January 2010

News & Events

General Meeting - Tuesday, January 12, 2009

Presentation

Wendell 'Ozzie' Ozefovich

Ozzie will be presenting a video entitled "Bugs of the Underworld -- A Flyfisher's Guide To The Natural History Of Aquatic Insects", by Ralph and Lisa Cutter.

Ozzie will also have his latest DVD, "Trout Vision and Refraction", for sale at a reduced price at the meeting.

Fly Tying School 2010

There is still time to sign up!
You can sign up at the general meeting on Tuesday
Get more information here!

Fly Tying Demo

Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010
Efinger Sporting Goods
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen's Show

January 14-17, 2010
Raritan Center

Somerset Fly-Fishing Show

January 22-24, 2010
Garden State Exhibition Center

2010 Shows

by Dick Tutse

As usual we will be participating in two outdoor shows in January 2010. The first is the Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen's Show which will be held on Jan. 14-17, 2010 at the NJ Outdoor Convention and Exposition Center at the Raritan Center in Edison, NJ. We have participated in the show since its inception in the early 1980's. While it is not a fishing show per se there are displays for most kinds of outdoor activities and we have the largest booth next to the casting pond. We are changing our booth this year to attract more people and have some new surprises for the folks. If you are not participating in the show try to visit us some time during that weekend. As far as participation you are invited to help in one way or another. We are particularly in need of flies, especially pheasant tail and gold-ribbed hare-wing nymphs of all sizes. Please bring them to the Dec. and Jan. meetings. Also we need fly-tying instructors for the kids during that weekend. This is a very important part of the show and we are always short of help. Please contact me at to volunteer.

The other show is the annual Somerset Fly-fishing Show held on Jan. 22-24 at the Garden State Exhibition Center in Somerset. We only have a small booth in the lobby so we do not need volunteers to work the show. But you can come and sit in with us to rest your weary legs, spread fishing gossip and just say hello at any time during the show.

Agust entertaining the crowd at the Michaels Tying Demo

Nick Romanenko Photo

See more photos from Michaels!

What Happens In Michael’s Is Always Worth Repeating

By Stuart Shafran

As is often the case, thinking outside the box can be a boost or a bust. I am pleased to report that the CJTU's Holiday Tying Event at Michael's Craft Store in Bridgewater was a definate boost. Judging from the crowds that gathered around our tables, this event was well received. Not our typical crowd, I'll admit, but a great community outreach trial. It certainly gave the guys who were accompanying their wives something to do. The store management was not only pleased, but quite surprised at the interest. They have extended us an open invitation to return later this winter or early spring.

What began as a tying demonstration of uncommon tying materials eventually became a 'Show and Tell'...and feel, of soft colorful furs and pretty feathers. Agust Gudmundson made a display of dyed and natural animal skins from rabbits, deer, elk, mink, muskrat, moose, squirrel, fox, raccoon, beaver, bear, and vole. He also put out feathers from a rooster, hen, turkey, and pheasant. The bright colors and shinny hooks attracted adult males and small children, and the furs and pretty feathers attracted the females. (I know this is politically incorrect, but I couldn't pass on a good set up.)

Everyone stopped...everyone looked...many hung around, and chatted...and touched-mostly touched (the pelts). We were pleasantly surprised to hear that the majority of children that stopped by, said that their mom's and dad's take them fishing. Who knew? There were so many conversations worth repeating, some cannot, but two in particular stand out. Agust had layed out a magnicifent green rabbit pelt that you just couldn't avoid touching. Too good, in fact, to cut up, but great as an attention getter. One small child asked, “Where'd you find a green rabbit?” “Greenland, where else.” “And what happened to the rest of the rabbit?”, he asked. “Well, we waited until he was asleep and then took his coat when he wasn't looking.” What else do you tell a small child? Later that morning, the wife of a friend, who shall remain nameless (Mike Mitzen), stopped by. She said, “My husband will be so upset when I tell him they were tying flys in this store. He ties this stupid stuff every morning before work...You mean he could buy things here instead of traveling to those expensive shops?” “At least you know where he spends your money.” Honestly, I didn't make this stuff up.

So close to Christmas, the crowds were non-stop all day. By 4 PM, we were 'plum tuckered out', cold, and thirsty-mostly thirsty. The only breaks we took were to the restroom. Is that TMI? Because of the limited space we had to deny several requests, mostly from children, to tie a fly. This naturaly gave us the opportunity to plug Trout Unlimited and our fly tying school in January, February, and March. Next time we'll consider including a 'give it a try' station.

I'd like to extend a special thanks to Agust Gudmundson, for providing the petting zoo, and for his companionship. Not only is he an accomplished tyer/instructor, but as an ambassador of Trout Unlimited and cold water conservation, there's no one more passionate than he. And, of course, a big thanks to Nick Romanenko, for taking photos.

Happy New Year, and Happy Winter Tying

2010 Fundraising Raffle

Dear TU Supporter,

It’s that time of year again, time for Central Jersey Trout Unlimited’s annual fund raising event. As you already know Central Jersey Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization and our sole source of income is through our fund raising efforts. The money we raise through the sale of raffle tickets will support our conservation efforts for the upcoming year. Central Jersey Trout Unlimited is dedicated to its mission to conserve, protect and restore cold-water fisheries and their watersheds in the state of New Jersey. Only through your contributions can we continue to do this important work.

This year’s raffle is very special for two reasons. First is the prize. This year raffle winner will receive the Trout Unlimited 50th Anniversary fly rod made by Orvis. This 8’, 4 wt., Orvis Superfine Trout Bum fly rod was specially made for Trout Unlimited. It features a TU 50th Anniversary Logo and a specially engraved rod butt. I was fortunate enough to win won of these beautiful rods in a casting competition at the national meeting this year. I can personally attest that this fly rod casts like a dream. A perfect rod for New Jersey waters! In addition to the fly rod we are including a limited edition Orvis “Trout Bum” CFO reel , with line and backing. This reel has a beautiful metallic green anodized finish that will match perfectly with the TU fly rod. We are also including a fly box fully loaded for flies guaranteed to work on new Jersey streams and a Trout Unlimited 50th anniversary messenger bag to carry it all home in.

What really makes this year’s raffle special is the cause. All of the proceeds from this fund raising effort will go towards an exciting new project that Central Jersey Trout Unlimited has undertaken. As many of you know, the Musconetcong River is Central Jersey Trout Unlimited’s home river. Though the river supports miles of trout habitat, our chapter has taken an interest in a very special part of that stream, the Point Mountain tract. Years ago we fought to get seasonal trout conservation regulations on this stretch of water. Over the years we have also assisted in stocking this section of stream. Our members distribute the fish, by hand, throughout the entire tract. I am pleased to announce, effective this year, we now have year round trout conservation regulations on the Point Mountain tract. This beautiful piece of water has the ability to hold trout year round. These new regulations will go a long way to protect these fish. If this section of stream has one fault, it is the shallow, marginal water in the center of the property. I am pleased to announce a major stream rehabilitation project is underway to restore trout holding water to this area. Our chapter recently pledged $2,000.00 towards this project and recently received a $3,000.00 dollar grant from The Trout and Salmon Foundation to apply to this work as well. Unfortunately much more money is needed. The money we raise during this year’s fund raising event will go directly to this project. Please help us, help one of New Jersey’s best trout streams. We are all feeling the pinch of these tough financial times, but if everyone gave a few dollars we could raise the funds needed for this cause.

The drawing will be held on March 28th at the Open House Event at the Pequest Hatchery. If you are the lucky winner we will contact you and make arrangements to get this wonderful fly fishing outfit to you right away! Thank you in advance for supporting our conservation efforts. It's only through your support and dedication that Central Jersey Trout Unlimited can continue to protect our cold water fisheries in New Jersey.

Tight Lines,

Bart Lombardo
President
Central Jersey Trout Unlimited

President’s Letter

January 2010

I would like to start off by wishing every one a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. The beginning of the new year is always a busy time for us. During the month of January, CJTU will be present at three area events. On Saturday January 9th, Central Jersey Trout Unlimited will be conducting a fly tying demonstration at Efinger Sporting Goods on Rt. 28, in Boundbrook, NJ. As an added incentive, Efinger’s is running a month long sale on fly tying materials, this is an excellent time to stock up.

We will also be present at two fishing shows this month. The first show is the Garden State Outdoor Sportsman Show. The dates are January 14-17 and the show will be held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center at the Raritan Center in Edison, NJ. At this show we will be running all of our normal activities. There will be fly tying lessons for the kids as well as casting demonstrations and instruction in the casting pool. We will also have our merchandise for sale, including flies tied by our members. In addition we will be running a fly-casting competition. There will be plenty of prizes including a brand new fly rod. Our booth will have a brand new look this year, so be sure to stop by, take a few casts and check out the new booth.

The second show is the Fly Fishing Show. The dates are January 22-25, the show will be held at the Garden State Convention Center in Somerset, NJ. We will be in our usual location, in the front lobby, so stop by and say hello.

Our very own Wendell Ozefovich, better known as Ozzie, has just released his fourth video in his Underwater World Of Trout series titled Trout Vision and Refraction. To assist CJTU in our fundraising endeavors Ozzie as offered to donate $5.00 to the chapter for each video we sell at our booth. If this video is on your wish list (if its not it should be!), purchase it from the CJTU booth at either show or at our meetings and help out your chapter.

As many of you know, the Musconetcong River is Central Jersey Trout Unlimited’s home river. Though the river supports miles of trout habitat, our chapter has taken an interest in a very special part of that stream, the Point Mountain tract. Years ago we fought to get seasonal trout conservation regulations on this stretch of water. Over the years we have also assisted in stocking this section of stream. Our members distribute the fish, by hand, throughout the entire tract. I am pleased to announce, effective this year, we now have year round trout conservation regulations on the Point Mountain tract. This beautiful piece of water has the ability to hold trout year round. These new regulations will go a long way to protect these fish. If this section of stream has one fault, it is the shallow, marginal water in the center of the property. I am pleased to announce a major stream rehabilitation project is underway to restore trout holding water to this area. Our chapter recently pledged $2,000.00 towards this project and recently received a $3,000.00 dollar grant from The Trout and Salmon Foundation to apply to this work as well. Unfortunately much more money is needed. The money we raise during this year’s fund raising event will go directly to this project.

If you can find some soft water, go out and catch some trout. Winter is our most overlooked season. Nymphing may be the best way to go but warmer days may bring on some midge hatches and as the year progresses, little black stones are always a possibility on some waters. That’s all for now.

Tight Lines,
Bart Lombardo

You can contact Bart at

Articles

For January we have the recent update from Brian Cowden on whats going on with the Musky Home River Initiative. He covers the Volunteer work that has been done with riparian plantings, brings us up to date on dam removal, and will fill you in on the planned river restoration projects.

Shopping at the December Flea Market

Nick Romanenko Photo

More photos from the flea market can be found here

Fly of the Month

This month we have another interesting pattern from Bart Lombardo

The Bloodgill This was a new streamer for me this past fall.  It proved to be a very effective pattern for brown trout in the later part of the season.  Click here for the recipe !