date of ratification by board

OPERATIONS MANUAL
OF
THE PENINSULA FLY FISHERS, INC.

FISHMASTER GUIDELINES

Who Can Be A Fishmaster?

The title Fishmaster might sound a bit intimidating. Few of us consider ourselves to be master fishermen. Certainly no one wants to be accountable for the mood of the fish or the weather or the fishing success of others. No one wants to give up his or her own fishing time to act as an unpaid fishing instructor. Well, none of that is expected of a fishmaster. A fishmaster should be knowledgeable about the water to be fished, but, in general, all that is required is a willingness to give a few hours to gather and disseminate information and co-ordinate plans.

What A Fishmaster Does

The following is a list of those duties a fishmaster will(may) need to perform. Fishouts vary in nature and size. The list is a guide to make the job easier.

• Make a brief announcement describing the event at the two general meetings prior to the fishout. This should include the dates, the location, the type of fishing, the accommodations.
• For publication at least one month prior to the trip, provide the bulletin editor and the web master with an article describing the fishout and giving contact numbers.
• Provide a sign-up sheet at the two meetings prior to the event for those who are interested in joining the fishout.
  For events with a limit on the number of participants, all members must be given equal and fair chance to join the event.
• Supply a list of appropriate fishing gear, names and sizes of flies, and likely techniques to accompany the sign-up sheet.
• Provide some indication of where to fish, e.g. over the weed beds, near the dam face, in the pool tailouts, etc.
• Provide a map or directions to the water with the sign-up sheet.
• Optional: names and phone numbers of flyshops or guides or boat rentals, etc. who attendees may wish to contact.
• Optional: references to or photo-copies of articles describing the place or the method of fishing to be employed.
• Optional: tie an example or two of flies for the prior workshop or publish fly recipes in bulletin and web page.
• Provide information (names, addresses, phone numbers, prices) about campsites or lodgings and a map or directions. The fishmaster is not allowed to make any reservations for others, although he or she may need to co-ordinate them on the larger fishouts.
• Maintain a list of who wants a roommate or ride—when applicable. The fishmaster doesn't have to match people up, only act as a clearinghouse.
• Shortly before the trip, call local flyshops or guides or consult the available web pages to ascertain the conditions.
• Take calls or e-mail at home and/or work from members who need information. You may designate what days and times you wish to take these calls.
• Fishmasters are encouraged to try to include some opportunity for fellowship and conviviality. A pot luck supper, a picnic lunch, or the like.
• An article in the bulletin, after the trip, reporting on how it went, is always greatly appreciated. The editor likes to have a photo. The web site has even more room for photos, and in color, too. Writing phobics can delegate this responsibility to another participant.
• Because we are concerned about the safety of our members, it could be valuable to find out the phone number of emergency services in the area of the fishout. Safe wading and boating practices could be pointed out. Reminders to bring any necessary medications could be helpful. Lastly, suggest that anyone with a serious health problem might want to disclose it to their fishing partners to aid in giving assistance in the event of a mishap.