Kicking Off the New Year
by Tim Loomis
With a new location for our 2008 Confab held earlier this month I can't help but think that the newness of the site kept the attendance numbers down. Paul Schraeder estimated that around 50 members showed up. The rest of you missed a beautiful day, weather wise. Around lunchtime it was so hot and sunny that I had to dig out the wide brimmed hat and sunscreen.
This event was the debut for our new vice president, Troy Mayers. Troy's quiver of fly fishing school rods were the hit of the day. The Sage rods were loaded with that perfect combination of peer weight lines that enabled the caster to enjoy generous casting distances. Walt Robinson was on hand to help all who requested his assistance in creating their own personal casting style.
Betty Rentz, Troy and Walt are to thanked for all that they did to bring about a successful day amid trying circumstances. And thanks to all the members who created a bountiful lunch atmosphere by bringing tasty items to munch on between casting bouts. Ask Troy what he has on his mind to enhance next year's Confab. Just a tip...practice up on your spey casting!
This weekend is the Fly Fishing Show in Pleasanton (at this writing), so I expect to see a good many of our members walking the aisles, looking for deals. Be sure to check out the Dan Bailey booth and if you are looking for a new float tube/pontoon boat, stop in at the Super Cat booth as well.
A few weeks back, the Rio Theatre hosted the fly fishing equivalent to Warren Millers Ski movies titled "The Fly Fishing Film Tour 2008". It was comprised of 8-10 short films on extreme fly fishing and a thought-provoking short on the Bristol Bay mining situation. As it was on one of the few first Wednesday of the month nights when we didn't have a meeting, I was hoping to see about 50 or so members there. The general public filled in the seats to total about 200. With better marketing next year look for higher figures for attendance so be sure to get there early. Stay tuned to find out what film some club members are thinking of making to enter into next year's film tour.
Fish On!