Club Outings

 

Waiver and Release Form found on Links page.

Outing Previews:

June - Emerson Point

July  - Withlacoochee River

August - Blackthorn Memorial Wading

September - Chassahowitzka River

 

Chassahowitzka River  September 18th

The following is a map of Chassahowitzka launch ramp.  CR 480 west of US 19

Intersection of US 19 and CR 480

 

Blackthorn Memorial

It just doesn't seem that we can catch a break with some cooler weather, 0630 at the memorial and it is already 80 degrees, and calm (read MUGGY).  Rods were being strung, kayaks made ready and the last sips of coffee taken then its hit the water.

Some chose to wade, some went by water craft, all went with hopes for the wining fish.

Anatol, our newest member was seen heading for the water with Jerry Yancey to wade the flats off the Memorial.  Alan, Joe, and I launched our kayaks in search of piscatorial adventures.  Ken Doty and wife Sue were already out looking for the early bite.

As I approached Tarpon Key, Ken D was up along the shore line in search of Mister Redfish, and schools of Mullet were everywhere.  As I looked to the west tails began to appear so the anchor was set and the quest was on.  First was the famous Gurgler, no interest.  The weighted crab pattern was next, too heavy, now the un-weighted crab, nothing doing. 

On the horizon appears Ken "Mullet" Hofmeister (more on the Moniker later) in search of fishes.  I holler, tailing reds just for you!  The red kayak makes a beeline  for the school and lines are in the air.  The distinctive voice shouts "fish on" and the little red kayak appears to have sprouted a motor as it takes off mostly in circles.  Over the gunwale comes that distinctive silver redfish with no spots, yes the famous MULLET!  The question pertaining to the "Moniker" has been answered.

Next to arrive is Al Pitcher, looking like he needs a fish fix.  He wants to know why I would be trying to catch a redfish with a spine out of it's butt, "a what I ask", a ray you silly boy.  Well I think this is going to be a discussion that will go on for a long time.

It's closing in on 11 am and lunch is calling so we all head to the beach to load and then lunch

.

The Craig family had found what may be the winning location for this outing with numerous fish caught off the Clam Bar on the east side of the Skyway approach.

Richard as usual, had a huge spread of luncheon meats, cheese, and associated fixins along with icy beverages.  Marianne Hayes fixed up a great pasta salad. And a great turnout for lunch with some members who could not fish this morning still able to join us for a great lunch and fellowship.

I hope everyone can join us next month as we fish the Chassahowitzka River and its small tributaries.  At least the water will be cool since this is a spring fed river.

Sunrise

 

Ken "Mullet" Hofmeister in search of mangrove fish

The home of silver redfish and spiked butt redfish

 

 

Hillsborough River Deux

Because of low water on the Withlacoochee River it was agreed that we should return to the Hillsborough River where river levels were perfect for a great day of fishing.  Fish were caught and lunch was consumed.  A great day all around.

 

Hillsborough River

A beautiful day for fly fishing!

 

Special Club Outings:

Everglades in Pictures 2010

The Good, the not so good and the Unbelievable

Doty's Spider will catch anything!

Oh that poor waitress!

It's the bank robber and the fish whisper!

The fish looks small but Ken has big hands!

Possibly a dollar fish!

Annie puts the pressure on

The results

Like father like son

 

Casting with Capt. Pat

It was quite a site, John Gierach would have been proud, 39 men and 1 woman standing on a beach waving a stick.  The bi-annual Capt. Pat Damico casting clinic was a huge success.  Beginning with the basics and progressing to more advanced techniques, Capt. Pat taught us the skills necessary to become better casters and in turn hopefully help us bring more fish to hand.  Why our new president Tom Gadacz was even captured multi-tasking with the phone in one hand and casting with the other.

March Outing:

Our annual hog roast and our March outing happen to fall on the same day this year. This provides us with an entire day to plan club activities. First on the agenda is a casting clinic at Ft. DeSoto lead by FFF certified casting instructor, Capt. Pat Damico and his team of skilled fly casters. The clinic will focus on all skill levels to give each of us an opportunity to improve our casting. We'll begin at 09:00 at the east end of Mullet Key.

Come a little earlier to rig up your rod and have some coffee and donuts to warm up for the clinic. After the clinic we'll have a light lunch at the East Beach Picnic area. After lunch, those so inclined to practice their new casting skills can fish the waters at Ft. DeSoto. If you do decide to fish, keep an eye on your watch so that you're not late for the hog roast at 4:00 PM. What a day this will be! If you haven't already signed up, be sure to sign in at the March meeting.

Recommended Flies for the March outing and Newsletter Reference for Instructions:

Clouser Minnow                              

• January  2007 p.6
• April 2009 p.11

Whatever Bend Back                  

• September 2009 p.11

Ada Potato

• May 2008 p.9

February Outing:

After what seems like 6 months of winter, the sun finally shone on the Suncoast Fly Fishers as we gathered at Ft. DeSoto for a morning of fishing, camaraderie and a wonderful lunch. 56 degree water and weeks of wind did not put the fish into the eating mood and most of us spent a lot of time practicing casting and very little time with something tugging on out lines. But hey, it ain't called fishing for nothing!  At lunch, Mark and Annie Hays grilled marinated venison kabobs and Marianne served her tasty macaroni salad. Jim Larson provided cocktail shrimp for appetizers and Kitty Rich baked a variety of cookies for dessert.

Don't forget the casting clinic and pig roast in March.

Recommended Flies for the February outing and Newsletter Reference for Instructions:

Clouser Minnow                               

• January  2007 p.6
•  April 2009 p.11                                                 

Whatever Bend Back                  

• September 2009 p.11

Ada Potato                                      

• May 2008 p.9

January  Outing -

The sun shown bright and warmly for our January outing at Pinellas Point. At first we were saddened by the sight of frozen dead fish on the shore, but our spirits brightened as we got out on the water and started catching fish. Mostly trout were caught. It was a good day for the Irish. At Noon, Rick Kelly claimed the biggest fish, a 17 inch ladyfish. However, in the afternoon, Ron Kelley caught an 18 1/4 inch trout and won the prize. At lunch, our club perfromed a group magic act, making bratwurst, German potato salad and beans disappear faster than you could say "Harry Houdini!" . You should have been there!

Recommended Flies - for the January outing and Newsletter
Reference for Instructions:

Clouser Minnow

• Jan. 2007 p. 6
• Apr. 2009 p.11

Whatever Bend Back

• Sep. 2009 p.11

Ada Potato

• May 2008 p. 9

 

December - No Outing - Merry Christmas

November Outing

Weedon Island Preserve provided us with a good morning of fishing on the outgoing tide. Catching, however, was difficult. Not many fish were caught, but those that were hooked were big. Mark Hays took the prize with a 29 and 1/2 inch snook. Don Manning scored with a 19 inch trout. New members, Kyle Langan and Mike December, each caught a 19 inch jack. We had plenty of stories to share at lunch, which included Alan Sewell's Texas style smoked sausage and Mark Hays' smoked mullet. You should have been there!

October Outing - Hillsboro River - Carl Hanson Memorial Tournament

He did it again! Our fearless leader, Ken Hofmeister, won the Carl Hanson Tournament and brought the trophy back to our club. Following
Jim Swann's advice, he fished at Sargent's Park and caught 53 fish. The rest of us also caught fish, but we couldn't catch up to Ken. The club prize for the largest fish, however, goes to Woody Miller for an 18 inch Mudfish that almost bit off his thumb while being released. Kudos also go to the Tampa Bay Club for serving an outstanding lunch of chili, corn bread and a variety of toppings. You should have been there!

September Outing -

September Outing -The September outing at Alligator Lake was well attended, and we all had a great time. A cool breeze made fishing on the lake very pleasant. The fish too were cooperative, and we caught a lot of them. However, they were all small. The largest was an 8 inch bass caught by Mark Hays. Mark was also the star at lunch,
treating us to smoked fish filets and his famous smoked fish spread. You should have been there!

Recommended Flies for the September outing and Newsletter Reference for Instructions:

Spiders and Beetles	Feb. 2007 p. 8
Mighty Myakka Minnow	July 2008 p. 8
Pickett Pin	July 2008 p. 8
Wolly Bugger	August 2008 p.8

August Outing - Emerson Point

The fish were not eager to bite at Emerson Point, but we had a good time fishing with our friends from the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishing Club. We saw plenty of snook feeding, but they were not interested in our streamers. Sharks were also actively feeding in the Manatee River, which kept most of us fishing the flats. Our friends from the Mangrove Coast caught a few trout. The largest fish reported by our club was an eight inch grouper caught by Joe Dail. Members of both clubs mingled, told stories and made plans for future outings over a picnic lunch. You should have been there!

Fishing Tournament:

Snook - Ken Hofmeister - 22 inches
Bass - Woody Miller -16 inches
Sunfish - Joe Dail - 10 inches
Open Category - Mark Craig - Ladyfish - 17 inches