Fly Fishing Scott Evans

These are Scott Evan's slides from the January 15th fly fishing meeting at the Concord Rod and Gun Club. They are JPEGs and can be downloaded for future reference. Let me know what you think. Is this helpful, i.e., making the information from the meetings available like this? Our next meeting is Feb.12th and will be on freshwater bass fishing in eastern MA and fishing the Quabbin resovoir. Sign up in the block to the left where it says "send me fishing reports" to receive the detailed notification and program description. I'll be completing it in the next week or so

Concord Rod & Gun Club Fly Fishing Presentation

         Andy Bonzagni's Slides From Jan 15th CR&G Fishing Meeting Click Here

FYI, the original was done as a movie so that is what this is (vs. slides). It has a background sound track that I suggest you turn off when you play it. Also, the site runs a short ad before the movie starts (sorry, the site does it not us). If you were, or were not, at the meeting you will find useful information in the presentation. It lists the rivers Andy spoke about as well as gives information on the flies to use. We will be also be posting a link to a video of the entire meeting shortly so you can see the actual presentations which contain much more information including recommendations on tackle, flies, etc. Click our Facebook Icon in the left of the homepage of this blog and sign in above for email notifications of posts. That way you will automatically see all new posts. Tight lines. Kirk out!

Recreational Therapy for Disabled Veterans Video

                                         Warriors and Quiet Waters Documentary (click here)

My Son John guides for this organization. This is a short documentary with incredible imagery about a foundation that brings traumatically injured US service people out to the streams of Montana, so they may find recreational therapy and tranquility. There are at least two similar organizations in the US. I am the Team Leader at the Bedford MA VA hospital for one of them, Project Healing Waters.  

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or know a veteran in Massachusetts who could take advantage of this program please contact me. The disability need not be physical, i.e., PTSD qualifies as well. Sometimes people get the impression this is purely a recreational program. It's not. In addition to the inherent therapeutic nature of fly fishing lasting bonds develop between the participants and the volunteers and among the veterans. This helps veterans transition back into civilian life and can also be helpful with finding employment as the volunteers can help them network with potential employers. I've done a lot of volunteer work with various organizations and this one is the most rewarding. It's a humbling experience and a privilege to be able to help these guys and gals learn how to tie flies and use a fly rod. I'm glad my son and I are able to do it. These programs bring to mind the Henry David Thoreau quote, "Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing it is not the fish they are after".

Greetings from the Keys

A Few Photos From the Florida Keys (click here to view)

I posted a few pictures from a recent trip Sue and I took to the Florida Keys. We didn’t actually do much fishing. It was more of a scouting and social trip and a chance to get away from the cold weather. Of course I hit most of the tackle shops between Islamorada and Key West. A dangerous thing to do with credit cards in your wallet. I always seem to be able to find some widget used in the local area that I want to try in the northeast. I also bought a cool Calcutta backpack that holds four storage trays and a bunch of other gear. It’s well made and has padded straps and an internal frame so the weight of the backpack is well distributed between your shoulders and lower back.
 

While we were there I firmed up a four day fly fishing trip for tarpon in April/May. My sons Bill and John are going with me and we’ll be fishing with Captain Jeremy Fisher of Fisher Guide Service (www.fisherguide.com) out of Islamorada and staying at the Blue Fin Inn which is within walking distance to his boat slip at Roland Martin’s compound on the Gulf side.
 

We also visited Bud & Mary’s in Islamorada which is another great place to stay but their houseboats were booked up for when we’ll be returning at the end of April. Nothing better that staying on a houseboat on a channel to the Atlantic and watching the Tarpon swim by in the evening. If anyone needs suggestions on tackle shops, guides, or accommodations in the Islamorada or Marathon area let me know.

Free Fly Tying Classes - Orvis Store Northshore Mall

             http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=10454

         Call store and ask for Emily Shea, Fishing Manager to sign up!

January Fishing Seminar - A Huge Success

Our meeting Tuesday night was a huge success. We had over 50 participants and two expert speakers as well as two great fly tyers. I'll be posting the presentations online as soon as I return for my trip so look for that to be online next weekend. I'll put it up there so it's a downloadable PDF and will have all the fishing locations and other tips of the presenters . Thanks again for attending and stay tuned for more updates soon!