Big Year Update - 4/30/2018

The Big Year is off to a great start!  Although no submissions were received this past week, we have seen a significant increase in submission during the last half of April.  It is great to see our club members getting involved with The Big Year and getting out to fish!  Last week, there was some confusion regarding the identification of some sunfish species, but after further review we believe we have identified them properly, and we have made the the adjustments to the leaderboard.  The fish have been more cooperative, and there's now a great opportuntiy to increase the number of species on your list!  Here's the updated leaderboard as of 4/30/18:

1. David Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Rio Grande Cichlid, Pinfish, Gulf Killifish, Redear Sunfish, Flier, Green Sunfish) 3/2/18 @ 7:19pm

2. Chuck Miller (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Redear Sunfish, Spotted Bass) 3/1/18 @ 6:09pm

3. Brian Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Redear Sunfish) 3/2/18 @ 7:21pm

4. Grady Johnson (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, White Crappie) 3/17/18 @ 8:17pm

5. A.J. Rosenbohm (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Green Sunfish) 4/2/18 @ 7:18pm

6. Jimmie Hyatt (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish) 3/1/18 @ 9:28am

7. Sean Gilthorpe (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfush) 3/1/18 @ 5:05pm

8. Joe Bandera (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish) 3/8/18 @ 7:11pm

9. Urbain Breaud (Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bluegill) 3/23/18 @ 7:56am

10. Bill DeCastro (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish) 4/3/18 @ 8:21pm

11. Kirk Dietrich (Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Green Sunfish) 4/22/18 @ 12:39pm

12. Ray Baltz (Bluegill) 3/17/18 @ 8:31am

13. Joel Hamilton (Bluegill) 4/16/18 @ 7:12pm

14. Jack Crais (Largemouth Bass) 4/21/18 @ 2:56pm


Also, just as a reminder:  Please be sure to submit all CPR entries to nolaffc@gmail.com so we can track them more accurately.  Remember, it isn't the size of the fish that's important, it's the diversity of fish species that will determine the winner.The time of 1st entry will be the tie-breaker (in the event it is needed).  Most importantly, have fun!

The Big Year is off and running, full steam ahead!  I can't wait to see everyone's catches in the upcoming months.  If you haven't had the opportunity to pickup a stamped tournament ID card, please let either myself, A.J. Rosenbohm, or Jimmie Hyatt know so you can participate in The Big Year!  Please take advantage of this tournament, and use it as an opportunity to catch fishes you normally don't pursue within the FFI Gulf Coast Council region.

City Park Cleanup!!! 5/12/2018

David Karcher, NOFF Member and avid angler, came up with the idea of the City Park Cleanup while fishing in the Park.

The New Orleans Fly Fishers Club will be hosting a Cleanup in City Park on May 12th.  We would like to thank David Karcher for coming up with the idea for this project.  David's passion for fishing and keeping City Park clean has inspired the club to work towards this service project in City Park.  We would like to invite everyone who enjoys City Park and everything it has to offer to join us for our Cleanup effort!  This is a great way to give back to the community, as well as ensure City Park maintains it's excellent reputation as an premier Urban Fishery.  Details of the City Park Cleanup are below: 

The NOFF City Park Cleanup will occur in the area circled above:  Below the Harrison Ave. loop, across from the Frisbee Golf Course and the Quad

We will be holding the cleanup along the bayou on Diagonal Dr., across from the softball fields and frisbee golf course.  We will be working from 8am-11am in this area.  All are welcome to join us in this cleanup effort!  City Park will be providing lawn tools, and the Club will be providing trash bags.  The Club will provide donuts in the morning, and water will be available for those working with the cleanup.  Volunteers need to bring their own eye protection and gloves.  If anyone has access to gas-operated weed eaters, we ask that you please bring them to help with the cleanup, and help make the banks more accessible to fly fishers.  After the Cleanup, volunteers are invited to bring their fishing tackle and go fishing, or enjoy City Park in any other way!  We hope you can join us for this worthy cause, and look forward to the opportunity to give back to a place that has given us so much.

The Big Year Update - 4/23/18

Oprah must've known we were looking for new species for The Big Year!!!

This is an exciting time for the NOFF.  The Club had an extremely successful weekend at the Farm Ponds this past Saturday.  The weather was excellent and the fish were cooperative.  14 members were in attendance, and all in attendance had an opportunity to increase their number of species caught for Big Year, and everyone caught fish!!!  The ponds were teeming with multiple sunfish species, including Bluegills, Redear, and Longear Sunfish.  As a matter of fact, almost everyone in attendance caught a Redear Sunfish!  Myself, and the rest of the Club, would like to thank Clarke Lozes for the work he does to prepare the Farm Ponds for this event. 

Club President, A.J. Rosembohm, with a nice redear!

In addition to the action at the Farm Ponds action, there were other anglers who made their debut on the leaderboard, as well as other noteworthy catches.  Joel Hamilton made his entry for Bluegill early last week.  Kirk Dietrich also made a splash at the Farm Ponds, recording 3 species over the weekend.  Club President A.J. Rosenbohm has a successful weekend recording 4 new species (Largemouth Bass, Redear, Longear Sunfish, and Warmouth).  Finally, David Karcher has reestablished himself atop the leader board, recording 3 new sunfish species (Redear, Longear, and Warmouth).  Here's the updated leaderboard as of 4/23/18:

Joel Hamilton's Bluegill entry

1. David Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Rio Grande Cichlid, Pinfish, Gulf Killifish, Redear Sunfish, Longear Sunfish, Warmouth) 3/2/18 @ 7:19pm

2. Chuck Miller (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Redear Sunfish, Spotted Bass) 3/1/18 @ 6:09pm

3. Brian Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Redear Sunfish, Longear Sunfish) 3/2/18 @ 7:21pm

4. A.J. Rosenbohm (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish ) 4/2/18 @ 7:18pm

5. Joe Bandera (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Redear Sunfish) 3/8/18 @ 7:11pm

6. Grady Johnson (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, White Crappie) 3/17/18 @ 8:17pm

7. Jimmie Hyatt (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish) 3/1/18 @ 9:28am

8. Sean Gilthorpe (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfush) 3/1/18 @ 5:05pm

9. Urbain Breaud (Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bluegill) 3/23/18 @ 7:56am

10. Bill DeCastro (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish) 4/3/18 @ 8:21pm

11. Kirk Dietrich (Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Warmouth) 4/22/18 @ 12:39pm

12. Ray Baltz (Bluegill) 3/17/18 @ 8:31am

13. Joel Hamilton (Bluegill) 4/16/18 @ 7:12pm

14. Jack Crais (Largemouth Bass) 4/21/18 @ 2:56pm

Bill DeCastro's Redear Sunfish entry

Also, just as a reminder:

Please be sure to submit all CPR entries to nolaffc@gmail.com so we can track them more accurately.
Remember, it isn't the size of the fish that's important, it's the diversity of fish species that will determine the winner.The time of 1st entry will be the tie-breaker (in the event it is needed).  Most importantly, have fun!

Jack Crais with his Largemouth Bass

The Big Year is off and running, full steam ahead!  I can't wait to see everyone's catches in the upcoming months.  If you haven't had the opportunity to pickup a stamped tournament ID card, please let either myself, A.J. Rosenbohm, or Jimmie Hyatt know so you can participate in The Big Year!  Please take advantage of this tournament, and use it as an opportunity to catch fishes you normally don't pursue within the FFI Gulf Coast Council region.

Fly Swap #2 - Dry Flies

The deadline to join the Dry Fly Swap has come and passed.  Here is the list of participants and their chosen fly patterns:

A.J. Rosenbohm - Adams
Bill DeCastro - Wally Wing Mayfly
Chuck Miller - Renegade
Jimmie Hyatt - Hopper
Joe Bandera - Winged Red Ant & White Latex Ant
Sean Gilthorpe - Humpy

The swap will take place on May 10th!  These swaps are a great opportunity to practice fly tying skills, familiarize yourself with various patterns, and discuss various techniques with fellow fly tyers.  We will be hosting various swaps throughout the year.  Please let us know if you'd like to participate in future swaps.  The more, the merrier!

The Big Year - 4/16/18

Grady Johnson's Longear Sunfish entry

April continues to challenge us with ever changing weather!  With the first half of April bringing inconsistent weather, the second half of April should bring more pleasant weather.  Hopefully, as the weather improves, more members will be able to partake in the fun!  With an upcoming club outing at The Farm Ponds this Saturday, there is a great opportunity to get on the leaderboard this upcoming week!

Grady Johnson's White Crappie entry

Although there wasn't much activity this week, There was one angler who managed to make their mark on the Leaderboard this past week!  Grady Johnson made entries for Longear Sunfish and White Crappie!  Here's the updated leaderboard as of 4/15/18:

1. Chuck Miller (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Redear Sunfish, Spotted Bass) 3/1/18 @ 6:09pm
2. David Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Rio Grande Cichlid, Pinfish, Gulf Killifish) 3/2/18 @ 7:19pm3. Brian Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Redear Sunfish) 3/2/18 @ 7:21pm
4. Grady Johnson (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, White Crappie) 3/17/18 @ 8:17pm
5. Urbain Breaud (Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bluegill) 3/23/18 @ 7:56am
6. Jimmie Hyatt (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/1/18 @ 9:28am
7. Sean Gilthorpe (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/1/18 @ 5:05pm
8. Joe Bandera (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/8/18 @ 7:11pm
9. Bill DeCastro (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 4/3/18 @ 8:21pm
10. Ray Baltz (Bluegill) 3/17/18 @ 8:31am
11. A.J. Rosenbohm (Bluegill) 4/2/18 @ 7:18pm


Also, just as a reminder:
Please be sure to submit all CPR entries to nolaffc@gmail.com so we can track them more accurately.
Remember, it isn't the size of the fish that's important, it's the diversity of fish species that will determine the winner.The time of 1st entry will be the tie-breaker (in the event it is needed).Most importantly, have fun!


The Big Year is off and running, full steam ahead!  I can't wait to see everyone's catches in the upcoming months.  If you haven't had the opportunity to pickup a stamped tournament ID card, please let either myself, A.J. Rosenbohm, or Jimmie Hyatt know so you can participate in The Big Year!  Please take advantage of this tournament, and use it as an opportunity to catch fishes you normally don't pursue within the FFI Gulf Coast Council region.

The Big Year Update - 4/9/2018

Bill DeCastro's Bluegill

The first week of April presented us with some challenging weather.  The week started pleasant and warm, then turned cold and cloudy, as a cold front passed through.  According to the forecast, this week appears to remain windy, but the temperatures should be warmer.  Hopefully, as the weather improves, more members will be able to partake in the fun!  

Although the weather was less than ideal, it wasn't a complete wash.  There were two anglers who managed to make their mark on the Leaderboard this past week!  Bill DeCastro made his 1st entries of the tournament (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill).  Chuck Miller also made a splash with is Spotted Bass entry, which puts him atop the Leaderboard, as of press time!

Chuck Miller's Spotted Bass

1. Chuck Miller (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Redear Sunfish, Spotted Bass) 3/1/18 @ 6:09pm
2. David Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Rio Grande Cichlid, Pinfish, Gulf Killifish) 3/2/18 @ 7:19pm
3. Brian Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Redear Sunfish) 3/2/18 @ 7:21pm
4. Urbain Breaud (Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bluegill) 3/23/18 @ 7:56am
5. Jimmie Hyatt (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/1/18 @ 9:28am
6. Sean Gilthorpe (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/1/18 @ 5:05pm
7. Joe Bandera (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/8/18 @ 7:11pm
8. Grady Johnson (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/17/18 @ 8:17pm
9. Bill DeCastro (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 4/3/18 @ 8:21pm
10. Ray Baltz (Bluegill) 3/17/18 @ 8:31am
11. A.J. Rosenbohm (Bluegill) 4/2/18 @ 7:18pm

Bill DeCastro's Largemouth Bass 

Also, just as a reminder:
Please be sure to submit all CPR entries to nolaffc@gmail.com so we can track them more accurately.
Remember, it isn't the size of the fish that's important, it's the diversity of fish species that will determine the winner.The time of 1st entry will be the tie-breaker (in the event it is needed).Most importantly, have fun!

The Big Year is off and running, full steam ahead!  I can't wait to see everyone's catches in the upcoming months.  If you haven't had the opportunity to pickup a stamped tournament ID card, please let either myself, A.J. Rosenbohm, or Jimmie Hyatt know so you can participate in The Big Year!  Please take advantage of this tournament, and use it as an opportunity to catch fishes you normally don't pursue within the FFI Gulf Coast Council region.

The Big Year Update - 4/3/2018

Brian Karcher's Redear Sunfish entry

March has come and gone, Easter has passed, and we're now into April!  Due to the Easter Holiday, there was a slight delay in making this weekly update.  We've had great participation in The Big Year, and we're looking forward to the months ahead, to see more members participate and the fish they catch.  There has been a high level of activity over the last week.  

A.J. Rosenbohm's Bluegill entry

This past week has certainly been an active one!  As of 4/2/18, there are 10 members on The Big Year Leaderboard.  David Karcher, our youngest member, jumps to 1st place with a couple of micro-saltwater species entries (pinfish and gulf killifish).  Chuck Miller made his entry for Redear Sunfish, and Brian Karcher each made entries for Redear Sunfish and Spotted Bass.  Urbain Breaud logged entries for Spotted Bass and Bluegill.  And last, but certainly not least, A.J. Rosenbohm makes his Big Year debut with a Bluegill!

Urbain Breaud Bluegill entry

Here are the current standings, with the list of species caught, and the date and time of the respective angler's 1st entry, which serves as the tie breaker for purposes of this tournament:

David Karcher's Gulf Killifish entry

1. David Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Rio Grande Cichlid, Pinfish, Gulf Killifish) 3/2/18 @ 7:19pm
2. Chuck Miller (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Redear Sunfish) 3/1/18 @ 6:09pm
3. Brian Karcher (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Redear Sunfish) 3/2/18 @ 7:21pm
4. Urbain Breaud (Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bluegill) 3/23/18 @ 7:56am
5. Jimmie Hyatt (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/1/18 @ 9:28am
6. Sean Gilthorpe (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/1/18 @ 5:05pm
7. Joe Bandera (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/8/18 @ 7:11pm
8. Grady Jackson (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill) 3/17/18 @ 8:17pm
9. Ray Baltz (Bluegill) 3/17/18 @ 8:31am
10. A.J. Rosenbohm (Bluegill) 4/2/18 @ 7:18pm

Chuck Miller's Redear Sunfish entry

Also, just as a reminder:
Please be sure to submit all CPR entries to nolaffc@gmail.com so we can track them more accurately.
Remember, it isn't the size of the fish that's important, it's the diversity of fish species that will determine the winner.The time of 1st entry will be the tie-breaker (in the event it is needed).Most importantly, have fun!

David Karcher's Pinfish entry

The Big Year is off and running, full steam ahead!  I can't wait to see everyone's catches in the upcoming months.  If you haven't had the opportunity to pickup a stamped tournament ID card, please let either myself, A.J. Rosenbohm, or Jimmie Hyatt know so you can participate in The Big Year!  Please take advantage of this tournament, and use it as an opportunity to catch fishes you normally don't pursue within the FFI Gulf Coast Council region.