A Round of Applause For All the PFF Volunteers

Did you know that the Peninsula Fly Fishers is about to celebrate its 28th year? The club's longevity is due to a long line of hard working individuals who understand that the essence of the organization lies in its members. No matter what speakers we book, what waters we fish, what patterns we tie, the true strengths of this club come from the relationships it creates – and continues to foster among people like you. It is only through an ongoing fellowship that an institution like this can last more than a generation.

Since this is my final presidential message, I would like to recognize all of the many individuals who contributed so much to the success of the club this year. First, without the constant support of the PFF Board literally nothing would get done. They generate the ideas and implement them. So thanks to all the Board members who showed up regularly and pitched in when things got tight.

More importantly, there's a long list of non-board members who help the club in many essential positions. Think about the coordination and work it took to get that cup of coffee to you during a club meeting. For that we are thankful for our hospitality committee, Jim & Joan Johnston and Debbie Lamica. Thanks to Barbara Weber for minding our great library, and for taking on the important task of transferring our precious collection to DVDs. Thanks to Kelly Bandlow who has stepped in to replace Rocky as raffle chairman, and to JC who is always there to greet us at the door (and to remind us when renewals are due!) And don't forget the work required to keep our website running and great new articles in the pipeline (thanks Rodney) and the workshops ticking (thanks Mike) and the fishouts planned (thanks Mike again). And what would a fly fishing club be without fly tying (thanks Harold and Dave), rod building (thanks Doug), and casting classes (thanks Wayne). And of course, we are grateful for the amazing talents of our camp cook, Les Junge who outdid himself last December and is already preparing for the Installation Dinner in July.

Looking forward, there are some worrisome clouds on the horizon. Because the club is a generation old, many formerly active members have left the area for warmer or cheaper places (usually closer to fishing) or have run into unfortunate health problems. Remember the old adage that twenty percent of the fishermen catch eighty percent of the fish? Because of the turnover in membership, this now holds for club work. A small core group of individuals, many of whom I've just thanked, do most of the work. It would be a great help to the incoming President, George Conway, and the new Board if the club could share the load over more of its members. Talk to George or Rodney about volunteering if you are willing and able to contribute. Areas that really could be strengthened include conservation, advertising, and communications (e.g. website, newsletter, and rosters).

Even if you don't volunteer directly, there are lots of smaller things you can do to help the organization. For instance, if every member contributed just one photo or one paragraph to the short report section of the website, we'd all share and gain from the experience. Try coming to meetings – we always have great speakers and it helps us stay connected in an increasingly isolated society. Or invite a newer member out fishing with you. Keep in mind, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no person can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."

Moving on to fishing, the snow melt is in full swing. The rivers are roaring. Please chose your fishing locations carefully and be mindful of the heavy flows this time of year. Fishing is our passion, but safety is most important if we are to fish another day. Last month, Rachel Andras treated us to an excellent program. We should all be mindful of her advice about improving our casting so that we don't wade in fast, deep water. Furthermore, many times we wade right into the feeding lane and miss the fish. And remember her advice that the best spring fly is split-shot.

This month Lori Ann Murphy is coming our way from Montana. You don't want to miss this program and dinner beforehand at Max's Diner in Redwood City. Be there at 6:00 PM sharp.

Finally, let me remind the members that the July meeting is the annual installation dinner! It has traditionally been a wonderful opportunity to get together with our friends and fellow fly fishers – or as one ex-president used to put it PFFers. For those of you who tie, don't forget to donate a dozen (or more!) flies to the raffle. In addition to the usual great selection of fly boxes, we are working hard right now on other great prizes for the raffle. The camp cook has already swung into gear, and is working on another dinner of great food, good cheer, and, most of all, some of the nicest people to share the evening. Plan to attend.

Tight Lines!
– Rich Catanzaro