2010 SCOPe conference

The photos above were taken last weekend at the 2010 South Carolina Outdoor Press Association's 2010 fall meeting by L. Ross.

As you can see from the photos, outdoor activities and seminars covered a wide array of topics and activities. The left photo is noted turkey call maker Irving Whitt working his magic with a "suction call" which is a variation of the old turkey wingbone call. He and Steve Mann each donated a box call for the SCOPe auction and gave talks and demonstrations of their skill at fooling old tom.

The center photo shows Brian Cope with a nice shellcracker (red-eared sunfish) taken on a side trip to Lake Murray. Jim Casada and guide Doug Lown are shown in the background. The morning was cold, but as the temperature warmed in mid-morning, the shellcrackers responded to our offerings of nightcrawlers presented on ultra-light gear.

Guide Doug Lown is shown in the photo on the right holding another nice specimen. He is a well-know guide on Lake Murray and pursues largemouth bass and other species successfully. Capt. Lown is very personable and competent and will provide a great experience on the water, whether you are a novice or experienced angler. Contact him at (803) 321-9026 home or (803)924-8946 cellular to schedule a trip.

Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Expo

The selection of photos by L. Ross shows some of the opportunities, equipment and visual enjoyment of fly fishing. If you enjoy fly fishing and all its trappings, don't miss an opportunity to attend the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Expo on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6 and 7.

The show will be open from 9-5 Sat. and 9-4 on Sunday. Parking is free and admission is $10 for adults. There will be equipment vendors, food service and a special micro brewery beer tasting on Saturday evening.

The show will feature noted speakers, including my friend Jim Casada, noted outdoor author and fly fishing authority. Speakers will be highlighting opportunities on western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee fly fishing waters.

In addition, there will be casting instruction, fly tying demonstrations, fly tying materials and equipment for sale and dealers there to answer your questions. Instructional information will be available and Casada will be glad to autograph copies for buyers.

Due to the moving of the January Fly Fishing Expo from Charlotte to Raleigh, this will be an opportunity to visit a show close to home. This is the second annual show at the North Carolina Agricultural Center, off highway 26 at highway 280 (near Asheville, NC, airport).

Check it out. You should not miss this event if you are a fly fisherman or have aspirations of becoming one.