King chub

The answer to the question in the last column, as to what sports The Midtown Turf, Yachting & Polo Association members were involved in, was “hunting and fly fishing.” Whoever said outdoorsmen have no sense of humor? They originally met at Manny Wolfe’s Steak House located at Third Avenue and 49th Street.

Willy Landem, my Texas fishing buddy, suggested this pitch, which he believes will have the batters swinging at air. This famous author, who first came to fame by writing a novel that was subsequently made into a movie, once penned this line: “Flyfishing is to bait fishing as seduction is to rape.” He also wrote several renowned books on fly fishing. Take an extra base if you can name his favorite fishing hole. Either his name or pseudonym will suffice. The first three letters arriving at PO Box 103, Hankins, NY 12741 with the correct answers will receive either one or possibly two poorly tied flies. If you can’t hit this pitch, I fear your career in the majors will be over shortly. Ah well, the bus ride back down to Scranton is quite scenic.

The Theodore Gordon Flyfishers (TGF) club is planning a stream improvement project on Horse Brook Run, a tributary to the Beaverkill that has great potential for spawning trout. Their partner in this work is the Upper Susquehanna Coalition. The project is to be completed by 2010. Unlike some organizations that talk loudly about doing such projects and then do nothing, TGF will see that the work is finished in a timely manner. To help raise funds for the project, Mike Canazon, the famous rod builder from Livingston Manor, NY, is donating one of his fine bamboo fly rods. The rod will be a seven-and-one-half foot two-piece four weight and will come with two tips. The club will sell only 250 tickets, and all checks must be received no later than May 30. That makes the odds on winning this great rod a lot better than winning the lottery. The fortunate winner will be announced at the TGF conservation dinner, which will be held at the Rockland House, Roscoe, NY the evening of June 7. Close your eyes and just imagine yourself fishing with this gorgeous rod during the coming Trico hatches. However, there is always the chance that Barb or I will hold the winning ticket. To prevent that from happening, get your check in the mail to Terry McCartney, 450 Park Avenue, Rye, NY 10580. The absolute cut off date for tickets is May 30; act today.

It’s been a tough spring for this elderly flyfisher. On days when I have been fishing with friends, the fish have not been inclined to feed. On those days I was unable to go fishing, my pals returned to the cabin deliriously happy with tales of beaucoup fish, some 20 inches in length. I have been unable to be at the right place at the right time. Thursday evening found me fishing on the lower East Branch not far from Alice’s Way. I was sitting on a river rock hopefully waiting for a trout or two to rise. A fish rose barely 25 feet away. I put my fly in the air and dropped it close to where the rise form had been. At once,a fish ate the fly. I was elated. This fish was really strong and heavy. I estimate it was at least 20 inches if not larger. Unfortunately, I had hooked and landed the king chub of the Delaware. Some time between now and Labor Day I hope to write of catching a trout. Stay tuned.