May 22nd tying - Slumpbuster

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, May 22, 2023
7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

Ken had something come up, so instead of tying his articulated pattern this month we'll have David leading us in tying the Slumpbuster. Created by John Barr, this fly was intended to mimic a baitfish with materials that look alive in the water.

Materials:

    hook: streamer hook (3x-4x long) size 8
    head: medium gold conehead
    underbody: lead wire .020 gauge
    ribbing: gold brassie size wire
    body: gold sparkle braid
    tail, overbody, collar: crawfish-colored pine squirrel zonker

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

Fish of the Month - May 2023

We started the year off with a new "Fish of the Month" series, however we have only had a single nomination/submission thus far, so maybe we need to workshop a new name for the program, but our second submission is a dandy! Roger del Rio caught this 7.04lb largemouth bass in a private lake in southern Mississippi with a woolly bugger on a 5wt! Congrats Pops, that is a great fish! 

If you'd like to submit a picture for Fish of the Month consideration, email it to us at RSFFJam@gmail.com.

May 17th Flies & Flights

Flies & Flights will be back at Rally Cap Brewing (11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA) this coming Wednesday, May 17th, starting at 7 PM. With the RSFF Saltwater trip just a few weeks off, we've selected the Redfish Ritalin/Redfish Crack as this month's featured fly. We'll have plenty of materials on hand for those looking to learn, and, as an added bonus, we'll have at least one (possibly two) Oasis Dubbing Brush Tables on hand for those who want to attempt to tie up some custom brushes for use on their flies. This is a great opportunity to tie up some highly effective marsh patterns, so be sure to clear your calendar tomorrow.

 

F&F is not affiliated with the Red Stick club, but was hatched from the minds of RSFF members, as such all are invited. This is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews. Anyone can come and join in. As always, feel free to bring some materials to tie whatever pattern you please.


Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

May 8th General Meeting - Chris Williams on the Tamiami Trail

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, May 8, 2023
7:00 pm
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Headquarters
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month, Chris Williams will give us a presentation on fly fishing the Tamiami Trail. This highway extends west-to-east from Marcos Island in southwest Florida to Miami on the southeast coast, and offers not only roadside fishing, but numerous locations just a short drive off the highway where bank or kayak fishing is excellent.  

This system ranges from brackish, tannic water to freshwater, and a countless list of native and exotic species from snook, tarpon and largemouth bass to oscars, Mayan Cichlids and Peacock Bass.

As always, general meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome.

April 24th tying - Merkin Crab

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, April 24, 2023
7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month, David Rogers will lead us in tying the Merkin Crab. Developed by Del Brown for permit, this crustacean imitation is a great pattern for redfish, drum, and many other species that feed on fiddler crabs. Originally designed using acrylic yarn, feathers and rubber bands, there are several material substitutions that can be used, including EP fiber for the body and silicon skirts for the legs.

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

2023 Fly Fishing Film Tour and Hangout

This Saturday, April 15th, Pack & Paddle will be hosting a showing of the 2023 Fly Fishing Film Tour and having a Fly Fishing Hangout at the store. Be sure to check it out!

Event Basics

Fly Fishing Hangout starts at 3. Films start around 5:30pm. Event location: Pack & Paddle. Tickets are limited to 40 seats to ensure the best possible showing!

Film Festival

We'll be starting the films between 5 and 5:30pm. - Tickets are $20 in advance and at the door (if we are not sold out already). Tickets are available locally in advance at Pack & Paddle or simply purchase on this web page and we will hold your tickets at the door for you.

About the Fly Fishing Film Tour
The 17th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour is hitting the road and headed to Lafayette, LA - with a fresh batch of new films. While the F3T travels all across the nation, anglers young and old alike will get taken on an adventure featuring cartwheeling steelhead, pristine coastlines, fish brought back from the brink of ruin to jungle streams laden with aggressive fish, and so much more! From freshwater to salt, inspiration to conservation, this year's film lineup will undoubtedly get you excited to grab a rod and hit the water this upcoming season.

Fly Fishing Hangout

We've got a great event planned including a fun hangout / skills comp / happy hour starting at 3:00pm with the films starting around 5:30. We'll have beer and snacks on hand during the hangout and look forward to seeing you!

During our hangout, should you choose to compete, we've got an interesting contest you can take part in. If competing isn't your thing, enjoy a beer and you can observe or be a part of our fly tying demo.

Marshman Sharpshooter
Bill Prejean, Ron Ratliff, Jeff Ferguson. Legends (past winners) that you can compete to have your name on the "MarshMan Sharpshooter" Trophy with. We'll have targets ready for those that wish to compete at 3pm. Competition is included in your ticket price. The top sharpshooter will get your name on a unique hand made trophy along with bragging rights for the year.

Event Location: Pack & Paddle, 601 E Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70501

April 10th general meeting - A.J. Rosenbohm

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, April 10, 2023
7:00 pm
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Headquarters
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

Our new general meeting location is the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries building on Quail Drive.  Our fly tying sessions will continue to be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church on Mollylea.

This month, our special guest is A.J. Rosenbohm, president of the Fly Fishers International (FFI) Gulf Coast Council (GCC).  A native of New Orleans, A.J. is also president of the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club. In 2021, he was awarded the FFI Award of Distinction for Council Leadership, and under his guidance, the GCC has been recognized as one of the top councils over the past few years. A.J. is also an excellent fly tier who has tied at numerous events including our Red Stick Day. He enjoys fishing for bass, redfish and juvenile tarpon.

A.J. will talk about the GCC's upcoming "Gulf Coast Classic" the first weekend in May.  He'll also give an update on happenings in the FFI and GCC.

Also on the agenda: details on upcoming club trips to Lake Concordia and Little Missouri, fishing reports.

Casting - We will have casting 30 minutes before the meeting. We'll do this on the left side of the building.

March 27th fly tying - Game Changer

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, March 27, 2023
7:00pm
Orvis Perkins-Rowe
7601 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA

*  Please note: This month's tying session will be at the Orvis store on Bluebonnet. Come early and peruse the wide selection of fly fishing tackle, accessories, and fly tying tools and materials.

For February, Matt Brooks - Fishing Manager at Orvis - will lead us in tying the Game Changer.  Developed by Blane Chocklett, this articulated streamer has become a killer fly for a wide variety of species including pike, musky, bass, brown trout, redfish, speckled trout, snook and many more.  

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

March 13th general meeting - BREC ponds

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, March 13, 2023
7:00 pm
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Headquarters
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 

Our new general meeting location is our former location for many years!  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries building on Quail Drive.  Our fly tying sessions will continue to be held at UMB on Goodwood.

This month, we'll have a representative from BREC. BREC maintains 13 fishing lakes and ponds across East Baton Rouge Parish, such as Zachary Community Park Lake (pictured).  Bring any questions you may have regarding the BREC ponds or how we may partner with BREC for fly fishing activities.

CLUB DUES-Dues are due, pay by check at the meeting or by PayPal.

Casting- We will return to casting 30 minutes before the meeting. We'll do this on the left side of the building.

March Flies & Flights

The next Flies and Flights is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15th, at Rally Cap Brewing beginning at 7:00pm.  Location is 11212 Pennywood Ave in Baton Rouge.  Click on the image on left for a larger view with more detail.

F&F is not affliated with the Red Stick club, but all members are invited.  This is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews.  Anyone can come and join in. As always, feel free to bring some materials to tie your favorite pattern.  Or, join in on tying our featured pattern of the month.  While it is still TBD for March, Chris will have all the materials on hand plus tools and a few extra vises for those looking to learn.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Feb. 27th tying - Pat's Hot Tail Mini Craw

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, February 27, 2023
7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

For February, David Rogers will lead us in tying the Pat's Hot Tail Mini Craw.  Designed as a tiny crawfish imitation, this fly has caught many species of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, bream, crappie, carp and Rio Grande Cichlid.  

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

It's almost time for Red Stick Day!

28th annual Red Stick Day fly fishing festival
Saturday, March 4, 2023
8:30am to 3:00pm
LDWF Waddill Outdoor Education Center
4141 North Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA

Spring will soon be here, and that means time for our annual Red Stick Day!  RSD is one of the longest-running fly fishing festivals in the South. There's seminars, fly tying demonstrations, casting instruction, food, loads of raffle items, and more.  And best of all, admission is free!

The event will again be held at the LDWF Waddill Outdoors Education Center off North Flannery Road.  The ponds on the premises are full of big bass and bluegill.  In addition, Masseys Outfitters will be on hand with a variety of kayaks from Hobie, Native and other brands for folks to test paddle/pedal.

This year, thanks to the FFI Gulf Coast Council, the headliners will include three of the nation's top casting instructors: Dave Barron of Wisconsin, Jeff Ferguson from Lafayette, and Jonathon Walter of Colorado. All three are also members of the FFI Casting Board of Governors.  If you've ever wanted to learn more about any type of casting, or improve your casting skills, this is a grand opportunity to learn from the best!  Also on the agenda are programs by Brian Roberts and Dave Barron.

Over a dozen of the region's top fly tiers will also be on hand to demonstrate their various flies, along with their favorite legacy patterns. There's also a giant raffle and silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items, all to benefit the club's educational projects.

Details about the event, including speaker and tier bios, schedule of activities, and more can be found by going to www.rsff.org and clicking on "Red Stick Day" in the menu.

February 13th Meeting - Get to Know Your Local Fishes

RSFF monthly general meeting

Monday, February 13, 2023
7:00 pm
Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Headquarters

2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Please note that Monday's monthly meeting location has been moved to the LDWF Headquarters on Quail Drive, off of Perkins Road, here in Baton Rouge. 

We'll have LDWF Inland Fisheries Technical Advisor Robby Maxwell on hand as our speaker at Monday's meeting.  Come prepared to learn a good bit about the fish you'll come across here in south Louisiana as Robby is a wealth of knowledge on the subject. For those participating in the Jambalaya Challenge, you won't want to miss this meeting as he will cover a myriad of fish related topics, notably, species identification and habitat preference.

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

Fish of the Month - January 2023

 

For our first installment in our new Fish of the Month series we have a fine speckled trout caught by RSFF member and new fly tying chair David Rogers. The fish was at least 21.5" long and tipped the scales at a hair over 4 lbs! David caught this fish in the Mobile Bay area; it sure would be nice to see more trout like this in Louisiana......

If you'd like to submit a picture for Fish of the Month consideration, email it to us at RSFFJam@gmail.com.

NOFF Expo this Saturday!

2023 New Orleans Fly Fishing Expo
Saturday, January 21st
8:00am to 3:30pm
St. Christopher the Martyr School Gymnasium
3900 Derbigny St, Metairie, LA
Free admission!

For a full size Expo Flyer, CLICK HERE

Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club, this biennial event (every odd year) is a celebration of fly fishing, featuring all aspects of our sport. Whether you’re wanting to get into fly fishing, or a seasoned veteran, there’s a program or activity certainly to be of interest.

Activities will include fly casting seminars and demonstrations, fly tying instruction and demos, seminars and destination seminars, Sports Writers Roundtable, Iron Fly Tyer competition, auctions and raffles of top end products and flies, artists and vendors, and Kids Fly Fishing Casting and programs. Proceeds go to benefit the club’s educational and philantrophic initiatives.

NOFFC is the second oldest club in Louisiana, having formed in 1984 by Ted Cabali and Tom Jindra. For nearly four decades, the club has been a major contributor to the growth of saltwater fly fishing and fly tying in Louisiana, with several members well recognized in the regional and national fly tying community.

In preparation for the biennial expo, NOFFC has unveiled a new website. The domain remains the same, but there’s new content. In addition to the latest club news and a more detailed “Calendar of Events”, the site will also include articles of interest to all fly anglers. Check it out at www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

January 18th Flies & Flights

The first Flies and Flights night for 2023 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18th, at Rally Cap Brewing beginning at 7:00pm.  Location is 11212 Pennywood Ave in Baton Rouge.  Click on the image on left for a larger view with more detail.

F&F is not affliated with the Red Stick club, but all members are invited.  This is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews.  Anyone can come and join in. As always, feel free to bring some materials to tie your favorite pattern.  Or, join in on tying our featured pattern of the month.  While it is still TBD for January, Chris will have all the materials on hand plus tools and a few extra vises for those looking to learn.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

January 9th meeting - Photographing your catch

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, January 9, 2023
7:00 pm
Room 204, Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

For our first meeting of the new year, Chris Williams and Ben Roussel will give tips on photographing fish and submitting photos for the Jambalaya Challenge. We are aware that Monday is the National Championship football game, but this should be a short meeting.

Also, David Rogers will be our new Fly Tying Chairman for 2023, taking over from Sydney Dobson. We thank Sydney for a great job and all of the work that goes into that position!