Don't Miss the Black Hills Fly Fishers Auction!
When: Saturday April 21st
Where: Journey Museum
Time: Doors open 5:30 pm, Live auction starts at 7:00pm
This is your chance to participate in the Black Hills Fly Fishers annual fundraising auction. In the past year BHFF has donated over $50,000 to trout stream habitat in the Black Hills. If you value the trout fisheries of the Black Hills, please join us at the Journey Museum to support the club's future projects. The auction is always a great time- good food, great people, and an excellent selection of fly fishing goods.
This is your chance to participate in the Black Hills Fly Fishers annual fundraising auction. In the past year BHFF has donated over $50,000 to trout stream habitat in the Black Hills. If you value the trout fisheries of the Black Hills, please join us at the Journey Museum to support the club's future projects. The auction is always a great time- good food, great people, and an excellent selection of fly fishing goods.
Here is a preliminary list-
Live Auction Items
1) Fly-swatter. Houseflies getting you down? I’ve found that a solid double-haul with this bad boy takes care of ‘em. Donated by the BHFF’s “Angling Ambassador of the World, to Infinity and Beyond”, Don Polovich.
2) Hip Pack. Be as hip as James Brown with this Fishpond hip pack. “Get on the scene! Be a love machine! Heh!” Donated by Richard Milanowski.
3) Thread Organizer. Here we have a handmade maple thread organizer, capable of holding 54 spools of thread. Beautiful woodwork, donated by Shawn & Cathy Walz.
4) Art. Artist Jim Hawke has provided this year’s auction with an acrylic painting of the new Outdoor Campus West. As many of you know, the BHFF donated $25,000 to this project. Special thanks to Jim Hawke for this great donation.
5) Travel Tying Bag. From Fishpond, a “Roadtrip” fly-tying bag. This is an exceptionally well-designed bag that includes compartments for various items. Sponsored by Charles Arbeiter.
6) Cigar Humidor. From Simms, a cool cigar humidor with a brown trout logo designed by the famed artist DeYong. Holds at least 4 cigars, easily enough to stink up a very large room. $80 retail value. Sponsored by Chris Hamm of The Storage Place.
7) Chest Pack. Fishpond “Blue River” chest pack. Donated by Richard Milanowski.
8) Flies. An assortment of approximately 200 flies – mostly dry flies. Donated by Kade Welfi, with an assist from Dakota Angler & Outfitter (provided the box).
9) Sunglasses. X-ray vision for trout. Here we have a pair of Action Optics “Spoiler” tortoise polarized sunglasses. Comes with both brown and yellow interchangeable lenses. $159 retail value. Sponsored by Jim Hutto of H.F. Webster Engineering.
10) Fly-Tying Kit. From Wapsi, a deluxe tying kit. Excellent package with virtually everything that you need. Particularly outstanding for youthful tiers. Donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
Live Auction Items (continued)
11) Reel. Here we have a Cabela's WLX Fly Reel. Outstanding quality, with a retail value of approximately $200. Special thanks to Cabela’s for this terrific donation.
12) Reel. Abel 8 weight Reel with spare spool. Abel reels are perhaps the finest (and among the most expensive) reels available. Ridiculously smooth drag. This reel has been slightly used, but is essentially a brand new reel. Donated by the estate of Jim LaFreniere.
13) Wine Basket. O-SOL-O-MIO! Now this is an awesome item. Good wine. An italian theme. It just doesn’t get any better. Includes the Blind Wine Tasting Party Game, Wine Journal, “Wine Made Simple” book, wine cooler, coasters, grape bowls, serving plates, pot holder, and three premier bottles of wine. That Bonnie’s something, isn’t she? Generously donated by Jack & Bonnie Edwards.
14) Art. Original oil painting by Sandy Newman, entitled “Brownie”. Sandy is a Signature Member of Artist of the Black Hills, and a terrific supporter of the BHFF. Donated by the artist.
15) Big Pile of Cliff Stuff. Now this is an awesome package. Includes a Cliff Junior, a Bugger Barn (great box!) a Super Day’s Worth, a Day’s Worth (my personal favorite), and a Cliff Outdoors T-shirt (I’ve found that chicks really dig this shirt). Note that the Super Day’s Worth won the “Ka-Ching Award” at a recent International Fly Tackle Dealer show as the top new freshwater product. Great stuff, donated by our good friend Matt Cassel of Cliff Outdoors. Be a Cliff. It’s the right thing to do.
16) Outdoor Experience. Long-time supporter Laurie Root has agreed to provide a Black Hills “Outdoor Experience” for one day. Laurie is a well-known naturalist, very familiar with the Black Hills, and an experienced member of the SDGF&P staff. This Outdoor experience could include fly fishing, but it’s not a requirement. This trip could be for a woman (or two) but it’s not a requirement. Special thanks to Laurie Root for this great donation.
18) Taco Bag. From Simms, the famous “Taco Bag”, that easily holds a pair of waders and boots, or you can just use it to carry enough tacos for all your amigos. Ventilated sides, with a zipper closure. Donated by Anthony Ferrie of Dry Fly Sales. Take this one south of the border and you’ll be set. Vamanos, muchachos! Aye! Aye! Aye!
Live Auction Items (continued)
19) Golf and Golf Lesson. I know it’s hard, but you need to face facts. Your swing is pitiful. Compared to you, Charles Barkley looks like Tiger Woods. The last time you won a golfing bet was in 1983. Fortunately, there’s something that can be done about the unmitigated disaster you call your “game”. Start it off with a 45 minute lesson donated by Jason Young (value $70). Then hit the links with two eighteen hole rounds at Red Rock Golf Club. Cart not included. Generously donated by Don Ward and Jason Buntrock of Red Rock Golf Club.
20) Art. Traditional framed salmon fly prints, donated by outstanding supporters of the BHFF, Bill and Judy Wittrig.
21) Gear Bag. Fishpond “Lost Canyon” gear bag. Great accessory bag for organizing boxes, tippets, etc. Well-suited for day trips, and a $125 value. Sponsored by Owen Emme of Summit.
22) Shell. Simms “Runabout” shell. Size XL, but can be exchanged for proper size at Dakota Angler & Outfitter. Superb lightweight item, sponsored by Jeff and Cheryl Cosier.
23) Guided Black Hills Trip. Here we have a full day guided trip, generously donated by Shaun LeZotte. For those of you that don’t know him, Shaun is an experienced and enjoyable guide working out of Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
24) Warmwater Flies. Wow. An exceptionally well-tied warmwater fly assortment donated by Ryan Gabert. As most of you know, Ryan works and guides for Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
24) Warmwater Flies. Wow. An exceptionally well-tied warmwater fly assortment donated by Ryan Gabert. As most of you know, Ryan works and guides for Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
25) Bed and Breakfast. Sleep next to Rapid Creek at the Hisega Lodge, located west of Rapid City on Hwy 44. Hisega is easily one of the coolest places in the Black Hills. A historic old lodge, and an epic breakfast. Happy ending guaranteed. One night’s stay, generously donated by Ken and Carol Duncan of Hisega Lodge.
If you wish (and if scheduled in advance), Mark Vickers has offered to provide a half-day’s guided trip the afternoon before or the morning after your stay at the lodge, taking you and your guest into a virtually unfished (not open to public access) area of Rapid Creek downstream from Hisega.
26) Rod. Now here’s a classic trout rod. A Winston IM-6 8’6” 5wt rod (2 piece). Used. Includes Winston rod sack and Orvis case. This is a great trout rod. Donated by Richard Milanowski.
27) Vest. From Simms, the famous G-3 guide vest. Size extra large. Extreme quality, and a $200 retail value. Sponsored by Dr. Charles & Kathryn Hart.
Live Auction Items (continued)
28) Art. Original oil painting by Jan Sohl, entitled “Cast Upon the Waters”. This oil on linen painting portrays a spring scene of Rapid Creek near Rochford. Jan is a Signature Member of the Artists of the Black Hills. Just a great donation.
29) Warm shirt / layering garment (top). From Simms, the “DownUnder” New Zealand merino wool zip-top. $100. Warm on cool days. Cool on warm days. Exceptionally comfortable. Sponsored by Great Western Bank.
30) Rod & Reel Outfit. Here we have a Redington “Crosswater” rod and reel outfit. 9’ 5wt 4-piece rod, brand new and still in box. Special thanks to Mike Lees for this great donation.
31) Fly-Tying Storage. This antique is just an awesome item, and it would make the coolest tying material storage area of all time. Generously donated by our long-time friend, Ed Whillock.
32) Rod. Albright “GP”, a 9’ 6/7wt. rod. This is a really nice rod (never used), and would make a outstanding nymph rod. Donated by our good friend Richard Milanowski.
33) Waders. Simms “Freestone” stockingfoot waders. Size XL. Never used. Donated by Gary Jensen. $199 retail value. Special thanks to Gary for his great support of the BHFF.
34) Jacket. From Simms, their famous “Guide Jacket”. Of course, if you want to look like a guide all you really need to do is stick a net behind your waders, place your hands behind your back, and try to look interested while standing on the bank. If you say anything, you say “Should have been here yesterday”, or “Are you ready for a sandwich?” Seriously, this is the premier fishing jacket – nothing else is close. Size XXL, but can be exchanged at Dakota Angler for proper size. Retail value of $230. Sponsored by Black Hills Federal Credit Union.
35) Pheasant Hunt. One day upland bird hunt for two people at Vallery's High Plains Game Ranch, located somewhere out there near Spearfish. Special thanks to Randy and Ronda Vallery and High Plains Game Ranch for this outstanding donation.
36) Boat Bag. From Sage, their DXL “Typhoon” boat bag. Waterproof, dividers for multiple boxes. $250 retail value. Sponsored by Rob Varilek / Avis Car & Truck Rentals.
37) Rod. Here we have an original Winston fiberglass rod, and it’s a timeless classic. 7’6” 3wt. Serial # 1690. Generously donated by Eric Candela.
38) Flies. Outstanding selection of trout flies from ace tier David Gamet of Dakota Angler & Outfitter. Remarkable quality – guaranteed to catch fish.
Live Auction Items (continued)
39) Waders. Patagonia “Watermaster” waders. Size Large King, but can be exchanged for proper size at Dakota Angler. Gore-Tex like fabric. Extreme quality. Retail value of $299. Sponsored by Wayne & Gwynn Hansen.
40) Polarized Sunglasses. These are among the finest sunglasses available. Costa Del Mar glasses with 580 lens. $229 retail value, and they’ve never been used. Donated by Mike Lees.
41) Tying Materials. Two fly-tying organizers with materials. Man, there’s a lot of stuff here. I wouldn’t even want to guess what these materials cost. It’s a big number. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
42) Bighorn Lodging. Absaraka Cabins on the Bighorn – located near 3-mile access. Four night’s lodging, donated by Dave and Zoe Opie of Absaraka Cabins on the Bighorn.
43) Rod, Reel, and Line. Used Orvis “Silver Label” rod and reel. This is an 8’4 3wt, that is paired with a Ross Colorado reel that includes flyline. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
44) Waders. Redington “Sonic Pro” waders. Lightweight Gore-Tex like fabric with welded (not sewn) seams. Size Large, but can be exchanged for proper size. I was a “Sonic Pro” until I became too big for my waders. I especially enjoyed their cheesy tater-tots. A very durable wader donated by Dave Gellatly of Northwind Sales.
45) Rod. Wow. Certainly one of the nicest rods at this auction. A Sage VXP 9’ 8 wt. travel rod. A “big rod” that is well-suited for Northerns, saltwater, or for hucking big streamers on the Bighorn. Sponsored by Ev & Roberta Hoyt, and Jack & Bonnie Edwards.
46) Guided Bighorn Trip. Fish the fabulous Bighorn River in Ft. Smith, Montana this summer with a one day’s guided float for two anglers. Donation must be used in 2012. Guided trip includes lunch, but not guide tip. Donated by our good friends Hale Harris and Steve Hilbers at the Bighorn Trout Shop in Ft. Smith, Montana.
47) Art. Once again award-winning artist Joyce Johnson has donated a watercolor for our auction. Joyce is a founder and member of the Northern Plains Watercolor Society. Incredible detail, and a great donation from the artist.
48) Flies. Here we have a box containing a massive pile of finely-crafted flies direct from the vise of Hans (the man, the legend) Stephenson. Guaranteed to catch fish. Easily worth a couple of Grovers. Special thanks to Hans for this great donation, and for all of his work on the BHFF 2012 auction.
Live Auction Items (continued)
49) North Platte River. Join Greg Mueller of the North Platte Fly Shop on a guided trip down the North Platte River near Casper, Wyoming. The Platte below Grey Reef has become one of the most prolific fisheries in the Mountain West, and is often referred to as “the Bighorn without the crowds”. Many of you will remember Greg, who was the featured speaker at a previous BHFF meeting. Note that the gratuity is not included. Given that Greg donates a large number of trips each year, and that Bonnie really had to strong-arm Greg into this donation, give the poor guy a decent tip. Generously donated by Greg Mueller and Ryan Andersen. Please note that your trip must be scheduled in advance, and take place prior to 9/21/12.
50) Rod. Sage TXL 7’10” 3wt. rod. Never used. Just an outstanding small stream rod. Generously donated by Tom Schauer.
51) Golf. As I understand it, The Golf Club at Devil’s Tower is now a “member only” course, and not open to the public. Nonetheless, they have offered a great donation – 18 holes of golf for a foursome, including two carts. I’ve golfed (ok, ok, I beat the ground with sticks) this course a few times in the past, and it’s spectacular. Generously donated by The Golf Club at Devils Tower.
52) Black Hills Flyfishers Belt Buckle. A one-of-a-kind item made especially for the Black Hills Flyfishers annual equipment auction by Montana Silversmiths. Thanks to RCC Western Wear, we have had a Montana Silversmiths buckle at this auction each of the past 28 years. It is a BHFF tradition. Each of those 28 buckles is unique, and this year’s buckle may be the finest we’ve ever offered. Donated by Chuck Paulson and RCC Western Wear.
53) Art. Two original watercolor paintings by renowned Black Hills artist Kathy Sigle of Spearfish. Framed, 5” x 7” paintings featuring the Royal Wulff and the Golden Olive Stimulator. Sold as a matched set.
54) Guided Dove Hunt. Bird-hunting king Pat Brown will host two intrepid dove hunters on his farm near Scenic for a guided dove hunt. Pat has even promised to bring in two outstanding hunting guides that are widely regarded as both remarkable outdoorsmen and crack shots. Package comes complete with an outstanding lunch. Bring lots of shells. A true gentleman’s hunt, donated by our good friend Pat Brown.
56) Rod. Sage ZXL 8’6” 5wt. Beautiful 4-piece rod. This is Sage’s state-of-the-art trout rod, and a $670 value. Sponsored by Bill & Judy Wittrig.
57) Art. Jon Crane has been one of the great supporters of the BHFF for many, many years. For the 2012 auction, Jon has donated the newly-released print “Sunlight and Song”, depicting a winter scene of Rapid Creek near Mystic. This is a framed limited edition print, with the framing generously donated by Lori Nonast of Jon Crane Watercolors Gallery.
58) Guided Black Hills Trip. Fish with “The Great One,” Hans Stephenson of Dakota Angler, on a guided Black Hills excursion. Hans can put you on fish. More to the point, he’s a lot of fun. This is a great donation from our good friend, Hans Stephenson.
1) Net Zinger. Here we have a “Gear-Keeper” landing net zinger.
2) Thermometer. Infrared thermometer, by William Joseph. Donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
3) Hat. From Fishpond, their famous “Trucker” hat. Donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
4) Net holder. From DeVest, a combination net holder and wader belt. Donated by Richard Milanowski.
5) T-Shirt. Size medium “Common Carp” t-shirt from Simms. Donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
6) Water Bottle. The “Klean Kanteen”, stainless steel wide mouth water bottle. Donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
7) Hat. This is a great item - the Simms “Windstopper” fleece flap cap. Can be worn over a baseball cap while keeping your ears warm. Sponsored by Black Hills Archery.
8) Art. A framed shadow box featuring 3 patterns tied by John Moneyhun. As many of you know, John is a long-time supporter of the BHFF, and one of the finest tiers around.
9) Thermos. Fishpond “Timberline” insulated vacuum thermos flask with insulated cover. Outstanding quality. Now I have one of these, and I agree, they’re great. Donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
10) Art. A limited edition print of Rainbow Trout, by artist John Meyer. The print was donated by Bernie Roth, with framing donated by Jerry Newman.
11) Reel. Pflueger “Medalist” reel, donated by Scott Zieske. In all likelihood, the Pflueger Medalist has caught more fish than any other reel ever made. Never used, and a timeless classic.
12) Gloves. Long ago I tired of sunburning the top of my hands. In addition, in the spring I could wear blisters in my casting hand (I usually have to cast a lot before finding a willing trout). This, my friends, is the answer - Buffs angling sungloves. Size M/L, but can be exchanged for proper size at Dakota Angler . $40 retail value, donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
13) Gear Bag. A gently-used Fishpond “Bighorn River” Gear Bag. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
Silent Auction Items (continued)
14) Hip Pack. Clear Creek hip pack. Donated by Richard Milanowski.
15) Stuffed Fish. 24” Sockeye Salmon pillow from Kid’s Critters. Soft and cozy – a kid’s best friend. Donated by Mike Lees.
16) Gift Certificate. Here we have a $50 gift certificate from Scheel's. If you have kids in sports, you know all about Scheel’s. Special thanks to Scheel’s for this great donation.
17) River Sandals. From Simms. These were used only once, and didn’t fit. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
18) Cliff Box. The “Crab Shack” from Wyoming’s Cliff Outdoors. Just a great box. Donated by our good friend Matt Cassel of Cliff Outdoors.
19) Reel. Orvis “Clearwater IV” reel for a 5-7 weight. Includes fly box holder and zinger. Donated by Paul Fauss.
20) Rod. Gold Eagle rod built by Larry Weeks. 8’ 5wt., two-piece. Traditional action that would be very well-suited for a youthful angler. Donated by Doug Scheller.
21) Reel. Mitchell 7151 fly reel. Never used. Would be great paired with the Gold Eagle rod above. Donated by our long-time friend Scott Zieske.
22) Book. “The Gift of Trout”, edited by Ted Leeson. Donated by a founding member of the BHFF, Scott Zieske.
23) Beer Glasses. New Belgium logo beer glasses with fly assortments. Donated by Don Polovich.
24) Lippa 4 Life. Land those toothy pike without losing an arm. Donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
25) Flies. From long-time donor Lorie Hagen, twenty Larva Lace flies.
26) Art. Salmon Fly Photo. Framed. Donated by our long-time friend Wayne Hansen.
27) Fly Box. Simms / Wheatley fly box. A beautiful orange box (you can find it if you drop it) with slit-foam fly-holders. Donated by Anthony Ferrie of Dry Fly Sales. $60 retail value.
28) Net. Size large “measure net” with rubber netting. Donated in part by Dakota Angler & Outfitter.
Silent Auction Items (continued)
29) Pants. Cloudveil “Cool Convertible” pants. Waist size 38. Cannot be exchanged for proper size. $85 retail value. Sponsored by Jim and Nancy Hawke.
30) Wading Boots. Simms L2 wading boots with Aquastealth soles. Size 11. Cannot be exchanged for a different size. Donated by Richard Milanowski.
31) Rod. From St. Croix, the “Triumph”, traveling spinning rod. Don’t be grounded during that particularly windy fishing day. Sponsored by Jim & Nancy Hawke.
32) Book. “Flyfishing the Yellowstone in the Park”, by Bob Jacklin and Gary LaFontaine. This is the “go-to” source of fishing in Yellowstone Park. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
33) Reel. Sage 3300 reel, with Rio “Selective Trout” WF-6-F line. Donated by Doug Scheller.
34) Rod / Reel Case. DB Dunn double rod / reel case for two-piece rods. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
35) Book. “Selective Trout” by Doug Swisher and Carl Richards. This book started the no-hackle dry fly revolution. A true classic. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
36) Vest. A Simms “Guide Vest”, size large. Nearly new. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
37) Art. Jumping brown trout on pedestal. A very cool item, donated by Mike Lees.
38) Waist Pack. Simms “Headwaters” waist pack. $60 retail value, and never used. Donated by Gary Jensen.
39) Fly Tying Basket. Includes Cabela’s Vise and Tools with Tying John Barr's Flies DVD. Donated by Kevin Kabrud. |
40) Vest. Simms “Primaloft” vest. Size XL. Cannot be exchanged for proper size. $100 retail value, sponsored by Tom and MollieO Krafka.
41) Golf. Hart Ranch is a very nice course, and this certificate provides two golfers with green fees for 18 holes. Donated by Hart Ranch.
Silent Auction Items (continued)
43) Dental Exams. From the nicest dentist in Rapid City, a certificate good for a two dental exam, x-rays, and fluoride treatments. $308 value, donated by Dr. Mike Krump at Downtown Dental.
44) Rod / Reel Case. DB Dunn double rod / reel case for 4-piece rods. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
45) Tying Materials. Two fly-tying organizers with materials. If you tie, there’s enough here to keep you busy for a long, long time. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
46) Thread Organizer. Here we have a handmade maple thread organizer, capable of holding 40 spools of thread. Beautiful woodwork, donated by Shawn & Cathy Walz.
47) Pants. Simms “Guide pant”. These are lightweight, quick-dry pants. Well suited for wet wading, or worn under waders, or even as a pair of pajamas. Size XL, and a $70 retail value. Cannot be exchanged for a different size. Sponsored by Jim & Nancy Hawke.
48) Net. Solitude “Stone Creek” net with net magnet. Sponsored by Blickensderfer Chiropractic.
49) Fly Box. C&F Designs M-series clear-top fly box. This is a really nice box, featuring a flip page for added capacity. Sponsored by Steve Kinsella / Kinsale Communications.
50) Book. “Caddisflies”, by Gary LaFontaine. This large hardcover book is an absolute classic, and was revolutionary in fly pattern development. Donated by the family of Jim LaFreniere.
51) Rod. Abel 8 weight Rod. This is an outstanding rod for big toothy fish or saltwater. Abel is well-known as a premier reel manufacturer. Their rods are top-flight as well. Donated by the estate of Jim LaFreniere.
52) Flyline. Airflo “Ridge Line” 3 wt. flyline. Weight forward floating line in a clear color. $75 value. Sponsored by Hisega Lodge.
53) Art. Brown trout wood carving by Cindy Hermann of Spearfish. Donated by Dick Lier and Dakota Angler & Outfitter. Great item and a great donation.
54) Casting Lesson. Fix that tailing loop with a casting lesson. Learn to cast with Dave Gamet, one of the finest casting instructors around. One hour lesson for two, and it will make a big difference in your level of enjoyment.
55) Art. “Rod and Reel”, by Matthew James, a certified limited edition print. Framed. Donated by our good friends Bill and Judy Wittrig.
Silent Auction Items (continued)
56) Art. Now this is an awesome wall hanging. Here we have a McKenna Ryan pattern named “Early Riser”. Generously donated by Nancy Dunston.
57) Wine. Truly a collector’s item, the Valiant Vineyards Bicentennial commerative wineset, commemorating the journey of Lewis & Clark. Includes Jefferson, Lewis, and Clark red table wines. Donated by a great friend of the BHFF, Wayne Hanson.
