Pacemaker Fishing Forum

LOCATION: Orvis Tysons Corner

FEATURED SPEAKER: Alan Weaver, fisheries biologist with Virginia DWR

PARTICIPANTS: Matthew Jargowsky, Maryland DNR; Teresa Rodriguez, DC Fisheries; Orvis; Fletcher's Boathouse; District Angling; John Kuriawa; Dan Neuland; Mike Tsukamoto; Bill Gordon; Jim Cummins; NCC-TU; NOVATU (expected); TPFR; Chris Campo/FYI sponsors; others

OVERVIEW: Similar format to previous NCC-TU Shad Nights. Event begins with a social hour: Meet up with fellow anglers; visit expert tables to learn more about American and hickory shad, Fletcher's Cove, area streams, fly tying, tackle and technique; buy snacks/drinks and raffle tickets; review silent auction trips. Meet FFC Board members; talk with Campo and sponsors about Family and Youth Initiatives. FFC announcements and the featured presentation follows. Program concludes with a shad fishing panel discussion.

For the first Shad Night ever held in Virginia, Alan Weaver will talk about his work in the state. The impact of fishways, dam removals and stocking projects on the James, Rappahannock and elsewhere will be discussed. (The Rapp is a very popular destination for Orvis customers.) Matt Jargowsky will briefly share data from the 2025 Potomac run.

The online silent auction will be expanded this year with some attractive entries from Orvis, and perhaps additional participation from the Board and other supporters. It is proposed to open the night of the event and continue for seven days.

PRELIM SCHEDULE

5-6:15
Participant table presentations and fly tying, FFC/FYI promotion

6:15-6:30
Welcome, FFC announcements, sponsor acknowledgements

6:30-7:15
Featured speaker (Weaver)

7:15-7:30
Q&A; Potomac update (Jargowsky)

7:30-8
Shad fishing panel

8-8:15
Raffles drawings