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!

[Earl W Story]

 I'd be happy to send some money. What is the address again? I'll send it out in the morning.

[Allen Morgan]

Carl, I'll get a money order out tomorrow.

[Leo Nguyen]

Great job with phase one everyone.

David, I sent the hook hone to Carl that can file the hook as small as 24. I also talked to Blake of the hook remover that he may need, since I was about to get him the un-HookUm, but held off on it due to uncertainty.

[carl hendrix]

  HEY GUYS!!  MATHEW BLAKEWAY  HAS JUST POSTED--  HE GOT OUR PACKAGE!!  MANY ;; MANY  THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED!!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Hooooray! I was wondering...
I haven't forgotten you, Carl....

[dick tabbert]

Thanks Carl, always a good feeling helping fellow angles. Thank you for taking the bull by the horns and running with it I know you made a happy individual across the big water.

[Allen Morgan]

I've got to find his post!!!!  I know he's beyond excited!

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

I always say ethical outdoors men and women make great citizens.......no surprise to me that some great members made this happen....thanks for making it happen Bigbluegill.com! 

[Slip Sinker]

what ever happened to Mathew Blakeway?

[Leo Nguyen]

Good question. Quite quiet over there in the past few months. Must be busy with farmlands and life.

[Slip Sinker]

fishing for bluegill is life