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!

[Joe Angelucci]

 I'm happy to send a few #20 - #26 nymphs and indicators. This way he could czech nymph for bluegill. I think the PO is closed tomorrow so I should get the package out on Tuesday.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Great, Joe!

Hes gonna get the full range, thats for sure. Thank you!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Currently this is on hold while we search out the customs rulings. As far as I can determine there are no duties on a parcel under $40 USD in value. This is typical, in my experience, but Mathew is checking into it and will RSVP as soon as possible..

PLEASE HOLD ALL MAILINGS UNTIL WE DETERMINE THE FACT.

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

OK BUDDY BUT YA GOTTA LET US KNOW WHEN TO SEND STUFF TO CARL..........

[james bluto gillette]

ill send some bugs I have made up mathew told me bright colors work best because of the dark water there

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Hold up a  minute, Bluto. Mathew is checking on customs duties at the the moment.

We are holding up on the mailings until we learn something.

[carl hendrix]

hey guys-- if hopefully we do get to send Mathew some stuff-- just do me one favor- please!  what ever you send  to me- to send to Mathew- just make it so I can put it in a box! I;m not opening any thing!  the way I see it-  this is Mathew;s stuff- not mine!!  I don't open other peoples mail or packages;; ok??  thanks guys!!    besides-- I really don't want to see all of the greatest tiers stuff;;; then look at MINE!!!  it would proably make me throw all my stuff into the garbage!!

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

NOT HARDLY CARL !!!!!!!!! YOUR STUFF IS AS GOOD AS ANYONE ELSE"S ON HERE BUDDY !!!!!!! I GOT MANY CRAPPIE THIS PAST FALL ON THE AUTO'S YOU MADE AND THANKS FOR SENDING EM ALONG TO ME A WHILE BACK. I'LL SEND ALL MY STUFF IN A REGULAR FLY BOX AND IF YOU NEED ANYTHING PERSONALLY FROM ME JUST LET ME KNOW AND I'LL MARK IT FOR YOU ........

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Okay, we are back on. Mathew may receive unsolicited gifts of up to $40 declared value without paying a tax. In fact, the value is relative and may or may not be pertinent. I've seen it work that way. Carl is going to handle the customs form when  he mails it.

It is probably best that your donation be without retail type packaging. This  makes it "look" better should the package be opened. Carl, bear that in mind.

Thanks everyone for your patience

[Allen Morgan]

No "retail packaging"?  Maybe I don't want to make a quickie-type fly-box from an Altoids tin?

"Merchandise resupply"?  I probably don't want to tie up a dozen of the same pattern?

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Good points, Fuzzy. Bluto also mentioned the Altoids connection - wise thinking there. Just keep it light and friendly.

Besides, I'm starting to think that as Mathew explores bait fishing more and more, he may find an abundance of flies, well, daunting.

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

Computer been down for a week and half, glad it's back up to read this:

Is there anything else he needs? Willing to chip in.