Club Annual Picnic

  

About 50 Members, spouses and guests attended the Annual club Picnic. Along with the good food prepared by the Club's excellent cook staff, attendees participated in casting and golf competitions. For more pictures, see the Photo Album.

Jon Cave Casting Clinic

  

Renown fly casting instructor and author Jon Cave gave a four hour casting clinic at the April Evening Meeting which was attended by 35 Members and guests. At the end of the clinic, he spoke about fishing the upper St. Johns River south of Lake Monroe. For more pictures, see the Photo Album.

Lessons Learned by Ed Rapisardi

How many times have we wet waded in local Florida fresh water? Perhaps like most of us who kayak or canoe we waded just to launch our shallow water crafts, with nary a thought about what dangers we face. It is an established fact that most of these waters contain dangerous bacteria. You might recall the news coverage concerning the suffering and finally the death of a young lady who decided to swim in a local waterway abut inhaled and or swallowed some water and became ill -- dangerous bacteria began eating away internal organs and exterior body parts.

The warning was sounded and we were advised not to enter lakes and rivers if we had a cut or scrape into which that bacteria could enter the blood stream. That then brings up the subject of waders, of which there are several kinds.

A very inexpensive pair of rubber hip boots could serve the purpose. They could be suitable for wading trout streams which are on the shallow side. Generally these inexpensive waders come with a boot attached. More serious waders of this type are called stocking foot waders which require a sturdy wading boot which are more desirable because they afford substantial ankle support when the boot laced up.

Then there are waist high and finally chest high waders which allow for wading in deeper water. They tend to be warm in summer but “Breathable” ones are available. In winter all these types are available in Neoprene which is an insulating rubber version to keep you warm. There are two choices for the soles -- rubber cleated for sandy bottom water and felt soled for gripping slippery rocks which are found in many mountain trout streams. The price ranges are varied and handled by outfitters like Cabella's and BassPro Shops -- their catalogues give good descriptions of their features to help you choose.

Mountain streams which contain trout do allow safe wet wading in summer months but in spring and early summer the water can be quite cold and too cold in the winter.

Proper clothing is essential to comfort on the water and waders are important items of comfortable apparel.

Until next time keep your fly dry and your line tight and be sure to watch your back cast. Ed Rapisardi

(All Lessons Learned archived here.)

April Breakfast Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Tim Fahey at 8:35 as the President and Vice President were not in attendance. Twenty-seven people were present.

The Treasurer was not present and the monthly report was not available.

The Secretary was not present and the minutes from the previous meeting were not available. Tim Fahey advised that they were available on the website. Per the membership report, there are 47 total members (including spouses), 2 life members and 1 honorary member.

Adam Miller was introduced to those in attendance. He is the regional director of the Coastal Conservation Association for Lake County. He gave a brief presentation about the organization and asked that the club consider working closer with them. Tim Fahey advised that no decision could be made due to the lack of officers but that it would be discussed at the next Board of Directors meeting.

Club picnic – Frank Matousek reported on the details for the upcoming picnic on April 11th at Wooten Park in Tavares. Approximately 25 people have signed up to attend.

Public meetings – Ed Rapisardi reported that the April program will be Jon Cave and an associate. 32 people have signed up for the casting classes that will begin at 3:00pm. The club will supply pizza for dinner. Jon Cave will also be the speaker for the meeting at 7:00pm.

Doug Dombek announced that he had received a partial refund for a reduced rate for the Bahia Honda trip and that he had refund checks for six people. There was no discussion about the May trout trip to North Carolina.

Dave Ferris reported that the Dads For Boys event was very successful and he thanked all who assisted. Several pieces of fishing equipment were donated to that group. Other members promised to give Dave other rods and/or reels for the group in the near future.

Tim Fahey reported that the freshwater trip will be on the morning of the picnic at Wooten Park.

Tim advised that the saltwater trip will be announced in an email by Tom Green later on in the month.

New Business – George Hintz asked if anyone was familiar with an Elks Club Youth Camp in Eustis. Ed Rapisardi and Dave Ferris provided information that it had not been appropriate for the club to participate with that camp in the past. George said that he will try to explore if conditions had changed.

George Hintz reminded members that he needed photos for the website.

The 50/50 was not held because Charley was not there and no tickets were available.

The meeting was adjourned at 0902.

Submitted by Tim Fahey.