Merry Christmas!

Here's wishing our members and friends, and all of their families, a most blessed Christmas!  Hopefully Santa will put something under the tree that helps us catch more fish - or at least make the trip more enjoyable!

At the same time, let's remember the reason for the season.  Please be generous to those in need, and pray for those in suffering or distress, and for those away from their families this season - especially our service men and women.

Look for details of the 2024 Jambalaya Challenge in the next week as it kicks off on January 1st.

Flies & Flights - Weds, December 20th

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

When: Wednesday, December 20th (7pm til close)

Join us Wednesday, December 20th for this month's Flies & Flights hosted by Rally Cap Brewing.  As this meeting will be more of a holiday celebration than anything else, it will be an open tying night and everyone is encouraged to bring along materials to tie some of their favorite flies.  We'll of course have extra vises, tools, and materials for those looking to learn as well.  So please don't hesitate to join if you're looking to learn.

We'll also be hosting our first annual Fly Box Gift Swap, so be sure to check out the attached flyer if you're interested in participating.  Click on the image to zoom in details.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Wednesday!

November 27, 2023 Fly Tying - Bennett's Lunch Money

 RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, November 27, 2023

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

Join us this evening (Monday, November 27th) at 7pm for this month's RSFF Fly Tying meeting.  This month Brian Robert's will be leading us as we learn to tie Matt Bennett's Lunch Money streamer. 

New speck regulations effective November 20th

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has officially published the change in spotted seatrout (speckled trout) regulations. They will go into effect Monday, November 20th. According to biologists, these new regulations will allow the Spawning Potential Ratio of specks to return to 18 percent within 3 years.  Currently, the SPR is 8 percent which is below the Conservation Standard of 14 percent.

The new regulations are as follows:

• Size limit: 13-20 inches total length, only two fish included within the daily creel limit can be greater than 20 inches total length
• Daily Creel: 15-fish daily limit per angler
• Charter guides and crew will not be able to retain a creel limit while on a charter trip but may engage in fishing

The current limits are 12" minimum size (no slot) and a daily creel of 25 fish east of Mermentau River and 15 fish west of Mermentau. The new regulations will be statewide.

November 13th General Meeting - Fly Fishing Belize (A trip report from Jim Wright)

 

Cayo Frances Farm & Fly (Ambergris Caye, Belize)

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, November 13, 2023

7:00 pm - meeting
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

Join us Monday evening as Jim Wright shares a report from his recent visit to Belize.  

In addition we will have elections (appointments) for officers for the new year.  Also, changes to the by-laws and budget will be available for review and approval. Hope to see everyone there.

Fish of the Month 2023 - Filling in the Gaps

Murray sent in a list of fish he thought were worthy of nomination for our infrequently used Fish of Month feature so let's take a minute to highlight a few of our RSFF anglers and fish that have been caught by the club this year:

February 2023 - Redfish - Ben Roussel

I caught a few nice redfish on a trip to Leeville back in February, the biggest went 34.75". It fell for a Fool's Gold crab fly. Thanks for the nomination Murray - I wish I had better pictures, but it's tough to take good shots of big redfish when you're solo in a kayak.

March 2023 - Golden Shiner - Emmitt Simmons

Emmitt caught this golden shiner and an orangespotted sunfish in Capitol Lake on a black beadheaded nymph using his 4wt fly rod. If you've never caught either of those species Capitol Lake is a great spot to target them, just don't wet your knots with your saliva as it is a waterbody that is quite polluted!

April 2023 - Bullseye Snakehead - Chris Williams

Chris took a couple of trips to south Florida this Spring and one of the species he caught was this bullseye snakehead, which shattered his 8wt Orvis rod. Chris gave a presentation to RSFF on fishing the Tamiami Trail back in May; click the link for that presentation. We'll have to get the full story on what prompted such a rod failure if he didn't cover it in May. The fish was caught on a Clouser minnow (they catch everything) in Ft. Lauderdale. 

June 2023 - Longnose Gar - Ken Holmes

In June Ken "The Garman" Holmes caught a nice longnose gar up on Bayou Sara on a bangtail T&A, which I believe is a fly originally tied by Kelly Galloup. Ken is an avid gar fly fisherman and it just so happens presented on fly fishing for gar at the RSFF general meeting that same month; click the link to see his presentation.

July 2023 - Smallmouth Bass - Kevin Andry

Murray had nominated Kevin's chain pickerel he caught from his trip to Maine this year, but I'm going to overrule Murray and offer up Kevin's smallmouth bass only because it's a much better picture. Kevin caught chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, and fallfish while visiting New England this summer. This fish, and any of the others that were submitted to the Jambalaya Challenge from his trip, fell for a deer hair popper.

August 2023 - Hybrid Sunfish - Duaine McMullin

I get to see all the Jambalaya Challenge entries that come in and y'all may not be aware, but Duaine has caught a number of different sunfish this year that have either been hybrids or at least don't look pure, which is tough when you're turning in fish for a species challenge. He's kept at it though and continues to submit fish. This was one of the prettier ones I've seen that has come from one of the ponds he fishes down in Ascension Parish, it fell for a foam spider. 

All my Jambalaya Challenge folks, y'all keep it up, we are at 354 entries this year so far, which is awesome. I love seeing the fish pics roll in and you never know when they'll be featured on the website!

Flies and Flights - Wednesday October 18, 2023

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

When: Wednesday, October 18th (7pm til close)

Join us this evening, Wednesday, October 18th for this month's Flies & Flights hosted by Rally Cap Brewing.  This month  Brian Roberts will be leading the way as we tie up some Halloween-themed versions of the Mr. Creepo streamer.  Tools, vises and materials are available for those looking to learn, so please don't hesitate to join us if you're looking to learn.

This evening also marks a first for this event as Ken Holmes will be raffling off a set of spooky streamers to raise funds for The Mayfly Project charity.  Raffle tickets start at $5 so be sure to have some cash (or your Venmo) on hand.  It's not every day you have the opportunity to win some great ties from our resident Gar Guru.

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!

Sack Up For Clean Waters Burbank Event - 10/15/23

 

Sack Up For Clean Waters                                                       Sunday, October 15, 2023

 

  

8:00 AM                                                                                         BREC Burbank Soccer Complex                                                 12400 Burbank Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Be sure to join Robinson Almeida at BREC's Burbank Soccer Complex this Sunday (10/15) as he and fellow RSFF members host the inaugural "Sack Up For Clean Waters" fly fishing and waterway cleanup event.

The event is open to club members and the general public alike.  So be sure to stop by, hopefully catch a few fish and do your part to help cleanup our local waterways.

For those interested in attending and learning more about future cleanup events, please take the time to fill out the volunteer form at the link below:

Volunteer Here!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

 

 

 

Fish of the Month - September 2023

The Red Stick Fly Fishers recently held their annual warmwater trip to Lake Concordia and consensus at October's meeting was that Jack Lithgoe had caught the nicest bass! Nice enough for fish of the month, congrats Jack! The fish was estimated around 4-5 lbs, caught on a 5wt on Sept. 30th using a purple #12 bully bluegill spider. 

If you'd like to submit a picture for Fish of the Month consideration, email it to us at RSFFJam@gmail.com. Murray gave me a list of backdated nominations, so we'll feature some other fish that RSFF members have caught this year soon.  

October 9th meeting - Alabama fishing, River cleanup

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, October 9, 2023

7:00 pm - meeting
6:15 pm - casting practice
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month one of our newest members, Robinson Almeida, will share a trip report from his recent fishing visit to Alabama as well as his vision for organizing River Cleanup projects through the club.

Business part of the meeting will include preparing for club officers and members at large to man various club positions.  There will be some discussion regarding other topics the board has been working on to grow membership.

Come out and cast before the meeting as this is the last month before Daylight Savings Time ends.

As always, meetings are open to the public.

September 25th fly tying - Flugenzombie

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, September 25, 2023

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

This month, Ken Holmes will lead us in tying the Flugenzombie.  This articulated streamer was developed by Clark “Cheech” Pierce to target large brown trout.  It is the result of combining three flies: the Cheech Leech, the Complex Twist Bugger, and the Lunch Lady.  This fly has incredible action in the water and  has proven to be extremely effective at catching gar.  

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.

September 20th Flies & Flights

This month's Flies & Flights will be on Wednesday, September 20th. Location is Rally Cap Brewing (11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA) starting at 7pm.

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!

This month Ken Holmes shares a few woolly bugger variants that you'll want to add to your fly box.  As always, we'll have materials on hand for the featured pattern, but feel free to bring materials for any patterns you're currently working on as well. 

Bring your vise, tools and some materials if you have those.  If not, we'll have plenty of tools, vises and materials on hand for those looking to learn. Or just come and watch and enjoy some cold drinks and fine discussion!

 

September 11 general meeting - destination trips

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, September 11, 2023

7:00 pm - meeting
6:15 pm - casting practice
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Headquarters
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month, Ken Holmes will give a presentation on his proposal to begin organizing annual or biennial destination and international trips for the club. Ken has a few ideas in the works. One high on the list is a trip to Belize.  

Also, Joe Conachen will go over some new upgrades that the board has discussed doing.  Exciting things are happening in the club, so hope to see everyone there!  As always, general meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome.

RSFF members invited to fish Rio Rodeo

14th Annual Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, September 30, 2023
7:00am – on-site registration
7:30am – 12:30pm (weigh-in)
Event site: No Wake Outfitters
1926 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA
$15 entry fee includes lunch and refreshments

Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club, the Rio Rodeo is the longest running freshwater fly fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast. Target species is the wary Rio Grande Cichlid. All entry fish must be caught on flies and fly tackle. Categories are “Longest Rio” and “Most Rios”.

The rodeo is open to all fly anglers. Advanced registration must be received by mail by Saturday, September 23rd. Onsite registration is from 7:00am to 7:30am day of the tournament. Both onsite registration and weigh-in will be at No Wake Outfitters in Metairie. For complete details, and to download registration form, go to the NOFFC website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Volunteers needed for NHF Day September 23rd

National Hunting and Fishing Day
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Waddill Outdoors Education Center
4141 N. Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge
8:30am to 2:00pm
Free admission!

Established by Congress in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated the 4th Saturday of September.  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries celebrates NHF Day at four venues across the state, including here in Baton Rouge at Waddill.

Admission  is free. Activities including archery, canoeing, fishery, target shooting, outdoor games, live animal exhibits, educational displays, and more. There's even food and soft drinks provided at no cost.

Red Stick Fly Fishers has been part of NHF Day at Waddill for 29 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.  Volunteers get a free t-shirt (size of their choice) and a lunch ticket.  To register, click on THIS LINK. 

August 28th fly tying - Po Boy

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, August 28, 2023

7:00 pm
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 August, Matt Brooks - Fishing Manager at Orvis - will lead us in tying the "Po Boy". Alec Gerbec of Umpqua Flies created this pattern while spending a week down in south Louisiana fishing for redfish, and having a limited amount of tying materials with him.  It proved quite effective.  

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.

August 16th Flies & Flights

This month's Flies & Flights will be on Wednesday, August 16th. Location is Rally Cap Brewing (11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA) starting at 7pm.

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!

This month we'll be featuring a few of David Rogers favorite sheepshead flies, so be sure to come out and add a few new weapons to your Cajun Permit arsenal.  We'll have materials on hand for the featured patterns, but as always, feel free to bring materials for any pattern you're currently working on. 

Bring your vise, tools and some materials if you have those.  If not, we'll have plenty of tools, vises and materials on hand for those looking to learn. Or just come and watch and enjoy some cold drinks and fine discussion!

August 14th general meeting - Suncatch Challenge

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, August 14, 2023

7:00 pm - meeting
6:15 pm - casting practice
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Headquarters
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month, Ben Roussel will present on the "Suncatch Challenge", a program that he has been instrumental in directing for the Gulf Coast Council (GCC) of Fly Fishers International (FFI). It mimics the FFI's Cutcatch and Basscatch programs.  While Suncatch is unique to the GCC, any FFI member anywhere can participate.  Anyone who loves fly fishing for panfish will find Ben's program both informative and enjoyable!

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

July 24th fly tying - The Rio Getter

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, June 26, 2023
7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month Chris Williams will lead us in tying the Rio Getter.  A creation of Matt Bennett, this fly has become a go-to pattern for Rio anglers on south and central Texas waters, and works just as well for those in New Orleans metro lakes and canals.  It's also a good bream pattern as well.

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

July 19th Flies & Flights

This month's Flies & Flights will be on Wednesday, July 19th. Location is Rally Cap Brewing (11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA) starting at 7pm.

Chris will have some materials on hand to tie a few simple beetle and grasshopper patterns. But as always, we encourage everyone to bring some materials to tie their own favorite hopper/dropper combos or other materials to tie whatever flies you please.

As always, be sure to bring your vise and some materials.  We'll have plenty of tools, vises and materials on hand for those looking to learn.

F&F is not affiliated with the Red Stick club, but was hatched from the minds of RSFF members, and 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.

July 10th general meeting - Colorado Trout

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, July 10, 2023

7:00 pm - meeting
6:15 pm - casting practice
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Headquarters
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month Brian Roberts and David Rogers will present on "Fly Fishing Colorado Streams for Trout". They'll be focusing on trout fishing the front range between Lyons to Fort Collins. This area has a plethora of streams that are generally not crowded and multiple species can be caught in the same day. Rainbows, Browns, Brookies, Grayling & Tiger trout.  

Joe Conachen will also be collecting a list of members who need a name tag. It's been a year since the last order, and we have some from that order that have NOT been picked up. We encourage members to wear their name tags to promote comradery!

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

June 26th tying - Carp-it Bomb

RSFF monthly fly tying
Monday, June 26, 2023
7:00pm
Adult Education Building
Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month, Brian will lead us in tying the Carp-it Bomb. Created by Matt Bennett, it's a very effective fly for carp and other warmwater species because it represents a variety of small aquatic species. It also rides hook up so it can be fished slowly along the bottom. Materials will be provided, however here's a list of what typically goes into the Carp-it Bomb.

    hook short shank wide gap, ex. Ahrex NS430
    eyes: large black bead chain
    marabou
    Grizzly Flutter Legs or similiar, barred
    body: Cohen's Carp Dub or similiar
    thread: size 140 denier to match colors

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

June 21st Flies & Flights

This month's Flies & Flights will be on Wednesday, June 21st. Location is Rally Cap Brewing (11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA) starting at 7pm.

We haven't settled on a featured pattern as of yet, but will be sure to have something in the works before Wednesday gets here. Of course, you're welcomed to bring your own materials to tie whatever flies you please. But for those looking for a new pattern, we'll have our featured fly.

As always, be sure to bring your vise and some materials if you have a pattern you'd like to share.  And we'll have plenty of tools, vises and materials on hand for those looking to learn.

F&F is not affiliated with the Red Stick club, but was hatched from the minds of RSFF members, and 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! 

June 12th general meeting - Garfish on the Fly

RSFF monthly general meeting
Monday, June 12, 2023

7:00 pm - meeting
6:15 pm - casting practice
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Headquarters
2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

This month Ken Holmes presents all he knows about fly fishing for gar.  He has devoted an absurd amount of time pursuing the long fish and may have a few tips that can help you land one too.  Learn how obtainable it really can be with the right technique, fly patterns, and a lot of persistence, and learn why the great state of Louisiana may be home to the best gar fishing in the World! You may even be motivated to beat him at his goal of being the first person to catch a documented Louisiana Gar Slam on fly: short nose, long nose, spotted, and alligator all in one day!

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

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!