Ralph Pike      Communications     

I caught my first trout with a fly rod when I was eight years old.  It was a split cane bamboo rod with a single action reel, not a high dollar rod but a typical rod of the 1950’s.  I can’t remember whether I was using worms or salmon eggs at the time.  So does that count as fly fishing?  Probably not.  In my early teens I was introduced to fishing with flies using a spinning rod and a clear plastic float or bubble that was partially filled with water to provide weight.  So was that fly fishing?  Sort of.  About the same time I bought a fly tying kit at Boy Scout camp.  I won’t discuss the quality of those early flies other than to say I did catch a few bluegill and bass with them.  My interest in fly fishing and fly tying grew from there.  I especially liked fly tying because it was a great escape during the long cold winters (I grew up in Nebraska not Florida).

The next phase of life was imparting my passion for fishing to my two sons.  Fortunately for them they had a grandfather who was much better then me at teaching fly casting and fly tying.  The result is my sons are both skilled at fly tying and fly casting and I have two fishing partners for life.

Prior to moving to Florida three years ago my fishing experiences were all in the Midwest, Rocky Mountain States and Alaska.  Part of my reason for moving to Naples was the saltwater fishing opportunities.  I joined BFF shortly after moving to Naples and began the process of learning about fly fishing in saltwater.  Fly tying classes at Mangrove Outfitters were a real benefit.  It was quite a change going from size 18 hooks to 2/0.

Since I did not have a boat I fished along the beaches with marginal success.  Then I rented a kayak and went on my first outing, fishing Ding Darling NWR.  I came away with two learning’s.  First, outings were a great way to meet other members and learn from them.  Second, a kayak provided great mobility.  With the help of Chris Boland at Saltwater Sports I purchased a kayak and accessories.  I try to go on every outing as I always learn more about our sport each time.

I became the Communications Director, two and a half years ago when the previous director, John Cumberlidge, moved from the area.  It was an interesting time as the Club was changing to electronic communication and development of a website.  The website has gone through several enhancements with the latest being the addition of a webpage for guides. 

The purpose of my position on the Board is to keep the membership informed of activities of the Club and general sharing of information.  I welcome ideas for additional enhancements to the website or the monthly eBreeze.  Thank you to those of you who have shared pictures from your fishing trips.

Tight Lines,

Ralph Pike