Special events this week - 4/29

Starting Friday afternoon, it's the 7th annual "Bass On The Fly" fly fishing tournament at Lake Fork Marina in Alba, Texas. It's a CPR tournament with total length of five longest (5) largemouth bass with divisions for Boat and Kayak.  Entry fee is $60 and can be done online at www.ianglertournament.com or onsite Friday. Friday afternoon there's casting games, kayak demos, and from 2:00pm to 6:00pm is the annual Sunfish Tournament (optional $10 entry) followed by the Captains meeting and fishing report. Saturday is bass tournament day with weigh-in at 2:00pm followed by awards and door prizes. For more info, go to www.bassonthefly.com.  

Fly Fishin For the Mission this weekend

This weekend, the state's newest and most popular saltwater fly fishing tournament takes place out of Pointe-aux-Chenes southeast of Houma. The 2nd annual "Fly Fishin For The Mission" has expanded this year to include a "fishtival" on Saturday, with the actual tournament on Sunday.

The event will once again be held out of PAC Kayak Rentals in Pointe-aux-Chenes. Saturday is "Vets Fishing Day" along with fly tying, casting clinics, kayak demos, and food and music. Sunday is tournament day with Captains meeting at 5:30am, followed by shotgun launch. Weigh-in is 2:00pm to 3:00pm.

Format is two (2) heaviest redfish per team. Divisions include Boat, Kayak and Overall. Team format, entry fee is $80 per team with all donations going to the Mission Six charity, which aids veterans and other uniformed heros.

The boat folks will be anxious to atone for last year's showing, where they were clocked by the kayakers. All three places in the Overall Division went to kayak teams.

For complete details, and to learn more about Mission Six, go to www.mission6.org.

The demise of the FFI council conclave

Earlier this week, the Gulf Coast Council (GCC) of Fly Fishers International (FFI) announced that their 2018 Fly Fishing Fair has been cancelled. The event was scheduled for September 14 and 15, once again at the Ocean Springs Civic Center. It would've been the GCC's 10th "conclave" since formation. Whether you call them "fair", "festival", "expo" or "conclave",  these events feature seminars, casting clinics, fly tying demonstrations, workshops, exhibitors, and other activities. Most important, they are fundraisers for the council's conservation and educational projects.

FFI members in the geographic region of the GCC - Louisiana, Mississippi, south Alabama and extreme northwest Florida - received an email citing reasons. "Support for putting on the show has waned in the last several years. The same small group of people tasking themselves with all of the show responsibilities. Therefore the GCC Executive Board decided to not have a show this year.".  The email went on to say that the facility has been booked for September 13-14, 2019 in hopes that there will be an "increased level of volunteerism".

Just twenty years ago, the Federation of Fly Fishers (now FFI) council conclaves were the biggest fly fishing events each year across the country, with attendance at each in the hundreds. Vendors, exhibitors and fly tiers would flood the floor space. Fast forward to present and only four councils have held, or will hold, a conclave this year. One of those is the Southern (Council) Fly Fishing Fair set once again for the first weekend of October in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

So what has led to the demise of the council conclave? Armchair analysts cite the decline of fly fishing and the "graying" of it's participants. FAKE NEWS! According to AFFTA surveys, our sport has been GROWING at a clip of nearly five percent the last six years. Furthermore, much of that growth has been in ages under 35, among both men and women.

In our observations, there are many reasons for demise of the conclave. However, we'll list our Top Six.

1) The internet. Back 20 years ago, conclaves were the ultimate learning experience. The internet was in it's infancy. Getting started or advancing one's knowledge in our sport could be done via books and VHS/DVD, but nothing came close to human interaction.  The internet and Youtube has changed much of that, especially with the large number of young flyfishers.

2) Lack of volunteers. Simply put, "time conflicts". There's just a lot more things going on these days that occupy the time of folks. Especially young people with kids.

3) Growth of kayak fishing. In the late 90s, kayak fishing began it's rise in popularity.  Most of the pioneers of the sport were flycasters.  Today a large number of flyfishers also kayak fish. The rise in kayak clubs and tournaments has given rise to yet more "time conflicts".  Many young flycasters who might otherwise be involved in an FFI council are occupied with kayak fishing activities.

4) Growth of other events. Twenty years ago, there was one commercial event and only a trio of club conclaves across the South. Now there are a couple dozen club events and four commercial shows. If learning is your main consideration in attending a fly fishing event, why travel several hours and spend a couple hundred dollars (or more) when there's a similiar event an hour or two away?

5) Lack of exhibitors. The ICAST and IFTD trade shows are not open to the public, but if they were, the attendance might approach a million! People want to see and buy products, and at one time, conclaves offered that opportunity. While retailers have hit hard times due to competition from big box retailers and internet stores, product companies are at an all time high. Yet most do not exhibit at council conclaves. I've been told a myriad of reasons, but none make sense but one - that getting pro-staffers and reps to do these shows is like getting a bear into a box!

6) Fewer superstars. The 1960s was the Golden Age of American Fly Fishing thanks to numerous books, magazines and the American Sportsman TV show. Folks like Lee Wulff, Joan Wulff, George Harvey, Joe Brooks, Stu Apte, Lefty Kreh, Flip Pallot, Dave Whitlock, Mel Kreiger, Gary Borger and many others became icons. There were not only great writers and pioneers, but they all had personality. A conclave with any one of them drew attendees like gnats in Delacroix! Today many of those icons have passed or have greatly limited their event schedule. And while there are many young experts, only a handful have their charisma.

As mentioned, there are other reasons. But these six are enough to make any conclave organizer pull their hair!

A sad day for Louisiana coastal anglers

Yesterday afternoon the Louisiana House of Representatives debated and voted on House Bill 391 by Kevin Pearson of Slidell.  HB391 would have allowed public access to tidal waters. It was expected to be a close vote, with some momentum after having passed 5-3 in committee. And with a large number of supporters in attendance for the vote, there was glimmer of hope the bill might actually pass.

But after  much debate - and a couple amendments - the bill was voted down 59 to 37.  With many of the "no" votes coming from north and central Louisiana, whose representatives were heavily lobbied over the weekend by large out-of-state land companies and oil companies.  In fact, according to some accounts, as many as 50 lobbyists were brought in to work against HB391.

Many of the hundreds of anglers on Facebooks who supported the bill quickly posted their disgust with the politicians who clearly were trying to derail the bill, speaking the talking points given them by the lobbyists. Anglers were also quick to point out that this was just one battle - the war will go on!

As with every issue of this magnitude, there were winners and losers. The big oil companies won the vote, but anglers won their dignity. They will be more determined than ever to organize and fight on. The losers were CCA, who went back on their stance. Based on dozens of comments, I doubt there will be enough kayakers participating to hold this summer's Ride The Bull. Another big loser were the representatives who voted against HB391 in areas where anglers make up a significant portion of the electorate.  As the support for public access continues to mount, this will become a campaign issue in next year's state elections.

For more complete details of the House vote on HB391, and a list of legislators who voted FOR and AGAINST the bill, go to this article by Louisiana Sportsman magazine.

Special events this week - 4/15

On Saturday, Pack and Paddle will host the 2018 Fly Fishing Film Tour - along with a "Fly Fishing Hangout" at their store on 601 East Pinhook in Lafayette. The hangout begins at 3:30pm with fly tying, rod demos, beer and snacks. At 5:30pm the show starts. Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door, but seats are limited so pre-purchase is advised. For more info, or to purchase tickets, go to www.packpaddle.com. 

HB391 set for House vote Tuesday

This past week, the Louisiana House Civil Law and Procedures Committee approved House Bill 391 by Rep. Kevin Pearson of Slidell by a 5-3 vote. Setting the stage for a big vote by the full House this Tuesday. The bill would provide public access to running waters, with certain exemptions.

In the committee hearing, the bill was amended to exempt water bottoms where navigation has been prevented or impeded by an obstacle permitted by the Corps of Engineers, and to running waters during migratory waterfowl season when such waters have been posted.  A third provision bans watercraft with combustible engines that may cause damage to bottoms or banks or submerged vegetation.  The bill also limits liability of the owner of waterbottoms open to public access.

Despite these several compromises, the bill still faces very strong opposition from large landowners and oil and gas companies. Their lobby group has been contacting legislators and organizations. Late in the week, three organizations expressed opposition to HB391: the Louisiana Forestry Association, the Louisiana Farm Bureau, and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI).

Meanwhile, on yesterday's More Outdoors with Don Dubuc and Martha Spencer, guests Rep. Kevin Pearson and Capt. Daryl Carpenter (board member of Louisiana Sportsman Coalition) spoke about the merits of the bill and dismissed some of the false claims made by the opposition. There was a feeling by the opposition that the bill would never make it out of committee. According to Pearson, it was a demonstration that people do have a voice and can make a difference.

Pearson and Carpenter encouraged listeners to continue to call their legislators and make their support for HB391 known. And if possible, to attend the House vote on Tuesday at the state capitol. To find out who your legislators are, and how to get in touch with them, go to www.joinlasc.com/speak-up.

House Committee to hear HB391 Tuesday

This Tuesday, the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedures will hear House Bill 391 by Rep. Kevin Pearson.  This bill prohibits anyone from restricting or prohibiting public navigation of running waters which are navigable by a motorboat.  The bill is strongly supported by Louisiana Sportsmen’s Coalition, and the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (BASS). 

BASS is the world’s largest fishing organization, and frequently held their Classic in southeast Louisiana until several competitors were warned or cited for trespassing during the last event.  In recent years, the number of trespassing warnings and citations has skyrocketed as landowners - in many cases, "water owners" because most of the land is gone -  have seen value in leasing their water bottoms.

There is some common belief that the bill may be amended to make accomodations for duck hunters during season.  Based on Facebook responses, the vast majority of those who support HB391 would support such amendments.

There is one sportfishing group that opposes HB391. That's the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Louisiana, the state's largest sportfishing group.  Or was.  CCA-L at first expressed neutrality.  But this last week, they came out in opposition citing that they preferred that a "study group" be formed to come up with workable solution to this complex issue. 

The response to CCA-L announcement has risen the ire of anglers statewide.  All over Facebook, members are stating they will not renew or participate in this summer's CCA STAR and Ride The Bull tournaments.  Many are outraged that CCA changed their position and look at their proposal as "obstructive" and "stall tactics".  

What many are unaware of is that two of the biggest landowners in opposition to HB391 sit on the CCA-L state board.  It also should be noted that this is CCA-L, not CCA (national organization) which has a history of supporting tidal access.

For those who support HB391, there's still time to contact committee members and let them know your support.  These are committee chairman Raymond Garofalo, vice chairman Randal Gaines, Robby Carter, Raymond Crews, Gregory Cromer, Julie Emerson, Sam Jenkins, Taner Magee and Gregory Miller. For contact numbers, go to www.joinlasc.com/speak-up.

Happy Easter!

What a wonderful Easter day!  After all the unsettled weather we've had this past week - especially the deluge here in central Louisiana - the ground has dried enough that the kids can enjoy an Easter egg hunt without hip boots.  Looking at their Easter baskets, it's safe to say there's going to be LOTS of chocolate consumed the next couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, the adults in our extended family are celebrating the true reason for this day - the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was sent to redeem the world. No better way to celebrate that than with a cold beer! (now you know what I gave up for Lent, ha!).  

We wish everyone a great day.  And a reminder that, with many schools having Spring break this week, to take a young person fishing.

Special events this week 4/1

Starting Friday, and continuing Saturday, it's the 4th annual Lake Athens Fly Fishing Festival & Big Bass Contest at Lake Athens Marina in Athens, Texas. The festival is free, entry to the Big Bass Contest is $40. Pre-registration is required. Hosted by our friend Johnny Martinez, a fly fishing guide on the lake, the event features various vendors, casting and fly tying demonstrations, great food and more. The bass contest is CPR format, both biggest bass and longest stringer. Fly rod only, approved fish ruler, and smartphone with camera are some of the rules. All net proceeds will benefit Project Healing Waters. For more info, go to www.johnnyonthefly.com.

Latest Mags

The April issue of Louisiana Sportsman is now available at sporting goods and convenience stores. In his Fly Lines column, Catch Cormier gives a brief overview of "Trout Fishing 101" including necessary tackle, accessories, tactics, and where to go. There's also the calendar of upcoming events, and the April Fishing Forecast (Tippets). In his expanded Paddles and Puddles section, kayak fishing guru Chris Holmes tells where and how to target canal bass. He also gives new gear reviews for the  PowerPole Micro, NRS Boundary Shoe, and the Bioenno 12-volt Lithium battery for powering a variety of kayak electronics. Also, the April "best bet" locations for freshwater and saltwater kayak fishing. Other columns/articles of interest include: Jerald Horst tells us about Gaspergou in his Creature Feature column; Jerald also writes about targeting bass from a kayak featuring Butch Ridgedell of the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club; Phase 3 of the Toledo Bend bass spawn by David A. Brown, and top April trout hotspots by Andy Crawford.

The April-May issue of Fly Fisherman magazine is out. Although the issue went to publication prior to the passing of Lefty Kreh, there's a couple of features dedicated to the legend of our sport. Editor Ross Purnell tells the  story of the Lefty's Deceiver and his recollection of the man behind the fly. Flip Pallot pays "A Tribute To Lefty" in an article detailing his memories of his mentor, giving us a glimpse into Lefty's life. Other articles include: Ed Jaworoski on why when it comes to fly lines, anglers should throw out the old AFTMA weight standards and why they don't mean much anymore. Ross Purnell tells of a South American fish that was caught on flies long at least 300 years before Isaak Walton wrote his famous book on fly fishing. Landon Mayer writes about high-altitude cutthroat trout fishing. Also: fly fishing news, new gear, tying the Senyo Predator Scandi and more.

Tuesday Tidbits - 3/20

The 2nd annual Fly Fishing' For the Mission tournament webpage and registration is up. The state's premier saltwater fly fishing event will take place the weekend of Saturday-Sunday, April 28-29 at PAC Kayak Rentals in Pointe-aux-Chenes. Saturday is the "fishtival" featuring casting instruction, fly tying, kids casting instruction, kayak and skiff demos, and kids art activities. Sunday is tournament day, with 2-person teams competing for heaviest 2-fish stringer. Divisions include Kayak, Boat, and Overall, assuring at least 9 teams receiving prizes. Also there's a Sheepie Side Pot. Raffles, food and more. With nearly two dozen sponsors, the event is getting interest across the northern Gulf Coast. Proceeds go to benefit the Mission Six non-profit. For more info, go to www.mission6.org.

The Fly Fishing Show ® has announced their 2019 dates and venues. Ben Furimsky, president and CEO of the largest commercial fly fishing expos in the country, is hoping the early announcement will help exhibitors, presenters and attendees set aside those dates. The only venue within 8 hours of Louisiana is the Atlanta Show, held at Infinity Energy Center in Duluth. Dates for that venue are Friday-Saturday, February 1-2, 2019.

Fly Fishers International has officially announced that their 2018 FFI Fair & Fishfest will be held at The Boise Center in Boise, Idaho on August 7-11.  The consumer trade show (expo) will be held August 9-11 featuring manufacturers such as Orvis, Rio, Patagonia, Sage, Scientific Anglers, Simms, and others. The event will also feature 100-plus workshops covering all aspects of fly fishing. Demonstrations, seminars, and hands-on sessions are scheduled by Gary Borger, Dave and Emily Whitlock, Molly Semenik, Heather Hodson, Craig Mathews, and Brian O'Keefe. For more Fishfest info, go to the FFI website at www.flyfishersinternational.org.

Little Missouri River update. In a previous update, we stated that the Little Mo tailwater below Greeson Lake - a popular year-round trout fishery with Louisiana fly anglers - has been releasing water through the dam's bunger valves due to very high lake levels. The large volume of water released makes fishing all but impossible. But it does help lower the lake at a fairly fast pace. Yesterday, Jeff Guerin posted on his forum that the lake is currently at 553 feet and falling about 2 feet every 3 days. While this would put the lake back at pool by next week, Jeff cautions that the Corps may lower it even more in anticipation of April and May rains. Regardless, once things are back to normal there should be great dry fly fishing with hatches of March Brown mayflies and early caddis hatches. To keep up with the latest on the Little Mo, go to www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com.

Special events this week 3/18

Starting on Thursday, and continuing thru Saturday, it's the 21st annual Sowbug Roundup at Baxter County Fairgrounds in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm each day. Admission is $5 and covers all 3 days, under 12 free. Sponsored by the North Arkansas Fly Fishers, Sowbug is the foremost gathering of fly tyers from across the country. There's also seminars, vendors, casting instruction, vendors, and more. For more info, go to www.northarkansasflyfisher.org.

On Saturday, it's the 71st annual New Orleans City Park Big Bass Rodeo & Fishtival. The nation's oldest freshwater tournament includes divisions for conventional bass, fly rod bass, team rio, kayak (Boats on the Bayou) and more. Exhibitors and tying demonstrations by the New Orleans Fly Fishers. Fishing begins at 6:30am with weigh-in at 11:00am. Entry fee is $10 adults, $5 ages 12 and under. Online registration available, on-site registration at the Casino (Coffee Call) from 6:00am to 8:30am. For more info, go to www.neworleanscitypark.com. 

Five fishing legislative bills to follow

Years ago, during a heated battle for a state representative post, one candidate aired a commercial that was the talk of the town. A woman awakes from her sleep, startled, grabs a flashlight and stealthly approaches a closed door. The narrator said something to the effect, "They're back. The scariest thing imaginable.". The woman opens the door and screams. On the other side of the door is a group of well-dressed people moving from desk to desk inside the state capital rotunda. The narrator concludes, "The Louisiana Legislature!".

The announcer had it somewhat right. Anytime the Louisiana legislature is in session, anything can happen and sometimes really bad things can happen. Thanks to groups like CCA and others, we anglers at least have some sense of security, knowing these groups are watching out for us. But it doesn't mean we shouldn't get involved. Just the opposite - we need to know what bills are being filed, how they will impact us, and contact our legislators and let them know we support or oppose certain bills.

With the 2018 session kicking off on Monday, most of the bills have been pre-filed. While there are nearly two dozen pieces of legislation involving fish and fishing - House bills (HB), Senate bills (SB), House resolutions (HCR), and Senate resolutions (SCR) - we've picked the five worth watching, and give our opinion on each. Sponsor names are in parenthesis.

SB176 (Gerald Long). Reduces crappie daily limit on Sibley Lake from 50 to 25. We SUPPORT this bill, but would ask that the geographical area be extended to all waters west of Highway 167 and north of I-10. The vast majority of these waters are in the so-called Piney Hills of Louisiana where low alkalinity makes them rather infertile. Further, Louisiana is the only state with a crappie limit greater than 25.  Other states have shown that the severe spikes in juvenile crappie recruitment have been moderated with lower limits. Since Toledo Bend is already 25 amending this bill would not affect the bi-state agreement.

SB453 (Dan Morrish). This bill provides an exemption to the recent state law that permits only tonging of oysters in Calcasieu Lake. We OPPOSE this bill. When Calcasieu had millions of oysters, they filtered out water, keeping the lake clear and clean and a perfect habitat for the world's best speckled trout fishery. The demise of trout fishing in the lake has been proven linked to the mechanical harvesting that has resulted in over 90 percent reduction in the oyster population. Which is why the bill allowing only tonging (the historical method) was passed. As the lake's oyster population rebuilds, now is not the time for any exemptions.

HB688 (Rodney Lyons). This bill moves litter education and enforcement from shared DEQ and LDWF entirely to LDWF. We SUPPORT this bill. I can tell you our readers, from personal experience, that the current system doesn't work. Way too much confusion and bureaucracy! Putting it in the hands of LDWF gives us anglers a more powerful voice in keeping our waterways clean.

I saved the biggest two for last...

HB391 (Kevin Pearson). This bill provides public access to the running waters of the state. We STRONGLY SUPPORT this bill... with provision!  The bill would provide for public navigation of running waters - over both public and privately owned water bottoms connected to a state-owned water bottom that is subject to the ebb and flow of the tide. The situation in our coastal marshes gets worse by the month. Many areas that we used to fish are now posted, even though they're mostly open marsh. In addition, the recent announcement that Bob's Bayou Black Marina near Houma will have to close because the canal leading from it will be gated and blocked has angered and rallied the fishing community behind HB391. Louisiana is the only state with such restrictive tidal access laws. On the other hand... I do see the concern of many duck hunters. I think there is room for an amendment to this bill that would satisfy both anglers and hunters.

HB687 (Jerome Zeringue).  Restructures hunting and fishing licenses. We SUPPORT this bill. Three reasons we support it. First, LDWF funding from oil and gas on their properties has taken a plunge. The Department has been running in the red. It needs a more stable funding. Second, most of our license fees have not been increased in over a decade. LDWF receives NO general revenue funding, so it needs to keep up with costing through fees. And third, matching funds. As one retired LDWF employee told me, it's not the fees themselves that generate much money, it's the matching federal dollars. Louisiana is losing out on a mountain of federal dollars from excise taxes because of our current license structure.  Apparently the cane pole licenses and the senior hunting and fishing licenses don't meet a matching threshold. Under HB687, those two licenses would be modified. Hook and Line (cane pole type) from $2.50 to $5.00. The Senior license for 60 and older which is now $5.00 for both fishing and hunting would be changed to 50% reduction from standard licenses. The basic fishing license would be increased from $9.50 to $13.50. It's our hope that most of this increased revenue from basic fees will go to helping address the many issues with our freshwater fisheries.

Friday? No it's Flyday!

World Fishing Network (WFN) is turning Friday evenings into "Flyday" evenings with a block programming of fly fishing shows.  All times are Central Time.

Sport Fishing On The Fly (6:30 pm)
The New Fly Fisher (7 pm)
Westcoast Sporting Journal (7:30 pm)
The Legacy Experience (8 pm)
Fly Fusion (8:30 pm)
Fly Rod Chronicles (9 pm)
American Fly Guide (9:30 pm)

Click on each show link above to see the episode details for the week.

A legend passes away

Lefty at the 2000 Shallow Water Expo

Received an email today with the following forwarded from the family of Lefty Kreh.

Dear friends,

I am sorry to relay sad information to all of you.

Bernard Victor Kreh “Lefty” passed away today in the presence of his family. He passed without pain. He told us multiple times during the worsening of his illness how lucky he was to have so many friends. During these last few weeks he was so sick and without energy that he was unable to respond to any emails and the many phone messages left for him. I can say this was a-great comfort to him.

There will be a celebration of his life in the upcoming weeks. We will update you when plans are made.

Lefty would want us to celebrate life and not mourn him.

Tight Lines, best wishes,

The Kreh Family

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to: Greater Baltimore Medical Center / Gilchrist hospice in honor of Lefty Kreh to Mail to: GBMC Philanthropy, 6701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204; or online at https://www.gbmc.org/donate (Under “Designation” choose “Other.” Then in the next field, type: “Lefty Kreh Memorial”); or call: 443-849-3303. 

Expected news, but still a very sad day indeed.  We were extremely fortunate to have had Lefty for this many years.  Obviously, there is much more to be shared about the man who contributed more to our sport than any individual in modern times.   Stay tuned.

Implications of opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway

Last Monday, the rapid rise of the Mississippi River forced the Corps of Engineers to open 8 bays on the Bonnet Carre Spillway northwest of New Orleans. On Friday, the Corps of Engineers opened up 13 additional bays bringing the total number to 21. With the river expected to hit flood stage (17 feet) on Tuesday, there's some anxiety among lower river residents. The good news is that the river is expected to crest at 17 and begin dropping by next week.

Anytime the spillway is opened, concern arises about impacts on the lake's speckled trout fishery. Yesterday morning on Outdoors With Don Dubuc radio show, Slidell-based guide Mike Gallo pointed out that the plume of freshwater will ride the lake's steering currents along the south end of the lake eastward. This traps the saltier, clearer water on the northeast side of the lake. Eventually the entire lake will become fresh.

Until then, that northeast quadrant will offer some very good trout fishing. Redfish are not impacted as much by freshwater as trout. And the influx of grass shrimp, shad and skipjack could benefit the lake's reds. The influx of nutrients could also benefit the lake's growning striper population. Of course, there's always the danger of massive algae blooms that result in low dissolved oxygen as they die off. But after numerous openings and numerous studies, LDWF has concluded that years after an opening prove to be very beneficial for the lake's fisheries.

More Kayak Demo Days coming!

A few folks who missed all the free kayak demo days held around the state the first weekend of this month have expressed concern. "Will there be more?". The answer is... YES!  In fact, the season was just getting started!

I don't see any listed for the remainder of this month, but a bunch lined up for April and May.  Jot these days and locations down for the one most convenient to you. On April 7, Masseys Outfitters of Baton Rouge will hold one at BREC Wampold Park. Time is 11:00am to 3:00pm. On April 14, Masseys of New Orleans will hold a KDD on Bayou St John near Cabrini Bridge from 10:00am to 2:00pm. On April 21, Ship and Shore will hold one at Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles. Time is 10:00am to 2:00pm. The Backpacker in Baton Rouge and in Lafayette will have demo days during April as well, dates haven't been confirmed yet. But check their Facebook page or call 800-414-4685.

Echo introduces Bad Ass Glass Quickshot

When it comes to affordable innovation, Echo has been an industry leader. The Vancouver, Washington based company was founded and is co-owned by casting guru Tim Rajeff, who personally runs every aspect of the business including new product design. The result has been outstanding products that are often rated highly in various "shootouts". In our own hands-on testing, the Echo Ion XL, Echo Base, and other models have been rated a "best buy".

When Echo came out with their Bad Ass Glass fiberglass saltwater rods last year, it put an exclamation point on the fiberglass revival. A 12-weight glass rod? Sure, many of the pioneers of saltwater fly fishing used fiberglass rods to tackle tarpon. But only because graphite wasn't available (or proven). Graphite has been superior, but no longer. The new S-glass (and beyond) rival the power of graphite but with greater "fun factor". The BAG rods have been a huge success for Echo.

With that success, Echo has added a new series of 8-foot models called "Bad Ass Glass Quickshot". Frequent Louisiana Fly Fishing readers know I'm a strong advocate for 8-foot rods, especially for making accurate casts in tight cover to bass. But the Quickshot rods are more than just a shorter rod. They're faster, lighter and more powerful than previous glass offerings. Models range from 6-weight to 10-weight, and are fast action. Price is $279 which is very good for new glass! 

Contraband Fly Casters have a new website

The Lake Charles-based club has a long and storied history, especially when it comes to fly tying. In fact, it's full name is "Contraband Fly Casters, Tom Nixon Chapter" in honor of one of it's most beloved members and a legend in warmwater fly tying. Other renown tiers past and present include realistic tyer Fred Hannie and the late Mark Delaney. The club also has several tiers who are regularly featured at conclaves (fly fishing festivals).

Speaking of conclaves, Contraband has hosted some of the best ever held in Louisiana, featuring legends such as Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock and Stu Apte. This July, the club continues that legacy with tier extraordinaire Pat Cohen as headliner for their annual Contraband Fly Fishing Expo. The 2-day event will also feature testing for the FFI Casting Certification program. With the Expo getting loads of attention on Facebook, it's only appropriate that CFC upgrade their website to better market the club and the Expo.  The new URL is www.contrabandflycastersinc.net. Go to their site and bookmark it. And bookmark your calendar for the Contraband Expo on Friday-Saturday, July 13-14. 

Mid-week tidbits 3/7

Later this month is the 71st annual New Orleans City Park Fishtival and Big Bass Rodeo, the oldest freshwater tournament in the country.  Divisions include Conventional, Fly, Rio and more.  There's even a kayak tournament on adjacent Bayou St. John (Boats On The Bayou) for both salt and fresh species. It may be a diversified contest, but there's no question that Ol' Bucketmouth is what draws a huge crowd.  And why Monday's catch by Broc Corcoran is all over social media. The 29 year old New Orleans angler caught a 9.3 pound bass in one of the NOCP lagoons using a soft plastic minnow (casting gear).  After he got it weighed and witnessed, he then released it back safely.  Not only is the fish a new NOCP record, but Fishtival participants have a chance to recatch the monster bass.  And to recatch the 8.3 pounder that Broc caught three weeks earlier!  Note to fly anglers: it's not uncommon for the park's big bass to hit flies.  Check out the complete story by Pat Bonin on www.louisianasportsman.com.

This Saturday is the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club's annual Paddlepalooza, but it's also the first day of their members-only CPR contest sponsored by Masseys Outfitters. The "Masseys Fish Pics" tournament runs through next February, a departure from years past when the event ran from January thru November. Masseys really puts up some great prizes for this event. For example, Tyler Drude won this past year's Fly Division (highest total points for longest red, speck and bass) and received a Jackson Mayfly kayak. I finished 3rd and got a Wilderness Systems waterproof crate. It's so nice I'm worried about getting it wet, LOL. Seriously, this tournament is FREE to all BCKFC members. Check out the tournament details at www.bckfc.org and if you own a kayak, consider joining this great club.

Here's yet another tournament some readers might be interested in - if you love crappie fishing. The 5th annual Crappiefest takes place on March 31st out of Lake Fork. Hosted by the Crappie Anglers of Texas, it's become the largest "Big Crappie" tournament in the country with over 325 participants last year. Why so popular? For starters, it's an individual tournament. Second, there's no restrictions on watercraft. While the vast majority of crappie tournaments forbid the use of paddlecraft, Crappiefest allows you to use kayak, canoe, rubber raft, float tube, whatever! You can even wade or bank fish. Most crappie tournaments also forbid the use of fly tackle. Again, Crappiefest allows any "rod and reel combo". And don't count on veteran anglers to take home most of the winnings. With this event, all you need to win or place is just one (1) big fish.  For more info, go to www.crappiefest.com.

On April 7th, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will celebrate the newest addition to their "Get Out and Fish!" community fishing program with a fishing competition. The pond at Southside Regional Park in Youngsville (also known as Fabacher Field) will allow residents of the Lafayette metro area a chance at quality bank fishing. And this winter, a chance for rainbow trout fishing!  Prior to the contest, the pond will be stocked with adult-sized channel catfish. The contest will begin with registration at 6:30am and end at 10:00am. The first 100 kids to register will receive a free goodie bag. There will be fishing activities, demonstrations, and raffles. Also the Kiwanis Club will offer lunch.  For more info, go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

Fishing remains a bit sluggish in north and central Louisiana despite a few nice catches last weekend of big bass and crappie. We're still recovering from 5 to 9 inches of rain a couple weeks back with waters either muddy or a bit milky.  Just yesterday, Cane River opened back up and that will get my attention soon enough. These cool fronts and high pressure have put the fish down a bit, and we still haven't seen the redears bedding up (they usually do this month).  I'm confident if we can avoid the heavy rain the action on bass, crappie and redears will be back to normal within a week or two.