HOW TO HELP GORDON COUNTY NONPROFITS
Some of the fly reels and spare spools that Paul DiPrima has collected over the past 60 years. for increased backing storage and better drag action. The CNC reels weigh much less than the die cast reels, making a larger reel easier to balance with the rod.
My two earliest saltwater reels were Pflueger die cast reels and although they had a great disk drag system, they were heavy and had limited line storage. My newest saltwater fly reels are CNC large arbor reels — although my first large arbor reel is in 300 feet of water near Key West. Large arbor reels with quality drags are required for fish that make long runs such as bonefish, permit, big dolphin, tuna, sharks and marlin. Small arbor reels work well with small stream fish when the reel functions mostly as line storage.
All fly reels need to have a drag system, not only for tiring large fish but to also prevent the line from leaving the reel too quickly, causing the reel to over-spool and the line to foul. Many small reels and some larger ones have “click and pawl” type drags that use simple gears and a small spring. These are great for smaller fish in fresh water.
The “disk drag” reels adjust easily and are almost a requirement if fishing for saltwater fish and large freshwater fish. Not all click and pawl drags or disk drags are perfect; the higher quality reels usually have the most reliable drag systems.
I mentioned “backing” earlier. Backing is usually made from 20 pound test braided Dacron. Heavier backing can be used for the larger fish. Backing is used on small reels to give the reel arbor a larger diameter. Use only enough backing to allow the fly line to completely fill the reel. This can result in a faster line retrieval and reduces curling of the line caused by line memory.
Fly lines are only 90 feet or so long. When a saltwater speedster grabs the fly and heads for the horizon, 90 feet of line isn’t much. Having a matched rod, line and quality reel with a 150 yards or more backing can allow you to tire out the fish, prevent the tippet from breaking and help you get the fish in.
More about fly fishing soon. Come to a TU meeting to learn more about fly fishing and equipment.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is seeking volunteer child advocates — training included. Those interested in becoming a CASA advocate, contact Rachel Holbert at rholbert@advochild.org by email.
The Voluntary Action Center is always seeking volunteers and donations to support its activities in Gordon County. To learn more about current needs at the VAC, visit voluntaryactioncenter.org or call 706-629-7283.
Blood Assurance is in critical need of blood donations. To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 18 years old (16 or 17 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and eat a meal rich in iron prior to donating. To schedule an appointment visit bloodassurance.org, call 800-962-0628 or text ‘BAGIVE’ to 444999.\
New Foundations Development Inc. always welcomes donations of unwanted real estate for the building of new affordable housing for seniors and veterans. For more information, contact Program Manager Carol Hatch at 706629-9183, or at nfdinc.org online.
Assured Hospice Care is currently seeking volunteers to visit with hospice patients in the Calhoun and Rome communities. Training is provided. Interested persons can call 770-387-9578 or visit www.assured-hospice.com.
PruittHealth Hospice in Rome and Calhoun is looking for people of vision and empathy who wish to make a difference in their community one person at a time. As a hospice volunteer, you will receive training and support for your role in helping those with life limiting illness to have quality of life during their last days. If you have a heart for others and wish to be of service, please contact Marion LeRoy at 706-506-6592 or by email at MLeRoy@pruitthealth.com for the Rome office or Aspen Bray at 706602-9546 or by email at AMBray@pruitthealth.com for the Calhoun office.
The Northwest Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to do disaster work, office administration and community outreach at health fairs and other public events in Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Polk and Walker counties. Training will be provided. For more information, call 706-7283408 or visit www.redcross.org/nwga.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission GeorgiaCares program has multiple opportunities to fit various skills and interests to help those on Medicare, have loved ones on Medicare or simply want to help people with Medicare. Training, supervision and support provided. Work as part of a team and the hours are flexible. Call Northwest Georgia regional Commission GeorgiaCares at 1-866-552-4464, option No. 4 to learn more.
Pruitt Health Hospice is seeking caring, compassionate volunteers to provide companionship and support for patients. No experience necessary. Call Chaplain George Nix for more information. 706-236-4704.