DONATIONS NEEDED - Operation Blakeway is Underway!!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

All BBG members:

We are organizing a donation drive for one of our new members, Mathew Blakeway. He is a hardworking young man, although like all farmers he is strapped for cash. As it turns out, he was given a VERY basic fly fishing outfit, and has taken to the sport like a duck to water. He is one of us, folks, a proud new member of the Fishing Family.

There is one problem, however, which he cannot overcome: Mathew lives in a very rural section of SOUTH AFRICA. There are absolutely NO opportunities for him to add to his fly fishing equipment.

He currently has a 6/7 wt. rod, some worn line and about 8 ragged, tattered flies - and that is it! At his current rate of usage, the flies probably wont last the season. He doesn't lack the will, friends; he lacks the means.

So we are trying to organize a small "Goody Drive" for him. I've packed up some flies to send - they should go out next week. That is PHASE ONE.

Carl Hendrix is gathering some tools and other useful items from his stash, to begin PHASE TWO. After talking to Mathew, here are the things most needed, in order of priority:

1. BLUEGILL and LARGE MOUTH BASS flies

Brim flies, nymphs, small streamers, soft hackles, Wooly Buggers, small poppers and popping bugs - that sort of thing is needed

2. Spare 6/7 wt. WF line

3. Hook hone

4. Hook remover

5. Neck lanyard and/or retracts for tools

Optional items:

6. Furled and/or tapered leaders in bluegill/bass sizes.

NOTES: Through a weird twist of fate, large mouth bass and bluegill were widely distributed in South Africa in the 1930's. First came the large mouth bass, then bluegill were imported to feed them. In fact, South Africa's conservation folks now consider bluegill to be invasive. And, unlike here in the U.S., virtually no other native fish exist there! Bass and bluegill are about it!!

(Mathew occasionally has opportunity to fly fish for the only native South African sport fish, a species of barb called, "Yellowfish." They are distant cousins of our carp. They are found in only a few rivers, pretty far from his home. However, he can get to them once or twice a year.

While in the same family as carp, the yellowfish are predatory in habit. They live in deep holes and pools and feed on invertebrates, crustaceans and small fish. They can grow to pretty impressive proportions - imagine a cross between a small mouth and a carnivorous carp and you get the idea. If you have any deep patterns common to smallmouth bass, your donation of these would be greatly appreciated.)

Shipping to SA is not cheap, so the list is restricted to small and LIGHTWEIGHT items. Carl and I will work out the shipping between us. We are just requesting whatever you can spare from the list above... anything YOU wish YOU had were there no chance of restocking your fly fishing gear.

Send all donations to:

Carl Hendrix

525 Autumndale Drive

Gallatin, TN 37066

Remember, BASS (large and small mouth) and BLUEGILL flies! We are shooting for a donation deadline of February 7, so send your goodies SOON. And thanks in advance!

[carl hendrix]

 guys- allen morgan has the best idea! wrap it in birthday wrapping paper!  I will go get some- and wrap all gifts in it- so hopefully Mathew gets it faster!   great idea allen!

[Allen Morgan]

Carl, got my package to you this morning.  ETA Thursday.

[Leo Nguyen]

Same goes for me. Didn't get a chance to get your 303 along with the shipment because of the seller's failure to ship things properly. That will be in my next shipment.

[carl hendrix]

hey allen and leo---THANKS GUYS!! I'll be looking in the mail!!

[Earl W Story]

 Got my "Box 'O Bugs wrapped up to go out in today's mail. Should be there by Friday.

[carl hendrix]

alright earl!!  thanks buddy for your donation to Mathew!!  looks like he;s going to get some really needed stuff he can't get!!  to everybody who has contributed-- thank you!!

[carl hendrix]

just received packages from allen morgan;; and leo for Mathew;s donation!!  thanks guys!!

[Mark Stine]

sent out some poppers, predators, nymps and a woven spider this morning.

[carl hendrix]

received packages today-- 1 from tooty;; and 1 from earl story!!  thanks guys!!  Mathew will be thrilled with all these donations!!

[carl hendrix]

mark steine-- thank you for your donation buddy!!  waiting for it to arrive!!                                                                                guys; like I have said before; I will not open any package meant for Mathew;; its his mail and gifts; not mine.  what I will do; is wrap all packages I receive; in birthday paper; ( a great idea from allen morgan) and put everything in a box for him.  thanks to everybody who has and will contribute!!

[Vince Fusco]

Got some flys tied up, and I am heading to the post office this morning to send them your way, Carl.

[carl hendrix]

thanks vince!  glad your helping Mathew to!!  I think I have to get a bigger box!!  thanks guys!!