meeting
Monday, September 9th

7:00 pm
LDWF Headquarters
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

Join us as club president Brian Roberts leads a presentation on "Fly Fishing Basics - Rigging".  The focus will be on how to rig up for fishing with emphasis on south Louisiana, including fly line selection, leader and tippet selection and construction, and terminal knots.  Connor Lewing, the fishing manager at Orvis is scheduled to be on hand as well to help out.

As always, our general meetings are open to the public.  For members unable to attend in person, be on the lookout for a link to the virtual meeting as the date approaches.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Flycasting Clinic Schedule

As previously posted, Jeff Ferguson (FFI MCI) will lead us this Saturday in an in-depth hands-on casting clinic that should benefit anglers of all experience levels. Fly rods will be provided for those looking to learn. In the meantime, Jeff has proposed the following schedule:

8:30 - 9:30 am.  Roll casting. Will cover the Static and Dynamic Roll Casts and benefits of shrinking the anchor and growing the d-loop. Needed to setup the basic cast, but also a useful cast in stream and saltwater applications.

9:45am - 10:45am. Will introduce the Gammel Five Essentials of Casting. These help casters self-diagnose an efficient overhead cast. Loop control can be fun and important in distance, mending, slack line casts, casting in the wind, and pass to accuracy.

11:00am - 12:00 noon. Distance casting. Double haul is a key cast for adding distance but only if done effectively. Jeff will cover how to start and stop a haul, how fast, how long, how line length plays into hauling, and more.  Will also work on the "saltwater quick cast".

Lunch break

After lunch, we'll do fun casts that break the rules and anything else that Jeff can help with from basics to advanced. Examples: curve casts, aerial mends, slack line casts.