Thanks to everyone who turned adversity into a great evening for Potomac Valley Fly Fishers by joining us at our Virtual Banquet on October 24. First of all, it was a fun evening with Owen’s great entertainment, only brief speeches(!), Lynn and Gene Ashe’s fun video (sorry about any technical problems, but my IT skills are weaker than my fly fishing skills, which in itself is a low bar) as well as information fly fishing history.
This year, the club presented a “Dan Neuland-fired” PVFF ceramic plate to Karen Baker for her volunteer service to the organization as Secretary and, this year, for running a unique and successful banquet. Don Fine presented the Gus Bell award to Larry Forte in honor of his three years as President and years of dedicated service to our organization, which, thankfully, he continues.
We also recognized our Trout Pen heroes, who braved weekly feeding of our trout in all weather. Then the prizes started rolling out … Congratulations to all winners, if you haven’t received them, they should be arriving shortly. We gratefully appreciate those that donated prizes. To all those that participated, we will be sending you some flies and our thanks. Over 50 percent of those that contributed won something (I guess depending on which side of that you were on, you’ll feel differently about that statement). Congratulations to Nicki Paquette — the travel rod will spend the next year in Vermont with her!
Financially, the banquet was a great success. We exceeded our goal, placing us in good financial stead, all without having to eat congealed gravy! (although I miss Lt. Col. Big Jim). To me, this demonstrated why our club is so successful. The participation both financially and online shows the commitment of our members to a vibrant, fun group of people who share a common passion. I’m proud to be part of the group!
For those that missed my presentation on the travel rod, and those that were “stunned” by it on Zoom and demanded a replay, I thought I would give you a brief summary.
To start with, the travel rod, a Scott 9’ 5 wt, is a great rod and the case that Troy had built for it is amazing. This year I decided that the travel rod, instead of traveling, would have a temporary home – Rockdale Run, an all-season spring stream near my home that eventually flows into the Conococheague. The area fished in was stocked with Rainbow and Golden Trout, however, there were some native fish – Fall, Blue Gill and Red Eyed Rock bass.
My primary goal was to get as many first-time fishers on the stream as I could, to “hook” them to the sport, with a great rod and an easy place to fish. We ended up with ten “rookies” in which 8 caught fish, a pretty high percentage! Overall, 110 fish were caught: 16 golden, 34 rainbow, 49 fall, 8 blue gill and 3 red eye rock bass (yes, all were released). Flies that worked included: Caddis Nymph, Caddis Pupa, Purple and Wire Nymph, Olive Woolly Booger, Mop fly, the “Mekelmop” fly, Prince Nymph, Copper John and a Green Weenie. Come on up and try it yourself! See you on our November 10th virtual call!
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