Catskill Fly
Tyers GuildCatskill Fly
Tyers GuildVolume 1, Number 1, Jan. '98
Welcome:
At first. having a newsletter for our Guild seemed like a good idea and it is. There are so manv possible topics: the Catskill style of fly tying; patterns that have become known as traditional Catskill patterns: non-traditional and non Catskill stales that are used in Catskill rivers: Catskill rivers of the past their flies. the contributions they made and their legacy: contemporary tyers; new flv desions: new materials: how Catskill flies and fishina techniques compare to other parts of the country: and I'm sure there are more topics that vou can think of.
The trick however. is putting words to paper that are accurate. promote and reflect the primarv mission of the Guild. make interesting reading and increase participation by the membership in Guild activities and activities that improve fly fishing.
I'm sitting here trying to think of some brilliant topic or story I can write that will convince or prompt you to submit something for the next or a future issue of this newsletter. The Guild has over 125 members. Individually and collectivelv we have a wealth of knowledge memories. information. tips. ideas. etc. You can write something about an old flyfishing book you have. If vou've just read a recentlv published book write a short review and tell us what you thought about it. Tried a new material? How did it compare to the manufacturers claims or compare to what it was supposed to replace? Maybe you can write about an experience you've had: Maybe a flv-tying technique that may not be generallv known: Maybe you want to comment about something you've seen in a rnagazine. this newsletter or while astream: Maybe there's something you've wanted to get off your chest for awhile but had no wav of doing it. Maybe you have a rod, a reel. some old flies. fly tying material or something else you haven't used and you want to advertise it for sale. The point is that there are many wavs for members to participate in this newsletter.
A concern I have is how to handle a controversial topic or censorship. Right now the newsletter has no editorial board and therefore no set rules. Since I don't want to alter what you write. or reject what is submitted. I simply ask that you use reasonable judgment and keep the language clean. Also. if you want to submit something and prefer to use a false name for the author that's ok. Just place the name you want listed as the author below what sou have submitted and your real name in [brackets] next to author'' name. Also include your address and phone number so if I have anv questions I can get in touch with you. Also. if anvone requests information about something vou've written. I can forward that request to vou.
This should be interesting and I'm looking forward to reading what many of you have in your collected Libraries of knonvledge and experience.
Plans are for this newsletter to be written and sent out 6x a year beginning with this issue (Jan.. 1998). The following information mav help you understand the anticipated issuing schedule and submission deadlines for: stories: articles: information vou'd like printed: an advertisement you'd like put in: or mavbe a letter to the editor.
Note: deadlines in theleft column are for issue months in the right column.
Deadline (15th of) Issue Date
December January
February March
April May
June July
August September
October November
You may write to me:
Allan Podell . CFTG
100 Glen Ave.
ELmira. NY 14905
(607)734-6257
Or, e-mail: apodell@stny.1run.com
Puzzle & Directions:
A. Unscramble each bunch of letters to spell the word(s) or narne(s) correctly. There is a clue for each set of mixed letters and the final answer.
B. Use the ( ) letters and the clue to solve the final piece of the puzzle.
C. Send completed puzzle to me on another sheet of paper. Correct answers and the names of the people who get all the answers correct will appear in the next issue of GUILD NEWS. Allan
1. EBEWUGDEVILNOLI
Several species throughout the year
--(-)- ------ -----
2. MHNCATSNTAEHRRI
Fishing companion of T. Gordon.
------ -- (-) - (-) ----
3. BHCAMOWNRR
Summer mavfiy.
------ (-) ----
4. TWEWIEDRDATH
Reknown for stream improvements. designing flies. books and more.
------ -(-) ----
5. SKEHNlRCNOD
Developed by Roy Steenrod.
---------- (-)
6. MYBPWPLEPB
Developed by T. Gordon.
(-) ----------
7. TPASINKGNECEAHNR
Fowl with many useful feathers.
----- (-)-- ----(-)---
8. LYMRA
Substitute for tinsel.
-----
9. IDQREULL
Male of #5.
(-)-- -----
10. LCFOFNlFY
Fly in formal attire.
(-)----- ---
Final Puzzle Part: Early Commercial Tyer:
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"CATSKILL FLY" - defined!
By: Dave Brandt. Martin Redcay, John Jacobson, Ken Mears and Doug Fries
Granting a difference between the terms
Catskill F1v and Catskill Stvle Fl,v, the committee formed to decide on the definition of a Catskill Flv suagested that the Guild have an interest in preserving both.
Anv pattern that originated. roughly. in the Catskills and was designed largely for use there would be a Catskill Flv.
Catskill Style involves tradition and discipline regarding proportion and choice of materials. This doctrine has been concisely defined for us by Harry Darbee in his book. Catskill Flv Tier.
The term relates to floating flies. which in this country. were first studied and used in the Catskills. The character of manv Catskill waters dictated various requirements of a successful floating pattern and manv of those original dressings stand as solid models yet today.
It is this small colection of patterns, perhaps as few as a dozen and a half. which gets much attention and by far, the most ink.
Any of these would be both a Catskill Fly and a Catskill Style Fly, and thus of special interest to our Guild. It is further recognized that any list of local patterns is growing, and that contemporary regional dressings would be acknowledged by the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild as .. Catskill Flies.
FAVORITE RIVERS & FAVORITE FLIES
The booklet, Favorite Rivers & Favorite Flies, is an attempt to gather some of the knowledge of the members of the Guild members. Special recognition should be given to Bill Leuszler who surveyed the membership and edited the booklet. "Special recognition is given to a number of members who made contributions to this booklet. Two members. Paul Bachem and John Jacobsen. lent their time and unique artistic talent to this project. Their work makes this booklet far more than what it was originally intended to be. Many thanks go to my wife. Janet Campbell, whose knowledge of computers was crucial to this booklet's "look." And many thanks to Dave Catizone whose continuing effort to gather historical information about Catskill flies is the inspiration for this booklet." Bill Leuszler
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A Review of Favorite Rivers & Favorite Flies
This booklet was created by members of the Guild. It required the heavy involvement of those mentioned above plus minor offerings from numerous others. The end result is the accumulated knowledge and experience of seasoned Catskill fly fishers and tyers of Catskill flies.
No one can always predict success on any given day on a Catskill river. River conditions; weather: your ability to observe, recognize what's happening, react to the natural situation; personal experience & knowledge; your skills with a rod; and other criteria all contribute to a day that is usually defined as successful. Regardless, the information contained in this booklet about our rivers and flies have been an integral part of memorable days (nights?) many people have enjoyed. Maybe the information contained in the booklet will help you create some memories of your own. We hope so.
The booklet should be distributed soon. In fact it may even accompany this first newletter. Members will be happy to learn that it is free of charge. The Guild, through your membership and other funds, decided to absorb the cost of printing and postage. At the present time, however, one (I) copy is available per member. Additional copies may not be purchased. The booklet is not available to non-members. So, for you non-members who may be reading this newsletter, here's a great incentive to join the Guild. Join now and get your booklet in addition to all other Guild benefits, activities and information.
You can join the Guild and become a member at our booth at the Somerset Show, the Theodore Gordon Show or other Guild events. Or, mail a check in the amount of $10 payable to the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild to me. Allan Podell
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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:
Please notice your mailing label - if there is a month/year after your name. that means your membership dues of $10 are due that month. You will receive two(2) months notice and then you will not receive any more meeting notices or newletters.
Patches are still available with the Guild logo members only? first patch $1.50. Additional patches $3.00. Patches to non-members are $5.00. We will be ordering new patches with a new color border soon. If you want a patch with the original color, please contact Judie as soon as possible.
There are still some original pins left, not many. They are available for $10 each or two(2) for $15.00. New pins have a new color border, but will not be available until the old ones are sold out. Please contact Judie.
NEWS & NEWSWORTHY:
1. Members who know Yas Yamashita might want to send him a card - he is undergoing chemo for lung cancer. He has been unable to attend the last few fly fishing shows. His address is: 877 Cross Rd., Schwenksville, PA 19473.
2. Budge Loekle, a former owner of the Beaverkill Angler, Roscoe, is ill and would appreciate a note or card. His address is: PO Box 962, Livingston Manor, NY 12758
3. Our new patches will be here soon. They will have a red border. Our old patch had a green one.
PS. Special thanks to everyone, especially Judie D Vinciguerra for helping to get this Newsletter going . Keep the information coming. PLEASE!
Reminder- At the Feb. meeting we will have a MATERIAL SWAP. Bring your extra materials, supplies & things.You may find someone who has just what you need.
EDITORIAL OPINION
OK. So I'm taking the liberty of expressing an opinion about something. Maybe it will conjure up some feelings on your part and you'll respond. Anyway, here it is. Call it the: SELLING OF FLY TYING & FLY FISHING
I recently got the Nov., 1997 FTD (Fly Tackle Dealer) book. On the back cover there's a nice watercolor picture with the following advertisement verbage underneath:
"BETTER CHECK YOUR FLY.
If it isn't made with Metz hackle and a Tiemco hook, tied to an Umpqua leader and tippet, and fished with a Loop reel, it isn't Umpqualhy. And it ain't gonna fly."
What Gall. What B.S. What an insult to our intellegence! Who do these people think they are? It's not just this particular company. There are others. They all basically say that to truly enjoy our sport (tying & flyfishing) we MUST use: a $500 vise; a $100 pr of scissors; a grade I hackle @ $80 per neck; trout reels that have a special mechanical quality @ $300+; fly rods that theoretically vibrate less, are a little lighter or add a little distance to your cast @. $500+; new fly tying material that adds something(?) to your fly; new flies that almost catch trout before you even take the fly out of your box and put it on your tippet! And more.
Now maybe it's because I'm frugal or because I can t afford many of these luzury items that I feel this way. But I think not. Tyers and flyfishers - WAKE UP! Hard sell advertising is snowing you that you must change everything from your boots to your glasses (@ $200 a pr) every so often and that you should be ashamed and/or embarrassed to be seen using that old rod, reel, vest, wadders, fly pattern, etc. How else will companies A - Z get you to buy this years 'updated and new version" of what you already have?
Yes, there are some new things out there worth using, especially for salt water fly fishing. But before spending your money, stop for a moment and ask yourself why you're interested in that particular item. If you tye, is the new material an improvement or just another 5" x 8" bag to misplace? Does that new fly pattern really work BETTER? Is it easier to tye? Does it require a whole slew of new expensive and/ or hard to get materials? If the item is for fishing - do you really need it and will you enjoy using it? If you can satisfy yourself with your answer. not the answer of the salesperson, then go ahead and enjoy.
If you need, want or desire a new toy by all means get it if you can. But don't fall into the trap of making a decision because of advertising or merchandising coersion. Those are the types of sales that drive the market and sends the prices we pay skyrocketing when we do decide to buy something.
In certain types of businesses, shops, restaurants, clubs, etc. it may be that, "clothes make the man/woman" and maybe success follows. On the stream, however, experience, knowledge, listening, coaching, watching/observing, practicing and putting in time and effort makes the man/woman. Individually we each define our own level of success and that often varies. However, WE MUST NOT ALLOW success and enjoyment of the sport to be defined for us by some advertiser or manufacturer, telling us what rod, reel, vest, waders, or even flv to use as part of its annual marketing strategy. AP
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Information about Ads per issue:
1. Cost for 5 lines or any part thereof, is $1.00
2. Cost for placing a business card ad is $3.00
3. Please attach a check, made out to the Catskill Fly Tyers
Guild, to your ad and send both to Allan Podell.
SEND for free list of used books on fly tying and fishing. Can send wish list Bill Leuszler, PO Box 79, Wurtsboro, NY 12790 (DBA Bashakill Books)
For Sale: Loomis GLX, 9' for 5 wgt. used I season. Excellent condition $310. Orvis Battenkill reel . Made in England (1950's). Right hand retrieve only. Comes with floating DT 6 line, xtra spool with sink tip 6 line. Reel & spool in separate Orvis zippered pouches. Excellent condition $175. Allan Podell (607)734-6257
Ray Grundner
Fly Fishing Shop
From Panfish to Salmon
Custom tied Flies. fly tying tools and materials fly line leaders. tippet
material fly reels custom built rods and fly fishing accessories
phone 607-739-4348 fax 607-739-0658
P.O. Box 07 Pine Valley,NY 14872-0007
Catskill
Fly Tyers Newsletter
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GuildCopyright©1998 Catskill Fly Tyers Guild