The 2008 Stillwater Classic catch-and-release,=2 0fly fishing contest has been slated for Saturday August 9th at Crowley Lake. This is the second year=2 0for this annual event to raise money for the planting of additional brown trou t in the lake. After a few trials and tribulations, it was finalized that I would be taking on the contest director responsibilities and I will join the Fish Camp's, Lane and Beth Garrett in organizing and staging the event.

The format of the contest for those of you who did not participate last year, is based on the number of fish caught and released rather than size of fish caught, which was received excellently last year and will continue this year along with a team and individual category prize structure.

Some changes for this year are that there will be prizes down to fifth place in both categories rather than just first and second plac es and the prizes will no longer be cash but fishing tackle, trips, lodging and other goods and services that Crowley anglers can all use. The reason for the change was that since most sponsors are manufacturers and retailers they could give more in merchandise than they would be able to afford in cash. Basically the contributors get more bang for their buck and the contest receives more total donations for awards and raffle pri zes. Secondly, all of the monies from your entries and donations go right into the lake. In this case, more "Brown" for your buck!

0A On the subject of raffle prizes, this year we are going all out. To encourage anglers of all abilities to join in the fun, whether they get in the prize money or not, the grand raffle prize that any contestant can win is a one-week, all-expenses trip to the Bahamas to go bonefishing. This $4,000 prize donated by the Trout Fly not only includes food, lodging, and guides, but also all tackle, flies and air transportation ??? truly all-inclusive.
Picture yourself wading in 85 degree, crystal clear blue water no deeper than the top of your socks across the sa nd flats looking for the ghost. You see him, you cast, he charges the fly and the next thing you hear is 'burrrrrrip'- the sound of of the knot at the end of your fly line going through the guides as he goes into the backing on the first run. A hundred yards is routine, even for the small fish, and expect 200+ yards if he is six pounds or more. And, all you have to do is enter the SC!

Also new for this year, will be a trophy for the winner and a perpetual trophy that will have each year's winner engraved on it and will reside in the Fish Camp for all to see year round. So, mark off August 9 on your calendar and see if you can be the "Lord of the Fly on Crowley Lake" for 2008!

Click here for official rules and an entry form.

For procedural questions on th e contest, contact the Crowley Lake Fish Camp at 760 935-4301 or e-mail them to crowleylakefishcamp@yahoo.com