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!

by Todd Fleming, AFF Outings Director

It sure has been tough being the Outings Director for the Alamo Fly Fishers. It’s been difficult to figure out if the drought has dried up all interest in fishing, or if the economy has sucked every cent of discretionary income from our pockets, or if it’s just fishing apathy that prevails among our members. Maybe our outings are growing old and tired and routine, or the destinations are too mundane for interested participation. Our participation numbers might suggest that most are not interested in the current club outings. Instead of multiple outing opportunities each month, maybe a single quarterly outing that is planned with more detail and more activities including lodging, meals, and fly fishing instruction would be preferred. The club officers and this outing director want to hear from you in regards to your outing preferences.

I have been involved with this club since the summer of 2000, and owe my fly fishing achievements to several members who took the time to teach me, answer my questions, and show me how to be successful. In the beginning, I expressed an interest, and made the effort to learn. I committed time to reach out for help, and some veteran club members were there to eagerly pull me along. In the past nine years, the occurrence of that same dynamic relationship has begun to dwindle. Sadly, I have seen many active members become inactive, and many new members fail to engage. I’ve noticed veteran members – even former club officers – lose interest, step away, and seemingly disappear from the rolls. Likewise, I’ve noticed new faces that show up for a meeting or two, maybe even sign up for membership, but never enter the mainstream of active participation. Having been an officer of this club for several years, I feel responsible for failing to keep the interest of those veteran and novice members. Obviously, we need to change something to be more responsive to the needs of both our experienced and new members. We have a dynamic club, with boundless potential, but only if our members want to be involved and participate in the club programs.

We are a service organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through conservation and education. We attract our membership with the programs we offer, but need participation to retain those members. We need our members to be active so that new members will want to participate. I’m asking veteran members who have drifted away from being involved in club outings to renew your interest. The next generation of club members and club officers need you to be active.

Regarding recent club outings, in June we had an exciting outing where we tangled with tarpon from the North Jetty at Port Aransas. In July we tried to duplicate that experience, but high winds squashed our effort and reduced our outing to just a keen location for watching the 4th of July fireworks with good friends. A return trip should be considered for early September. Let me know if there is someone who will volunteer to plan that date. Also in July was the First Annual Lydia Ann Fly Masters Fly Fishing Tournament. This tournament, organized by Alamo Fly Fishers and Lighthouse Fly Fishing Co. and benefiting Casting for Recovery, was an instant success! Palmer Simpson had the idea for this tournament and was the driving force to make it happen. Thankfully, Rob Burlingame was not about to let him do it alone. Together, and with undoubtedly energetic help from Erin, Palmer’s lovely wife, they organized, planned, and produced a new saltwater fly fishing tournament that will bring recognition to our club from all around the state and beyond. This tournament, with all proceeds benefiting CFR, typifies our goals of being dedicated to the betterment of this sport through conservation and education. Major thanks are in order to Palmer and Erin, Rob, and the long list of sponsors that were eager to be part of this worthy cause. Thank you also to everyone who participated. Our club was well represented, and I hope to see even greater interest from AFF at next year’s Second Annual Lydia Ann Fly Masters!

Already in August we made a return trip to Fence Lake aboard the Skimmer. This outing to our favorite flats fishing location had a new twist. Bill Slough, David McWilliams, and I brought a little extra gear to extend our stay overnight. The previous Fence Lake outings have all been day trips, and from the beginning I always hated leaving. There is something just not right about having to leave when the fish are still biting! So we figured out how to make the outing last a little longer. It is an ideal Tentcot opportunity to camp out on a shell reef between the bay and flats. Fishing was excellent! We found Fence Lake covered with schools of black drum and redfish. The shallow water resulted in tails and backs exposed in every direction. You might say it was a “target rich environment!” The action was continuous until after dark when I could no longer see tails in the moonlight. We definitely will be doing this overnight outing again – look for a November outing date.

Capt Tom Callahan and I will be testing out a new outing to Nine Mile Hole on September 12th. This water is remote and only accessible by boat. It is also shallow, full of fish, and ideal for kayak fishing. The problem is getting there. We are going to try hauling 3-4 fishermen with kayaks down to the Hole for the day. Be sure to attend the club meeting September 15th for a full report.

Mark your October calendar now for three great events. Saturday October 10th is the 23rd annual Redfish Rodeo in Rockport. This is a fly fishing honor system tournament for two-person teams sponsored by the Texas Fly Fishers. This has always been a fun event. More information and entry forms are available at www.texasflyfishers.org.

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.

And finally, go to the GRTU meeting on October 24th to see Brian O’Keefe. Brian is a renowned outdoor writer, photographer, and fly fisherman. He will be the featured speaker at the GRTU meeting in Sattler. The GRTU website is www.grtu.org. Brian O’keefe and Todd Moen produce a free electronic fly fishing magazine called Catch Magazine that will inspire us all to get outdoors. It is unlike any magazine you have ever seen. Check out www.catchmagazine.net to see an issue with award winning photography. These images are sure to get your fly fishing heart pumping!

That’s enough for now. In the mean time, get involved, participate in an outing, and by all means go fishing! Be safe and pray for rain. I hope to see you on the water!

by Todd Fleming, AFF Outings Director – 2009

The dog days of summer are upon us. Most of the state is sweltering in triple digit heat – a stifling, humid, exhausting kind of heat that we have not seen in a few years. The lakes and rivers, ponds and streams are low and drying up fast. Local watering restrictions are headed to the next limiting stage, and the future forecast for rain is not good. We are suffering through severe drought conditions that will probably get worse before it gets better. Hurricane season has begun, but a named storm would be a catastrophic way to see some relief. Many areas devastated by storms that hit the Texas coast last year are still trying to recover. We need rain, but we are praying for generous widespread rainfall without the flooding or destruction of a violent storm.

Before I tell you about the outing fireworks planned for July, let me share a couple of fishing stories from our June outings. On my outdoor calendar, June translates to the Grand Opening of salt water fishing season in Texas – a season that conservatively runs from June through October. I plan my schedule and start circling dates in June the way hunters live for opening day of deer season. Planning and preparation for these big days often lead to uncontrollable excitement – like a young kid at Christmas! The weather in June was clear and sunny, and we had two excellent outings to fish the coast last month.

The first weekend in June happened to coincide with a full moon. There are many unusual behavioral events that are often linked to lunar position, but our interest was in the increased tidal flow that is magnified at jetty passes during a full moon. The increased flow moves more bait than usual and the jetties funnel that bait to waiting fish on a predictable schedule. Fishing is simple when you follow two basic rules, 1. Fish where the fish are, and 2. Fish when the fish are feeding. An outing to fish the jetty on a full moon is a set up for these successful fishing conditions. It’s a no-brainer decision of when and where to go, if you are interested in catching fish – sometimes very large fish!

There were nine brave souls on our June jetty outing. It’s an all night commitment with no easy return to Port A until the Jetty Boat returns the next morning. These meetings of the “Jetty Club” are a kind of self-imposed overnight detention, and fishing party under the stars. We come together, share a bonding experience, learn something from each other, and then get picked up the next morning. Our party animals on this outing included Chris and John Eldredge, a father-son duo exploring the jetty for the first time, and some jetty regulars like Cliff Yandell, Joe Mitchell, Steve Flanagan, and Rob and Anna Burlingame. Rob and Anna, believe it or not, were “celebrating” their wedding anniversary that weekend. I don’t know whose idea it was to mark their special day rock hopping and casting for tarpon with some “Jetty Club” misfits, but I’d say theirs is a union made in fishing heaven!

The fishing action that evening started before sunset with bait erupting violently on the surface and flocks of birds following overhead in continuous waves within casting distance of the jetty rocks. Steve said it was huge Spanish mackerel harassing the bait on high-speed marauding runs. He was hooked up fast, and cut off in an instant. As soon as it started, it seemed to end. Then, just after dark, when most of the boat traffic had subsided, the tarpon showed up to play. As a group, we collectively had seven solid hook-ups with tarpon during the night, and most lasting much longer than a jump or two. One especially interesting battle started around 11:00pm when Rob shouted out, “Tarpon On!” Word spread quickly, and within minutes everyone was gathered near the end of the jetty to watch Rob put a deep bend in a ten weight fly rod. The fish on the other end made several aerial displays, and in the moonlight I could see it was probably four to five feet long. Rob handled the jumps well, and then the fish made several seemingly effortless runs, peeling off line in big chunks. Rob laboriously worked to retrieve a small amount of line back, only to see that line and more be removed in an instant on the next run. At one point, Rob seemed to have turned the fish, and was able to reel in all of the backing and even some of the fly line onto the reel. But before I could say, “That fish is still too fresh to be coming in this fast.” it took off on another reel smoking run even further than before. Rob and that fish battled back and forth for 15 plus minutes before the line suddenly went limp, and the previously fixed bend straightened from his rod. That is an awkward moment. It’s like waking up from an unfinished dream that you wish you could go back to sleep and see the ending. It’s a crushing defeat after the adrenalin high. This may have been the biggest fish Rob has ever hooked on a fly rod. We offered support and then continued trying to catch our own dream fish.

We have been making these summertime jetty trips for several years, and our experience is starting to show. We are finding, hooking, and fighting tarpon with more consistency on every trip, and even landing a modest percentage considering the stationary platform and tackle we are using. Bill Slough has been our tarpon mentor, but many of the jetty regulars are gaining experience and finding our own confidence. We are developing our own preferences for favorite rocks, and favorite flies, and even preferred ways of rigging based on previous success and failure. It is a learning experience that is having some rewards. Later that night I hooked and battled a 44” tarpon – my personal best! Help arrived in time to land that fish from the slippery rocks and surging water. It was a group effort, and an accomplishment this meeting of the “Jetty Club” will remember till next time.

Two weeks later Lloyd Mathews hosted an outing to Fence Lake via the Skimmer. This is premier shallow water flats fishing – destination quality water ideal for kayaking, wading, and fly fishing. The water is clear, the bottom is mostly firm, it’s protected from wind, and there are endless acres of 12 to 15 inch deep water – the party never ends! The area is huge, holds amazing numbers of fish, and is ideal for beginners to get their shallow water feet wet. We had a gorgeous sunny day, and as expected, the fish were there. Even with wind and water levels that were a little higher than normal, and increased boat activity on the flats due to these same abnormal conditions, we saw lots of fish. There was some tailing fish throughout the day – singles, pairs, and even pods of fish. I saw mostly smaller fish, but also a few upper slot fish. There were slow cruising fish, waking fish, and schools of fish on a mission. I think the increased boat traffic made them nervous and easily spooked. I believe our fly fishing sanctuary has been discovered, and I long for the day I can fish here at mid-week!

July starts off with a holiday weekend bang. The full moon is back, and we are having another “Jetty Club” meeting on Saturday July 4th. Join us for a night of fishing and fireworks! The show will be spectacular above and below the water.

We are also featuring the first annual Lydia Ann Fly Masters fly fishing tournament on Saturday July 18th at the Crabman Marina in Aransas Pass. The Alamo Fly Fishers and Lighthouse Fly Fishing Company together are sponsoring a friendly competition to benefit Casting for Recovery. It is a catch, photo, and release redfish tournament for fly fishermen with separate boat and kayak categories, and lots of prizes for both. Sign up at www.lydiaannflymasters.com. Cost is $40 per person, and includes a tournament t-shirt. An additional five dollars will get you a BBQ plate dinner. I hope you will join me in making this tournament a success and a tradition. We are guaranteed to have some fun, and raise some money for a worthy cause.

Don’t forget to participate in our summer long Redfish Spot Contest for current Alamo Fly Fishers members. Details are on the website at www.alamoflyfishers.org. Lloyd Mathews is the early leader with a redfish that had seven spots on one side. Keep fishing, and you could be the lucky winner!

I’ve told you how much fun we have fishing the jetty at night in the summer on a full moon. Now I want you to think about flats fishing by moon light on a clear and calm summer night. Imagine seeing tails waving carefree in the moon light, or casting a popper and hearing the toilet flush strike on your fly before you feel the shock of line being pulled from your hand. If that gets you excited, circle August 1st on you calendar and contact me for more details.

Be safe and pray for rain. Good luck fishing! I hope to see you on the water.

by Bruce Young

by Todd Fleming, AFF Outings Director

Outings this summer have been non-stop. There’s been a plethora of fishing opportunities all over the state. The weather has been warm, the waters cool, and the fishing has been terrific! I hope you have been able to wet a fly somewhere in the past couple of months.

July started off with a long holiday weekend adventure to Padre Island – the longest stretch of natural undeveloped coastline in the continental United States. It is still the “wild frontier” in many respects. When the pavement ends you leave civilization behind, and you become a guest in Mother Nature’s own living room. It’s a visit to a simple place where life began – sand, surf, wind, and sun. Prepare as you might, you will always be humbled by the experience. It’s a location we should all witness, but like the sign at my grandparent’s house used to say, “Relatives and fish stink after three days!” Mother Nature has a way of letting us know when it’s time to leave.

From the coast, Dan Dockery and I headed west to scout out a new stretch of the Llano River below Junction. This river is a Texas jewel. The clear water flows through some arid dusty terrain into the hill country, and transforms everything near its shore into a living garden. The Llano River has miles of waterway yet to be explored, and lots of fish to catch and release. Before you are done, they will flat wear you out.

When the moon in July became bright and full, it was time once again to test our gear with a night of fishing from the jetty rocks at Port Aransas. As I’ve said before, you never know what you will catch from the jetty. But we were again trying to land a tarpon on the fly. Word is starting to spread about tarpon being spotted off our Texas jetties. It’s true, and you may remember that in June we hooked up with several tarpon, felt their power and saw them jump, but failed to bring one to hand. This time we were determined to complete the deal.

For a short side trip – just an appetizer prior to the main course – Ray Jung, Lloyd Mathews, and I started searching the flats in kayaks for tailing redfish the morning before our jetty trip. It’s a beautiful sight to find a group of reds, nose down grubbing for food in the grass, and see their tails extending above the water’s surface calling you over with that slow parade wave like movement. It’ll make you stop cold in your tracks. Just ask Ray what it’s like to get “red fever” at the sight of a big tail waving at you from thirty feet.

Enough on this “sushi” side trip – our primary objective this day was for big fish – tarpon hopefully – from the North Jetty! It had been just four weeks since the last jetty trip, and the logistics of transporting enough gear and supplies for an overnight stay in modest jetty comfort seemed to run a bit smoother. After setting up camp, we rigged our fly rods with flies and leaders to handle sharp teeth and muscle. The evening tide was outgoing, and tarpon were seen rolling on the surface before sunset. Our mentor, Bill Slough, generously offered me his favorite rock when he decided to go help some others get started. I didn’t question his noble lapse of judgment, and without hesitating, I climbed right up to where Bill had been standing. Within a few casts of my own, I was hooked up with the first tarpon of the night. (Thanks, Bill!) It was exciting to have such a good fish on so early. I was determined to keep this fish hooked, and get him landed.

Word went out on the 2-way radios that I had a tarpon on, and my help quickly began to arrive. Chris Wray was first on the scene. He was ready with a boga-grip in hand, and he scrambled over the rocks down to the water’s edge into position to grab my fish. For several minutes we watched that fish make powerful deep runs, and then rise to go airborne with the greatest of ease. Tarpon have a boney mouth, and are notoriously difficult to get a good hook set. I remembered Mark Paulson telling me, “You have to re-set the hook after every jump.” I didn’t wait for the jumps – I yanked like #%!! on the rod every time he slowed down! We landed that fish, and I have Joe Mitchell to thank for snapping a few pictures before we released him to swim and fight another day. The tarpon weighed 20 lbs, was approximately 44” long, and was a thrill to catch! We were busy all night with many more tarpon hook-ups – and at least three that were almost landed. There were also several nice redfish caught during the night – including one that went 35 lbs and 44” long by Bill Slough. Overall it was a very good outing, and there were requests to do it again.

We can always use more outings and outing leaders. If there is an outing that you would like to see, or an open date that you have available, let me know, and we will get the word out. Below is a list of some outing dates that may be of interest. Now is a great time to take a new member fishing! And don’t forget to take the kids too. An outing for bluegill and Guadalupe bass can be a fun day trip for the whole family.

Scheduled upcoming outings include:
• August 2, 2008 – Skimmer Transport to Fence Lake – Rockport/Fulton
• August 16, 17, 2008 – Wade fish the Nueces River from one of the many small road crossings in Uvalde County. Stay at the Big Oak River Camp south of Camp Wood on state highway 55. Call (830) 597-5280 for reservations www.bigoakrivercamp.com
• • September 6, 2008 – Skimmer Transport to Fence Lake – Rockport/Fulton
• October 17, 18, 19, 2008 – Oktoberfisch Fly Fishing Festival – South Llano River in Junction. Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Fly Fishers fredericksburgflyfishers.org/oktoberfisch.html
• October 18, 2008 – Redfish Rodeo – Rockport. Sponsored by the Texas Fly Fishers

I love telling the stories of our exciting fly fishing adventures, but I’m not Paul Harvey. These outing articles, fortunate or not, sometimes fail to expose all of the outing surprises. So, if you want to know “the rest of the story” you will need to join us on one of these upcoming outings. Good luck fishing, and I hope to see you on the water!

by Todd Fleming, AFF Outings Director

Guadalupe BassThe Nueces River has got to be one of the prettiest rivers in the state. Bud Priddy recognized that, and wanted all other fly fishermen to experience its beauty. It was Bud’s idea to organize a fishing contest as an excuse to go fishing, and to show off his home water. The Alamo Fly Fishers, being his home club, have continued the tradition in his name. The contest and dinner was held this year on Saturday May 3rd.

The contest takes place on the headwaters of the Nueces River from Barksdale, through Camp Wood, and south along state highway 55 toward Uvalde. The river borders Edwards and Real counties, and then runs through Uvalde county closely paralleling highway 55. Every time I fish the Nueces River, I’m amazed first of all at how clear the water is, and secondly how many road crossings there are to provide public access. The water is deceptively clear, and refreshing on a warm sunny day. Caution is advised while wading, because the water you think is only knee deep is probably at least waist deep, and could easily be up to your neck or higher. The freestone gravel bottom contributes to the clear water and easy wading. The fish, in their bright spawning colors, are the gems of this setting. People unfamiliar with this river and the native fish are surprised at the number of fish caught in one day on a single fly. And when they see the pictures, they can’t believe how clear the water is, or how bright the colors.

Rio Grande PerchThis year the river was low, but flowing gently due to some recent showers on the watershed – and still running clear as ever. Attendance was down compared to past years, and I thought maybe I had a chance to win one of the big prizes. Aaron Riggins, one of the perpetual contenders to win any of the prizes, had already sent me a note to say he was finishing up a project out of town, and would not be back in time to join us for the One-Fly Contest – basically leaving the door wide open. Aaron is from Uvalde, he guides on the Nueces in his spare time, and is intimately familiar with every mile of the river. Aaron knew I had been close in recent years, and he thought it was my time to win this year. His note suggested what fly I should use, and told me where to go to catch the most fish. Two weeks before the contest, I decided to “pre-fish” for the tournament, check-out the river conditions, and test my flies. I was ready, and feeling very optimistic.

2007 David Young Memorial White Bass Outing
Colorado Bend State Park – March 22-25, 2007

Steve Flanagan and Bruce YoungLast month the Alamo Fly Fishers made our traditional group outing to Colorado Bend State Park to fish for white bass. Our leader, Bruce Young, did an excellent job with this outing. The fishing was good, the weather was very comfortable, and the food that came out of his camp kitchen was second to none! I think the fried fish and chips were the best ever. That may be due to Chuck’s assistance. I think Chuck has had some prior experience as a fry chef, or something. There was a good mix of first timers and veterans in our group this year. And it was nice to have all the women participating as well. Thank you for everyone’s help to make this another memorable outing.

October Outing Report:

2006 Oktoberfisch – A Fly Fishing Festival
October 20-22, 2006

Fishing the LlanoLast month we were invited by the Fredericksburg Fly Fishers to join them on the Llano River at their fly fishing festival called “Oktoberfisch”. WOW! We had a great time! Bruce Ward and the guys from Fredericksburg worked their butts off so the rest of us could have fun trying out new gear, learning to think like a fish, or just floating and fishing the river. There were about twelve of us from the Alamo Fly Fishers that made the trip to the hill country for the weekend. Some of us camped out along the river’s edge, and others found shelter in town or in local B&B’s. As usual, the Tentcot served us well, and attracted the attention of many of the other campers. The weather was fabulous – clear, cool, and crisp at night, and warming sunshine beamed down during the day. There had been some rain earlier in the week, but this was a great weekend to be outdoors.