CastingAbout

As most of you are aware by now -- or at least you will be with this issue -- the fly club newsletter has evolved --morphed some might say – into a hard copy and a web-based version.

For members wishing to obtain a paper copy of “Casting About” they will be available upon request – mail out to those folks will continue. If you have not requested a mail out you may get the latest issue of the newsletter by clicking onto the Comox Valley Fly Fishers web page, at:

http://www.knightsofthenet.com/covalflyfisher

This represents a brand new venture for the fly club. So, please bear with us as we get the site up and running, as there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, which need smoothing out. Our volunteer webmaster, Brett Knights, has done yeoman duty in getting us off the ground and into cyberspace, so to speak. He is the master, and I, young grasshopper have a lot to learn about this new technology.

There is more to be found in those web pages than simply the club newsletter. However, you will just have to cruise over to the site to check that out for yourself.

For prospective contributors to “Casting About” the route to publication remains the same. Get your stuff to me for tuning, and editing, then I will compose the newsletter and zap it over to Brett for uploading (see, I’m learning the terms already)

On that note, you will find several contributions submitted by our members in this issue. That is a good sign. We can always use more input from folks who have the inclination to jot down some cogent fishing thoughts or to snap some photos.

Remember, all those folks who submit works which are subsequently published in the club newsletter, will have their name entered into a random draw for “100 Auction Bucks.” These are redeemable in merchandise at the annual fund raising auction and dinner in December.

Surfing the web just got better!

Sometime on the Easter weekend recently past the news came that Queen Elizabeth – the Queen Mum to many of us – passed away quietly in her sleep. That was a sad moment.

Most people who have been around the fly fishing scene for any length of time will no doubt recall the Queen Mum was an avid, and accomplished salmon angler. On many occasions she was known to have braved the natural elements well beyond the limits of her fishing companions, and could be seen – ghillie, ever at the ready – persevering through a few more casts over a taking salmon. And more often than not, bringing that salmon over the ghillie’s waiting gaff.

My favourite tale is the one where a woman was merrily fishing away along the one bank of the Broadlands beat. When, on the opposite bank another woman appeared with rod in hand, who commenced fishing. When the first woman finally recognized her Royal personage opposite, she instantly performed the customary low curtsey – in waist deep water, which quickly filled her waders. The genuflection was cut short as she bobbed to the surface and regained her composure. As she stood there dripping wet, the Queen Mum waved regally and called over to her to enquire how the fishing had been. There seems to be no record of the drenched woman’s response.

I think it would be an appropriate show of respect for this great woman, the Queen Mum, to instigate a fly tying competition for originating a special commemorative salmon fly pattern in her honour. A fly which would embody her spirit, encompass her vitality, exhibit her courage and brilliance.