Club Meetings

Meetings are held at the Walter Fuller Recreation Center, 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersberg, Florida, on the third Thursday of the month (except December).

Fly tying and fly casting practice/instruction typically begins around 6:30, and the club meeting begins at 7:00. Meetings typically include club topics followed by a presentation by various guests or some of our own, “distinguished” club members.

The topic of each month's program can be found in the Programs section of this web site or in the newsletter.

The meeting is concluded by a great raffle — few participants go home empty-handed! Meetings typically conclude at approximately 8:30 to 9:00.

Suncoast Fly Fishers Meeting Minutes

October 16, 2008

Presiding: Ken Hofmeister, President

After pledge of allegiance, Ken Hofmeister read SFF purpose and welcomed visitors.

Treasurer’s Report: John Zientarski reported a balance of $4,064.35.

Membership renewals: Tom Gadacz, new treasurer, encouraged members to pay their $15.00 SFF dues for September 2008-September 2009. Four new members joined. They are: Tom Jones, Rick Kelly, Harry Lindenmuth, and Bob Switzer.

SFF Brochure reprint: Roger Blanton made a motion that we reprint the club brochure at a cost not to exceed $540.00. Motion was seconded and membership unanimously approved.

SFF hats: Alan Sewell made a motion to purchase 100 SFF hats at an approximate cost of $4.50 per hat. Motion was seconded and membership approved.

SFF shirts: Alan Sewell circulated a list for those wanting to order SFF shirts. Alan will place the order.

Rod Raffle: Alan Sewell asked the group if they were ready to draw for a winner in the rod raffle even though all cards had not been purchased. Mark Hays moved that we proceed. It was seconded and the membership voted to draw for a winner. Al Pitcher won. Ken notified him by phone.

FFF ballot: Ken Hofmeister circulated FFF ballots and asked all paid FFF members to vote by mail, or e-mail. Tom Gadacz collected the ballots and will add FFF numbers and forward ballots to Pete Greenan.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing: Ken Hofmeister gave a brief report on PHWFF and circulated a schedule for those interested in participating with different groups at different times. There was sufficient interest to initiate a session every other Tuesday evening from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Ken confirmed this with Heather Wojtkun, recreation therapist at Bay Pines. These sessions will begin November 18 with John Craig serving as point person. Wednesday sessions with Mike Gilman’s group will continue.

Boy Scouts: Richard Oldenski presented a report on the opportunity of working with the Boy Scouts. He specifically mentioned the Boy Scout Merit Badge University at Eckerd College in May and the need for Boy Scout merit badge program counselors. Members were asked to contact Richard if interested. Requirements for the fly fishing merit badge were distributed to members.

Hook Sharpeners: Ken Hofmeister stated that 18 members had requested hook sharpeners and asked if there were more interested. Two more members expressed interest and it was agreed to order 25.

Program: Jim Swann talked about how to catch a lot of fish on the Hillsborough River. He said, among other things, to let the fly sit for ten or fifteen seconds. No popping. Unfortunately, Jeff Janecek, the winner of the Carl Hanson tournament from the Tampa Club said he caught 43 fish with an “aggressive retrieve.” Swann did say to use surface bugs and to watch our back cast. He recommended # 8 hooks (Mustad 3366) and to look for water that was moving against the current. Forceps were recommended, along with leaders no less than 6 lb. test. Swann also stressed cleaning your lines and using silicone.

Submitted by Ken Hofmeister, in absence of Joe Dail.