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Founded in 1947, the Pasadena Casting Club is a group of fly fishing enthusiasts dedicated to the art of angling and casting, conservation, education, catch and release philosophy, and camaraderie through Club meetings, outings and events.
HomeJuly 2014
European Style Nymphing
with George Daniel

7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 10, 2014

Pasadena Casting Club Clubhouse
Lower Arroyo Seco Park
Pasadena, CA 91105


This monthly program write-up is a slam dunk—I don’t have to think of anything clever to say to get you to show up (for those historically inclined Fish Tales readers, you’ll recall I ran out of clever in about 2003).

The single, most-requested program topic is happening this month. You've all probably heard of Czech nymphing, but probably have no idea how to really do it. You've heard how incredibly effective it is, and, perhaps, of its variations. There is French nymphing, of course, Polish nymphing, Spanish nymphing, Will Trefry’s preferred variation of single-malt nymphing, and my old specialty, Euro-nymph-ing…

         Let’s just agree to group it all together under the moniker European Style Nymphing, or ESN, which generally refers to nymph fishing without an indicator. This month we’ll finally learn what it is versus traditional tight-line nymph fishing, why it is so darned effective, and why so many knowledgeable fly anglers are having so much fun with the technique. We’ll learn when and when not to use ESN, how to cast and rig for it, and the various flavors of it.

Our instructor for ESN will be George Daniel himself, whose name and teaching abilities exploded with the recent publication of his very successful book, Dynamic Nymphing, with the book’s forward being written by our good friend, British fly angler Charles Jardine.

George Daniel began fly fishing at age six in Pennsylvania. Although initially self-taught, when George was 14 years old, he met his fly fishing idol, Joe Humphreys. Joe became George’s mentor, which would make any of us experts. George attended Lock Haven University, Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in natural resource management.

In 2005, George qualified for Fly Fishing Team USA, eventually competing in six World Fly Fishing Championships, as well as coaching both the US Youth Team and Fly Fishing Team USA in four World Championships. During this time, George traveled the globe and learned from many of the best anglers in the world. George is a two-time US National Fly Fishing Champion, and currently is the head coach for Fly Fishing Team USA.

George’s true passion is in fl
y fishing education, giving lectures, and conducting clinics and seminars around the US. He also logs more than 200 days a year fishing on trout waters near and far. George and his wife Amidea bought and restored an old home along his favorite trout stream, which is where they are raising their two children.

George is not only the author of the bestselling book, Dynamic Nymphing,, but has also published articles in Fly Fisherman, American Angler, and Fly Tyer magazines. Currently George is working on another book project, tentatively titled “Seductive Streamer Strategies.” George is a pro-staffer for Simms, Orvis Fly Rods, Scientific Anglers, Smith Optics, Lamson Reels, Loon, and Regal Vises. George is a fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants.

For many, this presentation will be an illuminating and fascinating examination of a new, exciting and very effective fly fishing technique. George will have limited copies of his books with him for those interested in purchasing an autographed copy. To learn out more about this young, dynamic fly fisher, visit www.gdflyfish.com.

Join us this Thursday evening, July 10th, at 7:30 p.m. for our first meeting this year down at the Pasadena Casting Clubhouse in the Lower Arroyo Seco Park. You can find directions to the location under the "Directions" tab on the website menu on the left. The meeting is free, and all interested parties are invited to attend—no reservation is necessary. Please see details elsewhere in this issue regarding the preceding dinner Paul Payan has planned for us.

Seymour R. Singer
Program Chairperson