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About Contraband Fly Casters, Tom Nixon Chapter

In the fall of 1999 three fly fishermen from Lake Charles, Louisiana decided to reach out to find more of their kind. Fly fishing had never been particularly popular in this part of the country, and few people around knew much about it, or had much contact with other anglers who enjoyed fishing with the long rod.

These three anglers started talking to other fishermen, sending out invitations, and encouraging, begging and blackmailing folks to attend the first meeting of the new fly fishing club. It was a great surprise to everyone in attendance when a room full of fly fishing hopefuls showed up at the first meeting. The name "Contraband Fly Casters" was picked for the club, officers were elected, and a mission was set; to promote fly fishing and conservation, and to provide educational opportunities too all who were interested in fly fishing. In addition, the Contraband Fly Casters offered anglers an opportunity to network with other fly fishermen.

Shortly after the formation of the club, it was decided to append the official name of the club with "Tom Nixon Chapter", to honor and recognize the works of club member, and Lake Charles resident Tom Nixon, who was a pioneer and legendary figure in the fly fishing world. Tom literally wrote the book on warm-water fly fishing. His book "Fly Tying and Fly Fishing For Bass and Panfish" enjoyed printings in three editions, and his warm-water flies like the "Calcasieu Pig Boat" were know throughout the country as innovative and productive flies. Tom's contributions were not limited to warm water species however, several of Tom's trout flies like the .56'er and standards in a trout fishers box. Tom also tirelessly gave of his time, doing demonstrations at flyfishing events throughout the region. Sadly Tom left us in 2003 after a short battle with cancer. Only a couple of months before his death, Tom had once again appeared as a featured speaker at our annual club conclave, and as always, he wowed the audience.

In 2001 Contraband Fly Casters, Tom Nixon Chapter's second year of existence, the club hosted the first of it's "sometimes annual" fly fishing conclaves. The first conclave featured a line up well known regional fly fishing experts that included authors Phil Shook, and Pete Cooper Jr. Arkansas guide Denise Barton, Tom Nixon and Glen "Catch" Cormier. The conclave was a resounding success, and to the surprise of the club members, a good money maker. The success of that initial conclave inspired C.F.C. to host ever bigger annual conclaves that have featured Stu Apte, Dave Whitlock, and even Lefty Kreh.

Today the Contraband Fly Casters, Tom Nixon Chapter is a small club, with a dedicated and passionate core membership. Contraband Fly Casters, Tom Nixon Chapter is now affiliated with the Federation of Fly Fishers, and is a Founders Club member of the Gulf Coast Council of the F.F.F. with several club members holding positions on the board of the Gulf Coast Council. Contraband Fly Casters, Tom Nixon Chapter will also be serving as host club for the 2007 Gulf Coast Council Conclave and Fly Fishing Expo.

If you have any interest in fly fishing, we'd like to invite you to join us at one of our monthly meetings. We'll even tell you where the fish are biting. Annual dues are $25 per person and include our monthly newsletter. The club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in Kirkman Hall on the McNeese campus.

When And Where

Regular meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month on the second floor of Kirkman Hall, McNeese State university.

Become A Member

Membership dues are $25 per year. Download a membership form here.

Officers

President

Mark Delaney

chemprof2001@yahoo.com

Office 337-475-5956

Home 337-477-3845

Cell 337-309-1586

Vise President