June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 1

Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers of St. Petersburg

The June Docklight/Beach Outing is a Go

Docklight/Beach Outing 10-11-17

May Virtual Outing Report 5

Gar (and more) on the fly 14

You will always catch fish 9

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 2

President’s Letter June,2020SuncoastFlyFishers,Ifyouareanythinglikeme,youaregrowingtiredofstayinghomeandsocialdistancingandofthefearanduncertaintyofdealingwiththeCoronavirus.Iwanttobeabletogooutfordinnerandamovieorwalkintoastorewithoutwearingamask.Manypeoplearedoingjustthat.Moreandmoretheyarerelaxingtheirguard.

MostofallIwanttobeabletomeetwithmyfriends,sharesomefoodandhaveSFFrestartourclubmeetings.Manyofyoumaybereadyforthatbutthisisstillaserioussituationandwehavearesponsibilitytoprotectourmembersasmuchaswecan.So,fornow,wewon’tbeholdingourregularmeetingsinperson.WewillbehostinganonlinedocklightpanelthismonthonFacebookandwearelookingatholdingfuturemeetingsusingZOOMvideoconferencetechnology.Inaddition,wearegettingreadytolaunchabrandnewwebsiteanditisgoingtobeawesome!Weareplanningtoresumeourmonthlyoutings.ThismonthwillbeourregularDockLightandBeachFishingOuting.Asusualwewillbefishingonourownandyoucansendphotosorvideosofyourresultstotheoutingscommittee.Wewon’tbegatheringforameal.Inthecomingmonthsweshouldbeabletofindawaytoholdregularoutingsandtogettogethertotellfishstoriesevenifthatmeansweneedtousecreativewaystosociallydistanceandshareameal.Animagecomestomindoftheboyinthebubblewithaflyrodstickingoutofit.Theendmaynotyetbeinsightbutitisoutthere.Staysafeandkeepfishing.

Rick RickWarfelSFF,President

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 3

Meetings, Outings, and More

SuncoastFlyFisherslaunchesInternetVideoSeriesTuneintoFacebookeveryMondayat4:30pm

• TuneintoFacebook.com/scff2020everyMondaytoseethelatestpresentation.BruceEvensenkicksofftheserieswithsomeentertainingflytyingvideos.

• VideosofBrucetyinghisSchminnowandRedRouserarealreadyupandrunning.• Nextup:TietheMylarMulletonMonday,June15.Itgoesliveat4:30pm• WatchforaspecialmidweekshowingoftheFlyoftheMonth,theWhiteDocklightShrimp,Wednesday,

June17that4:30pm• Wewillbefeaturingotherguesttyersandtopicsinthecomingweeks

DocklightandbeachesoutingisON…justlikealways.

JUNEOUTING,Friday-Saturday-Sunday,June19-20-21• Fishdocksorbeachesfrom8pmFridayto8amSaturday,thenagainfrom8pmSaturdayto8am

Sunday.• YoucanfishanywhereinthegeneralTampaBayarea.• Theoutingprizegoestotheflyfishercatchingthelongestsnook.Sendinaphoto.• Gotawinnerfortheannualtournament?Reds,seatrout,snook,ladyfish.Besuretosendinapicture.

NowwecantieflieswithBruceEvensenontheInternet

OnlineflytyingwithBruceEvensen• Wecan’ttieflieswithBruceinpersonbutwecantiewithhimonlineonFacebook.• Nextup:TietheMylarMulletonMonday,June15.Itgoesliveat7:30pm.• ThenonJune16or17tuneintowatchBrucetiehisWhiteDocklightShrimp.• Othervideosarealreadyupandrunning.WatchhimtiehisSchminnowandRedRouser

CanyousayZOOM?

JULY16MEETING?Notinpersonbut…• Ourclub’scomputerwhizzesareworkingoutdetailsforavirtualmeeting.• Moreinfotocome.

WillwehaveapicniclunchattheJulyouting?

JULY18OUTINGSaturday,July18.Yes.Lunch?MaybeBYOL

• Theoutingcommitteeissearchingforaplacewherewecanfishandmeetforlunchsafely.• It’llprobablybeaBYOL–Bringyourownpicniclunch.Anddonotshareitwithanybody.BCvirus.

Onthehorizon…

• Newclubwebsitewillbeunveiledin2-3weeks.Staytunedtowww.suncoastflyfishers.com• Checkoutourclub’sFacebooksite,too.• Auction.Wedidn’thaveanannualHogRoastthisyearbutwemayhaveanonlineauctioninstead.• FlyMarket.It’slikeafleamarketonlymuchmorefun.TentativelySeptember12.• BigGunShootoutpracticesessions.QuinBerrywillorganizepracticeforSFF.• HolidaySeasonUglySweaterPartyandSilentAuction.• HogRoast.ProbablyinMarch,2021.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 4

We are Suncoast Fly Fishers of St. Petersburg

AimsandPurposesTheSuncoastFlyFishers,Inc.(SFF)isanorganizationoffishingenthusiastswholovefishingwiththeflyrod.Wewelcomeallpeopleofallageswithsimilarinterests,regardlessoftheirflyfishingskilllevel.Weenthusiasticallyteachthosethatwishtolearnorimprovetheirflycasting,flytyingandrelatedflyfishingskills.SFFmeetsmonthlywherewetalkflyfishing,tiefliesandmostmonthsfeatureaspeakerwithaprogramhighlightinglocalflyfishingopportunities.SuncoastFlyFishers(SFF)isanon-profit50I(c)3organization.SFFisachartermemberoftheFlyFishersInternational(FFI).SFFisamemberoftheFloridaCouncilofFFI.SFFsupportstheconservationofnaturalresources,boatingsafetyandfishingregulations.MonthlyMeetings.Guestswelcome.ThirdThursdayofeverymonth(exceptDecember)atSt.Pete’sWalterFullerParkRecCenter,789126thAve.N.6to8:30pm.DirectionstoourmeetingatWalterFullerPark.From22ndAvenueNturnNorthon72ndSt.N.Turnleft(West)on26thAvenueN.Thenturnrightintothereccenterparkinglot.MonthlyOutingsClubmembersmeetupeverymonthforaflyfishingoutingandlunch.UsuallyitisscheduledontheSaturdayaftermonthlymeetingonthethirdThursdayofeverymonth.Contactusbymail:SuncoastFlyFishers,P.O.Box40821,StPetersburg,FL33743-0821VisitourwebsiteandFacebookpages,too

SuncoastFlyFishers.com

Facebook.com

ClubandFFIMembershipcombinedSuncoastFlyFisherscurrentlyhas125membersincluding15familymembersand6honorarymembers.AnnualduesarepayableinSeptember.ThisalsoincludesbenefitsandannualmembershipinFlyFishersInternationalandtheFloridaCouncilofFlyFishersInternational

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SuncoastFlyFishersP.O.Box40821StPetersburg,FL33743www.suncoastflyfishers.orgClubOfficersPres:RickWarfelVicePres:QuinBerrySecretary:DavidReddTreasurer:TomGadaczBoardofDirectorsBillScarola,BobBurkard,BruceEvensen,RyanSollars,CliffNigh,KarenWarfel,GeorgeHaseltine,JamesDavisCommittees--Membersareencouragedtoserveononeortwocommittees.Doyou?Ifnot,speaktooneoftheofficersatthenextmeeting.Casting:PatDamico,DayleMazzarellaFFILiaison:PatDamicoConservation:CliffNighFlyTying:MyronHansenMembership:TomGadaczNewMembers:RickWarfelWebmaster:DennisMarquisFacebook:WoodyMillerHogRoast:OpenOutings:BobBurkard,DavidRedd,BillAuCoinOutreach,shows:DavidRedd,BobBurkard,BillScarola,TomGadaczRaffles:DaveBarsonSuccessionPlan:RickWarfelPrograms:BoardofDirectorsPublicity:BillAuCoin

BillAuCoin,editor;DuaneMertz,AnneHays,BobHood,TimElms,MarshallCraig.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 5

Bob Burkard: May’s Virtual Outing Review LotsofSuncoastFlyFisherswentflyfishingonthethirdSaturdayandSundayinMayandtheysentinreportsandphotoswhichhavebeenpostedonourFacebooksite.Scrolldownafterthisandyou’llseephotosandreports,plusotherrandomshots.• Thetargetsaltwaterfishwasspottedseatrout.Andthewinneris….MarkHays.Marklandeda17-inchspottedseatrout.• Thetargetfreshwaterfishwasbream.Andthewinneris….TimElms.Timcaughta9-incherinoneofhisneighborhoodponds.• Weofferedaprizeforthebestselfiewithafish

butnobodysentonein.Wealsoofferedaprizeforthebestnon-anglercommentary.Alas,nosubmissions.

• Wehaveaprizeforthebestfishvideo.Wehadtwogreatentries,onefromTimElmsandonefromAnnieHays.Andthewinneris…TimElms.Gototheclub’sFacebookpage,scrolldownandwatchTimcatchinga“SavageTilapia.”

• Andallthememberswhofishedthevirtualoutingarewinners,too.ManywadefishedfromtheBlackthornMemorialrestareaontheSunshineSkyway.Fishingwasslowerthanslow,butthankstoJackCollins,whocaughta34-inchsnook,wedidn’tgetskunked.Thankyou,Jack.

Bob

BobBurkard,OutingsCommittee

MarkHays’seatrout

JackCollins’skywaysnook

Noworries;justalittleFloridashower.

BarrySalzman,BobBurkard,andChrisO’Byrnearereadytowetsomeflylines.

Therainstopped.DuaneMertzandBobBurkardwadedouttogiveitanothergo.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 6

Annie Hays: Casting into the Maelstrom. Dad,Robert,andIdecidedtobravethestrongwindtofishinourfavoritespotjustoffPinellasPoint.Twoweeksbeforethat,wecaughtaboutthirtytroutonourspinningrods.However,fishingwiththreepeopleintheboatisawholedifferentchallengewithflyrodsinvolved. Dad’slittleboatgotblownallovertheflatsevenwithoutastrongtide.Ittookawhileforustofindfish,butIcaughtthefirstone.AsIgotittotheboat,Ithoughtitmightbeasmallsilvertrout.ButthenInoticedtheyellowfinsandrealizeditwasaskipjack.Dadcouldn’tfindthede-hooker,sohebeattheskipjackonthesideoftheboattostunitbeforegrabbingthepliers.Afterafewmorecasts,Dadbroughtintwo17-inchspeckledtroutonawhitebucktailfly.Shortlyafterthat,hecaughtasmalljack.Therearefewthingsmorefunthanfightingajackonaflyrodsinceeventhebabiesfightsomuch.IcaughtanevensmallerjackonasmallerbucktailflythanwhatDadwasusing.However,Robertwasstilloutofluck.Onethingthatwedemonstratedonthattripwasthedifferencebetweensaltwaterflylineandlimp,freshwaterflyline.Robertgottangledupinhisinexpensivefreshwaterlinesomanytimeshenearlygaveupfishing.LuckilyDadhadanextra9-weightrodonboardwithproperline.Althoughflylineisexpensive,itisaworthwhileinvestmenttohaveafewoptionsonyourtrip.Aswearrivedatourfinalfishingspotofthemorning,wefoundaschoolofwhitebaitswarmingthesurface.IwastiredofcatchingthemotorsoIputmyrodawayandletRobertstandinthebackoftheboat.Finally,afteraboutfourhoursoffishing,Robert’slinewentcrazy.Hepulledinhisfirstmackerelonafly.Itwasabout16incheslong,andhewasusinganE.P.fiberbaitfishpatternfly.Dadhookedonejustasbigaminutelater.Whenwegothome,CaptainDadcleanedthefish,DeckhandRobertcleanedtheboat,andIbroiledthemackerelonabakingsheetwitholiveoilandEvergladesSeasoning.Thankfully,noneofuspiercedourearswithourflies,butDad’stryingtoconvinceMomtolethimkeepthenosering.

Annie

Mark’s17-inchseatrout

Anniekissestrophybaitfishonthefly.

RobertMitchelldecidednottomeasurehisseatrout.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 7

Tim Elms: May Outing Bass and Bream. And Tilapia. TimElmsIhadaverygoodcoupleofdays.Sincewehadtheopportunitytofishwhereever,Ifishedmyhomewaters.Hereismybiggestof28bluegills.(coppernose)8.75"andmylargestblackBassfromtheweekend17".CaughttheBluegillonadrycricketflyandthebassonadivingfrog.DidyouknowCopperNoseBluegillsarenativeonlyinFloridajustliketheFloridaBlackBass?Theyaren'tahybridasmanysuggestjustasub-speciesthattendtogrowfasterthantheirnortherncousins.Stripstripstrippppppp!

Tim

Gary Sundberg: WhooHoo…Dunedin Causeway Trout WhooHoo.TroutcaughtofftheDunedinCauseway,May24,8am,outgoingtide.Icaughtitonmy7-wtTFOonaDeceiverFlytiedduringBruceEvensen’sMondaynightgarageparty.

Gary

Timcaughtaniceblackbass,too.

Tim’swinning8.75-inchbream

WatchtheFacebookvideoofTimcatchingatilapiainoneofhisneighborhoodponds.LogontoFacebook.com/SCFF2020

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 8

Jack Collins: My snook at the virtual outing

Iwanttothankyou,Bill,andBobforsuggestingthevirtualcluboutingthismonthattheBlackthornMemorial,SkywayBridge.Itwasgreattoseeyouandtheotherguyswhomadeitoutafterourself-imposedseclusionfromthevirus.Thelatestartonthedaymeantanice"warm"afternoonoffishing.Ihadlubedupwith50SPF,fullfaceandneckbuff,shades,andTilleyhat.Secured,Iwetwadedintothe80degreewater.Thebeachareaswerefillingwithfamiliesbehindmewiththechannelwater

churningfrompowerboatsandjetskis.Itookafewwarm-upcaststogetmyflyoutonthewaterasIsloggedthroughtheprolificturtlegrasstowardthefirmfootingofthesandbar.Therewasalightbreezeovermyrightshoulder,favorableformyrighthandedcast.Aftermultiplecasts,itsoonbecameapparentthatalltheboattraffichadreleasedastreamofgrassintothemovingtide.Thenwithswimmersdriftingintomyback-cast,Isearchedforsomesocialdistance.IwassoonrewardedformypersistencewiththestrikeIwashopingfor,aleapingsnook.Thenjustassuddenlytheeightweightrodwentslack.Disappointed,Istartedtakinguptheslackbutsawshewasheadedrightforme.Thelinetightenedagainwithanotherleapasthepointofthehookremindedusboththatshewashooked.Iburiedthebuttofmyrodintomystomachandleanedbackwiththerodpointedstraightouttowardthepass.AthirdleapwithalittlelessenergyandIstartedtogainline.Herenergyspent,sheglidedalongsideandsherolledovertoletmeremovethehookandtakeacoupleofpictures.Aquickmeasurementagainstmyrodendedtheencounterwithasmileasthat34-inchgoldenbeautyglidedbackintothegrassyshallows.TheflyisaBruceEvensencreation.Likemostofhisflies,Idon’trecallitsname.Isearchedacoupleofourpatternbooksbutcouldn’tfindacomparablename.It’sobviouslyabaitfishpatternasyoucansee.Itisa

simplepatternwithpalechartreusebuck-tailandgoldflashtoppedwithbadgerhairalongwithredeyes.Ilikebigredeyes.LeftyKrehalwayssaidsimplerfliesarethebest.Ithinkithadjustenoughflashtocatchthesnook’seyebecausesheinhaledit.Ihadtoreachdeepintohermouthwithlongnoseplierstodislodgeitandgotteethmarksonmyotherthumbfromholdingherlip.Youcanseethefrayedlinefromherteethonthe15-poundtest.Iprobablywouldhavelostherifshefoughtmuchlonger.

Jack

Jack’soutingwinner--34-inchsnook.

Thewinningfly.Evensentiedit.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 9

Mark Hays: All the Fish in Your Own Backyard

He’sneverbeenskunkedatthislake.

Sometimeswefeeltheurgetotravelthousandsofmilesinsearchofexoticfishandgrandadventure.Whodoesn’twanttobragaboutthepeacockbasstheycaughtintheAmazonortherainbowtroutinYellowstone?Butmanytimes,thebestfishingavailableisjustdownthestreet.Lately,I’vebeenfishingWalterFullerParkrightbehindtheclubhall.I’vecaughtfisheverytrip.IfyoudecidetofishWalterFullerPark,you’llhavetowatchyourbackcast.Iseethisasawayofenforcingsocialdistancing.

I’vebeencatchingsmallbasssized8-14inchesandverylargebluegillrangingfrom6-9inches.Theflyofchoicehasbeenawhitemuddler#8withtheoldyellow4weightandaquickretrieve.Tryitbeforeameetingsometimethissummerwhilewehavedaylightpriortostarting.Thebestpartisyoudon’tneedaboatorleakywaders.

Mark

Mike Hoppe: Popper Bass in his Backyard Lake Iwasn'tabletofishthevirtualouting.InplaceIamgettingsomeearlymorningpracticewiththebassinthesmalllakebehindmyhouse. TightLines,

Mike

MarkgetsreadytofishthelakeatWalterFullerPark.Hissuper-smartLabradorRetrievercheckstheknots.

ThelakeatWalterFullerParkisjustashortwalkfromourclubmeetingroom.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 10

Bob Burkard: June Docklight/Beach Outing Is a Go OurJuneoutingisourlong-standingandmuchcelebrateddocklightsouting,andnowit’sourDocklightsANDBeachesouting.• Fishfrom8PMFridayto8AMSaturday,thenfrom8PMSaturdayto8AMSunday.• Theoutingprizegoestotheflyfishercatchingthelongestsnook.Measureitandtakeapicture.Emailittorobertburkard9@gmail.com.• FishanywhereinPinellas,Pasco,Hillsborough,orManateeCounties.

Emailthemtosuncoastflyfishersfl@gmail.comortextto610-256-7781.OutingsTournamentDon’tforgettheannualtournament,either.Seethestandingsbelow.Canyoubeattheselengthsfortheannualtournament?Snook34-inches,Ladyfish25inches,Redfish(empty),Seatrout17–inches.Measureitandshootapictureofit.Thenreleasethefish.Remember,FWChasruledwemustreleasesnook,redfishandspottedseatroutuntilMay31,2021.

BobBurkardsightcaststosnook.

2020 Outing Tournament Leaders Species Length Winner Outing(Month)Longestbream 9.5” TimElms Virtualouting(May)

Longestblackbass 17” TimElms Virtualouting(May)

Longestsnook 34” JohnCollins Virtualouting(May)

Longestredfish

Longestladyfish 25” MandyMcGarry WeedonIslandPreserve(January)

Longestseatrout 17” MarkHays Virtualouting(May)

TidesforSaturdayJune20,Pass-a-Grille.(Tides4Fishing.com)

Depthofhighsandlowsandthetimeswilldependonwhereyou’refishing.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 11

Blast from the Past: From the July 2015 Newsletter

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 12

ThisisSmitty’sFlyoftheMonthforJune

Smitty’s Fly Box: Faux Clouser

Becauseofthematerial,thisClouserwilloperatedifferentlythana

regularClouser.Becauseitis100%synthetic,itwillsinklikearock

whereasaregularClouserwithitsdeerhairbodywillsinkmuchslower

andevensuspendifweightedlightly.SothisClousershouldbeusedfor

those"reds"thataretailingandrootingupthebottomlookingforfood

downinthedregs!!!GoodLuck! Smitty

Materials:

Hook:Mustad3407or34011size#2Thread:DanvilleFlatwaxedNylonwhiteWeight:PaintedbarbelleyesMediumtoX-SmallBelly:LighterFauxBucktailFlash:KrystalFlashorFlashaboutocomplementflyWing:LighterFauxBucktailOverwing:DarkerFauxBucktailHead:Threadhead(colortomatchoverwing)Cement:SHHANandSolarezUVResin

TyingSequence:

1.Placehookinviseandattachthreadcreatingathreadsaddletoholdbarbelleyes.Tiethethreadsaddleatthe⅔markofhookshank(ifyouwantaswimmingminnowaction)orthe¾mark(ifyouwantjiggingshrimpaction),andthentieinbarbelleyesandsecurewithfigure-eightwrapswithSHHAN.

2.AdvancethreadtofrontofhookandtieinlighterFauxBucktailbellywithclosewrapsofthreadinfrontofbarbelleyeschangingtoopenwrapsbehindthebarbelleyestothebendofthehookandthenreturnwrapstobackinfrontofbarbelleyesagainusingopenwraps.

3.Rotatehookinvise180degreesandtieinanothersectionoflighterFauxBucktailasawingtoequallengthofbelly(keepingallthreadwrapsinfrontofbarbelleyes).

4.Attachabout6orsostrandsofflashusingthe“vee”methodtolaybackoverthewing.Trim¼”longerthanFauxbucktail.Whipfinishandtrimthread.

5.ChangetodarkerthreadandtieonoverwingusingthedarkerFauxBucktail.Formasmooththreadheadandwhipfinish.CoatheadwithUVresinandcure.

Layne(Smitty)Smith

FauxClousersinksfasterwithfauxbucktail

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 13

Bruce’s June Outing Fly of the Month

Bruce Evensen: White Docklight Shrimp ThisistheflyofthemonthI’llbeteachinginmyfly-tyingstudio.Youcan’tbetherebutyoucanwatchandevenaskquestionsbyloggingontoFacebookonWednesday,June17,at4:30pm.Thiswhiteshrimpisakillerondocklightsandalsoonthebeaches.

Bruce Materials

• Hook:3407size2• Thread:DanvilleFlatWaxedNylon(white)• Front:Whitebucktailandwhitemarabou• Body:WhiteSupremeHair• Eyes:Redshrimpeyes• Legs:WhiteroundSiliLegs• Legs:WhiteEstaz• Glue:ThickUVLoon

TyingSequence1.Usea3407size2hook.Wrapfromhookeyebacktothehookpoint.2.Abovethehookpointwrapasmallamountofwhitebucktail.3.Addahalfinchlongpieceofwhitemarabou.4.AtthesamepointwraptwoorthreewhiteSiliLegsoneachside.5.Tieinshrimpeyes,eitherwhiteorred.6.TieinwhiteEstazandwrapbacktothehookeye.TrimEstazofftheback.7.TakematchstickthicknessofwhiteSupremeHair.Tiein1/4inchofitoverthehookeyewithtwomoreinchesgoingbackoverthehookbendandout.8.TakeLoonthickUVandputabeadwhereyoutiedatthehookpointandtakeitallthewayforward.9.TaketwostrandsofpearlKrystalFlashandput1/4inchbeadofLoonUVfromthefronttipbackfor1/4inch.LaythepearlKrystalFlashintotheLoonUVpointingforward.10.SetwithUVlight.

BruceEvensen

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 14

New member, new water

Tim Elms: Insanity? Howdy!Ican’tbelieveit’sJune!TechnicallyIcaughtmyfirstTarpoonietheotherday!!!WHOOHOO!BUTandit’sabigbut,thatsneakySilverSnakespitmyflyasIgrabbedhismouthandpoofhewasgonebeforeIcoulddocumentanypartofmyadventure……afterthatIwasasked,“ISflyfishingjustaformofinsanity?”Youknow,theoldsayingofdoingthesamethingoverandoverandexpectingdifferentresults.Iansweredwitha“hmmmmletmethinkaboutthat”Forme,Ifishwithintent.Desiretolearnandgetbetter.Andjustplainenthusiasm.Iknowpeoplewhofishjusttofishanddothesamethingeverytime.Samebait/lure.Samerod/gear.Andsamespot.Soyeahthat’sinsanetome,butthat’swhattheylikeandmorepowertothem.

Whatabouttheconceptofluck?Isluckathinginfishing…ABSOLUTELY!Itdoesn’thurttobeintherightplaceattherighttime.Andithelpstobejustafishyperson.But,every“lucky/fishy”personIknowisallaboutstackingthedeckintheirfavortobemoreproductive.So,maybelookatflyfishinglikeplayingsingledeckblackjackatacasino.Atleastyouknowyourodds.Youknowwhat’sinthedeck.Youareonlytryingtobeat1person.Andbestofallifyourtableisfull,youevengettoseewhatothercardsareshowing.IfIjustsatataslotmachinealldaywaitingforthatonejackpot,Iwouldgoinsane.

IwantedtosharethesepicturesofDennisMarquisandBillAuCoin.Wehadacoupledaysofchasingbasstogetherandthesetwohaveinspiredmetokeepfishing,keeplearning,andmostofallkeephavingfun!Thedeterminationinbothmenisinfectious.StackingDecksforsure.Lastly,Ilandedagaronafly!Sightfishingfortheseissofun.Theyarehardtohookproperlyforsure,butputthetimeinandstripsethard.Andthendoitagain!UntilnextmonthwhenImighthaveproofofaTarpon.

Strip.Strip.Strip!—Tim

Oooooo.Lotsofteeth.

Mr.D.withhisPDbass

Williamthebassman.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 15

Robert Fischer: Part 3: Fly Fishing in the Time of Corona (Part 1+2 of Robert’s trip are in the April and May issues.

Dinnerswereoffthechartdelicious.Therewereusuallychoicesofmeat,chicken,fish,lobster,pasta,severalsalads,sidedishesandbreads,fruit,soupandexcellentdesserts.Thetwochefsdidanincrediblejobeverynight.Therewasoneespeciallygreatchocolatecakecalledasenorita,thatwouldhavebeenrightathomeatBern’sSteakHouse.Breakfastswerealsogreat;eggsoromeletsanywayyouwanted,meats,cheeses,fruit,breads,fruitjuicesandgreatcoffee.ThewepackedourownlunchesintoTupperwareboxesandtheywereputintoourboatsfortheday.Thechefsevenmadeglutenfreemealsforoneofourguests.IthinkIwouldgoagainforthefood,evenifthefishingwasterrible.

Afterdinnerweretiredtotheair-conditionedsalonfortruestories,jokes,andHavanaClubEspecialRum.Thentobedandastartalloveragainthenextmorning.EachdayAmamadethebedswithfreshlinensandfoldedthetowelsintoanimalslikeswans,turtles,orrabbits.Nice!It’satoughlifebutsomebodyhastodoit.Thentherewastheboatcrash.

OnCayoLargothereareafewinsidelagoonsthatareaccessedbyzigzagcanalsthatareabout20’wideand1⁄4-milelong.Whentheguidesenterthesenarrowcanalstheyannounceontheradiothattheyarecomingintothecanal.Apparentlythemessagedidnotgetthrough.WaltandIwereinoneboatand2guysfromColoradowereintheotherboat.Wecamearoundablindcornerat25mphandthereonoursideofthecanalwastheotherboatalsoat25mph.It’sincrediblehowfastthingshappenin20’at50mph.AssoonaswesawtheotherboatWaltwasthrownintomangrovesandIwasintothewater.Fortunately,bothguidesdidtherightthingandturnedhardrightsotheboatshitbottomtobottom.Hadoneboatgoneoverthetopoftheotheritcouldhavebeenmuchworse.WegotWaltbackintheboat,hehadasmallcutonhishandandsomebruises.Ionlygotasmallbruise.ButBill,intheotherboat,gotahugebruiseonhiship.Theguideswerefuriouswitheachother.WishmySpanishwasbetterbecauseIcouldhavelearnedsomenewcusswords.

SobacktothemothershipandthecaptaindecidedtotakeBilltothesmallcliniconCayoLargo.Becausethebruisewasgettinglarger,andbecauseBillwas80yearsoldandonlyhadonelungtheydecidedtoflyhimtothehospitalinHavanathenextday.Unfortunately,hehadtoremainthereuntiltheflighthome.Hisfriendthataccompaniedhimandreturnedtothemothershipandsaidthatthedoctorsandnurseswereveryprofessionalandtakinggoodcareofhim.AlsobeinganAmericancitizen,theywererequiredtoreporthisconditiontotheAmericanembassyeachday.FYI,yourplanetickettoCubaincludesa$25chargeforCubanmedicalinsurance.Thatpaidforallthecarehereceived.WehopethatAvalonCharterswillalsocomphimareturntripsinceheonlygottofishtwodays.

Well,thisisgettinglongsoletmewrapitup.WehadsporadicinternetaccesssowereabletoconfirmourreturnflightonSouthwestwasstillok.LotsofbadnewsaboutcoronainEuropeandtravellockdownscausedsomeanxietyinusall.Iftheflightwascancelledourbackupplanwas(1)tobuildaraftandpaddlehome,or(2)hitchhiketoGuantanamoandseeiftheUSmilitarywouldgiveusaride,or(3)tobribetheshipcaptaintotakeustoKeyWestandrentacartodrivehome.Actually,stayingontheshipwasaprettygoodidea,safe,isolated,goodfoodandrum,goodcompany.

TheairportinHavanawascrowded,about20%ofthepeoplewearingmasksbutveryfewcoughing.Theplanewasfullbuttheflightwasuneventful.Securitywasquickandeasyandtheydidn’teventakeourtemperaturesbackinTampa.Allthebaggagemadeithomesafeandsound.Allinall,itwasagreattrip.WouldIgoagain?Yes.Yes.Inaheartbeat.LikealltheCaribbeanislandsI’vebeentothepeoplearewarmandfriendly.Theyrelyontourismasanimportantpartoftheireconomyandwantyoutocomeback.Hopefully,thisbugwilldieoutandtheCubanandAmericangovernmentswillstoppickingoneachother.ThentripstoCubacouldonlygetbetter.

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 16

Marshall Craig: Lunch on the Big Piney River Excerpted from Marshall’s website, Craiglit.life

Oreos,ofcourse,arebestpairedwithacoldBudweiser

Inagalaxyfaraway,whenIwasinmy40s,Iwouldfishwithmyson,mybrother,andfriendsontheBigPineyRiverineastcentralMissouri.OurguidesontheBigPineyweretheClaytons,afamilyoffarmersandwinter-timeloggingtruckdrivers,orwhateverelseittooktoputbreadonthetable.Theywere“goodol’boys,”thehighestaccoladeavailableinruralMissouri. Wewoulddriftdowntheriverintwo18-footJonboats,twopayingcargoupfront,eachonabenchseat,andaguideaft,withapaddleand,ifinoperatingcondition,amuch-abusedelectricmotor.

Theobjectsofourinterestweretherowdy,bronze-backedsmallmouthbass,aswellasamotleycollectionoflessrespectablefish–bluegill,rockbassandwarmouth.Thesepanfish,however,wereconsideredbylocalfolkstobethebesteating.Asthemorningworeon,Ray,Ramon,orTom,whichevertwooftheClaytonswereguiding,wouldattachfishafterfishtometalstringersclippedtothesidesoftheirboats.Aroundnoon,theywouldbeachtheboatonashoalandtheshorelunchritualwouldcommence.Oneguidewouldreachforagunnysackstashedunderhisseat,pileitatopabattered,metalcoolerandstepashore.Hewasthechefdecuisine.Theotherguidewaschargedwithfoodprep.Hewouldsitinthesand,feetoutinthewater,takeasharpBarlowfoldingknifeoutofhispocket,andonebyoneguteachfishwithtwodeftcuts.Hewouldthencradlethepalm-sizedpanfishinacallusedhandandscalethem,sluicingoutthebodycavityinthestream.Riverotters,raccoonsandminksprovidedclean-upservice.Meantime,thechefdecuisinehadpulledabattle-scarredkeroseneColemanstoveandalargefrypanoutofthegunnysack.Hewouldsetthestoveonthepebbledshoal,squatting,andfireitup.Fromthecoolercame:agalloncanofvegetableoil;aplasticbagfilledwithabreadingofflour,cornmeal,andsaltandpepper;abagofpotatoes;fourorfivelargeyellowonions;andaloafofSunbeambreadlikeweusedtosoakwithwater,ballup,andthrowatfriendsintheelementaryschoolcafeteria.Thebreadedpanfishwouldbrowninthefrypan,hotoilsnappingandcrackling,aswewaited,beersinhand,likedogshoveringaroundakitchentable.Theprepmanwouldbusilysliceuppotatoesandtheonions.Whenthefishweredone,drainingonabrownpaperbag,thepotatoesandonionsfollowedintothefrypan.Ononeofourearliesttrips,afishermanlookedaroundandasked,“Wherearetheplates?”Thechefresponded,“Overthere,”andpointedtotheloafofSunbeambread.BigPineyetiquetterequiredthatyouplopafriedfish,togetherwithasliceofonionandasliceofpotato,onapieceofbreadandpickfromthere,withyourfingers.Therewasanoccasional“ouch”whenaparticularlydelectablemorselprovedtoohot.Onhisfirsttrip,anewbiestartedtonoshhispieceofbread.Rayexclaimed,“He’seatin’hisplate!”SomethingsarejustnotdoneuptheBigPiney.Iflifewereparticularlygoodthatday,oneofusmighthavebroughtalongabagofdouble-stuffedOreos.Oreos,ofcourse,arebestpairedwithacoldBudweiser.DriftingdowntheBigPineyinthelateafternoon,approachingthetake-outpoint,someofuswouldbethinkingaboutdinner.MaybeastopattheSonicDrive-IninHouston,20minutessouthofLicking.MaybeaSuperSONICBaconDoubleCheeseburgerpairedwithanOreoPeanutButterShakeoranOreoCheesecakeShake.Wewonder,didtheWalgreensinHoustoncarryPeptoBismol?

Marshall….The Old Road Peddler

MarshallCraig

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 17

Capt. Pat Damico: Captain’s Corner

Tarponfishingwhentherearesomanyboats

Doyouknowthe“GoldenRule”Manyreportsfromlocalflyguidesandseriousflyfishersarefilledwithfrustration.Thenumberofboatsonthewaterhasneverbeengreater.Thedifficultyofgettingmigratingtarponalongthebeachestoacceptaflymakesthisadauntingtaskbutcanbecompoundedbythedailydisplaysofpoormannersbymanyfishermen.Castingaflytorelaxedfishhasbecomemuchmoredifficult.Findinglaid-upfishorfishdaisychainingisnowararity.Chasingaschoolofvisiblefishwithanoutboardorevenafastrunningtrollingmotor

willputthemonhighalertandruineveryone'schancesforsuccess,especiallyintheshallows.Spendingtimeonthewaterwillgiveyouagoodideaofareasthattarponfrequentlytravelgivingyouapredictablepattern.Anchorinthoseareasandwaitforrelaxedfish.Haveafloatattachedtoyouranchorwithaquickdisconnectsothatwhenafishishookedyoucanfollowthemandlaterreturntoyourspot.Intheshallows,apushpoleisastealthywaytogo.Ifyouseesomeone,"Onthepole,"theyhavetobeinshallowwater.Stayaway!Applythegoldenruletoyourtimeonthewaterandeveryone'ssuccessratewillincrease.FlyfishermanPatDamicochartersFlyGuyinlowerTampaBayandcanbereachedatcaptpatdamico.comand(727)504-8649

More Docklight Fly Fishing Tips Docklight panel advice: Excerpts from the July 2019 issue of On The Fly

Thepanelconsistedoflong-timeSFFmembersMarkHays,AlanSewellandMarkCraig.Theysharedtheirsecretsaboutsnookfishinggainedovertheircollective90yearsofexperiencefishinglocalwaters.

• Whenworkingdock-lightsfromaboatorkayak–safetyisthenumber1priority.Alwayswearagoodqualitylifevest,withaheadlight.Heavierkayaksarepreferred.Ifusingapeddlekayak,caremustbetakennottogetentangledwithyourline.Considerusingawhitesternlight.Beonthelookoutforsubmergedlines,automaticlightsandotherman-madeentrapments.

• Onmoon-litnights,whitefliesworkwell,whilepurplefliesproduceondarkernights.Size4-6fliesarepopular.Alwaystieeyeballsonyourflies.

• Generally,theanglerwillhaveonlyoneshotatasnookbeforetheyspook.Youmustsneakuponthem.Falsecastingisnotrecommended.Asimplepick-upandlaydowncastisbestwithasimple,veryslowstrip.Ifyoumakeabadcast,fishitratherthanmendingyourline.Asyoutakeyourshotatasnook,useaslowretrieveandwatchthesnookfollowyourflytoyourboat.

• Besttimetofishis3AMtosun-uporstartingonehouraftersundown.Newmoonsarebetterthanfullmoons.Alwaysfishmovingwater.Outgoingtidesaremoreproductive.

• Aheavyrodisnecessaryassnookwilloftenheadforpilingsorrockswhenhookedtobreakoffandtheanglermustbeabletoheadthefishawayfromescape.

• Ifyouheardogsbarkingleavethearea.###

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 18

Fly Gear for Sale or Swap WoodyMillerissellinghisNativeSlayerPropel.727-560-6086.Emailclwpaddler@gmail.com

Thiskayakhasafrontbowhatchcover,3"seatrisers.anchortrolley,paddleholder,andupgradedBoonedoxrudder.First$1600.00takesitfishing.

AlanSewellhasputalotofgearupforsale.727-470-4570.Emailsewellalan@yahoo.com

• Threeflyrods--$90.Lamiglas2-pieceblankswithcustomwrapsandtopcomponents.6wt,8wt,9wt.• YAKGEARStandnCast.Fitsallkayakswithgeartracks,ormounttohullwithsuppliedhardware.

Foldsflatandstandsupwhenpulled.Rodandpaddleholderincluded.Itemsstillwrappedincarton.Neverused.$95.00

• HumminbirdTCRportablecolordepthandfishfinder.Takestwo6Vbatteries.Transducerfitsontrollingmotororonkayakhull.$35.

• Humminbirddual-scancolorfishfinderanddepthunit.Transducermountedonadjustableshaft.Clamp-onbracketholdsunitandshaft.Neverused.Runson6Vbattery.$60.

OceankayakandextrasfromFrankMoss.Callandleaveamessage:727-421-5354OceanKayak,sitontopProwler15’.Extrasincludeapaddlewithtether,rooftopcarcarrier,6plugs,seaanchorandleadanchor,twoflyrodholders,onespinningrodholder,stick-itanchorpole,ceilinghoist,beachlaunchwheels,severalnylonlines,aflyfishingvest.$1,500.LarryLurieissellinghis16-footBassTracker.Just$4800.Emailhimatlawrencelurie@gmail.com

40HPMercury.WalkthroughBiminitop;MinnKotaPowerDriveCopilot55-lbthrusttrollingmotor.Lowrancecolorfishfinder/GPS.Shortwaveradiow/marineband,NOAAweather.StereoAM/FM/W-CD.Boatcover;MinnKotaelectricwinch;22-galaeratedbaittank;two6gallongastanksw/tankswitch;twonewdeep-cyclebatteries;builtinchargerw/switchtorunoneitherbatteryorboth.PayPal.BruceEvensenmadethesebeautifulitemshimself.Callhimat727-403-9010.Also,seemuchmoreofhisfinearton“PoppaBrucesFlies”pagesonEtsy….https://www.etsy.com/shop/poppabrucesflies

• HookoreyesholderhandmadebyBruceEvensen,$28.00• ThreadholderwithoneflyholderbyBruceEvensen,$9.00• Flytyingdeskandtoolholder,$50.00• FlytyingdeskandtoolholdermadebyBruce2ftx2Fort,$85.00• Epoxyglueholderhand-madebyBruceEvensen,$24.00

LynnSkipperhastwoflyrodsandareel.813-542-3195.vintagevette@msn.com813-541-3195

• ROSSFLYSTIKHEAVY10wt7’11”4piecewithtube.Idealrodforthosenighttripsaftersnookunderthedockswhereyouneedtohorsethemawayfromthedockquickly.Originally$200,now$100.Barelyusedwithnonicks,blemishesetc.

• ORVISTLSPowerMatrix4piece3wt8’4”Midflexwithcase.Originally$175,now$100.• OrvisBattenkill¾wtreelwithbackingand3wtWFFline.UsedonetriptoMontanalast

year.Originally$125,now$75OBO.

Wanttosellortrade?Needsomeflygear?EmailBillAuCoin,wmaucoin@verizon.net

June 2020 On The Fly Newsletter of the Suncoast Fly Fishers Page 19

Bill AuCoin : Flyfisher Flyover Stayinguplateisworththewait.Docklightflyfishingissightfishing.You’llseethatsnookcomeforitandsuckitin.Memoriesaremadeofthis.(FloridaSportsman)Catchingbreamgotmehookedonflyfishing.Watchingabluegillnoseuptoafoamspiderthensmashitlikeashovelisworthasmuchascatchingthatlittleguy,inmyhumbleopinion(IMHO).KudostoSFFmemberChrisO’Byrneforhis

salutetothisamazingflyinhisblog.(Featherwater)Howtosetupyourkayakforinshorefishing.Areyouriggingandloadingyourkayakwithtoomuchortoolittlegear?Ineverrealizedwhatabigfishingdealkayakswouldbecome.But,hereweare.(SaltStrong)Passthepopcorn.SFFmemberToniFernstrompassesalongarecommendationtowatchthedocumentaryfilm“Artifishal.TheFighttoSaveWildSalmon.”It’samustseeforeveryseriousanglerandoutdoorsperson,aswellasforevery(environmentallyconcernedcitizen,saidToni.(Patagonia)LookandListen.Andeatmorepopcorn:Themusicthatbacksupthisflyfisher’svideodiarygetskindofaddictive.H/TPatDamico.(JazzandFlyFishingonVimeo)Stockuponpopcornnow!FlyFusionMagazineandtheInternationalFlyfishingFilmFestivalhavecreatedtheStimmieAwardstorecognizethebestflyfishingvideos.(TheFishingWire)Didsomebodysaywebinar?Checkoutthisweek'sscheduleofentertainingandinstructiveliveonlinediscussionsandflyfishingtalks.(FlyFishersInternational)Howmuchdoesyourbassweigh?Well,nowthere’sanappforthat.Enterlengthandgirthindecimalinches.It’sstillanestimate,butagoodone.(MyFWC)ErnestHemingway’slostshortstory.HisgrandsononlyrecentlyfoundthisshortstoryinthearchivesofaBostonlibrary.PursuitasHappinessissetinCubaintheearly1930’s.Itmighthavebeenatry-outforhisnovelOldManandtheSea.You’llstarttofeelsorryforthemarlin.Butpeoplearehungry,too.Aswithhisothernovelsandshortstories,Hemingwaysubtlysharescharacterinsightsthatwepickupby“listening”carefullytotheback-and-forthbanter.(Midcurrent)Killredtide?Drinkmorebeer.WemustalldoourparttokeepthekillerredtidefrominvadingFloridashorelinesagain.Well,here’sawaywecanhelp.Itturnsoutthere’sabeerbrewingbyproductwithingredientsthatkillredtide.Thequestionis,canitbedeployedintherightplaceattherighttime?ResearchersattheUniversityofMarylandareworkingonit.ThisisjustoneoffiveinnovativeredtideresearchprojectsthataresharingmorethanamilliondollarsfromMoteMarineinSarasota.(MoteMarine)

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