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.

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!

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!

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).

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.

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!