Posted on December 27, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

2024 Annual Dinner and Fundraiser

ANNUAL DINNER and FUNDRAISER

WILD ALASKAN SALMON BBQ

with HORS D’OEUVRES to spur your appetite

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd

5:00 – 9:00 pm

followed by

Prizes—Prizes—Prizes

PAJARO VALLEY ROD AND GUN CLUB

557 1/2 LAKEVIEW RD. , WATSONVILLE

ANNUAL. FUND RAISER COORDINATOR: DAVID SOUTH (831)713-5866 (831)234-0196

DINNER TICKETS: Are $40 and have already sold out..

VOLUNTEERS: Many long-term club members say that the best part of our event is the time volunteering, and working with others to put the whole event together. Contact Elaine Cook at (831)231-6515 or (831)-251-4741, or coookin@gmail.com (no text please) to find out how you can best help.

DONATIONS: Our club would be grateful for donations to be used as raffle prizes at our annual fundraiser. Examples: flies you have tied, other handcrafted items, business services, personal services such as fly-tying lessons, casting lessons, etc. If you have such a contribution, please contact our annual raffle coordinator Rick Chace, at (831)234-9200.

RAFFLE TICKETS: Can be purchased online when buying your dinner ticket (which will be issued at the door),or at our event. Two door prizes of 50 raffle tickets will be awarded, which should increase your chances of winning. There will be silent auction items as well.

ABOUT THE ROD AND GUN CLUB: it’s located in a rural setting overlooking Kelley lake. The parking lot is gravel so not a problem if it’s raining. Their insurance doesn’t permit us to bring alcohol. However, there is a cash bar where drinks and sodas can be purchased.

SO ALL IN ALL, COME SUPPORT YOUR CLUB, AND DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN.

Ticket purchasers : (as of Jan 25, 1:00 pm)

R. Arola (2)
G. Badger (2)
Y. Bernabe (1)
S. Bishop (2) *
J. Bohn (1)
R. Bruce (1)
B. Burt (1)
T. Carson (1)
R. Chace (2)
B. Ciapponi (1)
M. Converse (2)
E. Cook (1)
J. Cook (2)
S . Coplan (2)
G. Cumming (1) *
M. de Guzman (1)
M. Diciano (4)
J. Doe (2) *
M. Duckworth (2)
D. Eaton (2) *
J. Eichhorn (1)
K. Escobar (2)
R. Ethington (2) *
F. Farias (2)
G. Foy (2)
A. Frankl (1)
R. Garbarino (1)
J. Goyert (1)
L. Hardesty (2)
M. Hermansky (1) *
Cody Hill (3)
Mason Hill (1)
T. Hogye (2)
R. Holombo (2)
W. Hopkins (2)
J. Hopkins (2)
R. Hughett (2)
J. Ice (1)
M. Imlay (8)
D. Kamradt (2)
B. Kemp (1) *
M. Kemp (1)
S. Kitayama (2)
G. Lee (1)
T. Loomis (1)
M. Lovejoy (2)
D. Marks (1)
K. McClish (2)
M. Mcgibben (1)
Jerry Mckeon (1)
C. McVeight (1)
J. Mello III (2)
K. Morrison (2) *
G. Muir (5)
K. Murdock (5) *
W. Murphy (1) *
A. Muzzio (3)
A. Pavot (2)
T. Pelikan (2)
B. Peterson (1)
H. Petrakis (4)
M. Phinn (2)
P. Purtscher (1)
K. Powers (3)
A. Presser (2)
R. Ransdall (1) *
R. Reed (2)
J. Register (2)
P. Reis (2)
J. Rosendale (1)
B. Scott (1)
B. Seaman (1)
C. Severs (2)
M. Sherwood (2)
P Shields (2)
D. South (2)
C. Stipes (1)
P. Swarzenski (1)
W. Taguinod (3)
R. Thompson (5)
M. Twisselman (2)
J. Tolonen (1)
M. Traugott (1)
T. Umstead (1)
M. White (1)
D. Witmer (2)
L Yien (1)

Asterisk means that the person paid by cash or check. Did not purchase through website.

Loading Map....

Pajaro Valley Rod & Gun club is located 14 miles south of the Aptos Grange.

Posted on December 27th, 2023

Date: January 3, 2024

Time: 6:45 pm

Place: Aptos Grange and Zoom

Posted on December 27, 2023December 31, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Fish Stories from our members

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89352294939

Let’s start the year by hearing some fish stories from fellow club members. Stories will be about a 50 year fish hunt, chasing native fish in the west, blitzes in the bay and more. Hope to see you there!

For those of you who want to see what people did in 2023, please spend time looking at the pictures and captions on the club’s website: www.santacruzflyfishing.org . Viewing is best done on a full screen computer and when you click on the picture, you get a larger image and the full description. Images are sorted chronologically and hitting the ‘Load More’ button at the bottom of the page will show pictures from earlier in the year. Also, please share your pictures with others by sending them to Jerry at metropolitantrout@gmail.com.

Posted on December 27th, 2023

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

January: Back to Basics

The week before Christmas, I attended Alex Ferber’s Spey casting class. Quite a few members attended including, Mike DiCiano, Barry Burt, Mike White, Scott Anderson, Bob Garbarino, Fred Farias, Greg Finney, Ricardo Cortes, and others. What I learned at the class was that the basics are more important than learning a new fangled cast. Spey casts are used on larger rivers where the fly line is directly below you in the river and you want to roll cast about 60 degrees upstream without smacking yourself in the head. Therefore the “basics’ is to be able to roll cast and with some instruction and practice, I was able to extend my roll cast with little effort in the cast. Still working on the Spey cast, but the basic roll cast is where I am spending my time.

Post-class, I went to lunch with Alex, Bob, Fred and Tom Hogye and the discussion shifted to the plans for the upcoming 2024 casting classes. Surprisingly, despite the influx of new members, the monthly single-hand casting clinics wasn’t highly attended . Reflecting on my own sporadic participation in 2023, I recognized the missed opportunities for improving my skills. As fishing scenarios from the past year replayed in my mind, the potential for greater enjoyment became obvious:

Stream dry fly fishing would improve by tightening my loop and improved mending to make a drag free presentation.
In the surf or sitting in a float tube, a well-executed double haul ensures a faster sink, maximizing the time spent in the strike zone.
And casting the euro/mono rig? Ugh, a situation where all my bad habits get magnified and motivates me to do more than simply lob the rig into the water.

Fortunately, we have monthly clinics with fellow club members offering support and guidance for anglers at all levels. I am going to make an effort to attend them and hope to see others out there.

Another basic for 2024:

This one is hard to admit. Another goal in 2024 is to eliminate lost rigs due to pigtails. Retrieving rigs and seeing the telltale curls is really frustrating. So I am practicing my clinch knots and loop knots using a forcep. There are lots of videos on Youtube that show how to tie knots faster with a forcep and I like using the handle to cinch down on the knot to make sure it is secure.

I hope you take a few minutes and think about your fishing goals for 2024 and what you can do during the winter to help achieve them.

See you in the new year,

Scott Kitayama

Posted on December 27th, 2023

Posted on November 29, 2023November 30, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

December 2023 Table of Contents

2024 Annual Dinner & Fundraiser………………
General Meeting……………………
Lance Gray
December Raffle……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
December Class: Trout Nugget
Fly of the Month: Tying Tips
Conservation Concerns……………
SCFF Volunteers on Little Arthur Creek
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – December
2024 membership renewals
Fishout Schedule…………………
Cartoon ……………………

Posted on November 29th, 2023

Posted on November 29, 2023November 29, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

2024 Annual Dinner and Fundraiser

ANNUAL DINNER and FUNDRAISER

WILD ALASKAN SALMON BBQ

with HORS D’OEUVRES to spur your appetite

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd

5:00 – 9:00 pm

followed by

Prizes—Prizes—Prizes

PAJARO VALLEY ROD AND GUN CLUB

557 1/2 LAKEVIEW RD. , WATSONVILLE

ANNUAL. FUND RAISER COORDINATOR: DAVID SOUTH (831)713-5866 (831)234-0196

DINNER TICKETS: Are $40 and have already sold out..

SO ALL IN ALL, COME SUPPORT YOUR CLUB, AND DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN.

Ticket purchasers : (as of Jan 25, 1:00 pm)

R. Arola (2)
G. Badger (2)
Y. Bernabe (1)
S. Bishop (2) *
J. Bohn (1)
R. Bruce (1)
B. Burt (1)
T. Carson (1)
R. Chace (2)
B. Ciapponi (1)
M. Converse (2)
E. Cook (1)
J. Cook (2)
S . Coplan (2)
G. Cumming (1) *
M. de Guzman (1)
M. Diciano (4)
J. Doe (2) *
M. Duckworth (2)
D. Eaton (2) *
J. Eichhorn (1)
K. Escobar (2)
R. Ethington (2) *
F. Farias (2)
G. Foy (2)
A. Frankl (1)
R. Garbarino (1)
J. Goyert (1)
L. Hardesty (2)
M. Hermansky (1) *
Cody Hill (3)
Mason Hill (1)
T. Hogye (2)
R. Holombo (2)
W. Hopkins (2)
J. Hopkins (2)
R. Hughett (2)
J. Ice (1)
M. Imlay (8)
D. Kamradt (2)
B. Kemp (1) *
M. Kemp (1)
S. Kitayama (2)
G. Lee (1)
T. Loomis (1)
M. Lovejoy (2)
D. Marks (1)
K. McClish (2)
M. Mcgibben (1)
Jerry Mckeon (1)
C. McVeight (1)
J. Mello III (2)
K. Morrison (2) *
G. Muir (5)
K. Murdock (5) *
W. Murphy (1) *
A. Muzzio (3)
A. Pavot (2)
T. Pelikan (2)
B. Peterson (1)
H. Petrakis (4)
M. Phinn (2)
P. Purtscher (1)
K. Powers (3)
A. Presser (2)
R. Ransdall (1) *
R. Reed (2)
J. Register (2)
P. Reis (2)
J. Rosendale (1)
B. Scott (1)
B. Seaman (1)
C. Severs (2)
M. Sherwood (2)
P Shields (2)
D. South (2)
C. Stipes (1)
P. Swarzenski (1)
W. Taguinod (3)
R. Thompson (5)
M. Twisselman (2)
J. Tolonen (1)
M. Traugott (1)
T. Umstead (1)
M. White (1)
D. Witmer (2)
L Yien (1)

Asterisk means that the person paid by cash or check. Did not purchase through website.

Loading Map....

Pajaro Valley Rod & Gun club is located 14 miles south of the Aptos Grange.

Posted on November 29th, 2023

Posted on November 29, 2023November 29, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

December Raffle

What is the best way to win your own Christmas present? Buy a bunch of raffle tickets for the drawing at the meeting on Wednesday, December 6th!

Naughty or nice, Santa doesn’t care. Buy a raffle ticket and be a winner!

We just got in a bunch of really nice V-Access rods; 9 ft. 4 piece with hard chrome guides, AA cork handles, and K-carbon tube aluminum reel seats. They each include a hard protective zippered tube case. Each rod is paired with either an AG or Anatono matching reel.

TWO! rod/reel packages will be given away by winners choice. Pick between a 5 wt, 6wt,7wt, or 8wt. rod. There will be 4 different rods to choose from, a total of 2 two rod/reels will be awarded.

Wintertime fishing means Steelhead fishing which also means river wading.

When river wading for Steelhead or other creek and stream inhabitants it is always a good idea to make use of a quality wading staff. From Orvis we have an American-made collapsing wading staff which includes a heavy duty Orvis zinger tether and neoprene belt sheath. A great aid in keeping safe and stable on the water.

Speaking of wintertime fishing or even on a ladder in April at Pyramid, take a look at this quilted Primaloft insulated Gortex Veil Camo hat from Simms. Warm and waterproof with secure earflaps, this headgear will keep you on the fish during the worst weather out there. As is said,”Don’t change your plans, change your clothes “.

Don’t miss out on these great raffle prizes. Tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky raffle tickets:

Buy Raffle Tickets

The online ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the Fly Club meeting. The drawing will take place at the monthly meeting (12/6/23) held at the Aptos Grange. Club membership is not required to participate, need not be present to win.

Participation in the monthly raffle helps support your Fly Club and is greatly appreciated.

Posted on November 29th, 2023

Posted on November 29, 2023November 29, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Behind the Scenes

I have been told that the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing club has been doing an Annual Dinner and Fundraiser since way back in 1992. Last year’s lunch event was fun, but lacked the opportunity to have a sit down dinner with a lot of members of the club. Your board has been busy preparing for the February 3rd event and I just wanted to share with you some of what we are doing to make it happen and what you can do to help.

Wild Salmon Dinner

Securing a wild-caught salmon dinner has become more challenging due to the closure of the California fishery last year. However, for our upcoming dinner, dedicated members flew to a remote part of Alaska to obtain our salmon.. Below is Sam catching our dinner.

Along with the salmon, we will be serving salad courtesy of California Grill/Lakeside Organic Gardens. The Peixoto run the largest family-owned organic farm in the US and grow most of their vegetables around Watsonville including decades at my family’s farm. Along with the fish and Salmon, Dave South has been busy sourcing the rest of the dinner from local, organic vendors around the county. And Elaine Cook is organizing a team to prepare delightful appetizers for everyone to enjoy while perusing the prizes, purchasing additional raffle tickets, and mingling with fellow attendees.

Raffle Prizes

Oh do we miss John Steele. For many, many years, John, would shop sales, fix equipment and create wonderful art work for the Annual Dinner. John had big shoes to fill, so we so we got a big man, Rick Chace, to step into the role. We are still acquiring prizes, but from what I have seen, there is going to be some nice stuff and a lot of it: at least 16 rods, 4 float tubes, tons of fly tying material, and boxes full of flies. We are hoping to get more non-fishing prizes for the raffle and welcome any donations from the membership. Maybe a gift certificate for a product or service? A piece of art? Bottle of wine? If you have any donation, please contact Rick Chace (rchase@got.net) or (831) 234-9200.

Unlike our monthly raffles, you must be present to win, ensuring that you’re only competing against others in the room. Our goal is for everyone to leave with something.

New Location

For years, the dinner has taken place at a church in Santa Cruz. Unfortunately, post-Covid, that location is no longer practical. After exploring various alternatives, we found a fantastic venue with ample space, full bar service, and a large BBQ pit for cooking the salmon. The only downside is its location at the south end of Santa Cruz county, near the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds (the location and map are available in the article about the dinner).

For those traveling from a distance, consider staying overnight nearby. The new Hampton Inn off Riverside is a suggestion. Other viable options in Watsonville include the Holiday Inn Express on Main St and the Comfort Inn near the Airport. Sunset Beach and KOA offer campsites for RVs or fancy vans. Alternatively, you could collaborate with other members to rent an Airbnb at Pajaro Dunes and enjoy some beach or Salinas River fishing the next day.

Volunteers, Volunteers, Volunteers

“Many hands make light work,” or, in the case of the fundraiser, we need many hands to make it work at all. Elaine Cook has already put in a lot of hours coordinating this event and needs volunteers. She’ll be passing around a sign-up sheet at the December and January meetings. You can also make her task easier by calling Elaine at (831) 234-6515 or email at coookin@gmail.com on how you can help at the fundraiser.

Ticket Sales and Purchase

If you want an easy way to support the fundraiser, consider purchasing your dinner and raffle tickets before the end of the year. Old-timers tell me that half of the tickets are sold a week before the event, meaning we waste time worrying about filling the room or cutting costs. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on making the event as fun and successful as possible! Dinner tickets are $40 and raffle tickets are $1.00 each. You can buy tickets at the December and January general meetings on line at https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/product-category/annual-fundraiser/

And Happy Holidays!

Scott Kitayama

Posted on November 29th, 2023

Posted on October 26, 2023October 26, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

November 2023 Table of Contents

General Meeting……………………
Conway Bowman ~ Fly Fishing for Mako Sharks
November Raffle……………………
President’s Line……………………
Fly Tying……………………
November Class: Wiggle Worm
Fly of the Month: Tiger & Zebra Midges
Conservation Concerns……………
SCFF Supports Organizations That Make a Difference
Membership Notes…………………
Club Activities – November
2024 membership renewals
2024 Annual Dinner & Fundraiser
Fishout Schedule…………………
Gone Fishing…………………
Last Surf Fishout of 2023
Thoughts on Mammoth
Cartoon ……………………
Solution to last month’s puzzle

Posted on October 26th, 2023

Posted on October 26, 2023October 26, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

November Raffle

Rods/Reels: We will be giving away TWO! Rod/reel packages to our lucky ticket holders. Both packages are V-Access SK carbon 9 ft 4 section rods, choice of either 7wt or 5wt.

Net: Take a look at this long handle, long oval laminated wooden landing net. Nearly 3 feet in length, this net, with a clear fish friendly vinyl basket.

Fish Whistle: The Fish Whistle is the perfect addition to any trip that succeeds greater than all expectations or for that occasional adventure that does not turn out quite so well.

Raffle tickets are a dollar each, $20 bucks gets you 25. Click on the following link to purchase your lucky tickets.

Buy Raffle Tickets

The online ticket sales office will close at noon on Wednesday the day of the meeting. The drawing will take place at the monthly meeting (11/1/23) held at the Aptos Grange. Club membership not required to participate, need not be present to win.

Posted on October 26th, 2023

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

2024 Annual Dinner and Fundraiser

ANNUAL DINNER and FUNDRAISER

WILD ALASKAN SALMON BBQ

with HORS D’OEUVRES to spur your appetite

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd

5:00 – 9:00 pm

followed by

Prizes—Prizes—Prizes

PAJARO VALLEY ROD AND GUN CLUB

557 1/2 LAKEVIEW RD. , WATSONVILLE

ANNUAL. FUND RAISER COORDINATOR: DAVID SOUTH (831)713-5866 (831)234-0196

DINNER TICKETS: Are $40 and have already sold out..

SO ALL IN ALL, COME SUPPORT YOUR CLUB, AND DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN.

Ticket purchasers : (as of Jan 25, 1:00 pm)

R. Arola (2)
G. Badger (2)
Y. Bernabe (1)
S. Bishop (2) *
J. Bohn (1)
R. Bruce (1)
B. Burt (1)
T. Carson (1)
R. Chace (2)
B. Ciapponi (1)
M. Converse (2)
E. Cook (1)
J. Cook (2)
S . Coplan (2)
G. Cumming (1) *
M. de Guzman (1)
M. Diciano (4)
J. Doe (2) *
M. Duckworth (2)
D. Eaton (2) *
J. Eichhorn (1)
K. Escobar (2)
R. Ethington (2) *
F. Farias (2)
G. Foy (2)
A. Frankl (1)
R. Garbarino (1)
J. Goyert (1)
L. Hardesty (2)
M. Hermansky (1) *
Cody Hill (3)
Mason Hill (1)
T. Hogye (2)
R. Holombo (2)
W. Hopkins (2)
J. Hopkins (2)
R. Hughett (2)
J. Ice (1)
M. Imlay (8)
D. Kamradt (2)
B. Kemp (1) *
M. Kemp (1)
S. Kitayama (2)
G. Lee (1)
T. Loomis (1)
M. Lovejoy (2)
D. Marks (1)
K. McClish (2)
M. Mcgibben (1)
Jerry Mckeon (1)
C. McVeight (1)
J. Mello III (2)
K. Morrison (2) *
G. Muir (5)
K. Murdock (5) *
W. Murphy (1) *
A. Muzzio (3)
A. Pavot (2)
T. Pelikan (2)
B. Peterson (1)
H. Petrakis (4)
M. Phinn (2)
P. Purtscher (1)
K. Powers (3)
A. Presser (2)
R. Ransdall (1) *
R. Reed (2)
J. Register (2)
P. Reis (2)
J. Rosendale (1)
B. Scott (1)
B. Seaman (1)
C. Severs (2)
M. Sherwood (2)
P Shields (2)
D. South (2)
C. Stipes (1)
P. Swarzenski (1)
W. Taguinod (3)
R. Thompson (5)
M. Twisselman (2)
J. Tolonen (1)
M. Traugott (1)
T. Umstead (1)
M. White (1)
D. Witmer (2)
L Yien (1)

Asterisk means that the person paid by cash or check. Did not purchase through website.

Loading Map....

Pajaro Valley Rod & Gun club is located 14 miles south of the Aptos Grange.

Posted on October 26th, 2023

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Last Surf Fishout of the 2023

It was a lot cooler at 6 am this morning than it is now on Saturday afternoon 10/7. But the catching wasn’t so hot (that’s why no perch pictures), except for Josh Wilkens arrived earliest and who caught that impressive Bat Ray that is already pictured on our website.

We had Will Murphy, Jerry McKeon, Matt Bohn, and Tommy Polito in addition to Josh out there and it was followed by a GREAT breakfast at Mike Lovejoy’s home, where we were also joined by our President, Scott. In the future, don’t miss “Breakfast at Lovejoy’s”.

What a great club we have. Today there are members fishing up at Mammoth, fishing today at the beach and spey cast lessons going on!

Posted on October 26th, 2023

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Thoughts on Mammoth

From Club Member, Brad Elliot:

If you want to have a fun and enjoyable trout fishing experience, signup for the next Mammoth Fishout. John and Elaine Cook host this wonderful experience. They have been fishing this area for many years and know all the places to go, flies to use etc. etc. This was my second year in this gorgeous area in the fall of the eastern Sierras. I am an avid float tuber and my buddy Mike Lovejoy and I enjoyed some wonderful days on the beautiful mountain lakes catching rainbows up to 20″. What fun! The food and conversation over cocktails in the evening just add to the great fishing during the day.

From Fish Master, John Cook:

Elaine and I have been doing this for many many years, more like decades, and each year we find it entirely different than the last. The variables include personalities, the weather, fishing conditions, water levels, Crowley conditions, hatches etc. etc. etc. Even after all this time we love it and look forward to the next. And the best thing is, we always make some new friends. Hope you will be one of the anticipatory fishermen in 2024.

From Club Member, Scott Kitayama

Third year of going on the Mammoth fishing trip. My first two trips were primarily fishing lakes since the fishing was good, and the streams didn’t have much water. This year was exactly the opposite, the lakes were unfishable or I didn’t have much luck in them. However, the stream such as San Joaquin, Owens, Hot creek, McGee were all in good shape, and I had the chance to fish them with dry flies with John/Elaine Cook and Bob Garbarino . The weather was beautiful, Mammoth scenery is gorgeous, and small fish were willing to come up for flies. All in all it was a good trip and helped me learn how to be a better dry, fly fisherman.

Posted on October 26th, 2023

Posted on September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

October 2023 Table of Contents

Posted on September 26th, 2023

Posted on September 26, 2023September 27, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Don’t wait to wade!

When I think of fly fishing, my mind often conjures up the iconic image from “A River Runs Through It”: the elegant overhead casting of a dry fly in the middle of a picturesque river. However, upon joining the Santa Cruz club about five years ago, I was surprised to discover that river fishouts had become a rarity. I was told that these outings used to be more common, but as time passed, the interest dwindled, and the club aged. Recently, we’ve experienced an influx of new members, and with their arrival, several new river fishouts have been organized. I’ve just returned from one on the upper Sac, and I’m reminded of the beauty and serenity of wading in a river.

Wading is good for your soul if you have good soles

Imagine my shock when I found the rocks in the upper Sac to be exceptionally slippery. For the past three years, I’ve relied on Vibram-sole wading boots for my angling adventures on rivers like the Stanislaus, Truckee, Putah, Firehole, and San Lorenzo with little trouble. However, during our upper Sac fishout, seven club members, all wearing Vibram-soled boots, took unexpected dips into the river. The following day, I replaced my Vibram soles with felt, and the difference in traction was remarkable. I was taken aback by the discrepancy, especially since fishing gear advertisements and videos often promote rubber soles as the modern choice, portraying felt soles as outdated. While there are places that ban felt soles due to environmental concerns, California isn’t one of them, and we frequently encounter slippery algae and granite here. I strongly urge you to prioritize the best traction boots available when wading. Below is a chart I sourced from Korkers’ website, illustrating the types of soles and their effectiveness on various surfaces.

Remember, traction matters, as does balance

My earliest fly fishing experiences were on streams where I could quickly move along the banks of small mountain creeks. However, the upper Sac fishout was a stark reminder that stream fishing can be more challenging than I recall. It’s not merely a lapse in memory; walking on streams becomes increasingly challenging with age. I’ve attached a graph depicting a simple balance test and its correlation with “perceived age.” As you can see, there’s a notable decline after reaching 40 years of age.

Now, I’m no expert in wade fishing, so if you require detailed information about equipment, you can seek advice from the club via Google Groups or visit a fly fishing shop for proper gear setup. However, here are some safety items I personally use: a wading belt, a wading staff, a whistle, a walkie-talkie, a cell phone, and a fishing partner.

My ultimate advice: don’t wait

This is counsel I’m personally taking to heart. My plan is to embark on more river fishing trips and maintain my physical fitness. Hopefully, I’ll continue to enjoy fishing from a boat or float tube when wading becomes more challenging. And for our younger club members, I encourage you to seize your “River Runs Through It” experience as soon as possible.

Wishing you great fishing adventures this October,

Scott Kitayama President, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club

Posted on September 26th, 2023

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Upper Sac Fishout

The fishout on the upper Sac was from Sept 8th – 10th. Members stayed at the Sims Flat campground and in Dunsmuir. The days were warm, but in the early morning, you could feel fall in the air and the stream water temperature had cooled down. According to fish master, Alex Ferber, the upper Sac can be a fickle stream and the fishing was tough. Fish were mainly caught nymphing though there were dry fly opportunities in the evening.

New members that took advantage of the fishout included: Alex F, Scott A, Robert H, Clark C. Other members included: Scott C, Greg F, Bob G and Scott K.

Posted on September 26th, 2023

Posted on August 24, 2023August 24, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

September 2023 Table of Contents

Posted on August 24th, 2023

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Making Fall Season the Best Fishing Season

Since my roles as a parent and at work have lightened, I welcome the upcoming fall season as a perfect time for fishing. With Sierra streams returning to their normal levels, cooler weather offering better conditions in local lakes, and a potentially lower risk of heat and fire hazards, the potential is high to turn this season into a wonderful opportunity for fly fishing. Now, how can we all maximize this experience?

Let’s Ignite the Enthusiasm!

We’ve all indulged in fly fishing videos on platforms like YouTube. While some are undeniably captivating, much like action films, they lack the immersive experience of sitting amidst an animated theater crowd, feeling the collective thrill and vitality. The memory may still linger of the Fly Fishing Film Tour’s past appearance at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz. Regrettably, the tour skipped Santa Cruz in recent years and last year, its Bay Area screenings were a no-show. Yet, Justin Ice, a dedicated SCFF Board member, took it upon himself to resurrect the film’s presence in Santa Cruz. As a result, the 2023 film will grace our September and October fly fishing meetings. The decision was made to make the screening open and free for all attendees, fostering a packed house and igniting a sense of festivity and dynamism. Anticipate fantastic door prizes and an array of appealing raffle items.

Even the mere trailers of the film have me itching to head out fishing.

Following that, let’s plan our excursions

From September onwards, I’ve marked my calendar for seven out of eight consecutive weekends for fishing. Am I boasting? Well, guilty as charged. However, the noteworthy detail is that each of these trips is a part of SCFF fishouts, and among them, four are conveniently local (Beach, Beach, Kelly Lake, Forebay). A few years ago, a survey aimed at gauging the most valuable club activities for members—such as education, guest speakers, casting workshops, fly tying sessions, and fishouts—revealed that fishouts took the lead. This year, the club has significantly ramped up the number of fishouts on offer. If you haven’t yet taken part in a club fishout, I highly encourage you to do so. It’s the simplest path to acquainting yourself with fellow club members and discovering new territories or styles of fly fishing.

Share your escapades post-trip

Whether your fishing adventure yields a Personal Best or Personal Bust, your fellow club members would greatly appreciate hearing about it. If you’ve captured an impressive shot and wish to showcase it to the world, simply forward your photo to Jerry McKeon at metropolitantrout@gmail.com. Alternatively, if you’ve got an anecdote or an image to share exclusively with club members, you can submit it to info@santacruzflyfishing.com to feature it in the newsletter. Alternatively, dispatch it to santacruzflyfishing@googlegroups.com to ensure its delivery to all club members.

My sincere hope is that you leverage the meetings, the fishouts, and the insights, camaraderie, and feedback from your fellow club members to make this fall season your most memorable one yet.

Wishing you tight lines and looking forward to meeting you soon,

Scott Kitayama

Posted on August 24th, 2023

Posted on July 26, 2023July 27, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

August 2023 Table of Contents

Posted on July 26th, 2023

Posted on July 25, 2023July 25, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Summer notes

We are going to have the Annual BBQ and Swap meet at the Aptos Grange on Wednesday, August 2nd at 6:00 pm. I kind of think of this event as a gift from David South and Kevin Murdock to the club members. They do all of the purchase of the food, prep and cook it for us. All they want is that we show up, eat some food, and have a good time. Its that easy to make them happy.

Bucket-List Fishing

In June, I joined club members, Elaine and John Cook, Kathy Powers and Michael Sherwood as we camped and fished our way through Yellowstone NP, Cody WY and Dutch John UT. With guides costing upwards of $700 a day, it was an honor to fish and learn from fellow club members who have been fishing these waters annually for upwards of 25 years. We had lots-of-fish days and no-fish days, sunny days and God-is-going-to-blow-our-camper-two-states-east days. After two and a half weeks, I was sated; I could have fished more, but I didn’t need to fish more. And that might be the best way to end a trip.

Goodbye and thank you Emily Marriott

Just last year, Emily Marriott joined the SCFF club and the Board by volunteering for the Secretary and the Marketing positions. Without any prior experience in fly fishing, Emily learned quickly and became a regular at the fly tying classes and the surf fishouts. In August, Emily and Adam are moving to central Illinois to help care for aging parents and be closer to their daughter and grandchild. We are going to miss Emily’s smile, purple hair, and great work she did on behalf of the club. Thank you so much Emily!

Welcome Carly Blanchard to the SCFF Board

For the rest of the 2023, Carly Blanchard has stepped in to be the Secretary for the club. Carly has been helping behind the scenes with the monthly online raffle and she is going to be a real help with conservation issues as she is the Environmental Programs Manager for the San Lorenzo Valley Watershed District. You can read about one of her projects, “Fall Creek Fish Ladder”, in the conservations section of the newsletter. We are lucky to have her join the Board!

We still have an opening on the Board for Marketing and Merchandise position. If you have a creative flair, like designing and selling logo items, and want to help spread the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing brand than let’s talk!

Posted on July 25th, 2023

Posted on July 27, 2023July 27, 2023 by Scott Kitayama

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

If you are new to fly fishing and want some hands-on learning, here are some local resources. The first is our club’s casting clinic held the last Saturday of the month at Jade Park in Capitola. (Check the club activity list in the newsletter or the monthly calendar on the website). Another option is to check the schedule at Central Coast Flyfishing and see what Geoff Malloway is offering: https://www.centralcoastflyfishing.com/

Local Recreation Classes Taught by SCFF Members

This fall, we have club members offering classes through the local recreation department. This might be a good class for some of our brand new members or for friends who are interested in an introduction to fly fishing.

Discover Fly Fishing
Capitola Park & Recreation
Alex Ferber

It will be 5 consecutive Saturdays starting September 23- October 21. It will be held at the Jade St Park in Capitola and we will use the recreation building for our classroom sessions. The class is for those with little or no experience in Fly Fishing. It will cover basic casting on the lawn, as well as classroom instruction on knot tying, rigging rods for various fishing situations, reading water, basic entomology, conservation and an overview of the equipment one might need to get staying fly fishing. It is geared to those wanting to get into fly fishing or to those just getting into fly fishing who would like a formal introduction to what it takes to fly fish. I will supply all the equipment, including rods, reels etc. you can sign up for it at: https://www.cityofcapitola.org/recreation

Fly Fishing 101 – Oct 17 and Oct 21
Santa Cruz Park & Recreation
Tim Loomis

Fly fishing demystified! This class will cover the basics of fly fishing along with the history of the sport from its evolution of tree branches as poles to state of the art graphite rods. Learn about two of the commonly used types of fly fishing along with the ABCs of casting with all the various knots, materials and gear available. Then we will head outside to practice the skills learned. Discover a lifelong hobby that will take you into the great outdoors. Tuesday’s class is instructional and Saturday’s class will be held outdoors. Rods, reels and gear are all provided. A material fee of $30.00 is due to the instructor at the first class. Tuesday’s class will take place at 7pm at the LNCC, Saturday’s class will take place at 10:00am at DeLaveaga Park Meadow.

Additional info and sign up detail at:

https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/faq/activity-guide-english

Posted on July 27th, 2023