Before you read the report on this fabulous event, I want to personally thank Jim Craig for the outstanding job he did in organizing – everything! Kudos to Mike Bisaga who ran the kitchen, bought, and cooked all the food. And a special thanks to all the FATC volunteers who spent their valuable time helping wherever they were needed. This fellowship amazes me every day! Kenny Klimes, FATC Chairman of the Board
What began as an idea about two years ago played out November 18-22, 2021, as one of the most rewarding FATC events yet. At the January 2019 Denver Fly Fishing Show, a series of friend-of-a-friend type introductions led Eric Camfield, the President of Altar Fly Fishing (AFF) and Kenny Klimes into a conversation about the mission of both organizations. From there, the idea of a fly-fishing partnership event emerged. The mission of AFF, also a nonprofit organization, is “To guide you to a live a greater life with God, yourself and your most valued relationships through life-shaping fly-fishing retreats and outdoor adventures.” One of the many themed fly-fishing trips they offer is one that serves only to pastors. Kenny brought the idea of hosting one of their pastor trips back to the FATC Board of Directors, and the work began.
After months of planning emails, Zoom calls, and telephone calls, the pastors began arriving Thursday, November 18, 2021. That morning, FATC volunteers met up with Eric and Jason Randall at Happy Pappy’s (HP’s). Jason Randall is the Fishing Director for AFF. Among his many accomplishments, he has written four books on the sport, is a regular presenter at national fly-fishing shows, he is on the pro staff with several fly-fishing companies and regularly consults with members of the U.S. Fly Fishing Team. Best of all, he loves to teach on and off the water with a healthy dose of humor and banter! Hopefully you’ll get a chance to experience him yourself when he comes back to make a presentation to FATC in the near future. And, hopefully fish with us again.
The Pastors we served were:
- Dave Garza, Oak Brook, IL
- Chad Negley, Orland Park, IL
- Steve Ebling, Indianapolis, IN
- John Kramer, St. Louis, MO
Fifteen FATC guys made our hosting of this weekend a terrific success. Led by the incredible planning and cooking of Chef Mike Bisaga, our guys prepared and served 146 meals to all the volunteers, AFF staff and attending pastors. All of this might have been impossible if it weren’t for the extreme generosity of Bill and Glenna Ard, the owners of HP’s. Kenny approached the Ards early in our planning process to ask if the pastors could use space in their building to hold their discussions and meetings for that weekend. Not only did they say “yes,” they offered to let us use their kitchen and dining area to cook and serve all the meals.
Back to the weekend…so about 9 AM Thursday morning we moved all our food from Mike’s car into the refrigerators at HP’s and geared up for a morning of on-the-water fishing instruction from Jason at Tan Vat. The instruction focused on ESN (Euro Style Nymphing) and if you did not have an ESN rod, Jason hand plenty to loan. That morning and into the afternoon, Jason worked with each FATC member on the river helping them to perfect their ESN casting and drifting techniques. Yes, lots of guys caught fish. There is even a story about a 20” brown that was caught that morning. You’ll have to check out the trip pictures to see for yourself.
The pastors started to arrive about 4 PM. They stayed at the Montauk Cabins across from HP’s. At 5:45 PM we headed to the Pinecrest Campground pavilion where Matt McClure had organized a BBQ dinner, fire, and Meet & Greet reception for the pastors provided by FATC. After the meal, Kenny offered a warm welcome to AFF and the pastors, and Eric gave a short talk about what the pastors and we could expect for the weekend. That was followed by Kenny handing out fly boxes to the pastors that were filled with Montauk-specific flies. These flies were all tied by FATC members in an effort initiated and led by Terry Seaton.
That evening, back in HP’s, Jason made an awesome presentation on how to read moving water. He also has a book on the same subject.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all played out about the same with the exception of Sunday morning when we had worship through singing led by Pastor Dave and Pastor Chad. The days started with delicious breakfasts at HP’s, followed by AFF led discussions for the pastors while Jason did some teaching outside for FATC guys. About 10 AM the FATC volunteers who were assigned to be Stream Buddies (guides-in-disguise) partnered up with their assigned pastor and hit the water. The FATC guys assigned to help Mike with the next meal also had time to go fishing.
About noon, Mike and his lunch crew served a hot lunch in the park pavilion, then we fished until the siren. Throughout each day, Eric and Jason spent a majority of their time on the water coaching the pastors as well as the FATC guys. They were extremely generous with their time. They offered their help to everyone and gave instruction on some new nymphing and ESN techniques. Jason eagerly shared with us cutting-edge nymphing techniques, leaders and knots currently being used by the best competitive fly fishers in the sport.
Dinner was usually at 6 PM after which AFF led discussions for the pastors. When the pastors were done, Jason made more fly-fishing presentations at HP’s. We ate Saturday dinner at Arandas Mexican Restaurant in Salem, MO. But it didn’t hold a candle to the dinners Chef Mike prepared for us the other nights. Sunday night, several folks also enjoyed a campfire prepared by Dan Staggenborg.
The retreat ended Monday morning after breakfast and a closing program led by AFF. FATC did a thorough cleanup of HP’s and returned the key to Glenna about 9:30AM. AFF couldn’t have been happier, the pastors couldn’t have been happier, all the FATC volunteers couldn’t have been happier, and the Ards couldn’t have been happier. That’s a win-win-win-win. The only ones not happy were probably the fish who provided a great deal of entertainment this weekend.
Speaking of FATC volunteers, below is the list of all the guys who helped. If you ask them whether they would do this again, I absolutely know their answer. If you look at the trip pictures, their answers will be abundantly clear.
| Steve Baker | Jason Edwards | Terry Seaton |
| Mike Bisaga | Paul Jacoby | Dan Staggenborg |
| Al Blair | Kenny Klimes | Roy Stueber |
| Jim Craig | Matt McClure | Bob Trigg |
| Scott Dougherty | Tim McCoy | Don Varner |
| Mike Oldani |
Here’s a short story from Mike Oldani about his experience. I think this speaks for all the volunteers.
I was a stream buddy for Pastor Steve from Indianapolis, IN. We both enjoyed our time together on the stream. Pastor Steve is a very accomplished fly fisher. He made my job as a stream buddy easy. I believe Pastor Steve rejuvenated his soul on our Missouri waters with each fish. Pastor Steve was slamming the trout. I know Pastor Steve helped me with my soul reflections and some fishing techniques. I found a new friend in Pastor Steve. I am so grateful and glad I volunteered for the Altar Fly Fishing Souls of the Pastor event. Thanks, FATC for the opportunity to serve. Don’t be apprehensive about getting involved with the FATC fellowship. You will be happy you did!
