MCFF CLUB OUTINGS
MCFF outings are meant to foster participation among members, enhancing our angling experience by sharing it with others, teaching new methods, learning new techniques, and new places to fish. See below for information on three of our upcoming events and past Outings.

To sign up for Outings or learn more about details please contact
Jeff Rasbund

OUR NEXT OUTING

Saturday, January 21
LOCATION: The Upper Manatee River

Greetings and Happy New Year!

Please join us Saturday, January, 21st at 10am at Ray's Canoe Hideaway on the upper Manatee River for a day of sweetwater snook fishing. Ray's Canoe Hideaway is located on the south bank of the Manatee River roughly six miles upstream from the I-75 bridge. The upper river is an excellent winter fishery, with snook, juvenile tarpon, redfish, and largemouth bass the target species.

Ray's rents canoes and kayaks for a modest price, so for those without a boat this is a great opportunity to spend a day on the water. For those bringing their own boats, there is a $6 dollar launch fee. Ray's is located at 1289 Hagle Park Road Bradenton, FL 34212.

The upper Manatee is beautiful and well sheltered from the ever-present winter winds.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Tight Lines and see you on the water,

Jeff Rasband
Outings Coordinator

~~~~~~~~~~PAST OUTINGS REPORTS~~~~~~~~~~

June 11 Outing
Point o' Rocks
After squeezing into the Tokyo style "parking lot" we made the short trek down the beach to our destination, where we were met with gorgeous, calm weather. After blind casting into the shadows for a few minutes it became apparent the sun wasn't going to crest over the steep seawall anytime soon, so I walked a couple hundred yards north to Crescent Beach were the sun was now high enough to sight fish. It didn't take long to find the fish, as pod after pod of snook cruised leisurely through the surf, just feet from the sand.

Unfortunately, hooking them was another story. Even with a 12 ft leader, relatively light 25 lb fluorocarbon shock tip-pet, and a small, sparsely tied schminnow the fish were beyond finicky, spooking at the slightest movement of the rod tip and ignoring the few decent presentations I was able to make. After accepting the futility of casting to the numerous large pods, I started focusing on singles cruising in just inches of water, where I had a few follows but no hookups.

All the while the crowds were growing, and in no time the beach looked like the Word's fair, making it impossible to squeeze in anything but the occasional roll cast. Strangely the fish didn't seem to mind the commotion, as they contin-ued to cruise the surf in just inches of water, calmly weaving their way down the beach among the sunbathers and splashing children. Amazingly, in addition to the hundreds of snook, I was able to spot the occasional redfish, includ-ing one upper slot fish charging down the beach in water so skinny has back was practically exposed. Given all the hungry dolphin, tarpon, and sharks lurking the deeper water I can't blame him.

Despite the crowds I was able to catch a few fish, including the obligatory ladyfish and to my surprise a redfish, which must have gone all of 9 inches. I guess you'll never know what you'll catch in the surf. As I made my way back to the parking lot I chatted with a few other group members, many of which spent at least as much time enjoying the "scenery" as fishing. Hard to blame them given the multiple reports of a woman wearing a duct tape bikini. Tight Lines,

Jeff Rasband
Outings Coordinator

May 14 Outing
Bean Point
The relentless SW wind ran the show last weekend, making sight fishing for snook off the beach an uphill scenario. Although a handful of optimististic anglers showed up at Bean Point, I am not aware of any hookups, let alone snook sightings.

On the bright side, tarpon were thick in the pass and tearing into schools of threadfin with abandon. Although these fish were out of reach for the shore-bound angler, those anchored in the pass were put-ting on quite a show, with multiple hookups at any given time, including a few doubles.

As I write this the wind is still blowing from the west but appears to be losing some of its "gusto." Hopefully by mid week the beach will be open for business, and although I have yet to see a snook cruising the surf I can confidently say it will be any day now.

Tight Lines,

Jeff Rasband
Outings Coordinator

April 16 Outing
Emerson Point
The day started off gorgeous with a light east wind and plenty of sun. Water temperature was 75 degrees at 0800, with an incoming tide. In my small skiff, Mick and I started off the day looking for "laid up" tarpon along the deeper flats to no avail. Once the wind picked up we ran across the Manatee to fish the sheltered south shoreline. Determined to sightfish, we began poling the shoreline and immediately started spooking slot redfish, trout, and snook. However, with the cloud cover and uncharacteristically stained water we weren't able to spot the fish antil we were right on top of them.

Thus, we decided to change things up and started drifting the shallow grass flats, where we were finally able to pick up a few small ladyfish, trout, and a spanish mackeral. The ladyfish and trout were caught on a small charteuse and white clouser while the spanish hit a gurgler on thae outside edge of the flat.

We returned to the ramp at 1230 with the wind still howling from the south. Givin the persistant 15 mph south wind we weren't surprised toa discover that everyone had already taken off. However,I later got word that Evan, fishing out of Preston's skiff, caught a 24' inch snook up in the magroves. Apparently it followed the fly half way back to the boat before eating.

Until next time,

Tight Lines

Jeff Rasband
Outings Coordinator

March 12 Outing
Whitfield Flats
Whitfield is an area that accommodates waders and kayakers from the shore and boats
launched from 10th st. or any other location.
All species of typical Sarasota Bay fish prowl the area and eat various flies and lures launched from a spinning rod.

As usual for my outings the weather was less than ideal ,cold in the morning and windy. We were able to get some fishing in however and the anglers with kayaks got into some fish. Those of us that chose to wade did not do very well, although
Jeff Rasband-new outings coordinator-had a nice redfish come after a spoon fly. The guys with kayaks found a hot spot that provided action for mackerel and trout.Mick Coulab and his friend Bruce got a bunch of mackerel and Mick took a nice trout of @ 22'' .Ken Babinau also did well. Will Hallet, Warren Foer and I did very little fishing the hole. I didn't feel too bad since live bait fishers also did poorly. The flies of choice were chartreuse over white Clausers primarily Bob Sousa did not report in but fished in the same area as the kayakers and reportably
did well on his standard Clauser.

You can't beat the use of a kayak to quickly find where the fish are active.
From Joe Bursel-Outings Director-retiredFebruary Outing
Eight hardy anglers showed up at the north end of the Skyway bridge on a day that was not fit for fishing, a strong wind and frigid temperatures. If I did not have to be there I would have passed. We fished for about two hours, roughly the time it took to lose feeling in our extremities.
Irving took one trout but that was it. Some fishers went to other locations to get out of the
wind and others took a look and decided it was not worth it. One consolation was that no flies were lost.

Wouldn't you know it the next day was great. Despite rumors to the contrary I do not pick
bad weather days on purpose.

FL Fish and Wildlife Redfish Hatchery
About 20 MCFF members showed up. As usual Gina and her staff gave a tour of the facility and provided interesting information on fish tagging and the intricacies of rearing redfish.It's not as simple as you might think.

After the tour we met at the outdoor ponds to watch feeding of some of the large breeder redfish Wow, if I could have made just one cast it would have been awesome.We then went to the detention pond, where we enjoyed a fine repast of soup ,biscuits and desert provided by John and Leslie Hand. We are going to miss those great meals in the future Fishing was not good in the cold water.

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Emerson Point
The club outing at Emerson point on Saturday, November 13 was blessed with magnificent weather and good fishing. And, also, about a dozen enthusiastic fly anglers. Bob Sousa, Ken Babineau and Mick Coulas launched their kayaks and succeeded in catching a variety of fish. Bob reported catching 17 fish of 8 different species. Diversity was the order of the day.

The waders stayed mostly in the river to avoid the wind. Jeff Jefferson, Joe Bursel, Joe Desimone, and Denny Susa had some success up the river a ways with many trout to their credit. Jerry Amato and Pat Becwith tried their luck at the mouth of the river. Trey Diaz, Jack Laurie and Irv Van Huss also caught a variety of fish. One who will be nameless thought he had a monster fish which turned out to be a small ray hooked in the tail intent on crossing the river.

Another pleasant outing of fishing fun among MCFF friends .

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Outings Report - July 17, 2010 - Blind Pass Beach
5:30 AM, Saturday July 17: struggled to get the sleep out of my eyes, stood up straight, checked all body parts, and knew this was going to be a GREAT DAY! Ventured outside to be greeted by what appeared to be outstanding condi-tions (light SE breeze and the promise of sunny conditions) for the Blind Pass Beach outing to take place in a couple of hours. Jumped into fishing "duds,", loaded the Hummer, and in the company of brother-in-law Bob Heinbach headed south with great anticipation. This was going to be a great event! WAS I WRONG!

Ninety minutes later pulled in to the parking lot at “the Beach” and quickly found about ten members and guests rigging up and ready to go. I soon learned that a couple of members were already at the waters edge getting the early fish. By the time we crossed the road and headed down the beach there were twenty members and guests in attendance.

Unfortunately upon approach to the water it became apparent that the fishing conditions were not favorable on this day. There was a significant swell from the west, pounding on the beach stirring up the sand reducing visibility to near -0- and significant "free floating" grass. Needless to say the catching was severely limited given the handicaps. However, Joe Desimone did prevail and beached a good sized Snook. One of the early arrivals, Stephanie Kisielewski, managed to fool a Mackerel and Ladyfish. Unfortunately that was it for the day.

The outing concluded with a meeting of the “Liar's Club” over cool drinks provided by the Club. It was a good morning but with the addition of more fish it would have been outstanding but THAT'S FISHIN'.
Preston

Outing Report - JANUARY 16, 2010 - by Preston Jones
As expected the day dawned with an overcast sky a and menacing breeze from the ENE at approximately eight mph, expected to go to 15-18 with gusts to 23. This coupled with a water temperature of 51 degrees and a long, slow incoming tide all day did not bode well for success flats fishing. Add to this the recent fish kill from cold the chances of catching a fish were low. However, 14 stalwart MCFF members and two guests made their way across the Skyway Bridge to the North Rest Area flat. As John Freedman put it “the worst day of fishing beats the best day of sitting around the house: it’s just time to get out and cast a line.” Most of those in attendance agreed with John so after a brief orientation and discussion the kayakers and waders took to the water. Fly fisherman are extremely optimistic soles. but after several hours of covering the flat it was obvious that this day was going to require more than optimism. Wind velocity and cloud cover had increased dramatically. Many of us headed for shore.

At about 11:30 AM an official meeting of the Liar’s Club was called to order by Outings Coordinator Joe Bursel. Needless to say there wasn’t much to lie about but true to our sport we found some content anyway. Joe Bursel did manage to catch a small trout while Jeff Jefferson saw one “tailer Redfish” but could not get to it. I kicked out a couple of Reds but they were moving so fast I didn’t even have time to lock and load.

With that the group adjourned to Popi’s restaurant in Palmetto where we enjoyed some fine fair and additional fascinating conversation. Incidentally the high wind warning lights were on when we came back across the bridge indicating wind gusts in excess of 40 mph.
Best Regards,
Preston

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OUTING REPORT: The Don Coleman Classic - December 19, 2009
It has often been said that “when the going gets tough the tough get going.” Twenty-four tough MCFFers and guests combined with approximately 40 from the Suncoast and Tampa Clubs to make the 2009 Don Coleman a resounding success.

This year’s event, held on December 19 was at FT. DeSoto Park in St. Pete. As readers may recall a vicious cold front came through on the afternoon of the 18th and produced winds upwards of 40 mph putting the event in serious jeopardy. However, as preparations had been extensive (particularly for the lunch) it was decided to go forth with whoever made the scene. At one point during the night I awakened and the winds were so strong that I ‘just knew’ the Skyway would be closed to traffic. Sleep the remainder of the night was fitful at best.

But through the kindness of “Mother Nature” that didn’t happen and ten hardy MCFF members along with an equal number of intrepid Suncoast and TBFFC members met at the Ft. DeSoto boat ramp at 7:30 AM and subsequently set off for the flats. For the most part boats were left at home and kayaks on vehicle roofs. It was windy and cold. But with waders pulled up we set off for east beach. This turned out to be a superb choice. Wading conditions were excellent with sufficient shelter from the fury making casting a breeze (“pun intended’).

As one might guess with the previous night’s passage of the front the catching was slow but at least there was some catching. Top honors went to new member John Freedman (several Trout and a Ladyfish) who was fishing with his mentor for the day Jim Urbancic. As Paul Harvery would say, “and now for the rest of the story”, Jim (the mentor) captured the stripped kitty cat (aka a skunk) so for the next outing (January 23, 2010) they are switching roles. Congratulations to John on his promotion: learn well Jim. I overheard Joe Bursel bragging about a world record class Pinfish and a monstrous Blue Runner. I was not able to verify the accuracy of his report as the size fluctuated dynamically during conversation so each of you should check with Joe in person at your next opportunity.

Now, the highlight of the day: LUNCH. By tradition lunch at the Coleman consists of homemade chili and all the ‘fixins’. Each Club provided a pot of homemade ‘firebrand’ for all to share. Our sincere thanks go to Cynthia Dunayer and her resident chili maker and hubby Fred. It....was....fabulous!!!!!! (buuuuuuuurp) Also thanks go out to other members of our Club who brought side dishes to share. The salads, cornbread, and desserts were scrumptious. It was a wonderful feed and great to be in the company of the other Clubs. It is refreshing to note that, as with us, their fish grow as stories unfold. The only downside that I found to the whole shindig is the dramatic rise in my ‘Rolaids’ budget: little price to pay.

The Coleman is held each December on the Saturday before Christmas at Ft. DeSoto. That would make it December 18th for 2010. I’m marking my calendar now and suggest you consider doing the same. Again, Joe and I thank all of you who participated and made this event a smashing success.

Best Regards, Preston
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MCFF Outings Report - September 19 - By Joe Bursel
Twelve anglers showed up to fish the north side of the Sunshine Highway Bridge. The weather was great and the tides favorable.

Some experienced local fly fishers were kind enough to give us information on the best areas to fish off the sand bar about 100 yards off shore. Those waders that fished from the sand bar did fairly well taking trout, ladyfish, mackerel and grouper. Joe Desimone did well on trout and a nice mackerel. Will Hallett took ladyfish and grouper. Mike Olinger took trout and grouper. Craig Smothers took trout, lost numerous flies to mackerel and lost a very large fish that broke his leader.

John La Manna fished the shallows and took grouper and missed some hits when I distracted him. He always catches too many fish anyway so I don't feel too guilty. Jeff Jefferson and Pat Beckwith also fished the shallows and put a hurting on the pin fish population.
Ryan Miller took his second red fish ever from his kayak and Stephanie Kisielewski, our snook guru provided pictures of the trip.

Most of us got together for lunch to discuss a possible return trip during the winter months when the tides are more pro-nounced. Everyone had an enjoyable outing and felt a return trip was in order for next year.
Joe Bursel - OUTINGS COORDINATOR
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OUTINGS REPORT: Joe Knows Best!!!!! - October 17th from Preston Jones
On the morning of 10/17, between the hours of 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM I checked my e-mail repeatedly expecting a message from Joe Bursel, Outings Coordinator, canceling the event scheduled for that day. After all a cold front had just passed by and the forecast was for north winds 12 – 16 with gusts to 23. When I walked outside, the winds were living up to the forecast. It was overcast and showed signs of a possible shower. But just like the evening before, no cancella-tion notice was forthcoming. So at 7:00 AM I left for the half hour drive to the Whitfield flats knowing that absolutely no one would “show.”

Was I on another planet! As I approached the parking area at the end of Whitfield Ave. there were four stalwarts (or as I was thinking, crazies!) in various stages of readiness preparing to wade onto the flat. Stephanie had already launched her kayak and was paddling out to the outermost sand bar. The sky was overcast, the wind belting out a tune through the rod guides and Capt. Mel had told us that anyone able to catch a fish under these conditions was immensely skilled. Alas there was nothing to do but don my wading boots and trudge off to the water. I had no confidence that anyone might catch anything.

Was I wrong. Jim Urbancic hooked up on his second or third cast. I looked upon his feat as an act of great skill. But then I got one too. I knew that to be purely luck but would rather be lucky than smart (or in this case skilled). Then I looked up and there was Stephanie with a loaded pole. And on it went steadily throughout the morning.

Jim Urbancic took top honors with 12 Trout (to 17”) and several Ladyfish. Stephanie had an excellent morning boat-ing five Trout (to 18”) and one Lady. The rest of us including Dave Shugol, Joe Bursel, Will Hallett and me all managed at least a few fish; an eclectic mix of Trout and Ladyfish. As an interesting aside, I caught a Pinfish that was a full ¾ of a pound.
If Captain Mel had seen this performance he would agree that we have amazingly skilled anglers in our Club led by Joe Bursel. He knows best about when and where to fish. That is why he is Outings Coordinator and we should be thankful that he is in the position. Hope you will join us at the next outing.
SEE YOU THEN!
Regards, Preston

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MCFF Bonefishing Trip to Andros South Lodge - May, 2009: Five anglers from MCFF represented the club on this year’s trip to South Andros.

Tony Johnson led Joe Bursel, Cynthia Dunayer, Les Fulcher, and John LaManna to South Andros for over three days of bonefishing … and other activities.

Andros South Lodge accommodates 12 anglers, and we were lucky to share the place with Mike Pawlawski, host of the fly fishing show Familiar Waters, his fishing partner for the trip, Montana guide Mike Bias, and the show’s two cameramen. Staying for the same days we did was Dr. Aaron Adams of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Mote Marine. Many in our club remember Aaron for the terrific presentations he’s done for us and of course the great work he does on behalf of bonefish and tarpon. A couple from Texas rounded out the group.

PHOTO: By the way … here’s the reason we went....

Joe got the fishing started Saturday shortly after we arrived, wading near the lodge to catch bones in the deep channel. Our first fishing day Sunday was pretty much a washout, but four of us managed to dodge lightning bolts on the flats all day … and even scored a couple of fish. The weather improved after that and everyone caught bones. Some of us were lucky enough to fish with Aaron Adams and help him with fin clipping and tagging. Les added to the excitement by catching three barracuda on a spinning rod … he only did it to save the bonefish from being eaten by the big predators … and donating them to the guides who took them home for dinner (the barracuda).

Sharks were plentiful of course. Les and Aaron had a pair of hammerheads a decent cast away … not that either of them actually made a cast: the larger of the two was a good 12 feet long (Les has pictures).

Aaron made a bonefish tagging presentation one evening. Mike Pawlawski showed off his fly tying skill several times during the trip. We gained a lot of respect for the expertise and effort Mike and his crew apply to their work.

One of the highlights of the trip was hunting for land crabs. After the rain on our first full day, the crabs came out of their dens and started their commute to the sea. Cynthia and, on the second evening, Les also, joined the locals on the hunt. They were both successful, though Cynthia out-did everyone! The lodge staff served up some of the crabs at dinner the following evening … a real treat!

Though this was the smallest group to represent the club on the Andros trip, we had to have as much fun as the bigger groups did … combined. Everything we could want was included; the company was great; the lodge staff was accommodating and friendly; and the fishing was fabulous!

Looking forward to next year already.

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Report from the Everglades Outing
By Outings Coordinator, Joe Bursel
(Scroll down below for more about future Outings)

When you set up an outing you hope everything works out perfectly. It is a rare occurance when it does. This outing was one of those occurances. The weather cooperated, the companionship was good and the fishing was great. Everyone caught a boatload of fish.

My canoe partner Jack Laurie estimated we caught about one hundred and fifty fish. I wasn't counting but in many places it was a fish on every cast. Jack scored heavily all day long on a #12 popper or slider. I used my crawfish fly and it was once again devastating, especially on large Mayan cichlids.

Cynthia Dunayer could not complain about not catching fish. She took two huge cichlids as well as bluegills and bass. Ryan Miller began catching fish before the rest of us even started and continued doing well. Stephanie Kisielewski did very well and was very happy. Guy Burroughs and his wife must have done well. Every time I looked one or the other had a bent rod. Guy showed us a huge bluegill he took.

Greg Huffman and his partner, Will Hallet, reported excellent results. Greg reported a large bass of about 3pounds, as well as many bluegills, cichlids and a few Oscars. Evan Jones did very well as usual and took his first gar, as well as many other fish. Jack and I took a number of oscars, but they only would have made a lunch for the huge oscar Bob Parker took. Evan showed me a picture and I can only imagine the battle it gave Bob.
Outings Coordinator, Joe Bursel.

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Family Bar-B-Que and Picnic - Jan. 17th, 2009


Over 50 Club members, family and friends attended the 2009 Club BBQ at the Sarasota Eagles Club. Although the weather started out a bit chilly, it warmed up quickly with fun, sun and some great food. Members and guests even got some great casting tips from the experts on hand, and got to try their hand at the Danish Games casting field.

The MCFF Club supplied bar-b-que ribs & chicken, hotdogs and hamburgers and members brought some incredible pot luck dishes to share, including great salads, bean dip, and desserts.

Raffles were held to raise money for the club and club member Mike Delaney won the door prize, a framed print of a small mouth bass rising to a fly.

Thanks to Capt. Pete Greenan (BBQ organizer), Capt. John and Leslie Hand, club president Bob Parker, and board members Cynthia Dunayer and Greg Huffman for getting things set up the BBQ.

Check out these photos of the event!

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See the CLUB CALENDAR page for other club events.

For the Outing Report on the club's trip to Andros, May 26 - 30, 2007, click here...

To View PAST OUTINGS pages, click here... and here... and here...

LET’S GO FLY FISHING TOGETHER SOON!