Brad Norgaard President

602-670-9582

Don Mickus Vice President 602-920-2350

Alan Davis Secretary

925-785-5583

Barney Rouse Treasurer

602-482-8239

R E E L L I N E SR E E L L I N E S Established 1962 www.azflycasters.org We support catch and release. February 2019

President’s Lines

Where is the time going? It’s already February, which means our Education Committee has our basic fly tying classes going full throttle. Check out the club calendar and you’ll see what I mean. If you’re curious about how flies are tied or would like to tie a few yourself, check out these classes. Our Outings Chair Jim Rondoni has been busy. The outings schedule is really filling up. Jim has already scheduled spring and fall trips to the San Juan along with a number of Salt River Saturdays. He’s working on other trips. Watch for email updates. We’d like to see some new faces at our outings this year. We’re looking for a few volunteers to help at the general meetings with the raffle and merchandise tables and event sign-ups. If you could lend a hand, please let one of the board members know. We would appreciate your help. Remember, our Annual Awards Banquet & Raffle will be held Saturday, March 2. The February 14 general meeting is the last meeting at which you can purchase tickets and make donations. If you can’t make the meeting, you can purchase tickets online on our club’s website, or mail a check, or contact a board member who will assist you in buying tickets or collecting your donations. See the article in this newsletter for more information. We depend heavily on our banquet to raise monies for our club and the causes we support. This year’s event will be even more special, as we’ll be honoring Ron Robinson for his many years of service to AFC. Don’t miss out. On a very sad note, Dr. Jack Miller, one of the club’s founding members and past presidents, passed away. Jack was an extraordinary man who always greeted you with a smile and a genuine handshake. He was also a tremendous fly angler and ambassador for our club. We will miss him greatly. Greg Stock has shared some special memories of Jack in this newsletter. I think you will enjoy reading them. Tight lines and full nets! Your President, Brad Norgaard 602-670-9582

MISSION STATEMENT

The Arizona Flycasters Club is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to encouraging, supporting, and educating its members and the community in the sport of fly fishing, the techniques of fly fishing, and the ethics of “catch and release,” which promotes the conservation of fish and their habitats. The organization’s activities also promote friendship, enjoyment, sportsmanship, and safety.

AFC is affiliated with Fly Fishers International, an organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through conservation, restoration, and education.

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AFC ANNUAL BANQUET & RAFFLE Saturday, March 2, 4:00 PM

Arizona American Italian Club - 7509 North 12th Street, Phoenix, Arizona It has been a great year at AFC. It is time to bring together our club members, family, and guests for fun, food, and raffle prizes. If you are new to the club and have not been to an annual banquet, it is one of our premier events. This year’s event will be extra special. We will honor Ron Robinson for his years of dedicated service to our club. Ron has devoted thousands of hours serving on the board, mentoring dozens of new members, and teaching us every imaginable aspect of fly fishing.

We will be at the Arizona American Italian Club, conveniently located on 12th Street, just a few blocks south of Northern Avenue, on Saturday, March 2. Doors will open at 4:00. A buffet dinner will be served around 6:00. The dinner will feature chicken marsala, pork loin with gravy, vegetable lasagna (for vegetarians), mashed potatoes, Italian vegetables, garden salad, rolls and butter, and dessert! The success of our banquet depends entirely on your donations. It is time to clean out your garages and fly fishing closets. Handcrafted items also are greatly appreciated by your fellow members. Don't forget about gift cards and gift baskets. Remember this is a critical fundraiser for the club. AFC cannot operate without your support. We need every member to make raffle donations. You can bring your donations to the February general meeting. If you need help making donations or cannot make the meeting, contact any board member, and they will be glad to assist. We also need every member to dip into their pockets and buy raffle tickets at the banquet. We’re also going to try something new this year — a Special Wine & Liquor Surprise! Here’s how it will work: members are encouraged to donate bottles of wine or liquor worth at least $20 at the February general meeting. Each donated bottle will be placed in an opaque “mystery” bag, and each mystery bag will then be available for purchase at the banquet for $20. You know when you buy a mystery bag for $20, you are getting a bottle worth at least $20, and it could be worth considerably more! The last step is to take home the bottle and enjoy your surprise! The proceeds will support the club’s activities and causes such as our Northern Arizona University Scholarship, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Arizona Game and Fish Department projects, Trout Unlimited education programs, and White Mountain Lakes Foundation projects. Tickets are still $40 per person. Children 12 and under are $20. You may pay at the February general meeting by cash, check, or credit card. See David Mayl, Don Mickus, or Alan Davis at the membership table. Any board member will also accept your payment. A list of board members and their phone numbers is in this newsletter and on the website. You also may mail a check to Arizona Flycasters Club, P.O. Box 47357, Phoenix, AZ 85068. Or you can pay on the website. If you have questions, contact any board member. Please join us for a special evening honoring Ron and help raise money for our club. Thanks!

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What Should You Donate To Our Annual Banquet & Raffle? David Mayl, Membership Chair

What have you considered donating to our Annual Banquet & Raffle? We all think about possibly donating a fly rod or some other item of equipment. However, there are other things that you can donate that will make somebody very happy. Do you have a boat? Consider donating a day on the water in your boat. You may meet a new fishing partner. What about a timeshare or condo that you will not use this year? A week or even a weekend would make a great donation. Does your occupation involve a special skill or service? One member donated free tax preparation. Many retailers will donate to a charitable club. We have contacted all the fishing stores. However, the next time you are at your favorite restaurant, golf course, barber shop, beauty salon, or car repair garage, why not ask them for a donation? Donations can be tax deductible. Thank you letters (stating that AFC is a 501(c)(3) corporation) can be obtained from Don Mickus at the monthly meetings Time is winding down to make your donations. Our Annual Banquet & Raffle is an important fundraiser for our club. Please consider making donations if you haven’t already. Thank you for supporting AFC! David Mayl, 480-236-6757

Win An Orvis Fly Fishing Outfit!

Craig Mernitz, Fundraising Chair

We’re still selling squares for a beautiful Orvis Recon 10-foot, 5-weight, 4-piece fly rod with silver Hydros III wide arbor fly reel and Hydros HD trout fly line! This outfit is stimulating much interest, being a 10-foot rod, and thus ideal for nymphing and mending techniques on one of our San Juan trips this year. We sold 45 squares at the January general meeting. Now is the time to buy a chance to win this terrific fly fishing outfit by Orvis. Same rules as last time: Each square costs $10 and buys one chance to win. The raffle is open to members and non-members. Come to the general meeting and see what you could win. If you cannot make it to the meeting and would like to purchase squares, or if you have questions, contact Craig Mernitz.

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Pat Dorsey World-Class Fly Fishing Guide

Thursday, February 14, 7:00 PM, Sunnyslope Community Center John Doss, Programs Chair

For more than 25 years, master fly fishing guide Pat Dorsey has been helping anglers of all ages and skill levels discover the joy of fly fishing Colorado’s legendary tailwaters. His professional fishing experience and knowledge of the local water set him apart from other guides. As a fishing guide, Pat not only knows the waters of Colorado better than almost anyone, he’s an expert when it comes to the equipment you’ll need. Beginners will get the right tackle and flies to get them off to a running start, while seasoned anglers will have their skills and abilities pushed to the next level by Pat’s talent and passion.mo Pat is proud to be sponsored by many fine fly fishing equipment and apparel companies, including Simms, Sage, Whiting, Orvis, and more. He’s also a signature fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants. He has worked as head guide and co-owner of the Blue Quill Angler, a full-service fly shop and guide service in Evergreen, Colorado since 1992. His unique niche has been teaching people the love of fly fishing and improving their abilities by tapping into his experience and know-how. Pat has authored three books: Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies, Colorado Guide Flies, and Fly Fishing Tailwaters, and an instructional DVD called Nymphing Strategies. He is a trusted and well-known expert in the fly fishing community whose fishing articles have appeared in national publications. He also serves as Southwest Field Editor for Fly Fisherman Magazine. Pat, his wife Kim, and their five children make their home in Denver, Colorado, just a short drive from Evergreen.

New Member Orientation Classes Sunnyslope Community Center

David Mayl, Membership Chair Attention new members: David Mayl has put together an orientation class, with packet, that is held before every general meeting. These are very informal and fun gatherings designed to help explain things our club offers and perhaps identify what you might be able to do to make our club even more successful. We give everyone the opportunity to ask questions. Though the classes are designed specifically for new members, all members are welcome to attend and participate. We meet just before the general meeting at 6:00 PM in the classroom we use for fly tying at the Sunnyslope Community Center. Hope to see you there. If you have questions, give David Mayl a call at 480-236-6757.

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Casting Class

Saturday, February 16, 9:00 AM, Roadrunner Park Bob Sickles, Education Chair

Our next casting class be held on Saturday, February 16, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Roadrunner Park, located at Cactus Road and 36th Street, just a block east of State Route 51. We gather at the northeast corner of the park, with most of our instruction on the grass. The club has rods and reels for those in need and a fine group of casting instructors. We offer instruction ranging from the very basics to more advanced techniques. If you have questions, give Bob Sickles a call at 602-953-3761.

Fly Tying Classes Continue Throughout February Bob Sickles, Education Chair

Our basic fly tying classes began on January 30 and will continue through the end of February. These are always fun classes and free to all club members. We supply the materials and equipment at no cost. Each class is “stand alone” so you can start at any time. Our crew of instructors will be there to help if you need it. All classes will be held at the Sunnyslope Community Center from 7:00 to 8:45 PM. See the Schedule section of this newsletter or the website for the complete list. If you have questions, give Bob Sickles a call at 602-953-3761.

Salt River Saturday

Saturday, February 16, 10:00 AM, Blue Point Bridge Jim Rondoni, Outings Chair

We’ll be at Blue Point Bridge on the Salt River on February 16 at 10:00 AM to talk about fishing moving water and do some fishing together. The river is liberally stocked with rainbow trout. One of our seasoned members will be there to lead the discussion. Beginning and experienced fly anglers are encouraged to attend, and experienced anglers are encouraged to assist the beginners. Watch your emails for updates. If you have questions, call Jim Rondoni at 623-363-3368. NOTE: You are required to have a Tonto National Forest Pass or a National Park Pass to visit the Salt River. Here is a link to vendors: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5331614.pdf.

San Juan River Spring Outing

March 15-17 Jim Rondoni, Outings Chair

Join us for our spring outing to the San Juan. This is always a fun trip and a great time of year for getting back in touch with nature. Great fishing, great scenery, great camaraderie. Don't miss out, space is limited. Choose from three options: All inclusive - 3 nights, 2 guided fishing days (wade or float), breakfast, and dinner. This is your best

bargain. Room and meals only - 3 nights, breakfast, and dinner Camping on your own - Cottonwood Campground is a good option, but space is limited. The deadline to sign up is February 28 because we have to finalize our accommodations at Fisheads. Lock in your spot now! Contact Jim Rondoni or John Doss.

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Don’t Forget To Pay Your 2019 Membership Dues!

David Mayl, Membership Chair

It is that time again. Your 2019 membership dues—still just $35 for a family membership—were due January 1, 2019. Here are just a few of the great reasons to renew your membership or join the club: · Club-sponsored outings throughout the year including two outings to the San Juan River · Monthly education classes · Casting classes in the fall, winter, and spring · Winter and fall fly tying series · Monthly meetings featuring guest fly fishing professionals from around the country · Monthly raffle · Annual Banquet & Raffle · Social interaction with like-minded anglers Your membership helps ensure that AFC will continue to offer the activities that make us better fly fishers. Membership dues help pay for education classes, program speakers, use of the Sunnyslope Community Center, and other club activities and charitable causes. Payment can be made at the general meeting or online at the AFC website. David Mayl, 480-236-6757

Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups 10:00 AM to Noon at Roadrunner Park

John Doss, Programs Chair

Remember we meet every Wednesday morning at 10:00 at Roadrunner Park. Keep in touch, we occasionally take a quick fishing outing to the Salt River, or we may do some carp fishing here in town, who knows. It’s a great opportunity to get together with like-minded anglers and talk fly fishing. If you have questions, call John Doss at 623-229-8335.

Bunny Leech

Hook: 4xl streamer, sizes 8-10 Thread: 6/0 or 3/0, color to match body Tail: Rabbit, color to match body Body: Rabbit, in olive, gray, black, or natural Head: Thread 1. Place a debarbed hook in the vise and start the thread at the bend of the hook. Tie in a small bunch of rabbit fur for the tail with the tips evened. Make a dubbing loop at the base of the tail and wrap the thread up to just short of the hook eye. 2. Open the dubbing loop and begin filling it with rabbit fur cut directly from the hide. The easiest way to get the fur in the loop is in small clumps. Don’t worry about trying to make the loop look perfect until after all the fur is in the loop. After the loop is filled, pull it tight, and then begin to even up the fur and the tips. After evening up the tips, twist the loop until it’s tight. 3. Now begin to wrap the fur forward on the hook, placing one wrap next to the other. As you wrap, stroke the fibers backwards with your fingers to orient the fibers. Once the eye is reached, tie off the fur and make a neat head and whip finish. Leeches are good general-purpose streamers that work well in still and slow water. Trout especially love a wiggly, rabbit-fur leach. Vary the retrieve until you find what is working at the time. You also can try wind drifting the leech in still water.

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Dr. Jack Miller December 11, 1929—January 13, 2019

By Greg Stock I can't remember exactly when I met Jack. It seems we had always been friends, that’s how Jack was, even though my time with him was relatively short. We met at an AFC meeting; I had been a member for a few years and Jack for close to 50. I do remember sitting with Jack during a meeting and offering to accompany him if he wanted to go fishing. That resulted in me becoming valet, photographer, medic, student, and friend to Jack. Our friendship took us to Lee's Ferry, the San Juan, Wyoming, south Texas, and Hawaii. From, in Jack's words, "The worst ****ing day of fishing in my life," to the best of times with Terry Gunn at Lee's Ferry. My favorite times were when Jack met up with an old friend, like when Jack met a guide on the San Juan who, as a teenager, had ridden his bike to AFC meetings and pestered the old guys. Or when Jack and Terry Gunn sat in the shade of a cliff side, having lunch, feeding Terry's pet trout at Lee's Ferry, and talking about people and times past. Jack was a father and grandfather, Korean War veteran, veterinarian, outdoors man, fly tier, caster, and angler, and an active member, past president, and advocate for AFC. He was who you expected to meet at AFC, the guy you would look for. Jack was the guy with “history”. Jack was the epitome of what it is to be an Arizona Flycaster. He exemplified it through his leadership in education and conservation and his willingness to always help others achieve their goal of becoming better fly anglers. Jack was a gentleman and a good friend, whose memory will live with many of us. He will be missed.

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Board Members

Brad Norgaard President 602-670-9582 stream2699@cox.net Don Mickus Vice President 602-920-2350 mickusdv@cox.net Alan Davis Secretary 925-785-5583 secretary@azflycasters.com Barney Rouse Treasurer 602-482-8239 barnrouse@aol.com John Doss Programs Chair and 623-229-8335 jdoss@dossigan.com Communications/Social Media Chair Barb and Brian Fayle Hospitality Co-Chairs 602-923-7870 bandbfayle@gmail.com Paul Finell Badges Chair 602-741-6563 paul.finell@yahoo.com Chuck Howey Technology Chair 602-866-9495 howeycn@q.com Norm Johnson Project Healing Waters 602-993-6524 johnsonne1@cox.net David Mayl Membership Chair 480-236-6757 dsmayl@cox.net Craig Mernitz Fundraising Chair 602-739-2385 craigmernitz@remax.net Jim Rondoni Outings Chair 623-363-3368 jrondoman@outlook.com Bob Sickles Education Chair 602-953-3761 r.sickles@hotmail.com Steve Nemecek Newsletter Editor 602-540-3846 snemecek@sjbrownlaw.com

SCHEDULE

February 4, 5, 6, 11, 19, 7:00 PM Basic Fly Tying Classes (SSCC) 20, 25, 27 6, 13, 20, 27 10:00 AM Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups (Roadrunner Park) 14 7:00 PM General Meeting (Pat Dorsey)(SSCC) 16 9:00 AM Casting Class (Roadrunner Park) 16 10:00 AM Salt River Saturday (Blue Point Bridge) 21 7:00 PM Board Meeting (SSCC)

March 2 4:00 PM Annual Banquet & Raffle (Arizona Italian American Club) 6, 13, 20, 27 10:00 AM Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups (Roadrunner Park) 6, 18, 20 7:00 PM Rod Construction Classes (SSCC) 9 9:00 AM Casting Class (Roadrunner Park) 14 7:00 PM General Meeting (Duane Redford)(SSCC) 15-17 San Juan River Spring Outing 16, 30 10:00 AM Salt River Saturdays (Blue Point Bridge) 21 7:00 PM Board Meeting (SSCC) 21-24 10:00 AM International Sportsmen’s Expo (WestWorld of Scottsdale)

April 3, 10, 17, 24 10:00 AM Wednesday Fly Fishing Meet-Ups (Roadrunner Park) 11 7:00 PM General Meeting (SSCC) 18 7:00 PM Board Meeting (SSCC) 20 9:00 AM Casting Class (Roadrunner Park) 27 Lake Pleasant Float Tube Outing

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Arizona Flycasters Club general meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the second Thursday of every month at the Sunnyslope Community Center. The Annual Banquet and Raffle is held in February or March. Watch for further details. The Arizona Flycasters Club newsletter is published by the Arizona Flycasters Club and is distributed to its members and advertisers. Opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the club. Advertisements are placed as a means of conveying the message of the advertisers. The Arizona Flycasters Club does not necessarily endorse the advertiser’s products or services.

Arizona Flycasters Club P.O. Box 47357 Phoenix, AZ 85068-7357 http://www.azflycasters.org

This space reserved for your name and address.

Next General Meeting:

Pat Dorsey

World-Class Fly Fishing Guide

Thursday, February 14, 2019

7:00 PM

Arizona Flycasters Club

P.O. Box 47357

Phoenix, AZ 85068-7357