Tag: December 2025

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December 2025 Newsletter

Annual Fundraiser Sat. Jan. 31st………………
December: Jesse Collins – Trout Tactics………………
My Turn: Looking Back – Looking Forward……………………………
Fly Tying……………………
  December Fly Tying Class: Blood Leech
 Helpful Hints for Fly Tying
Conservation Concerns……………………
  Thankful Conservation
Membership Notes…………………
  December is membership dues renewal
  2026 Board Nominations are open n
  Club Activities – December thru January
Fishing Partners: NCCFFI: Putah Creek Cleanup/Restoration Project
Gearing Up ……………………
  Fishout Schedule
Cartoon ……………………

Posted on November 25th, 2025

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2026 Board Nominations are open

As stated in the club’s by-laws, we will hold our annual election for the Board of Directors at the December General meeting. We are fortunate to have many people who have volunteered to serve on the board and are willing to continue their service. This year, we have some openings in the nominations and encourage members to consider serving on the board.

In the table below, I have listed the positions and current board members who would like to continue to serve. You can run or nominate someone for a position where there is already a nominee, however as you can see we have several openings that we need to fill. Elections will be held at the December General Meeting.

Officers2025 elected2026 nominees
President:Scott KitayamaJesse Collins
Vice President:Jesse CollinsRick Chace
Treasurer:Jim TolonenBill Seaman
Secretary:Kevin McClishKevin McClish
Committees:
Monthly Raffle:Jeff Goyert    OPEN
Membership:Bob PetersonScott Kitayama
Fishouts:Justin IceJustin Ice
Programs:Tommy PolitoScott Anderson / Robert Holombo
Conservation:Bob GarbarinoBob Garbarino
Newsletter Editor:Myles HondaMyles Honda
Fly Casting Master:Alex FerberAlex Ferber
Fly Tying Chair:Elaine CookElaine Cook
Marketing/Publicity:Rick ChaceNancy Smith
Instagram Chair:Jerry McKeonJerry McKeon
Annual Fundraiser Dinner Coordinator:David SouthDavid South
Annual Fundraiser Raffle Coordinator:    OPEN
Scholarship Coordinator:David SouthDavid South
Technology Coordinator (new)Chris Severs
Member at Large:Kathy PowersKathy Powers
Past President:Tom HogyeScott Kitayama

If you are interested in knowing more about the duties of these positions, many of the descriptions can be found in this link.

Posted on November 25th, 2025

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December is open membership dues renewal

by Bob

Just a reminder 2026 dues can be renewed online  at santacruzflyfishing.org
Also members who have paid will receive a thank you email from WordPress(our technical portal support software) and a reminder email if you have not renewed.
Please email/ text me if you have any questions.

Bob/Membership/ robert6367@aol.com cp831-251-8655

Posted on November 25th, 2025

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Thankful Conservation

by Bob Garbarino

Because this newsletter is going out around Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good time to write about being thankful with a conservation twist. Often when I’m out fishing, I’m so focused on all that goes into the goal of catching, I forget to stop and take a deep breath and take in the amazing environment surrounding me. And as I get older, I recognize that it’s a good idea to be thankful for just being able to get out and enjoy the outdoors. For me, thankful conservation comes from recognizing the benefits nature provides and expressing gratitude for nature by engaging in conservation efforts. Here are a few thoughts to consider.

Reasons to be thankful for conservation
Habitat and fishery protection: Conservation groups work to improve and protect streams and rivers, which is essential for healthy fish populations.
Education and mentorship: Organizations help educate new anglers on the sport and the importance of conservation.
Public access: Many conservation efforts focus on protecting and maintaining access to public lands and waters for fishing.
Sustainable practices: Conservation promotes practices like catch-and-release, which helps ensure fisheries remain viable for future generations.

Support Conservation organizations (good examples are the ones SCFF supports-here are a few)

Trout Unlimited (TU): Works on stream restoration, habitat improvement, and engaging new generations of conservationists through programs like 5 Rivers.
CalTrout: Works to revitalize waters for resilient wild fish in California.
Coastal Watershed Council: Mission is to transform the lower San Lorenzo River into a community destination by inspiring people to explore, enhance and protect this critical natural resource.
Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project: Dedicated to the recovery of native salmon and steelhead populations of the greater Monterey Bay region.
Carmel River Steelhead Association: Active in the restoration and conservation of the federally threatened steelhead fishery on the Carmel River and its watershed.

How to get involved
Donate: Support conservation organizations financially to help fund their projects.
Join a local club: Participate in local clubs like Santa Cruz Fly Fishing to contribute to conservation in your area.
Volunteer: Get hands-on experience by volunteering for stream cleanup or restoration projects.
Practice catch-and-release: Adhere to catch-and-release principles to help protect fish populations.

 

“If the only prayer you say throughout your life is ‘Thank You,’ then that will be enough.”–Elie Wiesel

Posted on November 25th, 2025

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Annual fundraiser Sat Jan 31st, 2026

by Bob Peterson

Jan 31 5:00 PM at the Pajaro Rod and Gun Club

ANNUAL DINNER & FUNDRAISER
 Wild Alaskan Salmon BBQ
 with Hors d’Oeuvres to Start the Evening

Saturday, January 31
 5:00 – 9:00 PM 
Door Prizes and Silent Auction

Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club
   557 1/2  LAKEVIEW RD. , WATSONVILLE

Dinner Tickets

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the November, December, and January club meetings or online in the form below.
Capacity is limited to 180 guests, and we expect to sell out—please purchase early.

Alcohol

The venue offers a full bar with reasonably priced wine, beer, liquor, and soft drinks.
You may bring your own wine; however, a cash-only corkage fee will apply, which includes opening and glassware.

Volunteers

Many long-time members say volunteering is the most rewarding part of this event. To find out how you can help, please contact Elaine Cook at (831) 234-6515 or coookin@gmail.com (no texts, please).

Donations

We welcome donations for door prizes and the silent auction. Examples include:
• Flies you’ve tied
• Handcrafted items
• Business or personal services (e.g., fly-tying lessons, casting instruction)

If you’d like to contribute, please contact Scott Kitayama at (650) 279-5871.

About the Venue

The Rod and Gun Club is located in a peaceful rural setting overlooking Kelley Lake. The gravel parking lot is easy to navigate even in wet weather, with additional parking available in the lower lots around the left side of the building.

Please Note

Due to permitting limitations, we will not be running a raffle or any other “games of chance” this year. Door prizes and silent auction items will still be part of the fun.

Join us for a great evening, support your club, and don’t miss out on the fun!

2026 SCFF Annual Fundraiser Ticket

Price: $50.00
Every person attending the Salmon dinner/fundraiser needs a purchase ticket. The ticket provides admission at the door and entry for door prizes.
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Payment Details

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Ticket purchasers :    as of  1/6/2025 (120)

Ainsworth, J, 4
Alciati, M, 1 (cash)
Amirsehhi,R,2
Anderson, S, 1
Arena, R, 1
Bishop, S, 4 (cash)
Burt, B, 2 (cash)
Carlsen, K, 6
Cavanaugh, N,2
Chace,R, 2 (cash)
Cooehlo, P, 4
Cook,E&J,2
Eckert, T, 2 (cash)
Ethrington, R, 3 (cash)
Farley, E, 2
Garbarino, B, 1
Goyert,J,1
Hall, J, 1
Hammig,M, 1 (cash)
Hannon, E, 2
Herceg, G, 6
Hermansky, M, 1
Hernandez, D, 1 (cash)
Hogye, T, 3
Holcomb, D, 2, (cash)
Holombo, R, 1
Howard, J, 2
Ice, J, 2
Farias, F, 2
Kemp, R,2
Kitayama,S,2
Kite,D,2
Loomis,T,1
Lovejoy, M, 1
Manzo, L, 2
Martinson, B, 1 (cash)
McCombs, R, 2
McGibbon, M, 3 (cash)
Mello, J, 2
Myatt,P,1
Osman, F, 2
Pappas,S,2
Peterson,B,1
Powers,K,3
Presser,A,2
Quail, G, 1 (Cash)
Ransdall, R, 1
Rittenhouse, R, 2
Seaman, B, 1
Schmida, D, 1
Schmida, S, 1 (cash)
Sherwood, M, 2
Smith,N,1
South,D,2
Stipes,C&R, 2 (cash)
Taguinod,W,4
Thompson,R, 5
Tolonen,J,1
Twisselman, M,1
Witmer,D,2



Posted on November 25th, 2025

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DEC: Fishout Schedule

The newsletter provides brief fishout info.  For full detail, go to the website menu and select EVENTS -> Fishout Schedule

Date Link (new tab) Description
Mar 15 - Mar 21 Pyramid Lake Ladder Fishout – March 2026 – UPDATED – 12/01Trailers are Full - 12/01  Fishmaster: Mike White Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members I have been leading the Pyramid Lake fishing trip for the past ten years. It has always been a remarkable fish out, and one of the best attended too. This one is similar to trips we've done in the past except on a smaller scale. I have reserved 2 trailers and can accommodate 10 people.  The dates are March 15th through the 21st. The weather can be very unpredictable in March, but we have had good times in the past fishing this time of [...]
Apr 17 - Apr 19 Roostercomb Ranch24th Annual Bass Fishout at Roostercomb Ranch This is our club's 24th annual bass Fishout to the Roostercomb Ranch since year 2000. This sprawling private ranch is located adjacent to Henry Coe State Park, off Hwy 152  entrance in Hollister near Casa de Fruta Restaurant.  It's a 22-mile off-road trek through the backcountry from the park entrance. This requires a 3-day weekend commitment.  Accommodations are a 1928 ranch house and bunk house with options to tent camp or sleep in your vehicle. The ranch offers 9 bass ponds on its property plus 2 hike-ins on park property, float tube or [...]
Apr 25 - May 02 12:00 amGreen River – Utah2026 Green River Fishout is now open! We are doing a maximum of 12 people. Contact Fishmaster Scott Andersen for more information; Cell: 831-247-2993. Email: scott.a.andersen@gmail.com
May 01 - May 03 Coyote Lake – Gilroy (bass, bluegill, crappie)We are going to do a local fishout with some of our partner organizations, Sisters on the Fly and the Monterey Chapter of Project Healing Waters.  The intent is to provide a place close to home where members new to fly fishing have an opportunity cast for fish, get comfortable using a float tube, camp, and participate in the fellowship of a fishout.    Will arrange to have shared meals, rigging clinic, and casting clinics. Fishmasters: SCFF: Scott Kitayama & Randy Saar Sisters on the Fly: PJ MyattProject Healing Waters: Dave Kite Location: Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County [...]
Jun 04 - Jun 05 Pyramid Lake Floatie Fishout – June 2026 – UPDATED 12/01Fishmaster: Mike White Update 12/01 - Duet to low response, the Fishout reservations need to be made by Dec. 15th if we do not fill our 13 spots the Fishout will be  opened to other clubs to join.  Greetings fellow Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club Members, I have reserved June 4th and 5th for 2026 with Rob Anderson. He can take a max of 14 people. I am going to put together the details of the trip, and provide all the necessary information once you commit to the trip. Each person is responsible for their own lodging. The cost for [...]

Posted on November 24th, 2025

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Helpful hints for fly tying

by Elaine Cook – fly tying chairman

Are you having difficulties seeing the details as you apply materials to your hook? In the photo you will see 5 items that  are guaranteed to make the process of creating your wonderful fly much more enjoyable. Good lighting is imperativeive ,no matter what age you are. I suggest a table light for indoors, and a headlight when electricity isn’t available. Being able to see a crisp image is helped by wearing prescription glasses, if you need them. In addition, magnification is a huge help. You will be amazed at how well you can see your fly.  In the lower right, you will see an item called MagEyes. They are lightweight, inexpensive, not bulky, and easy to adjust on your head. You can obtain them at www.mageyes.com or calling 800-210-6662. the last item in the photo are called flip vocals. There are a variety of types on the market. I particularly like the one in the picture that fastens with push pin through the bill of the cap. You should able to get those at various fly shops, or online.

Posted on November 24th, 2025

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NCCFFI: Putah Creek Cleanup/Restoration Project (January 10, 2026)

by NCCFFI

In conjunction with California Fish and Wildlife and Yolo County, the NCCFFI (Northern California Fly Fishers International) is planning a general cleanup and trail maintenance/restoration at Putah Creek on Saturday, January 10, 2026,

The project will cover key access points and include garbage clean up as well as trail maintenance/restoration work to be done. Volunteers from each club are requested to gather and bring rakes, loppers,hand pruners, hand tree saws (for larger limbs, hedge trimmers (gas), and weed wackers (gas). Protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, long pants, long shirts etc. are recommended.

Since Putah Creek is the closest Heritage and Wild Trout stream to the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, we are asking local fly clubs to put the word out and solicit volunteers to help with this effort on January 10th . We would like to get groups of 6-10 volunteers from each club with a total amount of volunteers being about 50-60.

Please see the attached PDF information sheet for your marketing efforts for the cleanup!

We will send out additional information about this cleanup effort in December. (Complete details to be announced in the December RiverMouth). The general plan is to start working early in the morning on January 10th and finish early in the afternoon…at which time lunch will be served to all the volunteers (details pending).

Please save the date (January 10th ) and join us to care for Putah Creek.

Sign Up Now – To sign up, go to the NCCFFI Website www.nccffi.org.

Posted on November 24th, 2025

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Looking Back – Looking Forward

by Scott Kitayama - President

MY TURN TO LOOK BACK

As I close out my third year as President, I’ve been reflecting on what has mattered most during my time in this role. What stands out above everything else is fellowship.

Our club isn’t just about flies, gear, or techniques. It’s about people—learning together, supporting one another, and creating a community where new friendships form naturally. Over these past years, we have worked hard to make sure our activities and events reflect that sense of connection. All we’ve ever asked of you is simply to participate, and you have responded with enthusiasm and generosity.

Your involvement shows in what we’ve accomplished. In 2023, we donated $6,250 in Scholarships and Conservation. This year, we reached $9,800—a 57% increase in just two years. That growth is a direct reflection of the commitment and goodwill of our members.

Our Annual Fundraiser is another example. After returning from a three-year hiatus in 2023 with a renewed format at the Aptos Grange, we moved the event to the Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club in 2024 and 2025 and completely sold out—nearly 180 attendees each year. These gatherings were full of connection, conversation, and a very visible sense of shared purpose.

We continued expanding our presence through events like the Fly Fishing Film Tour. In 2025, hosting the F3T at Woodward Brewery brought nearly 100 people out on a weeknight, many of whom were not yet members but were clearly part of the greater fly-fishing community in Santa Cruz.

This year we also had a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show for the first time, staffed by club members all weekend. It allowed us to meet people across the industry, reconnect with past members, and introduce the club to anglers who hadn’t known we existed.

Membership has grown steadily:
175 members in 2023 → 254 in 2025.
Our social reach has grown as well, with our Instagram following now over 1,000.

We’ve also strengthened relationships beyond our own club. Working with other California clubs, we’ve shared knowledge, attended each other’s fishouts, and exchanged experiences that enrich everyone involved. Partnerships with Project Healing Waters, Trout Unlimited, and Sisters on the Fly continue to build bridges within the broader community—connections that could bring future members to SCFF.

As I look back, I’m proud of the path we’ve taken. Yet most of these accomplishments were carried by the dedication of our Board and volunteers. I have been fortunate to work with a stable, committed leadership group that guided us through the challenges of Covid and into a reimagined club.

My sincere thanks to those finishing their service:
Tommy Polito (Programs), Kevin Murdock (VP), Tom Hogye (Past President), Jim Tolonen (Treasurer), Jeff Goyert (Raffle), and Bob Peterson (Membership).
Your work will continue to shape the club for years to come.

MY TURN TO LOOK FORWARD

As we look ahead to 2026, we welcome new Board members who bring fresh ideas, energy, and the same commitment to service that has kept the club strong. While I am stepping out of the President role, I’m not stepping away from my purpose. My focus from the beginning has been fellowship, and that remains the heart of what I want to continue building.

This year I’ll be taking on the Membership role, with the goal of reimagining how we welcome and support members.

  • Improving the Membership Experience Through Technology

For 2026, membership renewals will be handled directly through the club’s website. You should already have received your login information. The new member portal will allow you to update your contact information, manage auto-renewal, and indicate volunteer interests. It will streamline communication and help us stay better connected.

  • Creating a First-Year Program for New Members

The first year in any organization is pivotal. I want to ensure new members feel connected, supported, and included from the moment they join. To do this, I plan to create a first-year cohort—Crew’26—a group of new members who will attend meetings, clinics, and fishouts together. The goal is to help new members build relationships early, learn alongside each other, and feel at home in the club.

Ultimately, the greatest gift our club offers is the opportunity to find community. To find people who share your interests, your curiosity, and your appreciation for the outdoors. If we can help new members form those connections, they will stay with the club for years to come.

Serving as your President has been an honor and a privilege. When I joined, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing was already a wonderful club; I hope that together we have made it even stronger.

See you on the water,

Scott Kitayama

Posted on November 20th, 2025

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Club Activities – December thru February

Date Activity Link DescriptionLocation
Jan 24 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.

Jade Street Park baseball field
Jan 31 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm2026 SCFF Annual Fundraiser - Jan 31st, 5-9 pm

Wild Alaska Salmon will highlight the dinner and we will have many prizes available for door prizes and silent auction. A wild salmon dinner for at $50/person and expect it will sell out early. Click on the article to see who has purchased tickets to the event.

Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club
Feb 28 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmFly Casting Meetup

This class will be geared toward learning surf casting skills and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Alex Ferber at 831-419-0564.

Jade Street Park baseball field

Posted on November 20th, 2025

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Jesse Collins – Trout Tactics

Dec 03 7:00 PM at the Aptos Grange

Club member Jesse Colins is a former Alaskan Guide and will be presenting to the club on Tips and Tricks that he has discovered over time.  Zoom Recording Link

After giving a great presentation on entomology, Jesse is back to provide solid basic information for enthusiasts just starting to fly fish as well as some great nuggets for the more experienced crew – definitely something for everyone.    This will be a information packed presentation taking  45 min with 5 minute  Q&A either during or after – he will touch on a lot of topics and concepts related to catching more trout. 

Club Member Jesse Collins is a former guide who first started guiding on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in 2007. He grew up within walking distance of the Chattahoochee River and started flyfishing when his grandfather took him to see the premier of “River Runs Through It” in 1992. For over 30 years Jesse has been tying flies and fly fishing and has fished all over America from the southeast tailwaters like the Taccoa, Chattahoochee, and South Holston Rivers, to the Great Lakes Tributaries, Pennsylvania Spring Creeks, Appalachian Freestones, Western rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and the Beaverhead, all the way to Alaska. He is passionate about all things fly fishing and one of his favorite places in the world is Alaska where he makes it back every year.


6:30 – 7:00 pm Skills Clinic: Prior to the meeting, Jesse will display some of his favorite items that he uses to catch more trout!

Posted on November 20th, 2025

Date:  December 10

Time:  Doors open at 6:15, class begins at 6:30

Place:  Aptos Grange hall

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Fly Tying Class: Blood Leech

by Elaine Cook fly tying chairman

This fly is great in Stillwater and can also be used in moving water, particularly swinging. We’ve had a lot of fairly challenging flies lately in our classes, but this one is easy to tie. So you beginners ought to all come. As usual, the classes are free and materials provided. If you have black  6/0 thread please bring it. Their are vises and tools for beginners to use and they are always welcome. Please sign up at the club meeting or call me at 831-234-6515 with at least 24 hours notice.

 

Posted on November 14th, 2025