President's Message - February 2008: "As Good As it Gets!"

By Joe Filer, AFF President

You would think that this time of year would be a little slower for many of us that chase fish with a fly rod. It seems safe to believe that the winter months would be an opportunity to catch up, clean up and rest up. It would seem like this time would be a natural “transition” period for many of us. (Transition is my wife Bev’s favorite word since I use it so often to describe the state of my office/fly tying/rod storage/hunting/everything-else room.) Somehow, it never seems to work out that way. And yet, I don’t really seem to mind. What a fantastic time to be involved with fly fishing. January is always an interesting time for us fly fishermen/women in Texas. The trout fishing for rainbows on the Guadalupe is in full swing. White bass fishing is “just around the corner” and last year’s trip tore up your fly box leaving some room for tying more Naked Ladies. And, there are trips to the coast waiting for the weather to be just right that need to be planned now. Adding to those expectations is the new line up of television shows that fill the time when the weather seems to foul up the fishing. For me, Jose Wejebe’s Spanish Fly series really makes me look forward to opportunities
in warmer water. Other efforts show exotic locales and people chasing fish that just look like a lot of fun. At any rate, there is a lot to be said for being able to witness these special places and fish with hopes of maybe getting there yourself one day.

Fly tying expos,educational seminars, and boat shows are other ways to fill these winter weeks in preparation for the months ahead. They are all great opportunities to add to our fishing
experience. The club held an informal “meeting” last Tuesday (22 January) on Fishing for Rainbows on the Guadalupe. There was a lot of lively conversation and people seemed to share a lot of their “hard earned” lessons with those who have had limited opportunity on the river. It seemed like a real success and I hope those that were there get out and use the info to catch
a lot of rainbows. (P.S. There are no fish at Gardo’s. Don’t waste your time there.) We intend to do additional gatherings like this focused on getting the word out on a variety of
subjects. These meetings are a direct response to the survey we sent out to gather insight into how best to serve the members. If you have not responded and have some other interesting ideas/topics, feel free to let me or Rob Burlingame know what’s on your mind. Be assured that the leadership of this club realizes that our success is based on you enjoying your
involvement with the group.

So then, go fish, go learn, go watch some fishing on TV, just get after it and enjoy our sport during the next several months. And don’t forget that the Alamo Fly Fishers regular monthly meetings (3rd Tuesday of the month) will resume on 19 February 2008 back at the Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church on Broadway.

Our guest speaker will be Tosh Brown who is a noted writer/photographer covering the Texas outdoors. He will be bringing some books along for sale.

One last thing, How ‘Bout Those Giants?

See you soon.

Joe