The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened its virtual doors to a free online fishing clubhouse for anglers between the ages of 5 and 15.
“This fishing club is a fun and helpful way to instill a sense of community and environmental stewardship in young anglers and their families,” said DNR’s Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell.
The club will allow DNR to interact with young anglers and their mentors to promote upcoming youth events across Maryland, share fishing stories on the youth angler’s log and access dependable information on how to succeed in fishing.
“We eventually hope to learn from our young anglers what works for them in developing an appreciation for the outdoors, so we may better support them in their endeavors,” said Letha Grimes, the club’s coordinator.
Membership in the Maryland Youth Fishing Club is free and subject to parental approval. New members will receive a Maryland Youth Fishing Club Patch and access to helpful information from DNR and experts from partner fishing organizations across the State.
To join the Maryland Youth Fishing Club visit dnr.maryland.gov/keepfishing.
For more information, contact Letha Grimes at lgrimes@dnr.state.md.us.
Keep up with the Maryland Fisheries Service by following @MDDNRFISH on Twitter.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tides through the 29th
Tides for Key Bridge, D.C. starting with March 22, 2011.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Tu 22 Low 5:26 AM -0.1 7:09 AM Set 8:33 AM 93
22 High 11:05 AM 3.7 7:22 PM Rise 11:24 PM
22 Low 6:15 PM -0.2
22 High 11:42 PM 3.2
W 23 Low 6:15 AM -0.1 7:07 AM Set 9:19 AM 86
23 High 11:55 AM 3.6 7:23 PM
23 Low 7:08 PM -0.1
Th 24 High 12:36 AM 3.1 7:06 AM Rise 12:32 AM 77
24 Low 7:07 AM 0.0 7:24 PM Set 10:10 AM
24 High 12:48 PM 3.4
24 Low 8:02 PM 0.0
F 25 High 1:33 AM 3.0 7:04 AM Rise 1:33 AM 67
25 Low 8:02 AM 0.2 7:25 PM Set 11:07 AM
25 High 1:46 PM 3.3
25 Low 8:57 PM 0.1
Sa 26 High 2:33 AM 2.9 7:03 AM Rise 2:26 AM 56
26 Low 9:00 AM 0.3 7:26 PM Set 12:07 PM
26 High 2:49 PM 3.1
26 Low 9:54 PM 0.2
Su 27 High 3:35 AM 2.9 7:01 AM Rise 3:10 AM 46
27 Low 10:01 AM 0.3 7:27 PM Set 1:09 PM
27 High 3:54 PM 3.0
27 Low 10:51 PM 0.3
M 28 High 4:35 AM 2.9 6:59 AM Rise 3:47 AM 36
28 Low 11:02 AM 0.4 7:28 PM Set 2:10 PM
28 High 4:58 PM 2.9
28 Low 11:46 PM 0.3
For information on regulations for fishing in Potomac River contact: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Potomac River Fisheries Commission
WARNING: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Tide High and Low, Inc. does not warrant, for any use or purpose, the accuracy nor completeness of these charts. User hereby agrees to hold harmless The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Tide High and Low, Inc., their officers, directors, employees and agents, from any and all liability for any damages whatsoever, and regardless of cause, to person or property, including third persons, arising from the use of this service. The prudent mariner will never rely on any single aid for navigation.
© 2001-2010 Maryland DNR and Tide High and Low, Inc. (www.saltwatertides.com)
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Tu 22 Low 5:26 AM -0.1 7:09 AM Set 8:33 AM 93
22 High 11:05 AM 3.7 7:22 PM Rise 11:24 PM
22 Low 6:15 PM -0.2
22 High 11:42 PM 3.2
W 23 Low 6:15 AM -0.1 7:07 AM Set 9:19 AM 86
23 High 11:55 AM 3.6 7:23 PM
23 Low 7:08 PM -0.1
Th 24 High 12:36 AM 3.1 7:06 AM Rise 12:32 AM 77
24 Low 7:07 AM 0.0 7:24 PM Set 10:10 AM
24 High 12:48 PM 3.4
24 Low 8:02 PM 0.0
F 25 High 1:33 AM 3.0 7:04 AM Rise 1:33 AM 67
25 Low 8:02 AM 0.2 7:25 PM Set 11:07 AM
25 High 1:46 PM 3.3
25 Low 8:57 PM 0.1
Sa 26 High 2:33 AM 2.9 7:03 AM Rise 2:26 AM 56
26 Low 9:00 AM 0.3 7:26 PM Set 12:07 PM
26 High 2:49 PM 3.1
26 Low 9:54 PM 0.2
Su 27 High 3:35 AM 2.9 7:01 AM Rise 3:10 AM 46
27 Low 10:01 AM 0.3 7:27 PM Set 1:09 PM
27 High 3:54 PM 3.0
27 Low 10:51 PM 0.3
M 28 High 4:35 AM 2.9 6:59 AM Rise 3:47 AM 36
28 Low 11:02 AM 0.4 7:28 PM Set 2:10 PM
28 High 4:58 PM 2.9
28 Low 11:46 PM 0.3
For information on regulations for fishing in Potomac River contact: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Potomac River Fisheries Commission
WARNING: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Tide High and Low, Inc. does not warrant, for any use or purpose, the accuracy nor completeness of these charts. User hereby agrees to hold harmless The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Tide High and Low, Inc., their officers, directors, employees and agents, from any and all liability for any damages whatsoever, and regardless of cause, to person or property, including third persons, arising from the use of this service. The prudent mariner will never rely on any single aid for navigation.
© 2001-2010 Maryland DNR and Tide High and Low, Inc. (www.saltwatertides.com)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Chronic Wasting Disease Found in a Deer in Maryland
Chronic Wasting Disease Found in a White-Tailed Deer in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received laboratory confirmation on February 10, 2011 that a white-tailed deer harvested in Maryland tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). This is the first confirmed case of CWD in Maryland. A hunter in Allegany County reported taking the deer on November 27, 2010 in Green Ridge State Forest. Maryland joins 20 other states and Canadian provinces with CWD documented in deer, elk or moose.
"Our team of wildlife professionals has been preparing for this result for some time so we are well-informed and ready to limit the impact of this event,” said Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “We have sampled intensively for this disease since 2002 and see this as an unfortunate but somewhat inevitable outcome. The good news is that our preparation and planning ensure a sound scientific foundation for our response to this single positive test result. With the continued cooperation of hunters, farmers, deer processors and landowners who have supported our monitoring effort, we will manage this deer disease consistent with the best available science and with minimal impact on our deer population and the people who enjoy these great animals.”
“Concerns over CWD should not stop anyone from enjoying venison,” added Peditto, who explained that only four species of the deer family are known to be susceptible to CWD: elk, mule deer, moose and white-tailed deer. Of these, only the white-tailed deer occurs in the wild in Maryland and there are no reported cases of transmission to humans or other animals.
As always, hunters are advised to exercise caution and never consume the meat of sick animals. Hunters are also advised to avoid contact with the brain, spinal column or lymph nodes of deer — all of which are normally removed during the butchering process.
This is the first positive sample out of nearly 6,800 deer tested in Maryland since 1999. From 2002 until 2009 that sampling occurred statewide. In 2010, sampling efforts were focused on Allegany and western Washington counties due to the presence of positive cases in nearby West Virginia and Virginia. West Virginia first detected CWD in Hampshire County in 2005 and it was found in Frederick County, Virginia in early 2010.
“Maryland will continue to work closely with the wildlife professionals in our adjacent states to share information and coordinate response efforts. However, our primary goal is to ensure the public is fully-informed and knows what we know when we know it. We want to be certain that every interested Marylander understands this disease and recognizes that there is no risk to people, pets or domestic livestock. As in every other state with CWD, we will respond appropriately while ultimately learning to live with this disease with little impact to our wildlife or citizens,” Peditto concluded.
For more information on CWD in Maryland and the DNR Response Plan, please visit the DNR Website athttp://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/deer/disease/cwdinformation.asp.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received laboratory confirmation on February 10, 2011 that a white-tailed deer harvested in Maryland tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). This is the first confirmed case of CWD in Maryland. A hunter in Allegany County reported taking the deer on November 27, 2010 in Green Ridge State Forest. Maryland joins 20 other states and Canadian provinces with CWD documented in deer, elk or moose.
"Our team of wildlife professionals has been preparing for this result for some time so we are well-informed and ready to limit the impact of this event,” said Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “We have sampled intensively for this disease since 2002 and see this as an unfortunate but somewhat inevitable outcome. The good news is that our preparation and planning ensure a sound scientific foundation for our response to this single positive test result. With the continued cooperation of hunters, farmers, deer processors and landowners who have supported our monitoring effort, we will manage this deer disease consistent with the best available science and with minimal impact on our deer population and the people who enjoy these great animals.”
“Concerns over CWD should not stop anyone from enjoying venison,” added Peditto, who explained that only four species of the deer family are known to be susceptible to CWD: elk, mule deer, moose and white-tailed deer. Of these, only the white-tailed deer occurs in the wild in Maryland and there are no reported cases of transmission to humans or other animals.
As always, hunters are advised to exercise caution and never consume the meat of sick animals. Hunters are also advised to avoid contact with the brain, spinal column or lymph nodes of deer — all of which are normally removed during the butchering process.
This is the first positive sample out of nearly 6,800 deer tested in Maryland since 1999. From 2002 until 2009 that sampling occurred statewide. In 2010, sampling efforts were focused on Allegany and western Washington counties due to the presence of positive cases in nearby West Virginia and Virginia. West Virginia first detected CWD in Hampshire County in 2005 and it was found in Frederick County, Virginia in early 2010.
“Maryland will continue to work closely with the wildlife professionals in our adjacent states to share information and coordinate response efforts. However, our primary goal is to ensure the public is fully-informed and knows what we know when we know it. We want to be certain that every interested Marylander understands this disease and recognizes that there is no risk to people, pets or domestic livestock. As in every other state with CWD, we will respond appropriately while ultimately learning to live with this disease with little impact to our wildlife or citizens,” Peditto concluded.
For more information on CWD in Maryland and the DNR Response Plan, please visit the DNR Website athttp://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/deer/disease/cwdinformation.asp.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Maryland Trout Stocking
DNR Announces Spring Trout Stocking Schedule
This month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin stocking the first of approximately 327,000 rainbow and brown trout into freshwaters across the State for trout fishing enthusiasts.
“Our pre-season stocking usually starts in early February but too much ice and snow can delay things as we saw last year,” says DNR’s Assistant Fisheries Director Don Cosden. “So, watch our website or call 1-800-688-3467 for updates. I’m already getting excited about the upcoming season and the chance to catch some trout as large as seven or eight pounds.”
The stocking schedule is now online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/stocking and is also available at DNR Regional Service Centers and license vendors. DNR encourages anglers to visit the maps of stocked and special managed streams for directions and more information on trout fishing locations. Pre-season stocking usually starts in the eastern part of the State followed by the western region as the weather warms up.
In order to protect our fish populations and keep their habitat healthy, DNR reminds anglers to clean and dry their gear between streams and outings. Field and laboratory research has confirmed that the felt used for waders is an ideal medium for collecting and transporting microscopic organisms. The discovery of the invasive algae didymo on the lower Savage River shows how easily unwanted organisms can be moved between watersheds and demonstrates that anglers must be more diligent than ever. A good scrubbing with dish soap or a 5 percent salt solution is an easy way to prevent the spread of invaders such as didymo and whirling disease. Convenient wader wash stations are available at several key wild trout areas including the Gunpowder River, Savage River, the North Branch of the Potomac (Barnum area), and Big Hunting Creek.
Anglers need to be aware that a proposed Maryland regulation to prohibit felt soles in all waters is scheduled to become effective in March 2011. DNR welcomes public comment on the proposal through February 28 via email to fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us or by mail to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, ATTN: Felt-Soled Wader Ban Regulation, 580 Taylor Ave., B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401.
This month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin stocking the first of approximately 327,000 rainbow and brown trout into freshwaters across the State for trout fishing enthusiasts.
“Our pre-season stocking usually starts in early February but too much ice and snow can delay things as we saw last year,” says DNR’s Assistant Fisheries Director Don Cosden. “So, watch our website or call 1-800-688-3467 for updates. I’m already getting excited about the upcoming season and the chance to catch some trout as large as seven or eight pounds.”
The stocking schedule is now online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/stocking and is also available at DNR Regional Service Centers and license vendors. DNR encourages anglers to visit the maps of stocked and special managed streams for directions and more information on trout fishing locations. Pre-season stocking usually starts in the eastern part of the State followed by the western region as the weather warms up.
In order to protect our fish populations and keep their habitat healthy, DNR reminds anglers to clean and dry their gear between streams and outings. Field and laboratory research has confirmed that the felt used for waders is an ideal medium for collecting and transporting microscopic organisms. The discovery of the invasive algae didymo on the lower Savage River shows how easily unwanted organisms can be moved between watersheds and demonstrates that anglers must be more diligent than ever. A good scrubbing with dish soap or a 5 percent salt solution is an easy way to prevent the spread of invaders such as didymo and whirling disease. Convenient wader wash stations are available at several key wild trout areas including the Gunpowder River, Savage River, the North Branch of the Potomac (Barnum area), and Big Hunting Creek.
Anglers need to be aware that a proposed Maryland regulation to prohibit felt soles in all waters is scheduled to become effective in March 2011. DNR welcomes public comment on the proposal through February 28 via email to fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us or by mail to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, ATTN: Felt-Soled Wader Ban Regulation, 580 Taylor Ave., B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Monday, January 24, 2011
TPFR casting session
This week the Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders casting session is going to be SATURDAY morning about 8:30 at Fletcher’s Boat House.
We will be on the river with a variety of single and two handed rods and different lines. Come practice, learn a new cast, try out some different rods, and ask questions.
Dress, warm, bring eye-protection, waders if you want to get a little wet - otherwise practice on the grass, or along the bank.
Temps are forecast to be about 40.
Fletcher's Boat House is located 2 miles North of Key Bridge and 1 mile South of Chain Bridge, at the intersection of Reservoir Road and Canal Road. You will know you have reached the entrance to Fletcher's when you see the Abner Cloud House, an old stone building, which is adjacent to the canal.
From 495, take the Glen Echo exit. You will be on the Clara Barton Parkway. Follow the Clara Barton Parkway until it becomes Canal Road at Chain Bridge. Continue on Canal Road until the entrance of Fletcher's at Canal and Reservoir.
From 66 East, take the Rosslyn exit to Key Bridge. Take a left onto Canal Road after crossing over Key Bridge. Bear left at Foxhall to stay on Canal Road, and continue onward until the entrance of Fletcher's at Canal and Reservoir.
--
We will be on the river with a variety of single and two handed rods and different lines. Come practice, learn a new cast, try out some different rods, and ask questions.
Dress, warm, bring eye-protection, waders if you want to get a little wet - otherwise practice on the grass, or along the bank.
Temps are forecast to be about 40.
Fletcher's Boat House is located 2 miles North of Key Bridge and 1 mile South of Chain Bridge, at the intersection of Reservoir Road and Canal Road. You will know you have reached the entrance to Fletcher's when you see the Abner Cloud House, an old stone building, which is adjacent to the canal.
From 495, take the Glen Echo exit. You will be on the Clara Barton Parkway. Follow the Clara Barton Parkway until it becomes Canal Road at Chain Bridge. Continue on Canal Road until the entrance of Fletcher's at Canal and Reservoir.
From 66 East, take the Rosslyn exit to Key Bridge. Take a left onto Canal Road after crossing over Key Bridge. Bear left at Foxhall to stay on Canal Road, and continue onward until the entrance of Fletcher's at Canal and Reservoir.
--
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A conversation with Sheila Hassan
Tell me a little about your background, how did fly fishing become such a big part of your life?
I am a FFF Master Certified Casting Instructor. Worldwide there are approximately ten women with this rating and I was number seven. I am the lead instructor at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing in New York. I have a part time fly casting instructional business and teach private lessons and group classes in the New England area.
I fish both saltwater and freshwater and spend about 75 days per year fishing. I love fly fishing for the challenge that each fishing situation presents. No two days are the same and I love trying figure out what it will take to find and catch fish on any given day.
For my real job, I am a nurse practitioner; this can be very intense job. Fly fishing provides a great balance for my work life. I love being outdoors and being fortunate to spend so much time in nature, you observe things that many people never get to experience.
When did you begin to focus on being a casting instructor?
Unlike most fly fisherman, I did not grow up fly fishing, or fishing. I started spin fishing as an adult. After I enjoyed fishing, I got interested in fly fishing. My husband and I taught ourselves to cast. For me it did not go so easily. At some point, I was a better angler than fly caster, this caused me a lot of stress as I was fishing. I realized that my casting abilities were limiting my fishing. At this point, I took a casting lesson. After the first lesson, it was clear to me that I had no idea what I was doing, so no wonder I was bad. After a series of lessons and a lot of practice, I began to improve. When I could see the benefits of my casting practice, it motivated me to continue. After some time, my casting was no longer the obstacle to my fishing and fly fishing became fun again! When fly casting became fun, it opened the doors to enjoy my time on the water, whether I was catching fish or not.
I decided to become a teacher to help save others from the frustration I felt simply because I did not know what to do to make a good cast. I felt that if I could save someone else even a fraction of the frustration, and time I wasted not being able to cast, then being a fly casting instructor was for me. It is such a great position to be able to share my love of fly fishing with someone else and to see the look on their face as they improve, it is just great!
Who were some of the people who influenced you?
George Roberts (author or Master the Cast and DVD: Saltwater Casting 10 Steps to Power and Distance) was my first casting mentor. George gave me my first fly casting lesson and worked intensively with me over a two year period. He introduced me to Joan's Wulff's method of casting, which I found to be invaluable. George encouraged me to be a fly casting instructor. This is what led to my attending the Wulff Instructors school. There I met Floyd Franke and Joan Wulff both of whom influenced my teaching tremendously. I then was fortunate enough to learn from Floyd Franke ((former lead instructor) , who helped me as I prepared for my Master Casting Instructors test. I have also had the incredible experience of studying directly under Joan Wulff. Teaching alongside Joan has been a fantastic opportunity and I learn something every time I teach with her. I have truly been fortunate to have some great mentors.
So what makes a good fly casting teacher?
The reason I am a good teacher is because of my own struggles. Fly casting did not come easy to me, so I understand a student's struggles. I think that at some point in time I owned every possible casting error. I have not met a student that was worse than I was when I went for my first lesson. Because my greatest skill was tenacity and I was willing to be hard on myself and put in the hours of practice it took to improve, I believe that everyone is capable of change and improving. Some of us just take longer to get this improvement.
Tell me about your book, "Fly Casting: A Systematic Approach," why did you write it?
My book is unique in two ways, first it is divided into complete lesson plans for beginner, intermediate and distance casting. Most books have a chapter on each cast and the learner needs to determine their progression from one cast to the next. This usually means they follow the chapter based on their own interest, not in a pattern where the skills build sequentially on each other. In my book, you can focus on the complete lesson that matches your skill.
The second way my book is unique is that I have included a section on how to practice. The practice section matches the lesson plan approach. If you are following the intermediate casting lesson, then you can follow the practice session for this lesson. There is a fair amount of detail in each practice section. I envisioned someone using this as a checklist format for their practice.
I wrote the book to be an aid for other fly casters like myself, who needed detailed information about what to focus on when casting and how to actually practice casting. During lessons, I give so much information and a person can only absorb a small amount of this. My approach is to help the individual help themselves. The book is a technical manual, meant to be used as a resource for reference, clarification and learning that occurs as you re-read information.
When you get some time off, where do you like to fish?
I like to fish for everything. My most favorite fishing is for bonefish on a beautiful flat somewhere warm and sunny, but I am happy fishing freshwater or saltwater. Outside of Boston is not the best trout fishing so I spend more time saltwater fishing for stripers, blues and false albacore.
What is the most common casting error?
The most common error I observe is using too much force in a cast. Typically, when the cast goes bad, people resort to adding more force as a way to correct the problem, but this rarely works. Other casters use force because they think it is needed to get a good cast.
Fly casting is more about proper timing and speed. Developing the proper speed and timing is a thing of feeling. You can never get this feeling if you are using force to make the rod perform. You need to slow down, and decrease the force used. Then, you can feel the interaction between the rod and line. This is the feeling that good casters have. When you have this feeling, you can adjust your cast for a specific set of conditions. This ability to feel, is what make fly casting so enjoyable, to get it, most people need to back off and use less force.
What is the most important thing anyone can do to improve their casting?
Practice if of course a big piece of being able to change, but practice alone is not enough. Most people tend to practice what they are already good at. This make them feel good, but does not make them a better caster. When working to improve your cast you must be willing to change. The change will not feel comfortable at first. Often when I suggest that someone cast differently, they say it feels awkward. Of course if feels different, it is a new way of doing things. It will not feel natural at first but this is only because you have so much muscle memory for casting the old way. The only reason an instructor suggests that you change your casting is because your prior way of casting is not allowing you to get the results you want it is limiting you. If you practice this new way of casting, it will begin to feel comfortable and you will have better results. If you want a different outcome, you must be willing to change.
Good advice and thanks Sheila for taking the time to talk with us.
I am a FFF Master Certified Casting Instructor. Worldwide there are approximately ten women with this rating and I was number seven. I am the lead instructor at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing in New York. I have a part time fly casting instructional business and teach private lessons and group classes in the New England area.
I fish both saltwater and freshwater and spend about 75 days per year fishing. I love fly fishing for the challenge that each fishing situation presents. No two days are the same and I love trying figure out what it will take to find and catch fish on any given day.
For my real job, I am a nurse practitioner; this can be very intense job. Fly fishing provides a great balance for my work life. I love being outdoors and being fortunate to spend so much time in nature, you observe things that many people never get to experience.
When did you begin to focus on being a casting instructor?
Unlike most fly fisherman, I did not grow up fly fishing, or fishing. I started spin fishing as an adult. After I enjoyed fishing, I got interested in fly fishing. My husband and I taught ourselves to cast. For me it did not go so easily. At some point, I was a better angler than fly caster, this caused me a lot of stress as I was fishing. I realized that my casting abilities were limiting my fishing. At this point, I took a casting lesson. After the first lesson, it was clear to me that I had no idea what I was doing, so no wonder I was bad. After a series of lessons and a lot of practice, I began to improve. When I could see the benefits of my casting practice, it motivated me to continue. After some time, my casting was no longer the obstacle to my fishing and fly fishing became fun again! When fly casting became fun, it opened the doors to enjoy my time on the water, whether I was catching fish or not.
I decided to become a teacher to help save others from the frustration I felt simply because I did not know what to do to make a good cast. I felt that if I could save someone else even a fraction of the frustration, and time I wasted not being able to cast, then being a fly casting instructor was for me. It is such a great position to be able to share my love of fly fishing with someone else and to see the look on their face as they improve, it is just great!
Who were some of the people who influenced you?
George Roberts (author or Master the Cast and DVD: Saltwater Casting 10 Steps to Power and Distance) was my first casting mentor. George gave me my first fly casting lesson and worked intensively with me over a two year period. He introduced me to Joan's Wulff's method of casting, which I found to be invaluable. George encouraged me to be a fly casting instructor. This is what led to my attending the Wulff Instructors school. There I met Floyd Franke and Joan Wulff both of whom influenced my teaching tremendously. I then was fortunate enough to learn from Floyd Franke ((former lead instructor) , who helped me as I prepared for my Master Casting Instructors test. I have also had the incredible experience of studying directly under Joan Wulff. Teaching alongside Joan has been a fantastic opportunity and I learn something every time I teach with her. I have truly been fortunate to have some great mentors.
So what makes a good fly casting teacher?
The reason I am a good teacher is because of my own struggles. Fly casting did not come easy to me, so I understand a student's struggles. I think that at some point in time I owned every possible casting error. I have not met a student that was worse than I was when I went for my first lesson. Because my greatest skill was tenacity and I was willing to be hard on myself and put in the hours of practice it took to improve, I believe that everyone is capable of change and improving. Some of us just take longer to get this improvement.
Tell me about your book, "Fly Casting: A Systematic Approach," why did you write it?
My book is unique in two ways, first it is divided into complete lesson plans for beginner, intermediate and distance casting. Most books have a chapter on each cast and the learner needs to determine their progression from one cast to the next. This usually means they follow the chapter based on their own interest, not in a pattern where the skills build sequentially on each other. In my book, you can focus on the complete lesson that matches your skill.
The second way my book is unique is that I have included a section on how to practice. The practice section matches the lesson plan approach. If you are following the intermediate casting lesson, then you can follow the practice session for this lesson. There is a fair amount of detail in each practice section. I envisioned someone using this as a checklist format for their practice.
I wrote the book to be an aid for other fly casters like myself, who needed detailed information about what to focus on when casting and how to actually practice casting. During lessons, I give so much information and a person can only absorb a small amount of this. My approach is to help the individual help themselves. The book is a technical manual, meant to be used as a resource for reference, clarification and learning that occurs as you re-read information.
When you get some time off, where do you like to fish?
I like to fish for everything. My most favorite fishing is for bonefish on a beautiful flat somewhere warm and sunny, but I am happy fishing freshwater or saltwater. Outside of Boston is not the best trout fishing so I spend more time saltwater fishing for stripers, blues and false albacore.
What is the most common casting error?
The most common error I observe is using too much force in a cast. Typically, when the cast goes bad, people resort to adding more force as a way to correct the problem, but this rarely works. Other casters use force because they think it is needed to get a good cast.
Fly casting is more about proper timing and speed. Developing the proper speed and timing is a thing of feeling. You can never get this feeling if you are using force to make the rod perform. You need to slow down, and decrease the force used. Then, you can feel the interaction between the rod and line. This is the feeling that good casters have. When you have this feeling, you can adjust your cast for a specific set of conditions. This ability to feel, is what make fly casting so enjoyable, to get it, most people need to back off and use less force.
What is the most important thing anyone can do to improve their casting?
Practice if of course a big piece of being able to change, but practice alone is not enough. Most people tend to practice what they are already good at. This make them feel good, but does not make them a better caster. When working to improve your cast you must be willing to change. The change will not feel comfortable at first. Often when I suggest that someone cast differently, they say it feels awkward. Of course if feels different, it is a new way of doing things. It will not feel natural at first but this is only because you have so much muscle memory for casting the old way. The only reason an instructor suggests that you change your casting is because your prior way of casting is not allowing you to get the results you want it is limiting you. If you practice this new way of casting, it will begin to feel comfortable and you will have better results. If you want a different outcome, you must be willing to change.
Good advice and thanks Sheila for taking the time to talk with us.
New Certified Casting Instructors
I will post Dan Davala's note from the Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders on our new CCIs:
I am pleased, excited, and extremely proud to announce to TPFR that we now have THREE NEW FFF CERTIFIED CASTING INSTRUCTORS in the club!!!!! Andy Manley, Dalton Terrell, and Trent Jones all passed the FFF Certified Instructor Exam with flying colors! I would like everyone to know how hard these three have worked to achieve this, and how much preparation, time and effort went into the process.
John Bilotta and I held their first preparation session at Fletcher's on June 17th, 2010, and in the past six months we have gathered in one form or another for many, many hours of practice. During this time, I have had the joy of watching them develop not only their teaching skills, but also refine and polish their own casting in the process. They have gone out in the cold, in the rain, in the wind, and most recently in the snow and ice to practice. All of this preparation came in handy, because they took their performance test yesterday in freezing cold temps complete with gusting wind and drifting snow. Needless to say, their examiners were impressed, and recognized how truly prepared all three of them were. Andy, Dalton, and Trent, WELL DONE!!!
This club is fortunate to have these three in the instructor pool, and I can truly recommend them with the highest level of confidence. Now PUT THEM TO WORK!!!!
Dan Davala
I am pleased, excited, and extremely proud to announce to TPFR that we now have THREE NEW FFF CERTIFIED CASTING INSTRUCTORS in the club!!!!! Andy Manley, Dalton Terrell, and Trent Jones all passed the FFF Certified Instructor Exam with flying colors! I would like everyone to know how hard these three have worked to achieve this, and how much preparation, time and effort went into the process.
John Bilotta and I held their first preparation session at Fletcher's on June 17th, 2010, and in the past six months we have gathered in one form or another for many, many hours of practice. During this time, I have had the joy of watching them develop not only their teaching skills, but also refine and polish their own casting in the process. They have gone out in the cold, in the rain, in the wind, and most recently in the snow and ice to practice. All of this preparation came in handy, because they took their performance test yesterday in freezing cold temps complete with gusting wind and drifting snow. Needless to say, their examiners were impressed, and recognized how truly prepared all three of them were. Andy, Dalton, and Trent, WELL DONE!!!
This club is fortunate to have these three in the instructor pool, and I can truly recommend them with the highest level of confidence. Now PUT THEM TO WORK!!!!
Dan Davala
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday practice
We had a good turn out this morning at Fletcher's for our Sunday casting seminar. Folks were working on a variety of fundamentals with single and two-handed rods.
It was cold, but we had fun. Thanks everyone.
It was cold, but we had fun. Thanks everyone.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bay fish kill
'Very large' fish kill reported in bay
Cold believed cause for 2 million dead spot, croakers
January 04, 2011|By Timothy B. Wheeler, The Baltimore Sun - State officials say they are investigating a "very large" fish kill in the Chesapeake Bay, but suspect cold temperatures killed them, rather than any water-quality problems.
An estimated 2 million fish have been reported dead from the Bay Bridge south to Tangier Sound, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment, which investigates fish kills. The dead fish are primarily adult spot, with some juvenile croakers.
Agency spokeswoman Dawn Stoltzfus said bay water quality appears acceptable, and biologists believe "cold-water stress" the likely cause of the fish kill. Spot are susceptible to colder water, she said, and normally leave the upper bay by now.
Water temperatures plummeted in late December to near-record lows for that time of year, about 36 degrees. The average air temperature last month was 32.4 degrees, 4.3 degrees below normal, and reached 16 degrees at its lowest, according to the National Weather Service.
Large winter kills of spot have been documented at least twice before, the MDE spokeswoman said, with about 15 million dying in early 1976 and a smaller number in 1980. Anyone wanting to report seeing dead fish can call 1-800-MDE-GOTO.
tim.wheeler@baltsun.com
Cold believed cause for 2 million dead spot, croakers
January 04, 2011|By Timothy B. Wheeler, The Baltimore Sun - State officials say they are investigating a "very large" fish kill in the Chesapeake Bay, but suspect cold temperatures killed them, rather than any water-quality problems.
An estimated 2 million fish have been reported dead from the Bay Bridge south to Tangier Sound, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment, which investigates fish kills. The dead fish are primarily adult spot, with some juvenile croakers.
Agency spokeswoman Dawn Stoltzfus said bay water quality appears acceptable, and biologists believe "cold-water stress" the likely cause of the fish kill. Spot are susceptible to colder water, she said, and normally leave the upper bay by now.
Water temperatures plummeted in late December to near-record lows for that time of year, about 36 degrees. The average air temperature last month was 32.4 degrees, 4.3 degrees below normal, and reached 16 degrees at its lowest, according to the National Weather Service.
Large winter kills of spot have been documented at least twice before, the MDE spokeswoman said, with about 15 million dying in early 1976 and a smaller number in 1980. Anyone wanting to report seeing dead fish can call 1-800-MDE-GOTO.
tim.wheeler@baltsun.com
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Tides Jan 3-9
Tides for Key Bridge, D.C. starting with January 3, 2011.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
M 3 Low 1:51 AM -0.3 7:27 AM Rise 6:50 AM 2
3 High 7:20 AM 2.6 4:59 PM Set 4:28 PM
3 Low 1:51 PM -0.3
3 High 7:38 PM 2.9
Tu 4 Low 2:40 AM -0.3 7:27 AM Rise 7:34 AM 0
4 High 8:09 AM 2.6 4:59 PM Set 5:31 PM
4 Low 2:41 PM -0.3
4 High 8:26 PM 2.9
W 5 Low 3:26 AM -0.3 7:27 AM Rise 8:12 AM 0
5 High 8:55 AM 2.6 5:00 PM Set 6:33 PM
5 Low 3:28 PM -0.3
5 High 9:13 PM 2.9
Th 6 Low 4:09 AM -0.3 7:27 AM Rise 8:44 AM 2
6 High 9:40 AM 2.6 5:01 PM Set 7:34 PM
6 Low 4:13 PM -0.2
6 High 9:56 PM 2.8
F 7 Low 4:48 AM -0.2 7:27 AM Rise 9:12 AM 6
7 High 10:22 AM 2.6 5:02 PM Set 8:33 PM
7 Low 4:55 PM -0.2
7 High 10:39 PM 2.7
Sa 8 Low 5:24 AM -0.1 7:27 AM Rise 9:37 AM 11
8 High 11:04 AM 2.6 5:03 PM Set 9:31 PM
8 Low 5:35 PM -0.1
8 High 11:21 PM 2.6
Su 9 Low 5:57 AM -0.1 7:27 AM Rise 10:01 AM 18
9 High 11:44 AM 2.6 5:04 PM Set 10:28 PM
9 Low 6:16 PM 0.0
M 10 High 12:03 AM 2.5 7:27 AM Rise 10:25 AM 26
10 Low 6:26 AM -0.1 5:05 PM Set 11:25 PM
10 High 12:24 PM 2.6
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
M 3 Low 1:51 AM -0.3 7:27 AM Rise 6:50 AM 2
3 High 7:20 AM 2.6 4:59 PM Set 4:28 PM
3 Low 1:51 PM -0.3
3 High 7:38 PM 2.9
Tu 4 Low 2:40 AM -0.3 7:27 AM Rise 7:34 AM 0
4 High 8:09 AM 2.6 4:59 PM Set 5:31 PM
4 Low 2:41 PM -0.3
4 High 8:26 PM 2.9
W 5 Low 3:26 AM -0.3 7:27 AM Rise 8:12 AM 0
5 High 8:55 AM 2.6 5:00 PM Set 6:33 PM
5 Low 3:28 PM -0.3
5 High 9:13 PM 2.9
Th 6 Low 4:09 AM -0.3 7:27 AM Rise 8:44 AM 2
6 High 9:40 AM 2.6 5:01 PM Set 7:34 PM
6 Low 4:13 PM -0.2
6 High 9:56 PM 2.8
F 7 Low 4:48 AM -0.2 7:27 AM Rise 9:12 AM 6
7 High 10:22 AM 2.6 5:02 PM Set 8:33 PM
7 Low 4:55 PM -0.2
7 High 10:39 PM 2.7
Sa 8 Low 5:24 AM -0.1 7:27 AM Rise 9:37 AM 11
8 High 11:04 AM 2.6 5:03 PM Set 9:31 PM
8 Low 5:35 PM -0.1
8 High 11:21 PM 2.6
Su 9 Low 5:57 AM -0.1 7:27 AM Rise 10:01 AM 18
9 High 11:44 AM 2.6 5:04 PM Set 10:28 PM
9 Low 6:16 PM 0.0
M 10 High 12:03 AM 2.5 7:27 AM Rise 10:25 AM 26
10 Low 6:26 AM -0.1 5:05 PM Set 11:25 PM
10 High 12:24 PM 2.6
Sunday casting session on the river
Any TPRF members stop by Flethers this morning for a casting practice session. We will be up and running about 10.
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