SLIDE SHOWS 2020
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Learning How To Cast: An Outdoor Fly-Fishing Program
On Saturday, Sept 26th, members of TVTU 282 assisted by Certified Fly Casting Instructors Jeff Perry and Raul "Ray" Ramos conducted a fly casting class at the Ledyard Highland Lake Park for the Ledyard Bill Library.
"Ray" Ramos and Jeff Perry are certified by Fly Fisher's International. Jeff is a member of the Rhode Island TU Chapter 225 and "Ray" is a member of CFFA. There were 12 students from 9 years old to adults. The students learned the basic forward cast, false cast, roll cast and basic casting safety.At the conclusion of the class, each student was given a fly (fresh or saltwater of their choice) tied by Jeff Perry. TVTU volunteers that helped students with individual instruction were Bob Walsh, Gary Lussier, Duke Preston and John Preston. Pat Gaynor photographed the event. Refreshments and fly casting equipment were supplied by TVTU. The event was organized by Ledyard Assistant Librarian Lisa Murno. |
FLY TYING CLASS 2020
Our fly tying course at The Fish Connection this year started January 11th and met for seven sessions on Saturday mornings (9:30 -11:30 am). Bob Walsh, John Preston, Patrick McMahon and Jack Balint all contributed and shared their talents to instruct about 8 to 12 students per session on the Anglers Art… fly tying. A special shoutout for Phil “Lefty” Sands who came in from the bullpen one session to help our left-handed novice student. Our classes are open to the public and members in which all materials and tools (if needed) are supplied at no cost. This year we incorporated a webcam, laptop, videos and a 32” flat screen so that students could better see and follow the instructors as they tied. In addition, we now have 20 complete fly tying tool sets (bobbin, thread, bodkin/half hitch tool, whip finisher, scissor, hair stacker, hackle plier & threader) and many more vises available for those who don’t have equipment. This is all due to the many generous donations of new and used equipment and materials from our chapter members. First a couple of true novices needed to get up to speed by covering the following flies and subjects: three primary fly tying methods (jam knot, pinch method & whip finish), essential tools, Woolley Worm and Woolley Bugger. Over the next 6 sessions we covered the following flies: Black Nosed Dace, Zebra Nymph, Three Dollar Dip, Double Wing Rusty Spinner, Sunken Ant, Ant (dry fly), Chernobyl Ant, Klinkhamer Special, Prince nymph, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle, Pheasant Tail Bead-head Nymph, McFly Foam Egg, PMD Foam Emerger, Catskill Hendrickson dry fly, Flick Red Quill dry fly, X2 Caddis, Cased Caddis, Frenchie Hot Spot nymph, Spent Caddis, Clouser Minnow and Lefty’s Deceiver. Many of the flies (type or patterns) taught were chosen by the students. In advance of each class, students were provided various videos and/or step by step instructions and supporting information to help prepare them for the following week’s class. In addition, the students were given an information sheet and online resources to help them learn/practice on their own pace. A special “Thank You” to Jack Balint of The Fish Connection for providing an area to conduct the classes and the use of his tools & materials when we needed. |
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Ledyard Fly Tying Class
John Preston and Bob Walsh are conducting an "Fly Tying for Everyone" course at the Ledyard Bill Library. The class meets four Saturdays 1:30 - 3:30pm starting January 18th. Participants will learn about the basic tools and techniques needed to successfully tie flies. Patterns will be selected that will be easier for beginners, and cover key fundamental skills for tying most flies. Each class will usually involve the students tying 2 to 3 different patterns depending on complexity and participant skills. No prior tying experience is required and subsequent classes would build on skills learned in prior classes. Students are welcome to bring their own tying tools if they have them, but all required tools and materials will be provided by Thames Valley Trout Unlimited. As you can see, they have had an enthusiastic turnout. |
February "Flies & Pies" Meeting
Each years "Flies & Pies" seem to get better every year. There was great food which led to a lot of old fashioned camaraderie and fellowship. The raffle table was filled with a variety of items and raffle tickets were a hot commodity. And, as usual, the fly tying material and silent auction table drew a lot of attention. |
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January 2020 Chapter Meeting- Darby Hittle
Tonight Thames Valley Chapter 282 had our monthly membership meeting. We hosted Darby Hittle who presented " Eastern Lake Ontario Steelhead Fishing ." He presented well and had some good engagement afterwards. With 25 years of experience fishing that region, he had a lot of personal experiences and advice to give with the topics ranging from where to eat and stay, to fishing tactics and tackle, to finding "out of the way" tributaries when the water or fishing pressure is high. |
Neal Hagstrom Retires
After 30 years as a Connecticut State Fisheries Biologist, Neal has moved to the ranks of retirement. As many of you know, Neal has been instrumental in the state's fisheries program as well as a supporter of TVTU. Gary Lussier, Steve Gerling and Charlie McCaughtry hosted a lunch for Neal at the Willimantic Brewing Company and presented Neal with a Steve Gerling original hand carved tackle box and a 4wt, 7 1/2 ' Skip Storch fly rod. Neal, enjoy your well deserved retirement! |
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