A “Cast” Of Characters

It’s long been said that one of the great things about fishing is talking about it before you go -- “We’re gonna catch the big one!” We also love telling stories when we return home of, more often than not, how the “big one” got away. Sometimes, the fishing stories are told even though no one wet a line.

Case in point: Last week, participants in the latest Bluegill & Brews Fly Fishing Clinic at the Kids’ Fishing Lagoon were all set to get started when the skies opened.

“It really poured, so we sheltered under the CCA Educational Center roof and enjoyed snacks courtesy of Fresh Market and washed them down with a few brews,” said event coordinator and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Skidaway Chapter Board member Paulette Hamilton.

 By any measure, not a bad way to enjoy the evening on our island.    

Bluegills & Brews was created as a “next step” program of the Skidaway Chapter of CCA in response to the growing interest in fly fishing among Skidaway Island residents.

“With instruction available, it’s a great way to get started while also providing experienced fly anglers a fun evening of fly fishing for what are exceptionally large and scrappy bluegills,” explains program developer Doug Painter. “And, of course, everyone enjoys our post-fishing social hour.”    

The Bluegills & Brews events take place at the Kids’ Fishing Lagoon, located at the intersection of Westcross and Log Landing roads. The next event is scheduled for July 26 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with a rain date of July 27. The clinic is limited to 12 anglers, so please register at your earliest convenience. After 12 sign-ups, we will set up a waitlist. Admission is $10 per angler. Pay by cash or checks made payable to CCA Skidaway on the evening of the event. Flies, brews, and snacks are provided by CCA Skidaway.

We have a handful of fly rod outfits available at no charge but let us know if you need one. For more information, contact Paulette Hamilton (sushi1103@mac.com or 610-509-0279).

And, of course, get ready to catch the “big one”!