Boy Scouts Fly Fish Clinic @ NCWRC Pechmann Center 3-12-11

We had a full house at the NCWRC John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center on Saturday, March 12, 2011 when we hosted several troops of boy scouts as they went through the paces to fulfill the requirements for a fly fishing merit badge. This event has been a "best seller" at the Pechmann Center. Preregistration is on a first come first served basis and is filled within the first week that it opens in early December. Most troops arrive on Friday afternoon and spend the entire weekend camping out on well established tent pads back in the woods adjacent to the Center.



Our program for the scouts is similar to the Intro to Fly Fishing Clinics we hold in the early Spring. We do modify it a bit to include specific points required to qualify for the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge. One of our senior volunteers gives an overview to set the tone for the remainder of the day.



We have a fly tying demonstration set up in the lobby to perk the scouts interest in that aspect of the fly fishing sport. Later that evening they will be given the opportunity to try their hand at tying a simple fly.



This is our 5th clinic for the season which means our volunteers have been burning the candle at both ends. We have about 30 volunteers on the books and could not do these events without at least half of them at each event. By this time of the year we experience a little volunteer burn out which requires creative shuffling of personnel. These two gentlemen, both by the name of Steve did an admirable job at the rod assembly station where they were thrust at the last moment.



During the break between rotations our "master knot guy" shows his new assistant how to teach some of the basic knots we learn at our clinics. We have a great group of volunteers who love sharing their skills and passion for the sport. You do not have to be an expert fly fisherman to volunteer - we will assess your skills and find a spot for you. All we ask is for a commitment for a little of your time.



Bob, a school teacher in real life, does a good job explaining and demonstrating the basics of casting and line control. This sets the stage for the next station which is hands on casting.



We strive to have sufficient volunteers to give one on one attention at the hands on casting station where the basic over head cast and roll cast are taught



The healthy habitat and fishermen ethics station always holds their attention and elicits lots of questions and comments.



"Rules and Regulations" keeps them out of trouble and closely follows what they have just learned at the habitat and ethics station



Lots of trout caught today.



I was worried for awhile because I did not hear a lot of "laughter and hollering" but when I went around to check just about everyone was busy placing fish on their stringer. (Scouts must harvest, clean and eat their catch to qualify for the merit badge)



Cleaning of the catch takes place under the supervision of Kris Smith, Director of the NCWRC Pechmann Center. "Watch your fingers!"



After cleaning the fish are stuffed with a dab of butter, wrapped in tinfoil and placed on a grill. Once cooked they are augmented with fries and Cole slaw for a tasty "shore lunch"



These scouts put in a full day. I suspect they did not get a lot of sleep while camping out last night. We put them through a very structured hands on program all day long. When I left shortly after 5:00 pm half of them were back in the classroom for an "Intro to Fly Tying" class taught by one of the NCWRC technicians.

And so ends another great day at the NCWRC Pechmann Fishing Education Center. I think we touched some lives today. Not sure if they will all become fly fishermen but at least they were exposed to the sport. For sure they all had a good time and made some memories. We will do it again for a 2nd group of boy scouts on Saturday March 26th. After that we will take a break in our regular fly fishing clinic schedule until June 11, 2011 when we host a Warm Water Clinic. If you would like to sign up for the Warm Water Clinic registration is through Lake Rim Park (424-6134). The cost is $5. Pre-registration is required. These clinics fill very fast so pass this information along to all of your friends.

The NCWRC Pechmann Fishing Education Center also hosts Wounded Warriors, NC Handicapped Sportsmen and any military and their families on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1-5pm - (That's April 13th next month). We offer fly tying and basic fly fishing instruction. At least half of the afternoon will be spent fishing