First Fish on a Fly!

Bluegills & Brews. No, that’s not the name of a new country and western band. But it was something that struck the right note for island fly anglers as they recently gathered at the Kids' Fishing Lagoon for an evening of fun fly fishing followed by a few beers and hors d’oeuvres under the canopy of CCA’s Outdoor Education Center.

 “A few weeks ago, the Skidaway Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) held what turned out to be a sold-out fly casting clinic at The Landings Association's athletic fields in cooperation with Rivers and Glen Trading Company of Savannah, noted event coordinator Doug Painter. "As a next step, we wanted to offer attendees the opportunity to go fishing with their newfound casting skills.”

 Choc-a-bloc full of exceptionally large bluegill, the Kids' Fishing Lagoon offered a great venue for the first Bluegills & Brews event that was billed as “an ideal fly-fishing experience for those just getting started or for those looking to hone their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anglers.” Skidaway CCA volunteers were on hand with fly rod outfits and our secret fly, “the bluegill buster," which proved highly effective in enticing these hard-hitting panfish.

“It’s great to welcome newcomers to our fold and to see the fist pumps from some of our guests who had never before caught a fish on a fly," said Painter. "The fishing was hot, and the beer was cold. What better way to spend an enjoyable evening outdoors on our island.”

 Look for future announcements on our next scheduled Bluegills & Brews event.

Patricia Wright holds up her first fish ever caught on a fly!