Fishing in the Ragin Cajun Fishing Derby

I normally don’t fish anymore on weekends, now that I am retired; but getting to fish in the Derby Saturday was worth wetting a fly. As mention in Thursday’s post Charles was my fishing partner for the morning. We arrived at the Riverside Fly Shop on the banks of the Sipsey Tailrace around 6 AM. No one could actually go on the water until 7 AM. The 6 AM time was needed to go over the rules and hand out packets including meal tickets and coupons for the drawing of the big trout prize which was the KC kayak. The other prizes were a guided fishing trip, mystic fly Rod combo and cash to be awarded at the conclusion of the event at 2 PM.

There was an excellent turnout with over 45 participates fishing either from a kayak or wading. We were informed at the 6 AM meeting that numbers of trout measuring 16 inches to 20 inches had been released in the tailrace on Thursday, so all the participates perked up when they heard that bit of news. No one landed any that size for the morning. The largest trout recorded for the day was a little over 13 inches which won that individual the Kayak. On the Sipsey Tailrace a trout 12 inches to 16 inches is considered a nice catch.

I can’t say enough about how well the event was planned and organized by Randy and Brandon owners of Riverside Fly shop. Both these guys have done so much to promote fly fishing on the Sipsey and in the state of Alabama. What a pleasure it was to get fish in the Derby this year with my buddy Charles. Both of us agreed we will be back for next year’s Derby.

Early morning arrivals at the front of the fly shop

Some of the first participates signing in

Kyle one of my former students, getting his flies set up for the morning. He is an outstanding fly fisherman, who fishes the Sipsey a couple of times a week. I hope to get to fish with him Tuesday on the Sipsey.

Two retires who love the sport of fly fishing--Charles it was good fishing with you today

We spot one lone fly fisherman in the distance, as we make our way to a couple of runs, which by the way we got to fish

More fishermen going to their favorite spot--it did get a little crowded at times, but there were no complaints from anyone.

My first and only trout of the day; it was tough day for everyone, there were no fish taken at all on dries, the few that was landed were taken either on nymphs or small streamers. I landed my only trout on the Seal Leech tied by David at The Trout Zone. There was no hatch at all during the five hours everyone was allowed to fish, which eliminated the dry action. Everyone was given a ruler to measure their trout and then release the fish. The camera was used for verification of the catch. Ten fisherman scored with landing trout out of 45 participates.

Some of the great eats that was prepared for lunch

The gumbo was outstanding, with the smoked sausage.

Some of the fishermen listening to Bob Shanks, who gave a great presentation on Unconventional Fly Fishing

Mr. Shanks talking about his years fly fishing all over the United States. It was really interesting listening to him talk about his trips out west, especially in Montana. Some of the unconventional ways he fly fishes were intriguing. At 83 he said he still fishes 200 days a year with each trip he makes averaging about 3 hours. He is the author of "Around The Next Bend" Adventures in Fly Fishing. If you are interesting in ordering his book, you may contact him at bshanks29@gmail.com

The KC kayak big prize of the day

Even a wild turkey showed up for the event--thanks guys for viewing