The next regional conclave is the biggest flyfishing event held each year on the Gulf Coast. It's the FFF Gulf Coast Expo hosted by the Federation of Fly Fishers Gulf Coast Council, and it takes place in New Braunfels, Texas, one month from now - the weekend of April 9-10. This event is open to the public. For those who would like to participate in the numerous activities or workshops, registration is required, and can be done in advance online. Simply go to www.gulfcoastfff.org and click on the registration icon. THIS IS IMPORTANT... pre-registration has been extended to March 26, and since there are discounts on admission and activities if you pre-register you can save mucho pesos (a little southwest Texas lingo).

The March issue of Tide, the magazine of the Coastal Conservation Association, has several fine articles as usual. IMO, this is one of the best benefits of being a CCA member; this magazine has articles and photography that rival any outdoors publication. If you receive Tide, and haven't read it yet, do check out the column by Gary Loomis, now VP of CCA National, on efforts to ban gill netting of wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Between dams and commercial overharvest, the great runs of salmon are a shadow of what they once were. On the lighter side, Larry Bozka's humorous column lists the qualifications he's looking for in the ultimate "Man's Best Friend". Let's say Bozka wants a lot of his next dog... I'd be happy just to have mine not poop on the sidewalk.

Speaking of CCA, the Capitol Area chapters will hold their bimonthly luncheon this coming Monday at Druscillas on Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. Guest speaker will be Jerald Horst, author of the book "Trout Masters" and "The Seafood Bible: Shrimp". Also on the agenda are Joe Macaluso and Gary Rispone of Paradise Louisiana TV show, with their fishing report. Cost of the luncheon is $18, all inclusive. For more info, go to www.ccalouisiana.org.

Shall we say adieu to the offset drag? When I first got into flyfishing, most of the fly reels on the market had offset, click, or brake-shoe drags. Offset systems suffer from wet-loss drag: the drag loosens if the reel gets soaked. Click drags offer little or no adjustment, and once they get worn, lead to free spooling when stripped. Offset or click models remained market viable due to their low cost. But in the last decade, the market saw an influx of inexpensive, Asian-manufactured reels that utilized the superior centerline drag. Click drag reels have nearly gone the way of the passenger pidgeon. The question is how long will the offset drag be around? I spoke to tackle guru Zach Mathews about what's happening with the reel market, and he thinks we won't see much happen at the Fly Retailers Show this summer. That's because product development is usually a two-year lapse, and two years ago, the economy was bad. But the 2011 show could reveal significant new products or changes to existing products.

Thursday, March 11
Bringing back False River. Tuesday night hundreds of citizens gathered at a Pointe Coupee Police Jury meeting for a presentation by LDWF biologists regarding plans for a drawdown in the lake this coming fall/winter. Here's the problem: at one time, False River was a fishing paradise. IMO, one of the top bream waters in the country. Now it wasn't the most popular water among fly rodders: it isn't scenic, there's all that ski traffic, little topwater action for popping bug enthusiasts, and the bluegill lack the hefty size of other area waters such as Henderson, Verret, Old Rivers Morganza and Vidalia, and Bruin. But what it did offer was unbelievable numbers of gobbules in the 6.5 to 7.5 inch range. There were numerous days we would flycast shrimp patterns on the flats, and wet flies around piers, and have our personal limit of 30 keepers in a couple hours. Then we'd proceed to catch and release many more, sometimes up to a hundred, by noon! The secret to it's productivity was a combination of fertile water (high calcium hardness) and rich beds of aquatic grass that rimmed the entire lake. About ten years ago, the grass disappeared entirely. The grass shrimp vendors went out of business. According to biologists, a series of drainage canals built in the 90s lead to a massive accumulation of muck and silt over the edges of the lake - the places where game fish spawn. Further, it's prevented vegetation from taking hold - there is no grass left in False River! This has led to a serious decline of bass and bream. LDWF plans to rectify by drawing the lake down 10 to 16 feet, exposing much of the lake's edges to air and sunlight. The muck will decompose, and compact, creating much more favorable conditions for spawning and vegetation once the lake fills back up. Although there was some opposition, the overwhelming majority of folks, especially the businesses that depend on fishermen, strongly support the drawdown.

Also up for drawdown: Turkey Creek. LDWF announced they will initiate a drawdown on Turkey Creek Lake in Franklin Parish starting May 15. The purpose for this drawdown is to strand giant salvinia in inaccessible areas of the lake. The drawdown will have the added effect of oxidating and compacting organics, and creating more favorable conditions for gamefish spawning. During the period, the Franklin Parish Police Jury will clear boat lanes and do maintenance on the public boat ramp.

Changes to Elmers Island rules. At the LDWF Commission meeting last Thursday, members voted to modify regulations regarding Elmer's Island. Previously, admission required either a fishing license or a Wild Louisiana stamp. The requirement is now rescinded (although you will need a license if you fish, crab, or shrimp). Also, use of the refuge will be permitted from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.

Fishing reports. It seems inshore action on reds, drum and sheepshead is picking up. Speckled trout continue to be very slow. There's been some concern that the cold winter drove most marsh trout out to sea, and if so, it could be as late as May before we see good trout fishing in the interior lakes. The bass and sacalait action in the southern parishes has really picked up this last week despite the waters still colder than normal. I read in the Advocate Outdoors this morning of a 11-pounder (bass) taken from Cataouche. Around the BR ponds I'm seeing fish on the beds, mostly the smaller males. The spawn will be soon. No great reports on bream yet. The northern parishes are seeing crappie action pick up in the shallows and creek beds. This is when flyrodders have their best shot for putting a stringer together. The Little Mo and Mountain Fork are experiencing hatches and flyrodders are finally getting bows on dries and emergers.

Tuesday, March 9
Spring is here! Well, at least touches of it, and at least in south Louisiana. The willow trees are green, and swamp maples are red and pear trees white with blossoms. The 10-day forecast for the BR area shows lows in the upper 40s and 50s, and highs in the 60s and 70s. Many of us who garden are preparing our beds and thinking it's finally safe to put plants in. This past weekend I saw the first bedding activity of bass in a couple of ponds. Water temperatures are still below normal, and a couple of low pressure systems moving across the state the next couple of days will keep water levels high and cloudy/muddy. Still, I expect bass fishing - and crappie fishing - to really pick up in the next couple of weeks. Make sure to get your freshwater tackle, leaders, and flies ready, because the early spring fishing often produces the largest bass, bream, and crappie of the year. A chance for a trophy awaits those who meet opportunity with preparation!

Fly Fishing With Darth Vader. That's the title of Matt Labash's just-released book. Actually, the full title is "Fly Fishing with Darth Vader: And Other Adventures with Evangelical Wrestlers, Political Hitmen, and Jewish Cowboys". According to the review from Publishers Weekly, "Journalist Labash takes readers to the fringes in his portraits of people and places outside the mainstream, and very often, beyond our ken. His subjects are outlandish and unforgettable." They include Marion Barry, Edwin Edwards, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Kinky Friedman, the cigar-toting, Jewish cowboy songwriter who ran as an independent for governor of Texas four years ago. So who is Darth Vader? None other than former VP and fanatic flyrodder Dick Cheney, who Labash exposes as someone who is more human and more concerned about the environment than he is portrayed by the media. (of course, Labash followers claim he isn't concerned about what others think... in the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson he just wants to take readers on a ride, and hopefully a crash!) Cheney is such a dedicated trout afficiondo that it was rumored that he would often ignore calls from the White House while fishing his home waters in Wyoming. Ignore phone calls from work while fishing? Sorry, I don't see the problem.

Monday, March 8
What's happening this week. Tonight the Red Stick Fly Fishers hold their monthly program meeting at 7:30pm at the Wildlife and Fisheries building on Quail Drive in Baton Rouge. Guest speaker will be Captain Ron Begnaud, who will talk on "Fly Fishing the Calcasieu Estuary". Ron will cover all species, and opportunities for fishing by wading, boats, and puddlecraft. Should be a great program; the meeting is open to the public. On Wednesday, the Tangi Chapter of CCA will host a fishing seminar at Boat City USA in Hammond. Things kick off at 5:30pm. Admission is free and includes jambalaya, drinks, and door prizes. CCA members and guests are invited. Guest speakers include Anthony Puglia (Puglia's Sporting Goods), Bubba Perilloux of Boat City USA, Capt. Greg Schlumbrecht, Capt C.T. Williams, Capt. John Falterman, and CCA Executive Director David Cresson. Friday at 2:00pm kicks off the granddaddy of outdoor shows in our state: the 31st annual Louisiana Sportsmen's Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. It runs thru Sunday. For more info, go to www.lasportsmenshow.com. On Saturday, it's the 5th annual Fly Fish Texas at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. The event runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm and includes fly tying, seminars, and youth activities. Also on Saturday, there's a free fly tying class at the Ascension Parish Library on South Irma Boulevard in Gonzales. Time is 9:00am to 12 noon. The class covers basics of tying fresh and salt flies. For more info, contact instructor Darrell Crawford at (225)644-7989. Also on Saturday, Backpacker of Lafayette will hold a Paddle Demo Day at Sugar Mill Pond in Youngsville. Time is 10:00am to 2:00pm. Kayaks include Hobie, Ocean Kayak, Freedom Hawk, Old Town, Perception, and Wilderness Systems. Also on Saturday, Pack and Paddle will host a paddle in the "Forgotten Basin". Guides John and Becky Williams will lead a trail from Bayou Portage to Fausse Pointe. Cost is $35 per person and includes canoe, paddle, PFD, guides and lunch on the water. For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com. On Sunday, Daylight Savings Time begins. Set your clock forward one hour. The extra hour of daylight in the afternoon means more (and longer) after-work fishing trips!

Monday, March 1
What's happening this week. A very busy one... On Tuesday, the Acadiana Fly Rodders hold their monthly meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church in Lafayette. Time is 6:30pm, with casting prior to the meeting at 6:00pm. On Wednesday, the Pontchartrain Basin Fly Fishers hold their monthly meeting at Friends Coastal Restaurant on the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville. Time is 6:30pm. If you live in the Acadiana or Northshore area, do check out these terrific clubs; lots of good fishing info, and guests are always welcome! On Thursday, Orvis on Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge will hold their bi-monthly fly tying sessions from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Intermediate level tying, however beginners are welcome. Bring your own vise and tools. Materials provided. For more info, contact Jarid Malone at (225)757-7286. On Friday, the CCA Louisiana State Convention kicks off at the Sheraton in Baton Rouge. The event runs through Saturday, which an impressive list of guest speakers. Registration is $100 per person, or $150 per couple. Check www.ccalouisiana.com for details. Also on Friday, the Red Stick Fly Fishers hold their annual banquet in Baton Rouge. On Saturday, RSFF holds their 19th annual conclave, a.k.a., "Red Stick Day", at the LDWF Waddill Education Center off Flannery Road in Baton Rouge. More on that later. On Sunday, Pack and Paddle will hold a canoe and kayak demo from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Lake Martin near Breaux Bridge. Models on hand will include Native, Hurricane, Hobie, Wilderness Systems, Old Town and Mad River. Also on Sunday, members of the Pontchartrain Basin Fly Fishers will be at Bass Pro Shops in Denham Springs from 12noon to 4:00pm conducting a free fly tying workshop. Come out and learn how to tie your own flies, with individualized instruction!

It's evolved into the largest fly fishing event in the state each year. Like our other club conclaves, the Red Stick Fly Fishers conclave, or Red Stick Day, features programs, tying demos, casting instruction, manufacturer exhibits, good food, refreshments, and raffles. And it's free and open to the public. What makes Red Stick Day a little different is their inclusion of a nationally-renown guest speaker, some unique programs, and the "water on the premises" which lends for kayak/canoe demos and fishing. Backpacker will be back with 2010 models of kayaks to demo, including the new Freedom Hawk 12. This year's special guest is writer/podcaster Zach Mathews of Interant Angler fame. Joining Mathews are trophy speck specialist Jarid Malone, author/writer and Louisiana Hall of Fame member Pete Cooper Jr, and kayak tournament pro Brendan 'Choupique' Bayard. As for the unique programs... there's a Cajun cooking demo by Jon Dietrich and Wes Miller promoting their new cookbook. Doors open at 8:30am, fly tying and programs run from 9:00am to 3:00pm. For more info, go to rsff.org.

We had a great time this Saturday at the Acadiana Fly Rodders conclave. The most interesting parts of this event are always the fly tying and the casting, and this year was no exception. Even with a 15-mph crosswind, some of the casting "pros" on hand were putting a tight loop thru a hula-hoop at 50 feet! If you live in the Acadiana area, and wish to improve your casting, you couldn't be so lucky to have this club close to you! On another note, it was great to hobnob with many good friends again. Bob Tabbert, Pete Cooper and Roger Stouff kept me in stitches. Speaking of stitches, the most interesting part of the day was when Barry Dauphin and Dirk Burton performed "surgery" on Valerie Gonsoulin when she embedded a barbed hook into her finger. Lesson to all: DEBARB THOSE HOOKS!

It's March, time to warm up! The forecast calls for more nighttime lows in the 30s until Thursday, at which we will enter the warmest period of days we've had since November! The latest climatological summary shows that since November 17, we've only had 13 days for which the average day temperature was at or above normal. That's 13 out of 101, a losing percentage for any global warming supporters still out there! Normally by now, the willow trees along the ditch near my house (the ditch that has bream and bass swimming in it, mind you) are already green. In fact, the last week of February is usually when my garden goes in. I've not even seen bellpepper plants at the nursery yet. This is just so wrong! But like I said, it's going to get warmer. When the water begins to warm - maybe by next week or after - lookout! Better have those crappie flies and bass flies ready to go!

Wednesday, February 24
The 4th annual FFF Gulf Coast Expo will be held April 8-10 in New Braunfels, Texas. Since it's formation in 2005, the Federation of Fly Fishers Gulf Coast Council (GCC) has held it's conclave in Lake Charles, the geographic epicenter. However, the population centers of the GCC are skewed heavily to the west and east, and in an effort to boost attendance and bring many new folks into fly fishing, the council voted to hold this year's event in southcentral Texas. Consider that 6 million people live within a few hours drive. If 1 out of 1000 attended, that would be 6,000 attendees, making it the largest flyfishing conclave ever held this side of the galaxy! (although Omicron Persei 8 once had a conclave of 8,000... but half of those were androids and don't count). This year's conclave is the most ambitious yet: in addition to great programs and workshops, it features the Fly Fishing Film Tour and a special raffle for 2 persons/1 week at High Lonesome Ranch. There's also the famed Texas Hill Country fishing for warmwater species and even rainbow trout. The early registration deadline ends March 15, so don't delay!

This weekend kicks off Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing celebration. In addition to sales and bass fishing celebrities at the Bossier and Denham Springs stores, there's also some fly fishing as well. Saturday the North Louisiana Fly Fishers will be doing tying demos at the Bossier store, and Vince Diliberto will be doing a tying clinic at the Denham store. On Sunday, the Pontchartrain Basin Fly Fishers will be at the Denham store, doing fly tying and assisting with any aspect of fly fishing folks may have.

>