More about Fly Fishing Camp and School on Cape Cod

Cape chapter of Trout Unlimited plans two great spring functions

By Terry C. Tessein

A few days ago, when I began thinking about what to write for this column, I thought I would look ahead to a couple of warmer weather, outdoors related activities. Though we had some snow last weekend and the temperatures remained in the single numbers, I felt a look ahead to the warmer weather would be a good lift.

But as I am writing this, the northeast wind and heavy snow are making it very difficult to even imagine warmer weather other than to just wish it were here. However, the Red Sox have opened training camp and I am way behind on my list of things to do this winter so we can't be too far from warmer weather.

I'd like to tell you about two great events coming this spring sponsored by the Cape Cod Chapter of Trout Unlimited. For those not familiar with this organization, it has a rich history in conservation projects on the Cape and is one of the foremost promoters of the sport of fly fishing in our area.

The local chapter, which started in the mid '80s, has worked for over 25 years to reclaim the Quashnet River and save the local trout population there. It was the driving force in saving the Sandwich hatchery from certain closure in 1993, worked on the reclamation of the herring run on the Marstons Mills River, was responsible for the establishment of an informational kiosk at the Sandwich hatchery and the donated $1,500 for its dissolved oxygen meter. On top of all of this, the Cape Cod Chapter was awarded the Golden Trout Award from Trout Unlimited National in 1988 for being the best TU chapter in the country. So when I tell you about the group's annual fund raising banquet and fly fishing school you can bet these events are going to be first class.

On April 13, the Trout Unlimited will hold its annual fund raising banquet at the Cape Codder Hotel on Route 132 in Hyannis. It will run from 4 to 8 p.m. and is open to all. If you love fishing and want to find out more about this organization, then attend the banquet and meet some of the best fly fishermen on the Cape. The cost is a mere $35 per person. This is a modest price to pay for a fine meal and warm, friendly company.

If you would like to find out more about the banquet or make reservations, contact Phil Marshall at 508-255-9971. He will be more than happy to help you. If last year's banquet is any indicator, this year's event should be an excellent way to kick off the 2003 fishing season.

For more than 18 years the Cape Cod Chapter of TU has been running its fly-fishing school, which is again on tap for May. And I speak from experience when I say that if you have an interest in getting into fly fishing, be it saltwater or fresh, or if you just want to improve your fly fishing skills, this weekend in May is made for you. It is a fun weekend where you'll learn from some of the best fly rodders on Cape Cod about all the aspects of fly fishing including casting, knots, lines and equipment.

The school is held at YMCA Camp Burgess in Sandwich beginning on Friday evening, May 16 and going through Sunday evening of that weekend. You'll enjoy great meals and modern, pond-side cabins with hot showers. The school is open to those from age 16, either male or female, and there is even a parent/teen package available. The cost is $249 for anyone 18 or older. The rate for 16 and 17 year olds is $129, and the parent/teen charge for both is $329.

If you want to register, because space is limited, or find out more about the fly fishing school, call Scott Dietrich at 508-775-8399. He will be more than happy to help you.

The Cape Cod Chapter of Trout Unlimited is an outstanding organization with a great track record of working to preserve many of the natural resources that have made Cape Cod such a grand area. Its conservation efforts, support of the Sandwich hatchery, the fund raising banquet to support their work and their fly fishing school are just some of the many things they do to promote and foster the wonderful fly fishing we experience here on Cape Cod. Get out and support them in their efforts and have some fun while doing so.

Terry C. Tessein is a freelance outdoor writer and photographer from East Sandwich who does regular work for several magazines.

- reprinted from the Barnstable Patriot

Click here for more information or if you wish to sign up for this year's excellent Fly Fishing School


	March 2000, OUTDOORS CAPE COD Learn about the joys of fly fishing from the best By Terry C. Tessein, Barnstable Patriot Fishing has to be one of the most popular outdoor pursuits on Cape Cod . This is not surprising, because we are surrounded by saltwater, which offers the best fishing on the East Coast. The Cape also has some of the finest fresh water ponds in the state. The trout, perch and bass in our ponds are favorites of local anglers, and also lure fishermen from off-Cape. I have to admit the quality of fishing available on Cape Cod is one of the reasons why I live here. Though I enjoy all the various forms of fishing, surf fishing has to be my favorite because this is how I first learned to fish, while growing up in New Jersey . There is nothing like working the surf with plugs and metal in search of striped bass and bluefish. However, fly fishing is a strong second on my list. Landing a fish on a fly rod has a special thrill for me. And though I have been fly fishing for awhile, I am still learning about the sport. For one thing, I would like to improve my casting ability. If you are someone who is thinking about getting into fly fishing or someone like me who wants to improve his fly-fishing skills, there is a great opportunity to do so coming in May. The Cape Cod Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be holding its 15th Annual Fly Fishing Camp & School 2000. This is one of the best ways to learn about saltwater and fresh water fly fishing, and for a great price. In addition, it will be one of the most enjoyable weekends you will ever spend. The Fly Fishing Camp will be held at Camp Burgess , located on the shores of Spectacle Pond in Sandwich . It will run from 6 p.m. Friday, May 19, through 6 p.m. Sunday, May 21, and will cover all the major aspects of fly fishing. If you attend, you'll learn about both fresh and saltwater fly fishing, what are the different types of fly lines, and when and how to use each, how to tie all of the key knots you'll need, leaders and their functions, fly tying and receive casting instruction. All of this will be presented by members of the Cape Cod Chapter of Trout Unlimited, who are among the most knowledgeable fly fishermen in the area. You will also be able to put to use all that you have learned during the fishing sessions held right there on Spectacle Pond, which is a beautiful 100-acre body of water. You'll stay in the comfortable cabins of Camp Burgess and be provided with excellent meals that weekend. This is one of the greatest ways to learn fly fishing from some of the best on Cape Cod. The cost for the Fly Fishing camp is a bargain at $219 for non-Trout Unlimited members. That cost includes a one-year membership in Trout Unlimited. The fee for a Trout Unlimited member is $199. For that teen, between the ages 14 to 18, who wants to learn fly fishing, there is a special price of $129. This is a great way to have a teen learn something that will last a lifetime. For those that have been meaning to spend more time with their teenager, this camp has an ideal way to do it, and at an excellent price. To have a great family weekend learning about fly fishing, both an adult and teen can attend the camp for just $299. I can't think of a better way to spend some quality time with your teenager. Attendees are asked to bring a basic fly fishing outfit, of a rod, reel and line, plus hip or chest waders. If someone doesn't have access to this equipment, arrangements can be made to borrow some. You're asked to make note of this need when you submit your application for the camp. Additionally, all those attending will need a sleeping bag or bedding, toilet gear, towels and a valid Massachusetts fishing license. All enrollment fees include lodging, meals and a Trout Unlimited membership for non-members. Call Bob Bliss, at 432-8148 to register or receive more information about the camp. Terry C. Tessein is a freelance outdoor writer and photographer from East Sandwich who does regular work for several magazines. OUTDOORS CAPE COD – Feb 2003 Cape chapter of Trout Unlimited plans two great spring functions By Terry C. Tessein A few days ago, when I began thinking about what to write for this column, I thought I would look ahead to a couple of warmer weather, outdoors related activities. Though we had some snow last weekend and the temperatures remained in the single numbers, I felt a look ahead to the warmer weather would be a good lift. But as I am writing this, the northeast wind and heavy snow are making it very difficult to even imagine warmer weather other than to just wish it were here. However, the Red Sox have opened training camp and I am way behind on my list of things to do this winter so we can't be too far from warmer weather. I'd like to tell you about two great events coming this spring sponsored by the Cape Cod Chapter of Trout Unlimited. For those not familiar with this organization, it has a rich history in conservation projects on the Cape and is one of the foremost promoters of the sport of fly fishing in our area. The local chapter, which started in the mid '80s, has worked for over 25 years to reclaim the Quashnet River and save the local trout population there. It was the driving force in saving the Sandwich hatchery from certain closure in 1993, worked on the reclamation of the herring run on the Marstons Mills River, was responsible for the establishment of an informational kiosk at the Sandwich hatchery and the donated $1,500 for its dissolved oxygen meter. On top of all of this, the Cape Cod Chapter was awarded the Golden Trout Award from Trout Unlimited National in 1988 for being the best TU chapter in the country. So when I tell you about the group's annual fund raising banquet and fly fishing school you can bet these events are going to be first class. On April 13, the Trout Unlimited will hold its annual fund raising banquet at the Cape Codder Hotel on Route 132 in Hyannis. It will run from 4 to 8 p.m. and is open to all. If you love fishing and want to find out more about this organization, then attend the banquet and meet some of the best fly fishermen on the Cape. The cost is a mere $35 per person. This is a modest price to pay for a fine meal and warm, friendly company. If you would like to find out more about the banquet or make reservations, contact Phil Marshall at 508-255-9971. He will be more than happy to help you. If last year's banquet is any indicator, this year's event should be an excellent way to kick off the 2003 fishing season. For more than 18 years the Cape Cod Chapter of TU has been running its fly-fishing school, which is again on tap for May. And I speak from experience when I say that if you have an interest in getting into fly fishing, be it saltwater or fresh, or if you just want to improve your fly fishing skills, this weekend in May is made for you. It is a fun weekend where you'll learn from some of the best fly rodders on Cape Cod about all the aspects of fly fishing including casting, knots, lines and equipment. The school is held at YMCA Camp Burgess in Sandwich beginning on Friday evening, May 16 and going through Sunday evening of that weekend. You'll enjoy great meals and modern, pond-side cabins with hot showers. The school is open to those from age 16, either male or female, and there is even a parent/teen package available. The cost is $249 for anyone 18 or older. The rate for 16 and 17 year olds is $129, and the parent/teen charge for both is $329. If you want to register, because space is limited, or find out more about the fly fishing school, call Scott Dietrich at 508-775-8399. He will be more than happy to help you. The Cape Cod Chapter of Trout Unlimited is an outstanding organization with a great track record of working to preserve many of the natural resources that have made Cape Cod such a grand area. Its conservation efforts, support of the Sandwich hatchery, the fund raising banquet to support their work and their fly fishing school are just some of the many things they do to promote and foster the wonderful fly fishing we experience here on Cape Cod. Get out and support them in their efforts and have some fun while doing so. Terry C. Tessein is a freelance outdoor writer and photographer from East Sandwich who does regular work for several magazines. - reprinted from the Barnstable Patriot Click here for more information or if you wish to sign up for this year's excellent Fly Fishing School