Wednesday, December 15, 2021

RSFF holiday gathering postponed to January

With the holidays upon us, we typically have no meetings in December except for our annual Christmas Party.  Due to circumstances, we have had to postpone that event.  So in January, we will instead celebrate a "New Year Kickoff Party" - date to be announced.

Here's wishing our members and friends, and all of their families, a most blessed holiday season. Hope everyone finds something under the Christmas tree they can use for their piscatorial pursuits in the coming year.

We also wish everyone a prosperous and healthy 2022.  With much emphasis on healthy!  Hopefully, this coming year things will be back to normal.

While Christmas is a season of festivity, let's not forget the reason for the season: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” John 1:14. Please be giving to those in need, and pray for those who are less fortunate, for those in suffering, and for those away from their families this season.  Love and peace to everyone!

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Results of the 2021 Jambalaya Challenge

One of our favorite Cajun dishes, Jambalaya is a mixture of different ingredients brought together in one pot. Likewise, our Jambalaya Challenge is a CPRE (Catch/Photo/Release Encouraged) contest where different species are lumped into one - size doesn't matter, but diversity does!

For our first year, we had 115 entries! Over half of these came from two exceptional fly fishermen - Chris Williams and Ben Roussel. However, as stated in the rules, every participant will be eligible for the prizes drawing (1 ticket for each entry made, only one winner per drawing).

2021 Jambalaya Challenge final standings:

1st - Chris Williams - 43 species
2nd - Ben Roussel - 40 species
3rd - Gary Peterson - 12 species
4th (tie) - Glen Cormier, Randy Leonpacher - 6 species
5th - Cole Miller - 4 species
6th - Sydney Dobson - 3 species

The most common species caught were Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Redear Sunfish - each with 6 entries.  

A large number of unusual species taken including the following: Whiting (Gulf Kingfish), Creek Chub, Western Mosquitofish, Weed Shiner, Shoal Bass, Longfin Dace, Lizardfish, Golden Topminnow, Gila Trout, Flier, Bantam Sunfish, Blacktail Shiner, Choctaw Bass and Blackspotted Topminnow.

The fly that caught the most species was the Clouser Minnow, followed by several variations of the Woolybugger. Other flies commonly used were Soft Hackles, Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, Baby Leeches, variations of Fluff Butts, Boogle Bugs, and generic beadhead nymphs.

Awards and prizes will be given out at the January meeting. We'll also take suggestions for the 2022 Jambalaya Challenge which will kickoff on February 1st.

Sunday, November 21, 2021

November 22nd fly tying

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, November 22, 2021

7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

We'll be tying a surprise fly. Materials will be provided. Bring your vise and tools, if none, the club has sets for use during these sessions.

As always, our meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome!

Sunday, November 7, 2021

November 8th general meeting

RSFF monthly meeting
Monday, November 8, 2021
7:00pm
Room 204, Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

* with end of Daylight Savings Time, no casting practice this month *

On the agenda:
- upcoming events
- nominations for club board of directors 2022
- fishing reports

As always, our meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome!

Friday, October 22, 2021

Pick-a-fly, Tie-a-fly, Fish-a-fly, Tell-a-Lie

RSFF fly fishing event
Saturday, October 30, 2021

Start time: 8:00am
Location: Waddill Wildlife Refuge
4142 N Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA

* We've moved location from Blackwater to Waddill with the re-opening of the refuge last week *

The guidelines are: bring one fly each for a drawing. They will be numbered; we will then draw numbers and get the fly with that number to fish with.

We will then tie a second fly to fish with.  Then the fishing begins. 

Please bring your own lunch and sodas.  We will gather for lunch and exchange stories (or lies).

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Remembering Dave McDougal

We were saddened to hear earlier this month of the passing of longtime member David McDougal. Dave passed away on October 3rd at his home in Arizona after an unexpected stroke.

Dave was an original member of Red Stick Fly Fishers. His career work in the petroleum industry gave him insight to everything happening on the coast, and he was one of the prime club sources for new members to learn about saltwater fly fishing.  He often entertained members at his camp on Grand Isle, and was the club's insider for fishing reports in the surf, around the island, and in the back bays. 

As much as Dave enjoyed fishing for speckled trout, he was equally adept at fishing for rainbow and brown trout on Arkansas rivers, or bass, sacalait and bream on any number of area lakes. He was always one of the top fish fry "contributors" on the club's annual weekend trips to Lake Concordia.

Dave also taught many new members how to cast and tie flies. He enjoyed tying flies almost as much as he enjoyed watching LSU football. His greatest creation was the Jedediah fly, named after his good friend Jody Titone. The Jedediah was a killer fly on the White and Norfork Rivers, as well as the Little Missouri River.

Dave was active in just about every club event, and briefly served on the RSFF board. To say he was one of the most beloved members our club has ever had would be a gross understatement!  In 2011, the RSFF board voted to make Dave a Member Emeritus for his longtime service to the club.

Dave was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1934, and was married to his wife Margaret for over 60 years.  They had two children, son Johnny (deceased), and daughter Cathy who was with Dave at his passing. He served in the US Air Force, and in the Korean War. In addition to fly fishing, he enjoyed family, great food and traveling.

In 2011, Dave and Margaret made the move from Baton Rouge to Arizona  to be close to family.  After the move, it didn't take long for Dave to make the transition from marsh to mountains. He could often be found float tubing for rainbow trout in the White Mountain lakes, which he did with great success!

Due to Covid-19, there was no memorial held for Margaret at her passing. Therefore, a celebration of life for both Dave and Margaret will be held at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 5th, at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Broadmoor Presbyterian Church.

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Red Stick Day 2021 cancelled

Due to growing Covid 19 concerns, Red Stick Fly Fishers have opted to cancel their annual "Red Stick Day" fly fishing festival scheduled for October 30th. This date was a reschedule from our usual 1st Saturday in March.

Our plan now is to hold our next festival on Saturday, March 5th 2022...hopefully in a post-pandemic environment. Hope to see everyone there!

Friday, July 9, 2021

July 12th general meeting

RSFF monthly meeting
Monday, July 12, 2021
6:15pm  - casting practice
7:00pm -  meeting starts
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

On the agenda:
- the upcoming Leeville Fly Fishing Weekend
- liability insurance for the club
- information on promoting a fly fishing film for income
- flyer for promoting the club
- Jambalaya Challenge update
- fishing reports

As always, our meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome!

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Toledo Bend Rendezvous returns Nov. 5-7

Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, November 5-7, 2021
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

After cancellation last year due to Covid-19 protocols, Rendezvous is back.  The announcement was made recently by event organizer Walter McLendan.  What  is Rendezvous?  For 32 years each Fall,  fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – gather for a weekend of fly tying, fly casting, food and fishing. With only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals. The event is open to everyone.

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.

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.  There are no organized activities.  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!

The FFI Gulf Coast and Texas Councils, along along with several member clubs, are co-sponsors of this event, and make it possible for attendees to enjoy a low lodging rate.

Fees (family or individual are the same):

  • $40 for weekend, includes lodging and meals
  • $20 one night, includes lodging and meals
  • $10 just for the day
For more info, go to http://flycasting.bravesites.com

Friday, June 25, 2021

June 28th fly tying - Flip Flop Popper

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, June 28th

7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

* This meeting will NOT be on Zoom or streamed on YouTube as previously posted *

This session, Randy Leonpacher will be tying a Flip Flop Popper.  The diversity of material for this fly allows for an endless variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.  

Bring your vise and tools, materials will be provided.  If you have no tying tools, the club has sets for use during these sessions.  Beginners and guests are welcome!

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

June 14th general meeting

RSFF monthly meeting
Monday, June 14, 2021

7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

* If you've not been vaccinated, please consider wearing a mask as a precaution.

On the agenda: we'll discuss the upcoming Leeville Fly Fishing Weekend, as well as get a recap on the Spring Catch-n-Eat marsh trip. The public is welcome, bring a guest!

Friday, May 28, 2021

Tying the Safety Pin Minnow Lite

At our May 24th virtual fly tying session, Sydney Dobson demonstrated the Safety Pin Minnow Lite, originated by Curtis Kauer.  Sydney demonstrated the fly twice during the one-hour session.

The live video was captured and edited for time allotment to show the 2nd demo (about 32 minutes) and is available on the FFI Gulf Coast Council YouTube Channel.  CLICK HERE to watch.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

May 24th fly tying - Safety Pin Minnow

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, May 24th

7:00pm
Zoom meeting

This session, Sydney Dobson will demonstrate the Safety Pin Minnow, a balanced minnow tied on a jig hook with a safety pin head. A killer fly for bass, and many other predatory species.  

This will be a Zoom session, so please check for an email from Greg or Joe on meeting ID and password.

To join in:

  • Active participants can join via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the Zoom meeting ID and password to join in.  
  • Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary.  Go to the FFI Gulf Coast Council YouTube Channel below and click on "Live" videos.  Use the Chat feature to ask questions.
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8663e6KM6E-uE9rdnwjA4g

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Spring Catch-n-Eat moved to June 4th-6th

Our Spring Saltwater Catch & Eat outing has been moved back to the weekend of June 4th thru 6th, due to a conflict for the Saltwater Chairman (Randy Leonpacher).  This change will also give folks a little extra time to make plans for the event.

For new folks to the C&E, fishing takes place along Highway 1 from Galliano south to Grand Isle, waters teeming with redfish, speckled trout, drum, flounder, sheepshead.   Partner up with an individual or group having your preferred fishing style (boat, kayak or bank) and head down.  All participants are responsible for making reservations at their favorite place of stay.

The Saturday evening cookout will take place at Galliano Inn in Golden Meadow. Participants are asked to contribute a share of their catch filets for the fresh fried fish. The club provides fresh shrimp (if available). Bring your own beverages and folding chairs.

To get on the email list for C&E, email Randy Leonpacher at rmleonpacr@bellsouth.net.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

May 10th meeting to be at Broadmoor UMC

RSFF monthly meeting
Monday, May 10, 2021

7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

Welcome back! Between millions of vaccinations and a precipitious decline in new cases of Covid-19, the board has decided to renew in-person meetings starting in May.  We request that everyone wear a mask as a precaution.

One activity we haven't been able to do with our Zoom meetings is fly casting.  So we'll take advantage of the large green spaces at BUMC and do casting.  Come for instruction, or just to practice.  We'll later have a presentation on the FFI Casting Skills Challenge.   

We'll also have fishing reports, including the Concordia trip, and updates on the Spring Catch-n-Eat marsh fishing trip later in May.  The public is welcome, bring a guest!

Sunday, April 11, 2021

April 12th general meeting

General Membership Meeting
Monday, April 12th

7:00pm
Zoom meeting

Join us for an online general membership meeting the 2nd Monday of the month.  We will be meeting using the Zoom app (laptop, tablet or mobile).  The meeting ID and password will be mailed out by Greg or Joe 1-3 days before the meeting. 

On the agenda:
- Spring and Fall Concordia trips
- Spring Catch-n-Eat marsh trip
- Red Stick Day
- GCC Council awards
- Returning to live meetings at Broadmoor UMC
- fishing reports

Saturday, March 13, 2021

March 22nd fly tying - Jiggybee

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, March 22nd
7:00pm
Zoom meeting

Randy Leonpacher will lead us in tying his relatively new fly, the Jiggybee, a "cousin" to his world famous Jitterbee. The new “cousin” is more jig-like and more “frizzy” than the Jitterbee.  According to Randy, jig-like and frizzy have proven to be favorable factors attributing to the success of proven panfish flies such as the
Concordia Special.

A complete writeup on the  Jiggybee can be found on the LAflyfish.com website.  Click here.

For all sessions:

  • Club members and members of other clubs can join via Zoom app on any PC, laptop or smartphone.  If you did not receive the Meeting ID and password, contact Joe Conachen. 
  • Casual observers can watch via live-streaming on YouTube.   Go to the FFI Gulf Coast Council YouTube Channel (link below) and click on "Live" videos to watch.  
  •  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8663e6KM6E-uE9rdnwjA4g

 

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Jambalaya Challenge goes live!

Our first-ever "Jambalaya Challenge" has kicked off. No, it's not a cooking contest, nor an eating one. Rather, it's a fishing contest where size doesn't matter, but diversity does.  So get your diversity training on!

The concept is simple. Each time you catch a different species of fish on fly tackle, take a photo of the fish with the fly and/or tackle. Then come to this website, click on "Jambalaya Challenge" page, click on the entry form link, and enter the catch details.

At midnight on November 30th, whoever has the most entries wins. However, every member who entered fish will get one "ticket" for each fish they entered. We'll draw from those tickets for various prizes. So everyone has a chance to be a winner...just by entering fish!

Here's what you need to compete:

  •  Be a paid 2021 member of RSFF
  •  Go to the Jambalaya Challenge page and review the rules
  •  Have your camera or smartphone available when fishing
  •  Take photos of your catch and log them in using the links on the JC page.
  •  Bring your enthusiasm!  Remember, while catching the most different species wins, everyone who participates can win prizes.

We encourage members with Facebook profiles to also report their contest catches on our Red Stick Fly Fishers group page. At the end of your post use the tag #jambalayachallenge.

Sunday, March 7, 2021

March 8th general meeting

General Membership Meeting
Monday, March 8th

7:00pm
Zoom meeting

Join us for an online general membership meeting the 2nd Monday of the month.  We will be meeting using the Zoom app (laptop, tablet or mobile).  The meeting ID and password will be mailed out by Greg or Joe 1-3 days before the meeting. 

On the agenda:  results of the club fishing contest at Waddill, the club's first-ever "Jambalaya Challenge" diversity species contest, the upcoming Gulf Coast Council's "Suncatch Challenge", and upcoming events including club trips to Concordia and the marsh.  Also: club dues initiatives, fishing reports.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

March 1st fly tying - Partridge & Orange

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, March 1st  *
7:00pm
Zoom meeting

* This session is a reschedule of our February 22nd session *

Sydney Dobson will be leading us in tying the Partridge & Orange.  Perhaps the most celebrated wet fly pattern of all time, the P&O originated in the early 1700s, but is still effective today for trout. It's also a killer bluegill fly when fishing around docks and trees where spiders are prolific.  

For all sessions:

  • Club members and members of other clubs can join via Zoom app on any PC, laptop or smartphone.  If you did not receive the Meeting ID and password, contact Joe Conachen. 
  • Casual observers can watch via live-streaming on YouTube.   Go to the FFI Gulf Coast Council YouTube Channel (link below) and click on "Live" videos to watch.  
  •  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8663e6KM6E-uE9rdnwjA4g

Monday, February 15, 2021

RSFF mourns loss of longtime member Frank Genusa

Frank Genusa, Jr., a member of Red Stick Fly Fishers for over 25 years and one of our most accomplished and active members, passed away Saturday from congenital heart disease. He was 71.

A resident of Denham Springs, Frank served as president of Red Stick Fly Fishers for five years, from 2002 through 2006. Frank's leadership style was one of "crossing t's and dotting i's" and getting things done.  During his term, the club initiated Fly Fishing 101, and expanded the number of weekend-long club trips. He put a premium on getting new members, and during his tenure, the club experienced unprecented growth, rising to a peak of 158 members!

Frank was also a gunsmith and a rod builder, and donated several of his rods to our club functions. For the last 18 years, Frank has been active with our annual Red Stick Day, in particular, managing our "Gamblers Draw" fundraiser.  Thanks to Frank's guidance and sales drive, this activity has been very successful for the club.


He was also the chief cook for our annual weekend trips to Lake Concordia. Always willing to volunteer for something, that was Frank!

On the water, Frank was an accomplished offshore fly angler. He enjoyed catching cobia, spanish, king mackeral, and many other species. For awhile, he held a Louisiana state fly rod record Top 10 entry for redfish, which he caught at Belle Pass on a Tom Springer's Crystal Shrimp pattern.  He was equally at home on warmwater lakes and bayous. Much of his time was spent fishing with his dad, who passed away in December, 2020.

Frank was a friend to all, and welcomed anyone who wanted to learn our sport. He had many great stories to tell from a lifetime dedicated to hunting and fishing. Our prayers to his wife, Meg, his children and grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to the memorial visitation on Friday, February 19, 2021, at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 7738 Florida Blvd., Denham Springs, LA, 70726, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Condolences and other information may be found at www.thompsoncares.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

February 2021 Zoom meetings

General Membership Meeting
Monday, February 8th

7:00pm
Zoom meeting

Join us for an online general membership meeting the 2nd Monday of the month.  We will be meeting using the Zoom app (laptop, tablet or mobile).  The meeting ID and password will be mailed out by Greg or Joe several days before the meeting. 

For all sessions:

  • Club members and members of other clubs can join via Zoom app on any PC, laptop or smartphone.  If you did not receive the Meeting ID and password, contact Joe Conachen. 
  • Casual observers can watch via live-streaming on YouTube.   Go to the FFI Gulf Coast Council YouTube Channel (link below) and click on "Live" videos to watch.  
  •  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8663e6KM6E-uE9rdnwjA4g

Sunday, January 17, 2021

BTNEP calendars now available in BR

Each year, the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) produces educational calendars that highlight the estuary's unique ecology and history. The most popular among saltwater anglers is their tidal graph calendar, with daily tidal graphs for Caminada Pass (Grand Isle).

It's been a club tradition to distribute these calendars to members at meetings beginning in January. With the onset of Covid-19 and lack of in-person meetings, we've made arrangements with Orvis Baton Rouge as our distribution point for the new 2021 calendars. Many thanks to Roger del Rio and Mike LaFleur for going down to BTNEP headquarters in Thibodaux and picking them up. And to Dugan Sabins for his past contributions in picking up and distributing them.

To get your calendar, go to the Orvis store on 7601 Bluebonnet in Perkins-Rowe. Exactly 75 were brought to the store, so don't delay as these go pretty fast. While there, check out the new Orvis products for 2021, as well as pick up some flies for the rainbeaux trout now stocked in seven (yep, that's seven!) area ponds.

Monday, January 4, 2021

January 2021 Zoom meetings

General Membership Meeting
Monday, January 11th
7:00pm

Join us for an online general membership meeting the 2nd Monday of the month.  We will be meeting using the Zoom app (laptop, tablet or mobile).  The meeting ID and password will be mailed out by Greg or Joe several days before the meeting. 

Fly Tying Session
Monday, January 25th
7:00pm

Pattern TBA.  Zoom session.  Participants are encouraged to ask questions about the fly, tools or techniques used.  The session ID and password will be mailed out by Greg or Joe several days prior.

For all sessions:

  • Active participants can join via Zoom (www.zoom.us).  Download the app for use on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary, just click on the link below and click on "Live" videos to watch.   If you have a YouTube app on your smartphone or tablet (almost all do), you can even cast it onto your TV  (if it has an internet connection) and watch on your TV. 
  •  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8663e6KM6E-uE9rdnwjA4g