On Monday, the Acadiana Fly Rodders hold their monthly meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church Hall on 415 Roselawn Blvd in Lafayette. Time is 6:30pm. Guests are welcome.
On Wednesday, the Pontchartrain Basin Fly Fishers hold their monthly meeting at Abita Brew Pub on 72011 Holly Street in Abita Springs. Gathering starts at 6:00pm, meeting at 6:30pm. Guests are welcome. For more info, go to www.pbasinflyfishers.blogspot.com.
On Thursday, Olde Towne Fly Shop in Slidell will hold their monthly fly tying session at their store on 3675 Pontchartrain Drive in Slidell. Time is 6:30pm. Bring your tools, if none, there are sets for use during the session. Materials are provided. Beginners are welcome. For more info, go to www.oldtownflyshop.com.
This weekend offers two big fly fishing events in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. And the biggest kayak fishing event of Spring at Grand Isle.
Friday evening and Saturday it's the 15th annual Paddlepalooza, the longest-running kayak fishing tournament in the country. It'll be held out of Bridgeside Marina on Grand Isle. Hosted by the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club, it kicks off with the Captains Dinner on Friday evening. Saturday is tournament fishing day. After the weigh-in, there's fish fry, awards, and a huge raffle. Entry fee is $60. Onsite registration is available. For entry forms, rules and details, go to www.bckfc.org.
Starting Friday, and continuing Saturday, it's the TRWD Fly Fest near Acme Brick Headquarters in Fort Worth. Time is 10:00am to 5:00pm both days. Admission is free. The event is cohosted by the Tarrant Regional Water District and Texas Council of Fly Fishers International (FFI). Seminars, fly tying, casting lessons, cooking demonstrations, live music, kids activities and more. For more info, go to www.trwdflyfest.com.
Starting Saturday and continuing Sunday, it's the 2nd annual Texas Fly Fishing and Brew Festival at the Plano Center in Plano, TX. Activities include seminars, casting clinics, fly tying, and more. Unique to this event is the series of local microbrewery tasting tickets for each paid admission ages 21 and older. There are also classes and seminars on brewing. Headliners include Jason Randall, Ed Jaworoski, Wanda Taylor, Dave Whitlock, Pat Dorsey, and more. For more info, go to www.txflyfishingfestival.org.
On Saturday, Orvis of Baton Rouge will hold another "Fly Fishing 101" at their store on 7601 Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge. Orvis FF101 is a one-day, 2-hour clinic introducing the basics of fly fishing and fly casting. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required as spots are limited. For more info, contact 225-757-7286.
Sunday is the start of Daylight Savings Time. Remember to "spring forward" your clock one hour.