|
|
|
|
|
7th Annual Conclave a Soggy Success
 Depsite rain-soaked conditions, which forced some to sleep inside the "library", the 7th annual FFIM Spring Conclave was another great success. The group raised over $3300.00, of which $2000.00 will go to a stream restoration project being undertaken by Washington Academy in downeast Maine. The remaining tally will be entered into the FFIM "grassroots grants" fund -- which has funded many other worthy programs in the past, including Casting for Recovery (www.castingforrecovery.org), the "Live the Legend" youth camp, TU Trout Camp and many others.
Friday, day one, began and ended wet and soggy...though Tim_S and I were lucky enough to be able to get a float in "Big Blue" with Greg "Boz" Bostater or Maine River Guides (www.maineriverguides.com). Formerly a whitewater guide, and now full-time fly fishing guide, Greg may very well know this river and it's nooks and crannys better than anyone. Greg set us up in spots from the Big Eddy to points downstream, and we landed many fish, including a nice healthy 18"-er in the eddy just before dark.
Saturday we awoke to more rain, some of us earlier than others. I found my way across the river to a nice spot with few others around, and caught some a few salmon and trout, and lost a VERY nice fish while nymphing...that one will haunt me. Sometimes the big ones are right in the midst of a bunch of little fish - you never know when they'll hit -- so persistence and perservernce may pay off big. This one in particular ran me downstream for a good 5 minutes and 50 yards before floppy up top and spitting the hook -- a classic LDR.
During the day Saturday, the raffles and auction were setup, and we also were luck to have representatives come up from both L.L.Bean and Hardy. Jeff Miller and Scott Quinney from L.L.Bean brought with them a selection of "prototype" goods from the "to be" 2010 fly fishing line. A new line of rods to replace the Orions was available to test cast, and got many good reviews. Also popular were new lightweight, eco-friendly, wading boots. New reels, jackets, and a "switch-rod" prototype that proved quite intriquing rounded out the products.
Crosby Beane, East Coast sales manager from Hardy, was also on hand with a complete assortment of the Hardy line of rods and reels. If you have never had the chance to cast a Hardy fly rod, you are missing out. The "Marksman" cast like a dream, and the power of the $1000+ "Angel" was unbelievable. On the other end of the spectrum were classic reels that look as if there were designed 100 years ago. This is a sweet line. Thanks to Crosby, and also Jeff and Scott of LLB for coming up!
The rain broke at times on Saturday afternoon, and by 7:00PM folks were starting to come by in numbers to get their final bids in on the Silent Auction items, as well as purchase raffle tickets. Rumor also had it a Conclave attendee had netted a 24" landlock in the Big Eddy. When the clock struck 9:00PM -- bidding was done, the auctions closed, and the raffle drawings began. Saco Salmon Club members Nick and Steve took many items, proving once again the secret lucky powers their club must possess. Mark Oeullette won the grand price Kayak and Orvis Rod and Reel, and the Hardy package went to Brian Farm. Many others went home with some find gear and wares, and all had a good time.
A huge thank you to all the participants who bid and/or bought raffle tickets, and to all the organizations and individuals that donated items to make this event such an annual success...we really couldn't do it without you. Also big thanks to Susan, Mark, Lila, Seneca and all the other folks at Big Eddy Campground who hosted us with such great facilities.
Sunday saw some clearing skies (finally!) and while many folks headed home -- some of us elected to stay, and were rewarded with doing so. Fishing Sunday morning was good in the river, and then also in ponds in the afternoon. One such roadside waterbody even yielded a nice 16" Brookie on a leech...what a great way to end the weekend. I'll leave the story of the lost keys misadventure for another day -- just ask me about it sometime...
More Photos:
Nice salmon from the Big Eddy
|
Makeshift drying rack
|
L.L.Bean Product Table
|
Hardy Line
|
Grand Prize Raffles
|
Bucket Raffles
|
KVCTU Personal Didymo Stations
|
Silent Auction and FFIM Gear
|
Hardy Reels
|
Hardy Rods
|
The "Crib Camp"
|
Roadside pond Brookie
|
View from the "Crib Camp" porch
|
Main photo: Guide Greg Bostater and Tim Soule of FFIM, fishing the West Branch out of "Big Blue"
|
|
|
|
|
|
