When one of our members, Al Hautly, heard about the Mayfly Project during our charity dinner something touched his heart. The Mayfly Project is just one of the four charities that the FATC sponsors every year. The Mayfly Project takes foster kids fly fishing and provides them a mentor to look up to during this time. Another one of our members, Jerry Harmon, who lives in Kimberling City near Branson, MO decided a few years back that he wanted to start a Mayfly Project chapter in his area of Kimberling City. Al met Jerry and things started to come together. The Mayfly Project has finally started down in the Branson area and here is a report from Al and all that took place. If you would be interested in participating in some way with the Mayfly Project then contact us!
Kimberling City, MO
Dear Fellow FATC Brothers:
I have volunteered as a Mentor in The Mayfly Project in Kimberling City, and we have just completed our second of five outings. As you know, The Mayfly Project is one of the organizations we support though our annual FATC charity dinner. It has been a great experience.
We are working with an organization called “Ozarks Teen Challenge” located in Branson West, MO. We have 10 young men, 15 – 17 years old that are participating, and we are holding the events at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a beautiful Johnny Morris facility south of Table Rock Lake.
Our first week we spent some time in the classroom learning about the equipment, and talking about fly-fishing. Then we headed out to the stream and worked on just using a roll cast. Unfortunately, the weather was hot and the fishing was not very good, but the guys seemed to have a good time and a few did catch some Sunfish.
The second week, our classroom time was spent learning to tie the improved clinch knot and the double surgeon’s knot. Everyone was able to master both knots in short order. We then headed out to the stream, working on a full cast. It didn’t take long for them to be able to adequately cast, and after some more practice, we tied on fly’s and hit the water. Again, the weather was warm and the fishing was not great, but more of the fishermen did catch more fish this time. They seemed to have had a good time.
The one thing that has really impressed me is the politeness and behavior of these young men: Please, Thank you, Sir, Mr. Alan. It is refreshing to see the respect shown, and it has gone both ways. I really look forward to our next meetings.
The next events will be October 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Those classes will include fly tying, bug identification, and of course more fishing. Hopefully by late October, the fishing will improve. We did find out that they are not stocking the stream until the water temp reaches 68 degrees.
Below are links to both websites, check them out and see what your FATC is doing to help others.
Blessings and Tight Lines,
Alan Hautly