| Newsletter of the Central Texas Flyfishers | February 2003 Vol. 9 No. 2 |
|
|
||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Calendar
| Officers | February Thoughts | Annual
Banquet Recap | Fun Fish Day 2003
The White
Bass Run | Editor's Cast | Back
Issues | Home
President: Kevin
Duren
Vice President: Steve Batchelor
Conservation: Billy Wofford
Outings: Matt Jennings & Justin Millikan
Secretary: Marcus Rodriguez
Treasurer: Brian Watson
This month we witnessed another American tragedy. The Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart on its re-entry to earth. I remember awaking with the sound of Mission Control saying that it had lost contact with the shuttle. I opened my eyes to see a beautiful morning sky on the TV screen with a blaze of fire and plasma streaking across it. For some reason I was not saddened by the sight. I do not know if it was because I was sleepy, still recovering from minor surgery, or just in shock. It was a weird feeling. I knew that these brave men and women were most likely dead, but I also knew that they were doing what they loved and any risk was worth it. The fireball across the sky became beautiful to me. Burning across the Texas sky at Mach 18, I knew that God was with them. The astronauts had touched heaven and the burning star led them home.
A few years ago I was able to see the Columbia blast off into space. I had been fishing for bass in Florida and on my second to last day there my family and I took a short drive to Cape Canaveral. I cannot say much about the launch except that it was fascinating. From a complete standstill the shuttle blasts off into space. Seven people sit in this vehicle, surrounded by complex machinery and volatile fuels. When described, it seems that it is so easy to pop into orbit. I think that is why many of us never think about an upcoming launch or re-entry until something tragic happens.
Two summers ago Johnny Quiroz and I witnessed the Columbia on its re-entry. It was a sultry June evening and we had finished taking a 14 mile float trip on the Blanco River. The fishing had been spectacular and to top it off with the shuttle burning the sky made the day very special. I remember I had wanted to see the re-entry, but over the course of the day I had forgotten. Johnny and I reached the take out point, and loaded the canoe. I told Johnny, "Oh yea the shuttle is supposed to fly over this evening." At almost the same instant we saw the shuttle fly over from Northwest to Southeast. It had been a tremendous day. After the fly over, Johnny and I looked at each other. The day would be hard to beat.
During the last Columbia flight, Justin Millikan was fly fishing the San Gabriel River. He saw the re-entry and thought it was a meteor. He states that he was shocked when he found out that the tragedy had occurred.
When you get down to it, I think we are all explorers. We seek knowledge, peace, and excitement. Almost anybody would risk everything to do what they love. We shoot across the skies to explore space and we shoot down rapids to explore the waters we love. We all take chances, whether it is walking in space or walking the banks of a river. We are human beings, we live, we die, and life continues.
Marcus Rodriguez
To all of the guys and Jane who help make the banquet a success I want to say thanks for everything. Johnny your culinary skills are only exceeded by your ability to fish. Terry you did a great job providing the venison for the chili and Alaskan Goulash. Jane with her innate ability of organization skills certainly did a great job of keeping the rest of us in line with decorating the hall. Matt needless to say your skills with the cooker showed once again your ability to juggle baby sitting with cooking. And to all of those who scoured the merchants to cut loose with items for raffle and door prizes, you did a great job. Of course there are those who donated their time and prizes who wish to remain unknown at this time, I want to say thank you. It was great seeing Ken and Charlotte again and to know that some of what they learned here with us has been passed on to a new club in Colorado. I also want to thank all of those who bid on and won prizes, you pushed us over the top and gave us a 'kitty' once more. As you can see this was a club effort and as usual, whenever our club is involved, great things happen.
I would also like to thank Mark Lambdin for the beautiful artwork and his efforts in helping put together the T-shirts, they are beautiful. I am proud to be a member of this club.
Bill Wofford
On January 31, 2003 we had the opportunity, actually more of a blessing, to take part in the annual Fun Fish Day for developmentally and physically challenged San Marcos Independent School District students. The event took place at the A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery and was sponsored by the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department. It's difficult to put into words how touching an experience this is, for both participant and volunteer alike. I'm sure I speak for Ann and Steve Batchelor, Matt Jennings, Johnny Quiroz II, Brian Watson, Bill Webb, and Bill Wofford in this regard. Take a look at the pictures Bill Wofford took of this event, they tell the real story.
An interesting thing happened this year, related to the catching of the rainbow trout, beadheaded nymphs outfished powerbait eggs, by a decent margin... we'll definitely come prepared with an ample supply of the same next year.
Michael Brown
Spring is nearing. This is the time of the year where fly angler start to test the river waters for white bass. The annual white bass run is what many consider to be the start of the fishing season. From lurking on many fly fishing chats and forum I saw a few mentions of white bass fishing in January, but now in February, white bass seem to be on everybody’s minds.
It is time to head out to Central Texas rivers with waders, full sink lines, and shad imitations. I used to go white bass fishing often when I was younger. I am sure many know of Reimer’s Ranch. I used to head up with my high school friends and really rip them up.
When the whites are running the action is fast and the casting is easy. I enjoy watching the dark shadows of fish on the bottom of the river and feeling my line tighten up as the fish takes the fly.
Several members and fly fishers around the state will be heading out to the San Gabriel, Guadalupe, Colorado, and other rivers in Central Texas. Keep us posted on the adventures to come.
Marcus Rodriguez
What is the deal? It seems that every time I want to go out and do a little fishing, it starts to rain. Is this my curse in life? I am sitting at home and seeing rains sweep across Texas. Right now the Blanco is flooded and who knows what other rivers are raging. I may be upset now, but the rains are insuring that the rivers will be flowing strong and healthy late into the summer. It is going to be a darned good year.
Marcus Rodriguez
© 2003 Central Texas Flyfishers
 |
Home
| About | Meetings
| Calendar | Outings
| Newsletter |
