Welcome to our Website

The Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club is a non-profit society formed in 1996 by a group of anglers located on beautiful British Columbia's Vancouver Island, in the Parksville / Qualicum area. All are welcome to the meetings which are held at 7 PM the 3rd Tuesdays of every month except July , August & December .

It is an art ...

Doors open 7 pm and meeting starts at 7:30 with timely topics and/or speakers . Meetings are held at Qualicum Civic Centre located at 737 Jones Street, Qualicum Beach, B.C. next to Ravensong Swimming Pool.

The purposes of the club are:

• To practice & promote the sport of fishing with artificial flies.
• To practice and promote the research, conservation and enhancement of all sport fish in British Columbia.
• To support and encourage the preservation and enhancement of lakes, streams and beaches and the access hereto for the practice of fishing with artificial flies.
• To encourage fellowship, ethics and sportsmanship amongst anglers.

We hope to see you there.

About Us

Executive 2009/10
President Website	Chris Lee info@midislandcastaways.com 752-7358
Vice President Programs & Speakers	Bill Burton 468-0226
Secretary	Carolyn Dodd 468-5437
Treasurer	Bill Ratcliff 468-1750
Director	Doug Arbo 752-6753
Director	John Beaton 752-1162
Director Fly Tying Coordinator	Bob McInnes 752-5354
Director BCFFF Representative	Rich Roynez 738-0477
Membership	Bill Ratcliff & Ernie Pallot
Clothing	Rick Ring
Lbrary	Larry Kilby
50/50 Draws	Ron Dodd , Bill Rattray , & Bill Burton
Coffee	Bill Rattray & Bill Burton
Fly Tying Co-ordinator	Bob McInnes 752-5354
Fishouts	Various Club Members
Program/Education Co-ordinator	Bill Burton 468-0226
We encourage each and every member to participate in one or more of these committees. Please - if you wish to assist please call any one of the executive.

Our Events Page

Date	Event	Location
Every Saturday 9:30 - 11:30 AM	Nile Creek Fly Shop	We have fly tying at Nile Creek fly shop every Saturday Morning from 9:30 to 11:30...Dates are listed on our web site or please call for details..250-757-2095. There is a weekly fee of $10 ... all you need to bring is yourself and your vice if you choose. Keep the flies you tie and have a great time. Saturday March 14th we will be tying Trout Flies(insects) tied with Natural materials" Courtney and Val
2nd Monday each month - 7 pm	Teddy's Tackle Fly Tying Night	Shelly Road Centre in Parksville, BC For further information please go to www.teddystackle.com Note:  June session cancelled.
May 13th, 2009 @ 7 PM CANCELLED UNTIL FALL 2009	Fly Tying Night	Malaspina College facilities in Parksville Town Hall - upstairs Interested? Contact Bob McInnes at r.j.mcinnes@shaw.ca for further information. CANCELLED TO FALL 2009
August 18th @ 5 PM	Annual Club BBQ	Annual Club BBQ - Rotary Park, Qualicum Beach, BC We will be going ahead with our annual bbq at the Rotary Park in Qualicum Beach.  A small fee of per person will be assessed to cover the cost of location and food.  Further information to follow. INTERESTED: Contact info@midislandcastaways.com

Note:

MEMBERSHIP GENERAL MEETINGS are held monthly, every third Tuesday of each month at Qualicum Civic Centre, Qualicum Beach, BC. They start at 7 pm and usually run to approx. 10 pm. All guests welcome so come out and enjoy our timely Speakers, + 50/50 Draw and other activities.

FLY TYING NIGHTS are held every 2nd Wednesday of each month from September to June held at - Malaspina College facilities in Parksville Town Hall - upstairs. Contact Directors for details.

The Art of Fly Fishing

Catch and Release Tips

• Use tackle appropriate for the size and strength of the fish being angled for and play fish as quickly as possible.

• A fish out of water is suffocating and can suffer permanent damage: leave fish in the water as much as possible.

• Use soft, knotless nets or, better yet, no net at all. If the fish must be handled, wetted bare hands under its belly, the other at the tail.

• Needle-nose pliers or hemostats are valuable tools for effective hook removal. Never force a hook out. If the fish is deeply hooked, or the hook can't easily be removed, leave it in the fish to rust away.

• To release fish, hold upright in the water, or point it into the current. Gently move the fish back and forth until its gills are functioning normally and it maintains balance. Once the fish recovers adequately, allow it to swim from your hands.

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The Do and Don't of Lake Fishing

• Do not motor up onto a shoal-cut the motor well short of the shoal and either drift or row in.

• Do leave at least 200 feet between boats - this allows each angler to cast 100 feet in any direction without tangling lines.

• Do not motor, or row directly through moving fish - anchor on the periphery and cast into them.

• Do show others your fellow angler some courtesy, often one will be rewarded for the consideration with helpful advice.

• Do help others when you're having success and they are not - there will be days when the reverse is true.

• Do not cut in between an angler (who is working the shallows) and the shoreline.

• Do keep noise to a minimum - ship oars and deploy anchors quietly.

• Do not carry on loud conversations.

• Do not tie up a launch site if others are waiting.

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 Rotational Angling

The Basic Rules are:

• Avoid entering the water downstream of another angler who is already fishing, unless invited to do so.

• Leave adequate room between the angler and yourself, but do not remain stationary unless no one is following you.

• After catching a fish, step out of the line and return to the head of the pool, or start of the line.

• If you are not sure about local etiquette, avoid problems by first inquiring about procedures from anglers already on the water.

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   Code of Conduct

   For Recreational Fishing in B.C.

   Responsible anglers respect the environment.
   As ethical anglers:

• We do not spill or dump gasoline, oil, or other pollutants on land or into the water.

• When fishing, we never leave trash behind, including worn or discarded line, old hooks and bait.

• We leave our fishing our fishing site as clean or cleaner than we found it.

• We report environmental damage and pollution to the relevant authorities.

• When boating or anchoring, we take care to avoid damaging sensitive areas.

• We do our best to prevent the spread of exotic plants and animals.

• We never use, as live  bait, fish that do not normally reside in the waters we are fishing, nor do we introduce exotic species that may survive and reproduce into fishing waters. (Tidal waters ONLY)

• We use only legal tackle, attend to our gear and value our catch.

• We keep no more fish than needed for consumption and legally allowed and we never wastefully discard fish that are retained.

• We practice conservation and use proper release methods for fish not retained.

• We use tackle and techniques that avoid the capture of, or minimize the harm to, unwanted fish or fish prohibited from retention.

• We learn and comply with all angling regulations.

• We report any illegal fishing activities we observe to the proper authorities.

• We treat other anglers, boaters and other people we might meet in the field with courtesy and respect.

• We obtain permission from landowners and never trespass on private lands or waters.

• We respect the space of other anglers when fishing from the shore or in a boat and give room to all anglers playing a fish.

• We observe all operator and safety regulations.

• We watch our speed and our wash and  keep a safe distance from shore-based anglers, jetties and other boats.

• We promote ethical behavior in the use of aquatic resources through education and example.

• We maintain and promote public awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding responsible fishing.

• We promote public awareness of the measures taken by anglers to conserve the resources and protect the environment.

BC Federation of Fly Fishers - For more information go to: www.bcfff.bc.ca

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Fly Tying

 

Dennis Fuhrman demonstrated the most complex fly we have tied this year - The Doc Spratley spey fly.  Twelve different materials we used in the fly and one of the biggest jobs was to organize all of the materials and tie them in the proper sequence. I think we should ask Dennis to tie a Doc Spratley for us again in future because working with all of this material gives you a great feeling of self confidence.

Dennis gave us an interesting tip: the recipes for flies always are given in the order the materials are tied on the hook. Here goes:

 Hook - #1 or #2 up eye  heavy salmon - make sure it is long enough to support all of the material

Thread - we tied in red but it really doesn't matter

 Tag -silver tinsel - two turns with green fluorescent floss above - tie the tinsel further up the hook- it makes a nice smooth base for the floss and gives a more finished look

 Butt- ostrich herl two or three turns

 Body - black floss- wound with silver wire - black yarn or black leach yarn ( as wooly as possible) the last third of the body closer to the head

 Hackle - black burnt spey hackle (remember to soak in water before using) - strip half of the feather and trim the top half flat to the body

 Wing - peacock tail

 Collar - guinea notched and applied underneath (a rotary vice comes in handy)

 Head - peacock herl two or three turns

 This is such a beautiful fly you can even show it to your mother in law!

 

 

Bob McInnes
250-752-5354 
r.j.mcinnes@shaw.ca

Videos and DVDs

 

The following is a complete listing of all Club Videos and DVDs:

VHS

Basic Fly Fishing Techniques 

Fly Fishing Video Magazine Vol. 1

Fly Fishing Video Magazine Vol. 2

Fly Fishing Video Magazine Vol. 3

Fly Fishing Success

Fly Fishing Still Waters

Fly Fishing Strategies for Still Waters

On the Bench. Series 14 (Freschl)

On the Bench, Series #7 (Freschi)

On the Bench, Series $8 (Freschi)

On the Bench, Series #9 (Freschi)

On the Bench, Series 110 (Freschl)

Guatemala Sailfish on Fly

Saltwater Flyrod Sampler

Christmas Island  Bonefishing

Successful Fly Fishing Techniques #1

Successful Fly Fishing Techniques #2

Skeena Steelhead

Matching the Hatch

Sportfishing B.C. #1-6

DVD

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #1

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #2

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #3

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #4

Fly Tying, The Anglers ART #5

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art $6

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #7

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #8

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #9

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #10

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #11

Fly Tying, The Anglers Art #12

Tying Flies for Lakes and Streams

Tying and Fishing Brents Top 10 Lake Flies

Sportfishing TV River Shows Vol. 1 (2 DVD)

Sportfishing TV Lake Shows

Chironomid Techniques (Chan & Freschi)

Shrimp & Leeches (Chan & Freschi)

Techniques for Still Water (Chan)

Still Water Techniques (Rowley)

Favorite Fishing Flies (Jorgenson)

Fly Fish Lakes (Longard)

Fly Fishing Pink Salmon

Dynamics of Fly Casting (Wulff)

Fly Casting (Kreh)

Spey Pages

Modem Spey Casting/ more steelhead

International Spey Casting

Trout-Grass-Bamboo Rods

Any of the above items are available free to members for thirty days. See Larry Kilby

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Membership Page

Would you like to become a member of the Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club? We welcome all interested members to attend any of our general meetings - please return to our events page to view our meeting dates.

Membership is open to all persons who are prepared to accept and practice the ethics implied in our Society's Constitution and Bylaws. Annual membership dues are collected to assist the club in meeting it's mandate and goals. Such membership dues provide you immediate membership into the British Columbia Federation of Fly Fishers - such membership provides insurance coverage to you when you are engaged in club and/or fly fishing activities.

Download a copy of our membership application (pdf) ....

 Meet our newest members ...

Image Pending Dennis Granger Bio pending Image Pending Dick Alexander Bio Pending Image Pending Mark Richardson Bio Pending Murray Donald I was born and raised in North Vancouver and left there to work in Forestry in the Interior.I attended college in Prince George and worked and lived in most regions of BC including Smithers,Queen Charlottes,Quesnel and Cranbrook. I moved to Vanc Island 15 years ago and now live in Parksville. I'm looking forward to meeting fellow fisherman and learning about Fly Fishing. Rick Horte - bio pending Norm Lunt - bio pending Trevor Johnson My wife and I moved to the island from Vancouver 8 years ago. We had our first child (son) in July 2008. In 2003 we started our own overhead door buisness which keeps me very busy. Whenever I can I love to get out the fly rod which allows me to shut my brain off. I can't wait to share my passion for fly fishing with my son.   Ron Stothers Born in Calgary. Almost retired nearly 3 years ago in Qualicum Beach.  I was a master blender and still sell Whisky and Vodka. Married Yvonne 45 years ago, and have 2 sons, and 4 Grandchildren. We love the outdoors including fishing, hunting, skiing, biking, and spending time in our motorhome. My passion is Salmon and Fly fishing, which is why I joined Castaways for fishing fellowship and local knowledge.   Ken Curdie My wife and I retired here last October, having worked 37 years at Rogers Sugar in Vancouver. I did most of my fly fishing in the interior, around Merritt, and between 100 Mile and Little Fort. That was whenever I could get up there, which wasn't often enough! Now I have a lot more time to discover the fishing of the North Island, both fresh and saltwater. I decided the best way to find out about the local waters was to join the Castaways. I have met a lot of new friends and have already learned about some new places to go, and what gear to use. I am really looking forward to trying some fly fishing for coastal cutthroat and salmon.   Glenn Rogers Age: 58 Born: Vancouver,B.C. Resides in Parksville. Currently: Retired Work history: Human Resource consultant, Parks Manager, Municipal Gov't. Married to Wendy Rogers - two sons - Chris and Corey Interests: Flyfishing and tying, Running; Biking, Hiking/Trekking- Mtns., Camping, Theatre- Acting; oenology-wine tasting, travel Beer- making, diving. Glad to be a part of the Castaways with so many experienced and talented Flyfishers and Tiers to learn from. Looking for fishing partners to enjoy and day out fishing or exploring new water and fishing locations.   John Beaton John was raised on the banks of the River Beauly in the north of Scotland and, as a boy, fished it every waking hour for Atlantic salmon and “sea-trout” (sea-run brown trout). In his student days, he ghillied on the Beaufort Castle waters of that river and wrote occasional articles for Trout and Salmon magazine. He emigrated to Canada in 1979 and, drawn by the Bow River, spent 10 years in Calgary. Drawn further by winter steelhead, he then moved to Qualicum Beach where he has lived for the last 18 years. He is married with five children. An actuary by profession, he worked as Canadian retirement practice leader for a multinational consulting firm. To make more time for fishing, he retired at the end of 2007. His wife, Joyce,   Doug Arbo I was born in Vancouver and started fishing at age 4. Mostly in the salt chuck. Took up fly fishing in Alberta in 1977 without great success. Moved back to BC in 1980 and got serious about fresh waster in l997 with pals going to Egan Lake area west of Little Fort. Trying to retire from my sales agency and use my belly boat around here. I am also looking for a pram so I can get my butt out of the water. I hope to join in with the Castaways to learn where to go. I also want to go on some charters for salmon.

Would you like more information ? Please contact us at info@midislandcastaways.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.  We look forward to meeting you.

Latest News

Title: Club Guidelines
Read This Article ...

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Title: Casting Clinic - June General Meeting
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Title: Salmon Point Resort - Information
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Title: BCFFF Grande Raffle - 2009 - Winners
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Title: President's Remarks - May/June. 2009
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Title: President's Remarks - April, 2009
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Title: President's Remarks - March 2009
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Title: Election of 2009 Executive
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Title: Pacific Salmon Forum Report
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Title: President Remarks - February, 2009
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Title: Pacific Salmon Foundation - Club Donation
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Download castawayscollection.pdf

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Title: Emergency First Aid Kit
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Our Newsletter(s)

On this page you will be able to view our latest news letter and review previous newsletters.  Click on the newsletter which you are interested in - please note that these documents are saved in .pdf format so you will need the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Oue 2009 Newsletters (Click to Download):

May, 2009 Newsletter
April, 2009 Newsletter
March, 2009 Newsletter
February, 2009 Newsletter
January, 2009 Newsletter

 

 Our 2008 Newsletters (click to download): 

April, 2008  Newsletter
May, 2008 Newsletter
October, 2008 Newsletter
November 2008 Newsletter

2005 Newsletters 2006 Newsletters 2007 Newsletters Select One January, 2005 February, 2005 March, 2005 April, 2005 May, 2005 June, 2005 July, 2005 August, 2005 September, 2005 October, 2005 November, 2005 December, 2005 Select One January, 2006 February, 2006 March, 2006 April, 2006 May, 2006 June, 2006 July, 2006 August, 2006 September, 2006 October, 2006 November, 2006 December, 2006 Select One January, 2007 February, 2007 March, 2007 April, 2007 May, 2007 Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these issues of our newsletter. This reader is a free download. WARNING These are large files which require downloading. Older computers may have difficulty.

Our Links

Here are some instruction videos on basic knots you will need to know:

Arbor Knot for Reel:

Nail Knot for Leader

Needle Knot

Surgeon's Knot

Fly Fishing Loops:

Blood Knot

Here are some links to web sites you may find of value:

FISHING CLUBS

http://www.iwff.ca
http://www.bcfff.bc.ca
http://www.kalflyfishers.ca

FISHING STORES

Teddy's Tackle - Chemainus - open from 1-5 from Tuesday to Friday and all day Saturday from 9-5.
Nile Creek Fly Shop  - Bowser
http://www.screamingfishfly.com ( NANAIMO )
Gone Fishing (Nanaimo)

** Note** Many of the above businesses provide a 10% discount for members of the Castaways - present your membership card to receive your discount.

RELATED ARTICLES OF INTEREST

http://www.islandfishermanmagazine.com
http://www.salmonfarmers.org
http://www.anglingbc.com
http://www.bcfishingreports .com
http://www.gov.bc.ca/env/
http://www.gofishbc.com/reg_note.htm#access
http://www.hardyusa.com/
http://www.beckfisher.co.uk/

Contacting Us Page

Address: Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club
P.O. Box 1386
Parksville, B.C.
V9P-2H3
Phone: (250) 752-6461
Email Address: info@midislandcastaways.com

Please feel free to contact the following club representatives:

General Inquiries:  info@midislandcastaways.com

President: Chris Lee  - Phone: 752-6461

We look forward to hearing from you.

Your Privacy

Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club is committed to protecting your personal privacy.

This Statement explains the data collection, and use practices of Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club (Club).  The statement applies to Club Newsletters and the website.  The statement does not apply to other Non-Club "on" or "off line" Internet sites, print publications, associated websites or product suppliers or services.

PERSONAL INFORMATION:  The personal information collected by Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club will be used only to operate the business of the Club and to provide the service(s) or carry out the transaction(s) a Member has requested or authorized. Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club may follow up, either by surface or other mail, telephone, electronic mail or personal contact with members, and others, who have completed forms or provided Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club with any personal information.  Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club may use electronic mail or surface mail addresses voluntarily provided to periodically send Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club related promotional and informational material such as the notices, newsletters, and information regarding upcoming and special events.

COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION:  Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club, will ask you to provide personal information that identifies you as a Member of Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club and which allows the Club to contact you, to track your membership for Club administration purposes.  Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club will not distribute any mailing lists externally.  Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club will not distribute any personal information to any person or company, other than as required by Legislation or Legal Order.  The only exception is the current Club affiliation with the British Columbia Fly Fishing Federation and then, only for the purposes of reconciling Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club membership dues and for your personal Insurance.

SHARING OF INFORMATION:  Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club does not, and will not release or sell personal information to outside 3^rd parties.  Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club is not responsible for the content or the Privacy Policies of Web sites to which it might link on the Internet.

ELECTRONIC MAIL:  If voluntarily provided, your email address will be placed on the Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club web site, and may be used by Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club to send you information, newsletters, and other information directly related to the business of the Club.

CONTROL OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:  By submitting your name, nickname, photograph, biographical material, partner's name, family member name, your address, your phone number, fax number, e-mail, etc. to Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club, you consent to providing this personal information which may be published in Club publications.

 ACCESS TO YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:  At any time you may review, edit, and request changes to, or removal of your personal information.  If you have any questions or directions in this regard they should be directed to the Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club, Secretary.