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Once in a while, if there is no wind, nothing behind me to snag on, and all the other conditions are just right - I can make a cast all the way to the other side of the river and place my fly exactly where I wanted it to land.  The other 96% of the time I come up short and several yards off target.  I would say I need some help in the areas of distance and accuracy.

Tony Yap will be teaching a casting clinic on Saturday morning, August 14 at the Los Gatos Creek Casting Ponds.  He is going to spend a couple of hours focusing on how to increase both distance and accuracy when casting a fly rod.  The clinic is free to members of San Jose Flycasters.  The clinic will begin at 10:00 AM.

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You can bring your favorite fly rod - weights 5 to 10 - with a reel, matching weight forward fly line, leader, tippet and yarn.  And bring paper and pen to take notes.  Be sure to bring sunglasses or other full cover eye protection, or you will be asked to leave - courteously but firmly.  You can bring a snack and something to drink, this clinic will likely go on for 3 plus hours.  There is a parking fee of $6 at the Los Gatos Creek Park and they do ticket.

Tony Yap is an accomplished fly caster and teacher.  He is a Lifetime member of San Jose Flycasters and has been involved with the club for over 35 years.  He is a Life Time Member of the American Casting Association as well as a Certified Casting Instructor.  Tony competed for 11 years in tournaments held by the American Casting Association and has won many gold and silver medals.  He was Grand National Champion in Accuracy at several tournaments in 2003 and 2005. He won first place in both distance and accuracy at the Northern California FFF Conclave in Sacramento in 1990.  Tony competed as one of the 5 member team representing the USA in the International Casting Tournament held in Slovenia in 2002.

If you have any questions be sure to attend the August 11 Flycasters club general meeting.

 

 

 

Knots pose some of the most bewildering challenges for fly fishing.  Knowing which knot to use for which situation can often be the difference between success and failure when hooking, playing, landing and releasing fish.  Being able to tie knots correctly is a critical skill that takes knowledge and practice.

Bob Price and Jim Degnan teach a series of Knots Classes for our members.  Each class is two nights - a Tuesday and Thursday evening - 7:00 PM at the Conference Room, Building M - Room 250, Winchester Plaza, 1101 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose.  Cost is $10 for each class.  Classes are limited to 10 members.

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The Intermediate Class will describe fly line types and construction, as well as how to label each fly line in your own personal inventory.  Instruction will include making and installing Braided Mono Loops for fly lines, making Blind Splice Loops and other Fly Line Loops.  August 17 & 19 ( space is still available )  You do not need to complete the Beginning Class to enroll in the Intermediate Class.

The Advanced Class will focus on knots used in fishing for species over 50 pounds.  Bob and Jim will be teaching how to tie a Bimini Twist, Speed Nail Knot, Slim Beauty Knot, Huffnagle Knot, Albright Knot, Homer Rhodes Loop Knot, Three Turn Clinch Knot, and Furling a Double Line.  September 14 & 16  ( space is still available )  You do not need to have completed either the Beginning or Intermediate class to enroll.

For more information contact Wade Goertz  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   (408) 272-3990

The Beginning Knots Class took place July 6 and 8 and was a packed house.  Be sure to sign up for the Intermediate Class at the August Club meeting.  Space is limited so sign up and get your $10 paid as soon as possible.

 

 

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Manzanita Lake Fishout, July 22 to 25

By Chuck Hammerstad

 

The beautiful Lassen National Park and Manzanita Lake east of Redding is the location of our popular fishout in July.  Manzanita Lake holds wild Rainbow and Brown trout for catch and release fishing of these naturally reproducing fish.  We will be camping in the “A” loop, which is the loop closest to the lake and within walking distance, if you wish to carry your float tube.  If you need to drive to the lake, there is ample parking at the boat launching area.  You will be required to wear a personnel floatation device (either a vest type or inflatable suspender type) when on the water in any type of floating craft.  This is a safe lake to float tube with the newest designs and I recommend this lake to those new to float tubing.  I will be holding an orientation session on Friday and Saturday mornings for those who have never fished the lake or would like to learn more about the lake.  I have fished this lake for many years and I hope to share with you my experience and the experience of others.  For those who would like to spend a day fishing another location, Baum Lake and Hat Creek have good fishing and are close enough for a day trip.

I have 4 campsites reserved and some members have reserved their own campsites that they are willing to share.  Let me know if you wish to car pool and I would recommend carpooling due to the campground requirement of just two vehicles per campsite.  The cost is $45 for 3 nights of camping (with an option for Sunday evening) and food and drinks for all meals from Thursday lunch to Sunday lunch.  For more details on what to bring, see the write up in the fishout section of the club web site.  I will be taking signups at the July club meeting and I will have some handouts.  If you are only able to come for part of the period, let me know and I will accommodate your needs.  Non fishing family members are encouraged to come since there is a lot to see and do in the park.  I would encourage new members as well as long time members to join in on a great fishing experience.
 
Upcoming Events

07-31-2010
Summer Celebration

08-04-2010
Merced River Fishout

08-05-2010 19:00 - 21:30
Board Mtg

08-06-2010 - 08-08-2010
High Sierra Backpack Trip

08-07-2010 08:00 - 09:00
Breakfast Gathering