Fly Fishing Club sets goals

George Abernathy

The Sun Lakes Fly Fishing Club has two primary goals: Wet our lines as often as possible and support the disabled veterans from Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing which is dedicated to the physical and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings.

In early November, our club donated over 2200 fly fishing flies to the Phoenix PHW which included six dozen flies hand made by one of our members, Fred Smith. We concluded our support in 2018 by hosting nine disabled veterans on November 30 at the Oasis Veteran’s Park in Chandler. Thanks to the IronOaks’ General Manager Trish Huff, the morning started out with breakfast burritos that the HOA provided. After three hours of fishing for trout, we concluded the day by BBQing brats and hot dogs. Not only was it a great day for the veterans, it was also very rewarding to the volunteers who participated.

On Friday, January 25, the Sun Lakes Fly Fishing Club will be hosting our annual boat show by the lake next to the softball field on the corner of Riggs and Price. If you’re thinking about buying a one-man pontoon boat for fishing, then this is an opportunity to view a variety of boats and talk to the owners about the pros and cons.

I started the Sun Lakes Fly Fishing Club over four years ago with the intention of befriending a few residents who enjoy fly fishing. Since then, our club has grown to over 50 members which includes both men and women. After four-plus years of running the club, I’ve opted to step down as the president effective January, 2019. Randy Smith, who’s been in the club since the beginning, has taken over my responsibilities. He was my first choice as my successor and will do an outstanding job in running the club, making sure our members have plenty of opportunities to wet their lines and continue supporting the disabled veterans from PHW. Randy Smith can be contacted at 480-371-8406 or email him at [email protected].

Fish on! Fish On!