Club Meetings

Meetings are held at the Walter Fuller Recreation Center, 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, Florida, on the third Thursday of the month (except December).

Fly tying and fly casting practice and instruction typically begins around 6:30, and the club meeting begins at 7:00. Meetings typically include club topics followed by a presentation by various guests or some of our own, “distinguished” club members.

The topic of each month's program can be found in the Programs section of this web site or in the newsletter.

The meeting is concluded by a great raffle — few participants go home empty-handed! Meetings typically conclude at approximately 8:30 to 9:00.

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Up Coming Programs

June - Capt. Paul Hawkins

July  - Capt. Jason Stock

August - Fly Tying Jamboree

July 2010

Suncoast Fly Fishers Board of Directors 7-1-2010 at Bill Jackson’s

Presiding:  Thomas Gadacz, President

Directors present:  Woody Miller, Alan Sewell, Ken Doty, Mark Craig, Joe Dail, Hugh Copeland, and Ken Hofmeister.

Members present:  Paul Sequira, editor of On the Fly.

Tom Gadacz read SFF purpose and asked that previous minutes be approved.  They were. 

Next Board Meeting is set for August 5 at 7:00 p.m. Bill Jackson’s.

Budget/Financial Report:  Joe Dail reported a balance of $6,464.20 and indicated that club recently purchased an audio system ($591.00 and rod case $80.00).

On the Fly:  Paul Sequira was commended for another excellent June issue.

Web Site:  Woody reported difficulty in posting board minutes in one spot and indicated that they will be published along with membership meeting minutes under the meetings heading.

Club Rods and Reels:  Woody reported an inventory of club rods and indicated we now had a rod case that would help Tiger Vertregt manage the casting practice prior to membership meetings.

Federation of Fly Fishers, Florida Council:  Ken Hofmeister asked the board to approve naming a coordinator of fly tying for the FFF Florida Council Conclave Auction/Raffle to be held October 22-23 at the Ramada Inn in Orlando.  This coordinator would request fly tying members to donate boxes of six flies each for the conclave.  Also, SFF would donate two hats and a Don Coleman book to the auction.

Project Healing Waters:  March report indicated 12 volunteers donated 72 hours helping 28 vets at Bay Pines tie flies, cast, and fish in Bay Pines lake.  Ken Hofmeister reported that SFF would staff a booth at a Recreation Therapist’s Conference July 14 at 10:00 a.m. to explain how PHWFF helps vets with fly tying,   casting , and fishing.

Programs: 

June:  Paul Hawkins inspired us to fish for reds.  Al Pitcher caught one using a Hawkins fly imitation.

July:  Alan confirmed that Jason Stock will present a program on kayak fishing.

August:  Members will conduct a fly tying jamboree.

September:  Paul Sequira will explore a bluegill fishing program and Ken Hofmeister will discuss possibilities with John Kumiski.

Outings: 

June:  Emerson Point.  Ken Doty was declared winner of the largest fish prize. 

July:  Upper Hillsborough River with Morris Bridge as luncheon site.

August:  Blackthorn

September:  Chassahowitzka River

Board conceded that Alan Sewell could announce designated prizes at the membership meeting for the subsequent fishing outing, and award prizes for past outings.

Fly tiers: 

July: Lane Smith is scheduled to tie a “dropper” to attach to his famous “beetle.”

Fly Tying: Paul Sequira’s beginners fly tying sessions are slated for July 7, 14, 21, and 28.  Second session is to be led by Charlie Most.

Audio System:  Feedback was positive.  Tom Gadacz is to explore a lapel mike feasibility.  Screen still needed.

SFF Policy/Guidelines for Program Presenters:  Board consensus was that we offer guest speakers an SFF hat, coverage in newsletter and web site, name listed in newsletter and web site, two complimentary tickets to Hog Roast, OK to do book signings, and travel expenses.

SFF response to Oil Spill:  Tom Gadacz’s letter was reprinted in the FFF Club Wire and Tom sent it to several legislators.  Board concurred in requesting Tom to write on behalf of the Suncoast Fly Fishers as opposed to writing as an individual.  Ken reported that Tom Logan’s updates will continue to be shared with the board and that Tom is drafting a letter to executive director of the FWCC expressing the FFF Florida Council support in this crisis.

Meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Ken Hofmeister, Secretary, Suncoast Fly Fishers

 

June 2010

Suncoast Fly Fishers Membership Meeting Minutes June 17, 2010

Vice President Woody Miller called the meeting to order and Annie Hays led in the pledge of allegiance.

Four visitors were welcomed. 

Joe Dail, treasurer, reported that SFF had a balance of $7,674.35 and that caps were for sale.

Woody announced that we had a new sound system that would be used in future meetings.

Tiger Vertregt was introduced as the SFF casting instruction coordinator for the 6:30 pre-meeting slot.

Paul Sequira will launch the SFF beginners fly tying workshop July 7 and that there were two openings left.

Fifth and sixth graders at Walter Fuller Summer Camp program will participate in fly fishing session July 8 at 10:00 a.m. Check newsletter for details.

Woody asked if any member had a projector screen that they wished to donate to SFF.

Alan Sewell described the wonders of Emerson Point and passed around a sign up sheet . Sixteen people signed up for the outing. 

Gift certificates were given to Mark Hays (largest snook) and Ken Hofmeister (largest bluegill) from the Hillsborough River May outing.

Woody encouraged members to read President Tom Gadacz’s column on the oil spill (reproduced in FFF Club Wire) and to consider volunteering for a special beach clean-up plan sponsored by Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Inc.  This is a Clearwater based volunteer organization devoted to litter removal and prevention. Pre-register at www.pinvol.org

Mark Hays introduced program presenter Paul Hawkins. 

See July On the Fly  for content of presentation.  Hawkins liked to fish for “undisturbed fish.”  He doesn’t like people who disturb fish, preferring to use a push pole or wade.  He also showed us some neat flies and  shared some memorable tips.

 An attractive raffle was conducted by Tom Hummel and Bryan .   Fly box was won by Ken Hofmeister.

Submitted by Ken Hofmeister, Secretary, Suncoast Fly Fishers

 

Suncoast Fly Fishers Board of Directors 6-7-10 at Bill Jackson’s

Presiding:  Thomas Gadacz, President

Directors present:  Roger Blanton, Tiger Vertregt, Woody Miller, Pat Damico, Alan Sewell, Ken Doty, Mark Craig, Joe Dail, Hugh Copeland, and Ken Hofmeister.

Members Present:  Mark Hays and Tom Hummel

Tom Gadacz read SFF purpose and asked that previous minutes be approved.  They were.  Tom will be absent at the next membership meeting and Woody Miller will preside in his absence.

Next board meeting is set for July 1, Bill Jackson’s, at 7:00 p.m.

Budget/Financial Report:  Joe Dail reported a balance of $7,674.35

Raffle Chair:  Tom Hummel was commended upon a successful and impressive May raffle that netted the club $81.00.  Bryan is to continue helping him to assure efficiency.  Raffle chair job description was discussed and approved.  Fly Box program is to be continued and promoted.

Membership:  Membership packets will go to new members who have not received them.  Woody is to announce at June meeting. 

On the Fly:  Paul Sequira was applauded for a superb May issue. 

Web Site:  Woody Miller reported that we are up to date and in need of (1) Board member pictures and biographical sketches, and (2) fishing reports.

Federation of Fly Fishers:  Ken Hofmeister reported on the Southeastern Conclave of the FFF in Helen, Georgia. 

Club Rods:  Woody Miller announced that the club has the follow rod inventory:

1 TFO 5 wt. 4 pc.

2 TFO 8wt. 4 pc.

2 Cabella’s  8 wt. 2 pc.

1 Cabella’s 8wt. 2 pc.

2 Cabella’s Prestige Plus 8wt.Reels

2 Cabella’s Cahill 8wt.Reels

Club needs two reels (5 wt. and 8wt.).  Alan Sewell was tasked with purchasing these reels at approximately $20.00 apiece.  Cabella’s club rods are to be auctioned off in January.  Woody is to purchase a rod case (that accommodates 4pc. rods).

Project Healing Waters:  Pat Damico reported that he is going to a regional coordinator’s convention in Colorado.  Pat’s image was slightly tarnished as he said he was not going to fish for trout there.  Board of course knew better than that.

Pat reported that a new PHWFF group was started in Jacksonville and Miami.  He also did presentations in Naples and Sanibel groups. We now have 96 programs going.  Alan reports high enthusiasm from nine rod builders at Bay Pines.  PHWFF at Bay Pines is going strong on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings.

Programs:

May: Group appreciated Rachael Arndt from Tampa Bay Watch.

June:  Ken Hofmeister is to remind Paul Hawkins that we want to know how to catch reds.  Mark Hays will introduce him.

July: Jason Stock is to talk about kayak fishing.  Alan is to coordinate and introduce Jason.

August : Fly tying Jamboree conducted by SFF members and coordinated by Alan Sewell with assistance from Myron Hansen.

Fly Tyers:

June: Alan Sewell demonstrates the “Neer Hair” gem he uses for snook and such.

July:  Open

Outings:

June:  Emerson Point.  Alan has confirmed reservations for shelter.

July:  Withlacoochee River:  Ken Doty to share info on river conditions and recommendation on launch and lunch points.

August:  Annie Hays to check with Tampa Bay Watch to see if we can help with beach cleanup related to oil spill.

Audio-system:  Tom demonstrated our new audio system and Mark Hays agreed to deliver it to Walter Fuller Park to be stored there for SFF meeting use.

Fly Tying: Paul Sequira’s session begins July 7 and meets July 7,14,21,28.  Charlie Most launches the second session following this.  First session is for beginning tiers.

Fly Casting:  Tiger Vertregt volunteered to be “designated instructor” prior to membership meetings.  Woody will deliver the rods, Tiger will coordinate instruction for interested members and guests.   Announcement is to be in newsletter (Ken Hofmeister will provide info to Paul).

Club Logo:  Mark Craig introduced three choices.  In a real shocker, there was an immediate consensus for number two.  He’ll proceed with the logo and we’ll have consistency on hats, decals, etc.

SFF oil spill response:  After discussion, Board agreed to get informed, stay informed and influence legislators for the good of the resource.  Tom said it was past time to blame and time to set wise strategy for the future.  BP will pay and train and compensate volunteers.  We will not send money.  Tom will draft a letter for us to use in our legislative communications.  Tom Logan, FFF Conservation Chair for Florida Council, said we need to get and keep informed.  He’ll keep us in the loop.

New Business:  Youth Involvement:  Pat Damico made a case for involving young people in fly tying, casting, and fishing.  We noted that kids were tying with us at the Marine Quest and having a ball.  Tiger suggested a “My First Fly” take-away, along with a contest for the best fly with winners featured in our newsletter.  That led to a decision to have Tom Gadacz speak with Chuck at Walter Fuller about possibilities of having a fly tying class for kids during the summer youth camp.  It was agreed that we’d have extra vises at the shows and invite kids to join us in the fly tying activity.  SFF promotional material will be attached to the flies they take away.

New Fly Shop in Tampa:  Enver and Sandra Hysni announced the impending opening of their new fly shop to be located at 4203 El Prado Blvd. (and Lois) in Tampa next month.  Board wished them well in their new venture.

Submitted by Ken Hofmeister, Secretary,  Suncoast Fly Fishers

 

 

May 2010

Minutes of the Membership Meeting May 20, 2010

Vice President Woody Miller called the meeting to order at 7:00 and led in the pledge of allegiance.

Designated fly tier was Russ Hampton who demonstrated his gurgler with weed guard.

Ken Hofmeister, in absence of Treasurer Joe Dail, reported that we had a balance of $7,674.35. By selling a SFF hat, he added another seven dollars to that amount.

Alan Sewell announced the Hillsborough River outing and passed around a sign-up sheet.  He also offered kayaks/canoes for those needing a vessel.  There were no requests.

Woody Miller announced that guests fishing with us on SFF outings would need to sign sheet and  a release form in order for them to be covered under our insurance program.  He’ll post the form online.  

Don Manning reported on the Everglades outing.  Good time was had by all.

Fly tying session sign-up sheet was passed around for the July workshop led by Paul Sequira.  Jack Yarian, Mark Miller, and Hugh Copeland signed up.  Tom Trukenbrood is considering it and will discuss with Paul.

Ken Hofmeister announced the Southeastern Council Federation of Fly Fishers Conclave in Unicoi State Park June 4-5.

Woody Miller thanked John Rogers for his past service as rafflemeister and introduced new rafflemeister Tom Hummel.  Hummel provided an attractive array of items that brought in $81.00.

Club members unanimously approved the logo change and instructed Mark Craig to proceed.

Club members unanimously approved spending up to $800.00 for an audio visual system that would include speaker, mike, and screen. 

Annie Hays introduced Program Presenter Rachel Arndt, communications director for Tampa Bay Watch.  Rachel presented a slide show outlining Tampa Bay Watch’s work with domes, grass traps, marsh restoration, drain labels, monofilament line disposal, sea grass transplanting, scallop search, summer camps, Estuary Edventure, and education outreach.  She identified ways SFF could help respond to the oil spill disaster.  Potluck, May 21, invitation was extended and we were invited to support the Tarpon Roundup June 11-12.

Raffle followed the program and participants spent $81.00 to clear the table.

Ken Hofmeister, Secretary

April 2010

Minutes of Membership Meeting April 15, 2010

President Tom Gadacz called the meeting to order at 7:00 and led the pledge of allegiance.

Designated fly tiers were Enver Hysni and  Lane Smith.

Joe Dail, treasurer, reported a balance of $8,438.21 and 133 members.

Ken Hofmeister, secretary, reported Pig Roast cleared $2,967.53 (nearly double 2009 net).  Over 100 people attended the event.  John and Stacy Zientarski were thanked for their role in hosting the roast, and committee members and helpers were recognized.

Alan Sewell announced the outing at Lake Manatee Reservoir and passed around a sign-up sheet for members and waiver form for guests.

Tom Gadacz requested suggestions for future programs.

Don Manning reported on Everglades outing.  Freeze killed many exotic fish.  Paul Sequira’s newsletter article was referenced as a resource for those going to fish Everglades this year.

Fly tying sessions from 6:00-7:00 p.m. preceding the membership meetings were proposed.  Interested members were asked to sign an interest sheet.  Club would be charged an additional $10.00 monthly for the extra time.

Bill AuCoin announced that Suncoast Fly Fishers would be staffing a booth at Marine Quest Saturday April 17.  Bob Hinzpeter, Norm Sande, Ron Kelly, Charlie Most, Tom Gadacz, Ken Doty,  Ken Hofmeister, Steve Putbrese, Julia Lewis, Ryan Voigt, John Craig,  Woody Miller and Annie Hays were participating.

Enver Hysni introduced the program presenter:  Captain Russ Shirley

Russ Shirley did the music for the video that featured Tarpon Fishing.  His program included fifteen Top Secrets of Tarpon Fishing.

His goals were safety, fun, and to catch fish.  He suggested we seek to be “better than average” fly fishers (level 4 or 5).  Common sense was encouraged, along with keeping hooks sharp and out of guide.  Anticipate the clock direction called out by the guide and practice hook casts.  Russ said that we should take responsibility for fly line.  Stay low in the boat and “feed the fish” (as opposed to taking the fly away from them). 

Russ favors changing colors and flies when things aren’t working like they should.  He also thinks we should practice hitting targets before we try to cast to tarpon. 

Meeting closed with a rousing raffle conducted by John Rogers.  Due to work schedules, this was John’s last month of conducting SFF raffles.

Ken Hofmeister, Secretary

 

 

March 2010

Date:  March 18, 2010

Presiding:  Ken Hofmeister, President

Pledge of allegiance, SFF purposes, and welcome to several new members who learned of the Club at the recent Tampa Bay Boat Show. 

Treasurer’s Report:

Tom Gadacz reported a balance on Feb. 28 of $4,867.67. The Club now has a total of 114 members.

Outings:   Richard Oldenski reported on the February outing at which the largest fish was a 17-inch trout caught by new member Michael December. This month’s outing will be on March 20 at Ft. DeSoto Park in the afternoon. Pat Damico described the morning’s activity which will be a casting clinic conducted by him with the assistance of several Club members beginning at 9:00 a.m. Coffee and donuts will be available before the Clinic and a light lunch will be served after the Clinic and before the fishing which can be anywhere in the Park.

Old Business:

 Programs.  Next month’s speaker will be Russ Shirley, a local guide.

 May’s meeting will be presented by Tampa Bay Watch.

Guide Paul Hawkins will speak in June.

 Pig Roast. John Zientarski reminded members that the 7th annual Pig Roast will be held at his house in Largo after the outing on March 20, starting at 4:00 p.m. In addition to entertainment, there will be a door prize (10 weight rod), a silent auction, bucket raffles, and a kayak raffle. Marianne Hayes and her committee have obtained considerable merchandise for the silent auction and bucket raffles.

 Project Healing Waters. John Craig reported that the Project has received a gift of a fly tying table and considerable tying material from a person who had decided to stop using them.

Web Site. Woody Miller reported that the site received 990 hits in January, 814 in February, and 138 in the first five days of March. He is able to analyze them by origin and particular pages visited.  He has added additional links to other web sites of interest to fly fishers, and he has created a Face Book page for the Club at which members can participate in discussions, arrange fishing trips, etc.

 Events. Woody reported that the Tampa Bay Boat Show was a success, and that several new members joined as a result. Member Pat Damico gave a presentation on fly fishing which was well attended.

Fly Fishing Film Tour. Robert Fischer reported that six to eight excellent short films were shown and that several vendors had displays.

 Marine Quest. Bill AuCoin is heading the Club’s participation in this event, which will be on Sat., April 17, in St. Petersburg, sponsored by the Fish and Wildlife Research Bureau. He distributed a sign-up sheet.

Election: John Zientarski, chair of the nominating committee, named the slate to be voted on: President, Tom Gadacz; Vice President, Woody Miller; Treasurer, Joe Dail; Secretary, Ken Hofmeister, all for two-year terms; Directors for two-year terms, Mark Craig, Ken Doty, Alan Sewell, and Tiger Vertregt; and Director for one-year term, Hugh Copeland.  The slate was unanimously elected.

New Business: It was announced that the Tampa Bay club will hold its annual banquet at Columbia Restaurant on March 25.

Program:  The scheduled presenter was unable to be present and a question and answer period was held for the benefit of new members. Subjects included the Everglades trip and the types of boats, flies and rods to be used. A suggestion was made that those members who want to go but do not have boats should be matched with those who have boats but no fishing partners. Woody stated that anyone needing a boat can e-mail him and he will post their names on the Web Site; he will also announce their names at the next meeting. Others asked about fishing locations in the area. Among numerous recommendations were Ft. DeSoto, Pinellas Point and various canals. 

Submitted by Joe Dail, Secretary

 

February 2010

Presiding:  Ken Hofmeister, President

Pledge of allegiance, SFF purposes, and welcome to new members and visitors.

 

Treasurer’s Report: Given by Tom Gadacz: January 31 balance $4,773.40. Proceeds of the January auction were $605.

Outings:  Richard Oldenski announced that the winner at the January outing was Ron Kelly with an 18-1/4 inch trout caught in the afternoon. After discussion with various members the committee has decided that fishing at future outings will be in the mornings only, but this policy is subject to change if enough members desire to do so.  This month will be at Ft. DeSoto in view of the unpredictably of winds and temperature this time of year. Members may meet at the Arrowhead picnic grounds between 7:30 and 8:00 to get fishing partners. Lunch will be at 12:00 at Arrowhead. Steve Gibson will speak at the March meeting about exotic fish in the Everglades.

Old Business:  Election of officers and directors.  John Zientarski, chairman of the nominating committee announced the slate it has named for the election: President – Tom Gadacz; Vice President – Woody Miller; Treasurer to fill the remaining year of Tom’s term – Joe Dail; Secretary to fill the remaining year of Joe’s term – still unfilled; Directors – Hugh Copeland, Mark Craig, Ken Doty, and Tiger Vertregt. (Roger Blanton, Pat Damico and John Rodgers have one year left on their terms as Directors.) The President called for additional nominations from the floor; there being none, the nominations were closed. Voting on the above slate will take place at the March meeting. Casting clinic. Pat Damico will conduct the clinic on March 20 at the East Beach on Fort DeSoto between 9:00 and 11:30; coffee and donuts will be available before the clinic and a light lunch will be served afterwards.

Pig Roast.  The seventh annual pig roast will be held at the home of John and Stacy Zientarski on March 20 between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Door prize will be a 10-weight rod donated by Mark Hays. A kayak will be raffled for $10 tickets. A silent auction and bucket auctions were described by Marianne Hays. Items she has already obtained include flies, pillow, shirts, overnight bags, vest, and a $100 gift certificate from an optical shop. Other donations are still being sought.

Everglades. Don Manning has obtained a lower rate from the La Quinta - $46 per room per night - but it is necessary to make a reservation immediately to get this rate. The trip will be April 30 to May 2.

 

New Business:  Shows. Woody Miller announced that the Club will have tables at the Fly Fishing film tour at 6:30 p.m., March 8, at the Tampa Picture Show and at the Tampa Bay Boat Show at Tropicana Field on March 12, 13 and 14. It will also present a seminar on the 13th. A sign up sheet was circulated for fly tiers, talkers and casters on each of those days. The Club has again been requested to participate in Marine Quest in St. Petersburg on April 17.

Program:  Allen Wyatt, of the Andy Thornall Co. in Winter Haven, gave a presentation with slides on fly lines, discussing their manufacture, design, pros and cons, and the best uses of each type. He also showed a number of fishing locations in the Winter Haven area.

Submitted by Joe Dail, Secretary

 

January 2010

THE TREASURE CHEST

January’s SFF auction is better than any garage sale because it mostly features stuff
you can fish with! Here is your chance to swap out some of your horde for someone
else’s better stuff. In his book, Clutter’s Last Stand, p.4, Don Aslett says we . . . attain, accumulate, collect—but plenty always seems to require more.” He adds, “We have to pay for it, keep track of it, protect it, clean it, store it, insure it, and worry about it. This takes great energy and effort.” “Later, we have to move it, hide it, apologize for it, argue over it.” Free yourself up to do more fishing by bringing your usable (by someone else) cache of tackle to the auction table where Alan Sewell will transform your clutter into someone else’s prized possession. Most organization gurus suggest getting rid of things you haven’t used in the last year. Of course, these people don’t fly fish—but they do have a starting point for us. We have rods, reels, and lines that are stored for the someday that never comes. How many nets, hats, and tackle bags and boxes do we really need and use? How many paddles and life jackets can we use on one trip? How many vests do we really wear in a year? And then there is the box of “go to flies” on top of the box of “back-up flies” in front of the box of “somewhere, someday, by somebody” flies. Surely some of our seldom used flies could be enjoyed by new SFF members venturing out into the sport.

We’ve talked about trash and treasure before. Let’s put the trash in the garbage can
before we head out for the auction. Trash takes time to move around and detracts from the thrill of a great auction. As an added incentive this year, we’re asking that you put your name on the items you donate. That of course, will expose you to fame and positive recognition by your fellow SFF members. Should your identified contribution be “tacky,” Alan will see that you are appropriately ridiculed!

Here are a few questions to ask about your donations:

1. Does it still work?
2. Would you be glad some SFF member is using it?
3. Will it make someone else happy?
4. Will Alan make fun of this item?
5. Will it raise money for SFF causes?

Make a list of some items that you need or could use before packing your checkbook
or stopping by the ATM on the way to the meeting. You’ll find everything from old club rods and reels to stripping baskets, anchors to outboards. Flies that some members have by-passed may be just what you need. Plan to have fun. Guests are welcome -- especially those who bring cash. Unsold items will be returned to donors or anyone helping to clean up after the event.

 

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