Tight Loops for the Troops

[thtsarumr]

I'm passing this along for my buddy David VALADEZ. PM me if you have any questions.

Blu

What started as just an idea from Randy a short time ago is now starting to take form. The idea... to get a few of our brave troops from the Wounded Warrior Battalion stationed at Camp Pendleton out for a day of fun and fishing and show them just how much we appreciate what they have done and sacrificed for our country. Randy, SteveP, Preston, AlQ, Shane, Blue and myself have meet a couple of times, brainstormed and after exchanging many emails... have come up with 'Tight Loops For The Troops'.

Our intentions originally were to have a fishing event / fundraiser with gifts, prizes, a raffle, etc and follow the One Surf Fly format. We soon found out just how much work was involved (I tip my hat and appreciate the work and effort that the OSF team puts in to pull off such successful events) and with the clock ticking we had to set some realistic goals. Our goal now is simple... 'just fish and have a good time'.

With the backing of the Golden State Flycasters and with The San Diego Fly Shop Temecula on board we're reaching out to the fly fishing community for additional support. With the number of Wounded Warrior participants still to be determined, we'd like to start signing up some boaters who would be willing to donate a day on the water. If you're a non-boater and would like to take part... no worries, the lake offers some very fishable aluminum bass boat rentals so non-boaters can join in on the fun as well. If we end up with more boaters and boat renters than troops, then we can always team up fly guys with other fly guys. As I mentioned, this is a fishing event and NOT a tournament or contest... our intention is for 'everyone' to have a good time and 'hopefully' catch boat loads of fish. That being said, if you've never fished DVL then this is the perfect time to check it out. Those of us who have fished the lake will be sharing everything we know about it to ensure that everyone is getting in on the action. We plan on having open communication even while we're on the water.

Though we are a fly fishing group, we are not limiting the event to fly fishing only. Some of the troops may not be able to cast the fly or may get more enjoyment (less frustration) with conventional gear so we are encouraging and welcoming the use of both.

The fall shad feast at Diamond Valley Lake is an unbelievable sight. I was lucky enough to witness it first hand last fall and I probably wouldn't have understood the intensity of it had I not witnessed it with my own eyes. The Tight Loops event is scheduled for October 22nd. That should put us smack dab in the middle of the mayhem. Guys, please consider doing this for our troops. What we might think of as a day of fishing is going to be so much for these soldiers. More details will follow, but if you have any questions or concerns please post them or if you'd like you can 'U2U' SteveP, Randy or myself and we'd be glad to get back with you.

Save the date Oct. 22nd

Make a difference,

Dave

P.S. If you need a little more incentive then check out the pics.

Thanks Al for the awesome logo...

Dave has attached this image:

[thtsarumr]

Mark,
Would you and a couple of the fellas from the LBCC be willing to put on a casting clinic / course for some wounded warriors and event volunteers the weekend prior to event scheduled for the 22nd of October. I'm sure many of the wounded warriors have little to no experience fly casting and I can't think of anyone better to teach them than the instructors from the LBCC.

BLU

[fly addict]

Blu,
I think I can get a few CIs to help out on this. Most of them live up in the Long Bch, LA area. If I can get them to meet in Dana Point would that work for you guys. They might want to do it at the casting club, because it would be a lot easier teaching them how to roll cast on the water. That is something that needs to be worked out. How many guys do you hope to teach? Do they have rods? I think Saturday Oct, 15 would be a good day for this. I’ll check with a few CIs tonight.
Mark