President's Message - December 2011

by David McWilliams

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I certainly did. Our normal tradition is to head to North Texas to my folks place. But this has been a year of change for my family. We added a new member with the birth of my son, and we lost a few who have gone on to fish better waters in God’s company. Partly to the avoid the melancholy of empty seats at the dinner table, and partly to enjoy the excitement of something new we opted for a trip to Rockport over Thanksgiving week.

My Dad, who started my semi-healthy addiction to fishing, had never caught a redfish. It’s a long way to the coast from North Texas. I was determined over the course of the trip to get him hooked up, and it took us until the 2nd day but we made it happen.

A while back at an Alamo Fly Fishers raffle I won a guided trip with Billy Trimble. We were fortunate that Billy was available while we were in Rockport and utilized the raffled trip. Captain Trimble was the guest speaker at the first monthly Alamo Fly Fisher Meeting that I attended several years ago. A recent saltwater convert, I joined AFF with intentions of meeting other saltwater fly fisherman and learning as much as I could. Seeing Trimble’s presentation that day definitely accelerated my learning curve.

Speaking of raffles, I hope you have made your reservations for the upcoming Christmas Party on December 11th at 6 o'clock. If not, you still have time. Email david.mcwilliams at hotmail.com to reserve your seat at Alamo Cafe on 281. Cost is $25 per person. You could win a trip with any number of guides, or a new rod, or a new reel -- there are many exciting auction items this year.

On a closing note I want to say that it has been an exciting year for me as President. I hope that I have done justice to the position and added value to this great club. Please come do your part to support Alamo Fly Fish- ers and continue the tradition at the Christmas Party.

Sincerely,
David McWilliams