Pineywoods Fly Fishers

                Founded 1988

    Chapter of the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers

          Web Site http://home.sprynet.com/~waltermc

President: Jimmy Lee             Secretary/Treasurer: Ken Baker  

 From the President

HOT—best describes the last few weeks, we have received some welcomed rains to help offset the drought conditions.   There is no better way to cool off and take a break from the heat than by attending the August 2, Piney Woods Flyfishers meeting.  Cool and comfortable, enjoy the program and take part in the beginning stages of a new year for the club and its membership. 

We will nominate club officers and committee chairman at this meeting for all club offices.   Election of officers will be at the September meeting with the new officers taking over as soon as the election is final.   The club needs your support and I hope each of you consider accepting a position. The officers of the club are President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer.   Program Chairman are needed for Outings, Programs Membership, Conservation, and Newsletter Editor.   Committee Chairman are usually volunteers or by appointment by the President.  The chairperson of a committee normally ask or selects two or three people to assist with the duties.  The club needs your support and I know the persons elected to serve will develop good programs and activities for our club. 

From the Editor 

Fishing North

Steve Watson

North Platte river was not good to me on real trout but these were running the banks. Had to use number 14 nymphs and 6x or even 7x tippet and put fly about 6 inches from there mouth as they would not chase anything, doing this behind a bush or shrubs so they would not see you. It was a blast. This one was a medium size and took about 15 minutes to land. I had hooked and fought a BIG one for 45 to 50 minutes, looked at watch and it was before 3 pm and 3:45 when i got him right to net and could not fit him in it and he got off. Used a 6 wt and was the most fun I ever had fighting a fish. Sounds crazy but spot and stalking these fish and then fighting them in the river current made for some very exciting drag turning runs.

Snook Tales 

Hugh Bell 

Since moving back to Florida over a year ago, I have spent precious little time getting to know the waters in the area.  The Red Tide hit the Tampa/St. Pete area pretty hard from about middle June, till hurricane Dennis.  Fishing has been turned off in the areas I usually fish.  I decided to take my boat to the East Coast where I am working and have many evenings free.   While the inland water in the area doesn’t support redfish or trout – it does support Snook, jack, etc.  The season is closed for Snook during Jun, Jul, & Aug, except for catch and release.  I experienced boating my first Snook, at night under dock lights, in late May with a Guide in St. Petersburg, so wanted to try my luck on the east coast. 

The first night on the Intercoastal was with a local man and not very productive.  The next time I took an 11 year old with me (son of people who let me keep my boat at their house).   That night we did some more exploring and found two docks holding fish.  Each of us got a few strikes from Snook – caught a couple of small jacks, and what are called moon fish (flat silvery funny looking fish) which fight pretty good.   The next night we went out was better, we had a double hook up.  The fish broke off my 30lb fluorocarbon and his got off.   We had some other fish on, but not hooked well.    The last time I fished, I was by myself.  I went out from 9 pm till 10:30 pm and found three docks holding fish in the current.  At the first dock – I had too hook ups, but none to the boat.  After that, I changed flies, etc – but you can throw what ever you want, and they have already gotten smart.  

So, the savvy fishermen I am – I moved on.   It was at this dock, I really got a great hit and was able to fight the 25” or 26” Snook into the net.   They are beautiful fish with the black line down the side and really put up a fight.   The area is known for “Snook widows” and can see how this can become addictive.  I got another strike at the same dock after changing flies – but again – after that, they were feeding – but would feed on what I tossed their way.   So again – I moved to the last dock where fish were feeding.   By this time, the Snook must have sent up a signal – because they didn’t want to have anything to do with what I tossed their way.   So I got smart and went back to the boat ramp – sweating in the cool Florida humidity.   Anyway, if you ever get the chance to go Snook fishing at night – it is great fun. 

I love my boat when I go fishing about 3 times and then put about 6 – 7 gallons of gas in it.   I went with a fellow from church a few weeks ago into the Atlantic, he pulled up to the gas pump and 120 gallons later – we went out.   Glad it was his boat and not mine.   It was so rough – his grandson got sea sick – so after 2 Bonita we came in.  I went Snooking last night for about hour and a half.  I had a number of strikes, two lost flies – and caught one big catfish that I foul hooked (must have been hanging around the Snook and when I missed the Snook foul hooked him).  It was quite a fight and I thought it was a Snook – until he got to the side of the boat.  Such is fishing. 

Miss you guys - Hugh

Programs

Don McMurry will talk about his Alaska Trip fishing and fun.                                          

Monthly club meeting are held in the Lufkin Room, Lufkin Mall at 7 PM, the program for the first hour and then door prizes and fishing discussions until 9 PM.

Club Calendar

2005:

Aug 8-13 FFF Conclave  Livingston, MT

Oct 6-8    Conclave  Mountain Home, AR

Oct 21-23 Oktober Fest in Fredericksburg 

Nov 4-6   Rendezvous  North Toledo Bend State Park, LA

Dec 3       PWFF Christmas Party