Outings Outlook – September 2009
by Todd Fleming, AFF Outings Director 2009
As many of you know, I struggled when I started saltwater fly fishing with this club about nine years ago. I’ve always been drawn to the salt, but at times it was difficult. Sight casting to fish in shallow water was a new concept. Heck, fly fishing in saltwater was a new concept for me! I had used a fly rod to catch sunfish and small bass on poppers around the dock at the lake, and even caught some rainbow trout on soft hackle in Colorado on a family vacation years ago. But now to consider using a ridiculously light weight rod for big fish, in the wind, at the coast – it never crossed my mind! I tried it and at first didn’t have a clue about what I should be doing. I had no idea where to fish, or even what I was looking for. I was still trying to learn all these new leader knots. I’d read and heard others talking about “tailing redfish”, but I’d grown up fishing the coast during the summers and never saw any tailing redfish. How could I have missed it? I struggled with all of these new concepts.
My biggest mistake was forcing my son Reece to struggle along with me. I had already been a successful fisherman, and fly fishing was just a new challenge for me. I failed to realize that to keep Reece interested, he needed to be successful catching something – anything. Fly rod or not, he needed to feel the excitement of something tugging on the other end of the line. In the beginning, Reece was anxious to go fishing with Dad, but my mistake was not making it fun for him. Regrettably, Reece lost interest in fishing and focused his attention on other outdoor hobbies.
In the mean time, I stuck with this fly fishing challenge and have started to figure out a few things. More often than not, I now find and catch fish on the fly rod. I am also happy to report that Reece still makes an occasional obligatory fishing trip with me from time to time. When I do get his attention for a weekend or so, I try to make sure it is a fun experience. Recently, I took the easy way out and hired a guide for us. I wanted Reece to get a taste of spotting fish from the bow of a boat in shallow water. I wanted him to feel the excitement first hand. He has heard my stories, and seen my pictures, but sometimes experiencing it first hand is the only way to get it. It is an adrenalin rush to spot the fish, make the cast, see the gills flare and the tail kick, and then feel the line instantly go tight. Once hooked on those drugs, we’re all addicted for life. Reece did get a taste, and I think he will be back for more.
It appears our weather pattern is finally starting to change, and the forecast for cooler wetter conditions are at least mentioned. It is about time and none too soon for that change to happen because this is start of the best time of year for flats fishing at the coast. September, October, and November are without question the best months to find redfish and drum in shallow water. Pray that meaningful rains will fill our lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for productive spring freshwater fishing, but make plans to visit the coastal bend for some saltwater action soon. There are several opportunities coming up for large and small group outings. Let me know if you need help planning a trip, and consider signing up for any of the following events.
October 3-4, 2009 is one last trip to Fence Lake aboard the Skimmer. Our overnight outing there last month was so successful we decided to try it one more time this year. It is a perfect Tentcot opportunity with camping on a shell reef to make this outing last an extra day. The cooler weather and a full moon should make for ideal conditions. For those who are not into camping, you have the option of returning to Rockport on Saturday afternoon. Maximum of 12 people on this outing, and spots are filling fast. Let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in this one!
October means prime time fishing in Texas. Saturday October 10th is the 23rd annual Redfish Rodeo in Rockport. This fly fishing tournament for two-person teams is time tested and sponsored by the Texas Fly Fishers. A new twist this year will include a club competition to see which club has the best fly fishermen. The more participation we have from Alamo Fly Fishers will help us win the club trophy and bragging rights for a whole year. More information and entry forms are available at www.texasflyfishers.org. Please enter today!
Saturday October 17th plan to be in Junction for Oktoberfisch sponsored by the Fredericksburg Fly Fishers. This event actually starts on Friday and features a whole weekend of events including transports upstream to float and fish the Llano River. It all takes place at Morgan Shady Park on the river in Junction. This is another well organized event at a premier, clear water, fly fishing destination. Go to www.fredericksburgflyfishers.org to register and get more information.
Save Saturday October 24th to see Brian O’Keefe at the GRTU meeting in Sattler. Brian is a renowned outdoor writer, photographer, and fly fisherman. He is the GRTU featured speaker, and well worth giving up a morning of fishing. His photographs and stories will beckon our desire for more days on the water. Brian O’Keefe co-produces a free electronic fly fishing magazine with Todd Moen called “Catch Magazine” that is unlike any magazine you have ever seen. Check out www.catchmagazine.net to see the latest issue with award winning photography. These images are sure to get your fly fishing heart pumping! Visit the GRTU website www.grtu.org for more meeting details.
I’m working on plans for an outing to the Devil’s River in early November or possibly next April – or both! Let me know if you have that same interest, or if you have some experience with fishing there. We need to talk!
It’s time to get involved and participate in another club outing. This time of year is guaranteed to be good. Try to invite a friend or family member to join you, and remember to make it fun for the younger generation – your future depends on it. It’s not always just about the fish! Be safe. I hope to see you on the water!