Trips: Four in Three Days – Impossible?
Well, the Fall 2023 Fly Fishing class is out of the blocks with full force. In just a three-day period we graduated four new FATC members at Montauk State Park. So, instead of writing three individual trip reports (I’ve got a life you know!) this report will incorporate the three trips in one. Congratulations to Kurt Schultz, Dave Bertolino, Ryan Young and Matt Parsons for completing the FATC fly fishing class.
12-8. This Friday the weatherman said it would almost reach 60 degrees – not true. The wind picked up and gave us a chilly day for Kurt’s graduation. But Kurt was ready to face the elements. Bob Palisch, Al Blair, Denny Garner and Al Harper joined me (Kenny Klimes) for Kurt’s graduation. The park was not crowded whatsoever, and we had most spots all to ourselves. Kurt did great and Kenny showed him several techniques throughout the day. Kurt picked up a couple trout before lunch – one on a soft hackle and one on a midge pattern. After lunch Kurt caught several more trout on various flies as Kenny took him to the very top of the spring and they worked their way downstream. Al Harper reported having a great day and Denny, Al and Bob caught several trout throughout the day too. Congrats to Kurt who said he really enjoyed the day and is hooked on fly fishing – that’s great to hear!
12-10. A Sunday trip was next. I thought we would have had more guys on this trip especially those that say they can’t make a weekday trip (you missed it). On this day Dave Bertolino was in the barrel to graduate. He was joined by Jason “Dry Fly” Edwards and Glenn Haake. I took Dave to just below the boulder as usual to practice casting. We worked on techniques before lunch and again upstream until the siren went off. Dave did great, catching several fish. Glenn and Jason had a good day too. They also realized that they were running against each other for the FATC Board member at large position. I had to referee the big fight in the parking lot – neither one won – yet! For a first-time fly fisher, Dave did great, and I am sure will be back for more.
12-11. Big trip on Monday as we had twelve guys out to fish what was in all respects an empty park. Ryan Young and Matt Parsons were ready to show their skills. Each were previous fly fishers and so Jim Craig and I had an easier time teaching. These guys learned a bunch but did show some great skills that they had already. Joining Ryan and Matt were Vernon Preston and friend, Steve Baker, Ken Welter, John Wienstorer, Scott Payne, Dave Rodecap, Al Blair and Derrik Kassebaum. As Jim and I took Ryan and Matt to the usual area below the boulder before lunch to go over all the techniques, the rest spread out throughout the park. Our group fished from the spring all the way to the handicap area. Both Matt and Ryan were on fish from the start. They both proved that they have fly fished before. Everyone caught a lot of fish on this day. And we even had great Mexican food (not pizza) in Salem to cap off an awesome day.
Check out the pictures for the three trips. We need rain – bad. The rivers are very low, clear and slow which puts fish in certain locations – you have to find those locations to be successful. The parks are empty now. Outside the parks are empty too. Please dress properly as the water gets colder – no cotton hoodies or cotton socks. Merino wool is the best or buy the new “wicky” type clothing. Pick up some Nitrile gloves and fingerless gloves (nitrile gloves will keep your hands dry). The catch and release season end in two months so don’t miss it.