|
Twenty seven women fly fishers participated in the 6th annual Mt Shasta Rendezvous in June. Held at the Mt Shasta Ranch, the four-day IWFF regional outing saw the outpouring of beginners, intermediates and a few advanced fly fishers into the rivers and streams of the Upper Sac, McCloud and small lakes and tributaries. Other venues fished were Wagon Creek, City Park, Cantera Loop,Castle Crags, Castle Creek and many others. What makes a Rendezvous? The question was asked during the evaluation session on Sunday morning and immediate responses were: "Enthusiasm," "cooperation," "Sharing," "Meeting new friends," "Fishable waters," "Sangria party." Women came from Oregon and Washington, and all parts of California.
An especially exciting part of the program was a premier showing of Barbara Klutinis' DVD about how to have a IWFF rendezvous in your own geographic area. This 1 1/2 hour film/documentary. It describes the exact and intricate steps needed to establish, organize and put on a successful regional IWFF event. The presentation was so detailed and informative, that the only thing missing was the manual of all the forms displayed on the screen, It also saw many members of the 2008 Rendezvous giving testimonials about the virtues of fly fishing with other women in a regional IWFF setting.
Fanny Krieger, founder of IWFF and the Rendezvous concept for IWFF was in attendance and seeing for the first time her creation come to fruition after her initial inspiration and leadership at the 2004 event. That event saw a grand total of 8 women. She encouraged the group to reach out into their communities back home and "bring new women to the Rendezvous., because that is what this is all about."
Also on the program was Mary Ann Dozer, certified FFF casting instructor, who did her magic on the lawn in a casting clinic and displayed two-handed casting ala spey rod. She also assisted the casting participants with their back casts and general instruction.She can be found this summer with Sawtooth Fishing Guides at ww.sawtoothfishingguides.com in Stanley, Idaho.
Special guest and six-time Rendezvous attendee Rachel Andrus, guide, attended with her newborn son. An after-breakfast baby shower celebrated Rachel's most precious catch of her life so far. Rachel also gave an on-the-lawn casting clinic.
As usuual Bill and crew at Mt. Shasta Ranch did an over-the-top job of feeding the hungry fishers. Tri tip and Salmon dinners along with fabulous, more-food-than-you-can-eat breakfasts greeted attendees. Kudos to not only the kitchen crew but to Marcia and others who willingly aided the Rendezvous leaders with office-type services not in their contract. Much appreciation goes to these wonderful people who were helpful above and beyond the call of duty.
Notice must be given to the vendors who contributed to the Goodie Bags that were handed out to participants: Kaufman Streamborn for flies; The Fly Shop in Redding for hooks; Cal Trout for sunscreen; the Mt Shasta Chamber of Commerce for literature, Elaine Almquist for sweatshirts, flies and fly tying kits; and IWFF for notepads, etc..
A special activity of this year's Rendezvous was a fly tying table set up for all levels of tying and with mounds of materials and how to books supplied by Chrissie Clapp and Elaine Almquist. Both tied flies for people to observe or to play. Extra vices were supplied as incentive.
Besides all the extra curricular activities, there was fishing. Many people landed fish and many fish stories were heard around the meal tables.
This year's organizing team was spearheaded by the amazing Judy Brandi who gets points for keeping on when the keeping on got tough. Thanks also to Susan Bostwick and Elaine Almquist. Next year's organizing team includes Pam Andersen and Nancy Leavens. Much appreciation goes to them for volunteering to lead. One of the best features of this type of event is the cooperation between present and past Rendezvous co-ordinators. Lots of assistance was given by past leaders Rebecca Blair and Judith Brown, current IWFF president and past Rendezvous leader.
Next year's Rendezvous will be the second week end of June: Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, 2010. Don't miss it. |
