In October I had the opportunity to conduct training for a group of Boy Scouts for the Fly Fishing Merit Badge. Thank you to Gerry Mecca for arranging this session with the Boy Scouts, to Tom Hayes, Ryan Hartley, Chris Smith and Myles Hartley for helping with the instruction, and to Mimi Harvey for helping with the fishing.
This is not an easy Merit Badge to earn because Scouts are required to show proficiency in ten different skills. The last step in the process is to actually catch a fish on a fly, which we arranged to do at a private pond. As the 4:00 stopping time neared, all the Scouts had caught at least one bream except Evan, who was doing everything right but for some reason could not connect even after several fly changes. Finally I asked him to try a small purple wooly bugger with a black marabou tail and on his first cast, he hooked something much bigger than a bream. Pandemonium broke loose as he struggled to bring it in. All the other Scouts gathered around to watch him finally land a good sized catfish. The expression on his face was priceless!
Teaching the Scouts was a very rewarding experience. UCCTU will be conducting similar training sessions in the future and could use help with the instruction. Anyone interested in learning more about this program should contact Education Chair Ron Cheslock at [email protected]
In the meantime, here's wishing each of you a very Happy holiday Season.
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Sincerely,
Jim
Jim Harvey
President
Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436 - Trout Unlimited
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Last Chance to Donate in 2014
Soon it will be 2015, the weather will be warmer and the fish will be sipping dry flies attached to the end of your leader. While you are stuck at home with Family and Friends over the last few days of 2014, don't forget to make your End of the Year Charitable Donation. Every dollar matters from helping to Conserve, Protect and Restore the Chattahoochee and Brook Trout habitat throughout the state, to helping the next generation learn why conservation is so important. To donate, click HERE
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Rod Building Class in 2015
We are looking for anyone interested in building a fly rod. If there is enough interest, at least 3-5 people, we will plan rod building classes in Late-Winter/Early-Spring 2015. This is a great opportunity to learn a hobby, build a quality rod, and do it for a fraction of the retail price. If you are interested please contact Ron Cheslock at [email protected].
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January Meeting Speaker
Jason Ulseth
We're starting off 2015 with a look 'deep down' at our favorite river - The Chattahoochee. Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper for Chattahoocheee Riverkeeper, will discuss water quality within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and will provide us with updates on a variety of issues facing the river.
Jason joined the Chattahoochee River (CRK) in 2007 as the organization's Technical Programs Director. He came to CRK after serving nearly five years with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Effective January 2015, Jason assumes the role of Riverkeeper and will serve as the group's lead river protection advocate and spokesperson.
Jason is an expert in storm water management and is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control and a Georgia certified Design Professional and Trainer. He is certified by the state as an Adopt-A-Stream Trainer and is serving his second term on DNR's Adopt-A-Stream Advisory Board.
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The Guide's Angle
A Guide's Gadget
Chris Scalley
 Over 20 years of guiding has taught me how to consolidate all the tools and gadgets that are truly useful on the River. The gear intensity of the sport of fly fishing causes an over load of flies, fly boxes, technical gear etc. A great example is how we have replaced our heavy fishing vest now with less obtrusive sling packs which force you to weed out flies you don't really need so you can fit a limited number of fly boxes in your pack which in turn makes your precious time on the water ultimately more enjoyable. Well here is my alternative to the popular gadget lanyards that look like a necklace you could wear at Mardigras. To simplify your lanyards and keep things more streamlined try the Scalley Guides Lanyard. With all the gadgets you already have you can piece this one together without running to the nearest fly shop. You will need your favorite pair of forceps, spuds sunglasses cleaning cloth, nippers,fly dressing and holder, maybe a key chain or small carabiner and your set. Use your forceps to hold everything together and just pinch your forceps where ever you want to hold it in place. I also like to somehow attach a floating key chain in case I drop the Scalley lanyard into the River to keep it afloat and I add a pair of small scissors with a protective cap. Please view below image to get a better idea of how this simple lanyard works.
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News Bites
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Don't forget to pay your UCCTU Voluntary Dues Here
The Georgia Tech Fly Fishing Club who partners with TU and UCCTU, needs any extra waders, boots, rods, reels, line and flies that you might have laying around the house.
Do your part and tie some flies to donate to the Chapter.
Contact Fulton County's Georgia DNR Officer Mark Puig if you see any poaching or violations while your fishing next time.
Check out the new Chapter Website at ucctu.tu.org and leave comments in the Shout Out box.
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January 4th- Fishing Dayz and BBQ
January 27th- January Meeting
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Monthly Fly Tying
Dutch Earle will be hosting March Fly Tying. Email Chris Smith for information about the event if you are interested.
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Welcome to our 6 new members:
Jared Anderson
Tim Carden
Bob Cartwright
David Fields
Ralph King
Talbott Parten
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