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]

last week to send donations for Mathew in south Africa guys!!  feburary 7th is the cut off day.  if any one wishes to donate flies;;  leaders; fly line; or any thing for fly fishing; please send it this week. I will wait for just a few days after the 7th in case any thing should still be in the mail.  A VERY BIG THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED SO FAR!!

[chris kowaleski]

I'm having some stuff sent to you Carl, but it's coming from somewhere else. I'll be sending my stuff out on wednesday afternoon.

[carl hendrix]

thanks chris!!  guys- this is the last week to send anything to Mathew in south Africa for his donation.  If any one wishes to help out; please send your donation to me;  no later than feburary 7th. 

[carl hendrix]

received 2 more donations today ; from vince fusco; and mark stine;  for Mathew;s donation! thanks guys!! 

[Rick King]

Have not been on for a while and I just saw the post... I will be to late for the Feb 7 deadline. IF you have another phase I can make some flies for bass and some of my favorite bg flies to send at a later date ....

 

Semper Fi

 

Rick

[chris kowaleski]

I sent my stuff out today Carl. There should be two boxes coming though, one from a different person/address.

[carl hendrix]

thanks  chris!!  every thing helps buddy!!

[carl hendrix]

guys-- today is the last day to mail any donations for Mathew!  if any one wishes to donate to Mathew in south Africa !!

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

CARL DID YOU GET MINE YET I SENT ? I SENT EM A WEEK OR SO AGO , BUT CAN'T REMEMBER NOW EXACTLY WHEN........

[carl hendrix]

tooty!  yes I got it buddy and thanks!  I thought I had posted your donation on here!  I always  try to let donors know by post  I received it!  hopefully I posted everybodys  donation;; if not;; truly sorry!    I guess that's why you sent all this white fluffy stuff my way  today!!  I woke up to 2 inches of snow and its still snowing!!    you can have it back tooty-- I don't need it down here!!  LOL

[carl hendrix]

after checking my mail from yesterday; I found 2 donations for Mathew!  1 from  CHRIS KOWALSKI and 1 from J&M FLIES --  with a note saying these were from chris Kowalski as well!!   THANK YOU CHRIS!! for your donation buddy!!

[carl hendrix]

received 1 more donation today from-- david mc/scruff!!  thanks david!!  I think there is 1 more coming in the mail;; so  I am waiting to see.  soon as  all donations for Mathew  have arrived- I will wrap everything up in birthday paper- bow it up and go to the post office!!  GUYS;; the response to the donations has been great!!  we have several packages for Mathew;  its been a great pleasure to help Mathew out as well as a pleasure to know that so many of our members on bbg have contributed so much.  THANKS EVERYBODY!!