Author: Jim R

31st Texas Fly Fishers Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival, Saturday January 27, 2024 Featuring Fly Designer and Tyer Lester Lehman

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Lester Lehman

Featured Tyer Lester Lehman is an experienced fly tyer with over 25 years in the fly fishing industry which has included fishing and tying fly patterns for both fresh and salt water destinations,  located in Texas, Montana, Florida, the Yucatan in Mexico and the Bahamas.

Photos from the 2023 Festival:

The TexasFlyFishers have been hard at work putting together the 31st Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival.  For 2024, fly designer, tyer and angler Lester Lehman (Les) will be the featured tier.

Les is a long time fly designer, tyer and angler who has fished, guided and taught throughout the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. He has lived in Mexico three different times, has also lived and worked at South Andros at Bair Bahamas, and has worked at 8 different fly shops in 5 states. Additionally, he has had fly patterns published in books such as: Fly Patterns for the Texas Coast by Greg Berlocher and ‘Bassin’ With a Fly Rod by Jack Ellis.

The Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival attracts tyers of all disciplines from all over Texas and neighboring states. The 2024 Festival is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2024 and will be held at Terrace United Methodist Church, 1203 Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055.  The tying will begin at 8:00 am and will finish at 4:00 pm.  There will be no charge for admission and food and drinks will be available also at no charge; although, a small donation for those items would be appreciated.

Along with the general tying in the main venue, there will be 1 Hour Classroom  Tying Sessions lead by Les Lehman and other talented tyers.  Additionally,  from 10 am to 2 pm, instruction, including the necessary tools and materials, will be available for any youngsters and beginning fly tyers to learn the basics of the great hobby of tying flies.  For any leader of youngsters involved in Scouting or other youth activities, this might just be the perfect opportunity to expose them to fly fishing and fly tying.  So, there will be many learning opportunities throughout the day; from learning to tie ones first fly, to learning as an observer from the many talented tyers, to attending classroom fly tying instruction from some of the best fly tyers in the country.  For any who currently tie flies at any level and just want to connect with others with similar interests, feel free to bring your own tools and materials, have a seat and join in on the fun.

Additionally, during the noon hour, the Annual Iron Fly Competition will be held.  For this activity, the club will supply 10 – 12 intrepid tyers with a pack of 12 materials.  Once the command is given, the contestants will have a short time to look over the materials, design and then 15 minutes to tie their entry. The kicker, is that there is a “mystery” material included that must be used in the pattern. The entries will be scored on (1) Number of materials used in the entry – 1 point per each materials / 12 points total; (2) Balance and Symmetry of the pattern – 5 points; and (3) Creative use of the materials – 5 points.  The 3 top entries will then participate in “Tie Off” for the Championship for which the format, rules and scoring will be the same as the preliminary round. The Champion will receive a trophy and bragging rights for one year.  This is a really fun event for everyone present.  To see the amazing flies the participating tyers can create with such a vast array of materials is very impressive and entertaining. 

Since its beginning in April, 1993, the Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival, named to honor one of its early founders, Dr. Ed Rizzolo, has grown into one of the area’s premier fly fishing events, consistently attracting the top fly tyers from all over the country. This event could not have reached the level of notoriety it has  obtained without the support of the fly tying community and others who are interested in fly fishing.  With your continued support, it is the hope of the Texas FlyFishers that the Annual Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival will continue to grow. The Texas Fly Fishers in Houston, Texas hope you will make plans to be at this great event. We look forward to seeing you there.

Texas Fly Fishers (Houston)

Casting Development Program

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Fly Fishers International (FFI) has created a fly fishing casting education program which is intended  to be a fun, low stress way to improve casting skills for all fly fishers in a self-paced fashion. (For details see: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Learn/Learning-Center-Resources/Fly-Casting/Skills-Drills/Fly-Casting-Skills-Development).

Essentially, the program consists of four levels from beginner to advanced: Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold.  Additionally, a saltwater skills ladder is included. (see:https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Learn/Learning-Center-Resources/Fly-Casting/Skills-Drills/Saltwater-Ladder

Upon successful completion of each level, as approved by someone who has reached at least one level above the level for which approval is being sought (a Facilitator), the angler who has reached a particular level of achievement may request recognition from FFI in the form of a pin and certificate, which will correspond to the level achieved.  [(Note: Bronze level provides that the evaluator may be an observer (such as a Club member)].  This is done by completing and submitting to FFI the form located at the bottom of the score sheet corresponding to the level of achievement for which recognition is sought.  The score sheet is to also include a signature from the evaluator. In order to progress through the program the angler, regardless of initial ability, is to start with Bronze level and then progress through the program levels in order.

In the above regard, receipt of this recognition is available only to FFI members.  For those who are not FFI members but are interested in becoming a member, the current cost for membership is $35 ($25 for seniors) and is set forth here: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/join-renew/join

For FFI members interested in obtaining recognition of achievement for accomplishing each level, the current cost for each is $25-35 .  Further information of the cost for each level of achievement can be found at: https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Store/the-learning-center

Although, FFI membership is required for recognition of each level of achievement, membership is not required to obtain access to the casting program and associated educational materials.  The Angler Guide for the various levels along with the Fly Casting Video Library is available to anglers who are not FFI members.  So, anyone interested in using this step-by-step program to improve their casting skills may do so through this program.

For access to the written and video casting materials and for further information on the program see:  https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Learn/Learning-Center-Resources/Fly-Casting/Skills-Drills/Fly-Casting-Skills-Development

Texas Fly Fishers 14th Annual Summer  Mini Expo 2023 – Thanks to all Who Attended 

Jim R 3 Comments

The 2023 Texas Fly Fishers Mini-Expo held August 19th was a great chance to get together and enjoy a day of fly fishing learning and fun. The event seemed to be enjoyed by all who attended and participated.

The Mini Expo is an annual event held in place of the club’s August regular meeting and is intended as an opportunity for the club members to exhibit their talents and knowledge at fly tying, rod building, knot tying / leader building, casting and fly fishing destination travel.  The 2023 event did just that as a good crowd of members and guests came out for a day of fly fishing relaxation and education. 

Hopefully, next year will be even bigger and better. A few photos from the casting workshops are included below.

As we head into the 2023-24 holiday season, the Texas Fly Fishers members are already planning for the club’s next major event which will be the 31st Annual Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival to be held in late January or early February 2024.  With a featured marque tyer of national presence, along with many other local and regional tyers, if you have an interest in fly tying or just want to hang out with others from the fly fishing community, keep an eye on the web page of the Texas Fly Fishers ( https://texasflyfishers.org ) for further details and come on out for the event; it should be a fun time for all!  

A few photos from the event are below:

Ron Mayfield, Chairman of TFF Fly Tying Festival, published in the Autumn 2023 issue of Fly Tyer Magazine.

Jim R 2 Comments

Ron Mayfield, 2023-24 Chairman of the TFF Fly Tying Festival and Fly Tying Chairman for Texas Council FFI, has authored an article, titled “Bend-Backs Are Better”, which has been published in the saltwater section of the Autumn 2023 issue of Fly Tyer Magazine.  Fly Tyer Magazine is a highly respected international publication for those interested in tying flies.  

Trip Report – Fly Fishing the Surf, August 5th 2023

Jim R 7 Comments

As the sun rose over the Gulf on the morning of August 5, 2023, Fifteen Texas Fly Fishers fly anglers gathered to fish the Gulf Coast surf near Surfside, Texas. With a little wind and surf swells at a foot or so, conditions were challenging but nevertheless inviting.

Scott Fossum was first into the water and soon landed two nice speckled trout on his personally tied Platinum Pilchard Fly with florescent eyes which Scott makes himself. If you have not seen this pattern, ask Scott go give you look at not only the fly but also the eyes he uses on the fly; this pattern is a good one-especially for the surf.

Jeff Schneider also found a few, adding a Pompano to the list, as other anglers searched the water for bait and birds.

As the morning progressed, the participants continued to move down the beach in search of a preferred location and eventually settled, as a group, just past access road five, as everyone discussed where might be the best location to re-enter the surf.

The group continued to work the water, changing flies and techniques. However, as the morning hours began to wind down, the chairs eventually came out and the stories began.

The stories continued with tales of past trips, flies and food and eventually Scott Fossum delivered a fine chilled water melon. Not only did he deliver it, he sliced it up and served it to the group as each participant dug into to the sweet, moist melon.

The watermelon made, what had already been a good day on the water and a fine day of fellowship, even better!

Special thanks to Scott and Elvia Fossum for bringing and serving the watermelon and to Ron Mayfield for his fine action photography.

Finally, thanks to all of you who joined in on the trip. Your presence and enthusiasm gave the trip energy and made it more enjoyable for everyone.

Outing: Fly Fishing the Surf, August 5th 2023

Jim R 14 Comments

Trip Description: Day Trip to the Surf: Surfside Beach Area via Public Beach Access Road 4 off of the Blue Water Highway (County Road 257)

When: Saturday, August 5, 2023
Where: Surfside Beach Area via Public Beach Access Road 4 
Start Time:  7:00 am
End Time: 11:00 am 
Trip Leader: Barry Sandler and Jim Richards
Phone: Barry: 7I3-398-4252  Jim: 7I3-854-O5I7
Email:   Barry: BOSANDLER(at)GMAIL.COM.   Jim: JimMRichards(at)Comcast.net     

Lunch and water will not be provided.  Participants should bring their own food, water, sun glasses and PFD (Personal Floatation Device).

We will meet on the left side of the intersection of Public Access Road 4 and the beach. If you are signed up and will not be at the designated location at 7:00 am please contact Barry or Jim via cell phone at one of the numbers above.

How to sign up:
E-mail or text one of the trip leaders

Cost: A beach parking sticker is not required for this location so there should be no cost other than the participants personal expenses.

Waiver Form: A club waiver form for this event will be available at the meeting location.

Directions: The location of Public Access Road 4 is here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brazoria+county+beach+access+%234/@29.0273117,-95.1871165,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x86407361996041d7:0x6f8c1cb96bea67cf!8m2!3d29.0273117!4d-95.1871165!16s%2Fg%2F11sv_9mtxq?hl=en-US&entry=ttu

CAUTION:  Soft, deep sand can be encountered on the access road and anywhere along the beach.  On a scouting trip on July 29th at least one car was seen stuck in the sand; however, there were may vehicles, primarily pickup trucks and SUV’s, which had successfully navigated one of the access roads to the beach area. A 4X4 vehicle would be the preferred choice if available. However, a 2WD vehicle with good ground clearance would probably be able to navigate the sand, given what the trip leaders observed on July 29th. Nevertheless, the driver would want to be careful to avoid soft sand, particularly at the beach entrance, where the access road ends.  A passenger car with limited ground clearance would not be a good transportation choice for this event. A shovel is a great piece of equipment to bring along in case you get stuck and both trip leaders will be carrying a shovel in their vehicles. A few driving suggestions are as follows: should you encounter soft sand, keep your vehicle moving; if you do get into sand which is too deep and feel like you are bogging down and losing momentum, then stop-do not continue to hit the gas once you have lost momentum, as this will only bury your vehicle to the frame and virtually guarantee you will need that shovel mentioned above; finally, sometimes lowering the air pressure in your tires and shoveling a little sand out of the way is all you may need to do to get unstuck.

If after arriving at the access road entrance you feel uncomfortable about the conditions, feel free to contact either of the trip leaders, both of whom will be driving a 4X4 vehicle and one will meet you to provide assistance.

Continuing with directions: The turn onto Public Access Road 4 can be accessed from either the Freeport or Galveston direction.

From Freeport/Surfside as you drive east on the Blue Water Highway, (road 257) you will begin to see blue signs on your left designating the entrances to public assess roads. The entrances to the access roads will be on your right. The beach/surf will also be on your right. These signs will count down from Road 1 to Road 5. After passing Public Access Road 3 be on the lookout for a tall cell phone tower on your left:

Just past the cell tower you will see the entrance to Key Largo on your left:

Just past the Key Largo sign you will see a blue sign designating the entrance to Access Road 4 at which point you will turn RIGHT onto Public Access Road 4:

The drive to the beach on the access road is short. Shortly after turning right onto the access road you will come to this sign on your right:

Just past the sign, as the access road meets the beach we will meet on the LEFT. NOTE, TRAVEL ON THE BEACH FROM THIS POINT FORWARD WILL BE ONE WAY ONLY TO THE LEFT.

The meeting location can also be accessed by coming from the direction of Galveston/San Luis Pass. From this direction, you will eventually see a blue beach access sign on your right for Beach Access Road 5. You will pass the entrance to access road 5. You will then see a tall cell phone tower on your right just behind the blue sign for the entrance to Access Road 4. The beach/surf will be on your left. When you come to this sign, you will turn left onto Public Access Road 4:

You will then drive the short distance down the access road to the meeting location as described above.

Suggested Fly Fishing Gear

Fly Rod and reel size 7,8,9 or what ever size you choose to cast the flies of your choice with a fly line of your choice.

Floating or Intermediate lines are generally appropriate.

Tippet Material of your choice; generally monofilament or fluorocarbon is acceptable; however, should the fish species at the location cut your leader or tippet material, a wire tippet would be an option.

Flies: There are many flies to choose from. Generally a fly of a hook size 01 to 4 is a good choice-a Clouser Minnow is a good choice to start.

A PFD (Personal Floatation Device) is recommended as are sunglasses, a good hat and sunscreen.

2023 Texas Fly Fishers Mini-Expo – August 19th 2023; Casting Workshops and Casting Video Analysis

Jim R 1 Comment

Below is the Casting Workshop Schedule, along with information regarding an opportunity for participants to receive a video analysis of their fly cast, at the 2023 Texas Fly Fishers Mini-Expo to be held Saturday, August 19th 2023. There is no charge for attending any of the casting workshops or for the casting video analysis. Details regarding the 2023 Mini Expo can be found in another post regarding this event on this web page. (See: https://texasflyfishers.org/2023/06/06/texas-fly-fishers-to-hold-its-14th-annual-summer-mini-expo-saturday-august-19-2023-900-am-430-pm/)

2023 Texas Fly Fishers Mini-Expo 

Casting Schedule

Instruction and Workshops

(Location- the casting area will be set up outside on the grass)

Casting Area for Children– a small area will be available for children accompanied by a parent or guardian to have some fly casting fun and learn some very basic skills related to fly fishing.

Individual Instruction-Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructors will be on hand to provide individual casting instruction to participants.  Additionally, Fly Fishers International Master Casting Instructor, Jeff Ferguson will be on hand throughout the day.

*Note: LOANER RODS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PARTICIPANTS TO USE

Casting Workshops

Scheduled workshops will be offered throughout the day and will include the opportunity for participants to make the featured cast(s) with an instructor if desired by the participant.  The Workshop Schedule is as follows:

9:00 Beginning Fly Casting 

FFI Certified Casting Instructor Jim Richards

Jim will discuss and demonstrate fundamental, basic casting techniques which will allow an angler to get started in fly fishing. In addition to an oral discussion of the elements of the fly cast, this class will include casting demonstrations along with an opportunity for participants to practice the basic cast with the assistance of an instructor.

10:00 Fly Casting in Saltwater

FFI Master Casting Instructor Jeff Ferguson 

Jeff will discuss and demonstrate skills related to saltwater fly casting including fly fishing from a saltwater skiff and casting in the wind.

11:00 Two Handed Fly Casting in the Texas Surf 

FFI Certified Casting Instructor Gary Davison 

Gary will discuss equipment and casting techniques related to the use of the two handed fly cast as it can be applied to fly fishing the surf on the Texas Gulf Coast.

[12:00 – 1:00] Break for Lunch]

1:00 Advanced Fly Casting

FFI Master Casting Instructor Jeff Ferguson 

Jeff will discuss and demonstrate advanced fly casting skills and techniques such as advanced double haul techniques (i.e. when to make the haul, how long the haul should be, how fast the haul should be, etc.);  changes in the casting stroke which are necessary to efficiently increase distance along with other advanced fly casting  skills and techniques.

2:00 -3:00 Open Casting-All Levels

Instructors will be available to work with anyone interested in practicing or learning particular casting skills or techniques of the participant’s choosing.

*Note:  9 AM and continuing throughout the day – VIDEO ANALYSIS OF YOUR FLY CAST
FFI Certified Casting Instructor Andy Payne

SEE THE INFORMATION BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS EVENT.

Each Instructor presentation will last approximately 30-45 minutes.  Following each instructor presentation, students will be offered an opportunity to practice.  Any participant who desires to have an instructor assist with a specific casting issue are encouraged to approach any of the instructors, who are not directly involved in making a presentation, to work with them on their issue of choice.

All participants are encouraged to bring their own rod with line and leader for the workshops.  However, any participant who wishes to participate and does not have their personal rod should not hesitate to request a rod from one of the instructors on hand as the club will have a supply of loaner rods available. 

Flies and/or hooks should not be attached to any line/leader but rather a piece of yarn or fiber should be attached to the leader.  Should a participant/student not have yarn or fiber for his or her fly line leader these materials will be provided and, if necessary, attached by the instructors. 

Casting Instructors – Scheduled to be on hand:

  • Jeff Ferguson, MCI** 
  • Gary Davison, CCI*
  • Jim Richards, CCI*
  • David Drez, CCI* 
  • Ron Mayfield, CCI*
  • Andy Payne, CCI*

** Fly Fishers International Master Casting Instructor

*   Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor

As indicated above, in addition to the above scheduled workshops participants will have an opportunity to receive a video analysis of their fly cast. Details in that regard are below:

VIDEO ANALYSIS OF YOUR FLY CAST
With FFI Certified Casting Instructor Andy Payne

This activity is intended for novice, intermediate and expert fly casters, no beginners please.

Fly rod with high visibility line will be provided

  • Using coaching software “OnForm” Andy will video your pickup and laydown (PULD) cast and your false cast
  • If requested your double haul casting will be recorded
  • The videos will be reviewed using the coaching tools available in OnFormincluding frame by frame view of rod loading, casting arc, rod stopposition, counter flex, and rebound of rod tip.
  • The path of fly leg of fly line will be examined in comparison to preferredpath including trajectory and shape
  • Factors creating narrow vs. wide loops will be examined
  • Any tailing loops will be examined for causation
  • Video sessions will start at 9 AM and continue throughout the day except for a lunch break
  • Signup sheet will be provided to allow saving your spot in line
  • Obtain sign up location from registration desk 
  • Participants must sign up with Andy Payne

Education: Texas Council FFI – Quarterly Zoom meeting, Fly Fishing for Carp

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The Texas Council of FFI recently presented by Zoom a program on fly fishing for carp. The panel of active Texas carp fly anglers did a great job of discussing techniques and challenges related to fishing for carp with the fly. So, if you are interested in fly fishing for carp you might want to take a look at this program. The program was recorded and can be accessed at: Texas Council FFI – Quarterly Zoom meeting Fly Fishing for Carp

Passcode:+Un76qA+

Event: Texas Fly Fishers to hold its 14th Annual Summer  Mini Expo, Saturday, August 19, 2023; 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Jim R 9 Comments

Come enjoy a fun filled day of: Fly Tying, Casting Instruction and Demonstrations, Travel Presentations and Rod Building Exhibitions along with a day which will include drawings for Prizes, at Terrace United Methodist Church, 1203 Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055

The Texas Fly Fishers will present its 14th Annual Summer Mini Fly Fishing Exposition, Saturday, August 19, 2023, 8:30 am until 4:30 pm which will include fly fishing related topics of interest to most every fly fisher be they beginner, intermediate or expert!

History of the Annual Summer Mini Expo

Most Texas FlyFisher’s monthly meetings were playing to a full house; every month with the exception August. For some reason, the August meeting was drawing less than half of the audience of the other 10 months. So, in 2009, then Club President David Lemke came up with a plan to pick up the August monthly meeting attendance. David’s idea was, instead of holding a typical meeting with a guest speaker, to hold a mini expo featuring the club membership’s talent at fly tying, rod building, knot tying / leader building, casting and fly fishing destination travel and to do so in an exposition format.

So, the first Texas Fly Fishers Summer Mini Expo was held on August 25th 2009 at the Houston Bayland Community Center, the same venue as the club’s monthly meetings at that time. Inside the Center, club members were set up to demonstrate their prowess at fly tying, rod building, basic knot tying, leader basics and rigging. Other members were on hand to report on their trips to destinations such as the Bighorn River in Montana, the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, fly fishing for salmon in Alaska and fly fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast. Outside, the Club’s Fly Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructors were holding casting demonstrations and clinics. The night went on without a hitch and was closed with a drawing for some great prizes.

After the success of the initial Mini Expo, it was decided to make this an annual event with the only change coming in 2014, when it was decided to move the Summer Mini Expo from the traditional last Tuesday night of the month to the Saturday before and making it a day-long event in hopes of offering a few additional programs and in an effort to attract a few more interested fly fishers. 

Since its inception, the Mini Expo has continued to grow; so, the club is looking for another large turnout at this year’s event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Fly Tying

Inside, there will be non-stop fly tying demonstration and instruction. Learn tips and techniques or, how to tie that special pattern of interest to you from the club’s fly tying members.

Rod Building

Club members who participate in the rod building section of fly fishing will be demonstrating their custom built rods and will be available to discuss rod building techniques. 

In the above regard, at this year’s expo there will be an interactive rod building session and demonstration presented by club member Steve Tomlinson.

Have you ever considered building your own flyrod?  For anyone with basic dexterity and attention to detail, it’s an achievable and satisfying undertaking.  And at its root, it is not complicated.  We’ll show you just why so many anglers have discovered this and are building creations from the simple yet perfectly crafted to ornate rods deserving the tag “museum quality”!

Have you thought about the reasons to do build fly rods?  

There are certainly many, for instance:

•           Cost…   Generally lower than comparable ready made rods

•           Customization of appearance, grip, reel seat, guides, aesthetics, personalization etc.

•           Pride of crafting and using your own creation on the water…coupled with flies you have tied, it’s a great feeling!

In this interactive session, we’ll discuss and demonstrate the following:

  • Materials and components sources
  • Selecting the proper components for your rod
  • Tools & Equipment required
  • Finding the Blank “spine”
  • Preparing and affixing the reel seat and grip 
  • Marking out guide positions
  • Preparing the guides: shaping for a professional wrap
  • Affixing the guides and basic thread wrapping techniques
  • Basic Thread trims
  • Description and recommendations for epoxy mixing (Flex Coat), application and curing
  • Decals / coating

We’ll also have reference sheets available for those who want to pursue this addictive hobby further! 

Casting

Have ever wanted to learn how to fly cast but, you didn’t know how to go about it? Well, here is your chance. At the Mini Expo, you will have the opportunity to receive personal, individualized casting instruction from Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructors. Additionally, casting clinics will be offered on specific casting techniques such as fly fishing in saltwater, casting in the wind and the basic essentials of fly casting. So, come learn the basics or take your skills to the next level! For a complete description of the clinics to be offered and for the event casting schedule, see the detailed post in that regard at: https://texasflyfishers.org/2023/07/12/2023-texas-fly-fishers-mini-expo-august-19th-2023-casting-workshops-and-casting-video-analysis/

All participants are encouraged to bring their own rod with line and leader for the casting clinics; however, the Texas FlyFishers will have a limited supply of rods for anyone who is interested in participating but did not bring a rod. 

So, come on out to the 2023 Texas Fly Fishers Mini-Expo. We hope to see you there!

Coming in 2024

Get ready and start planning for next year!

The Texas FlyFishers is currently making plans for its 31st Annual Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival to be held in early 2024.  So, start planning now to attend this great event and spend the day watching and participating in a day of tying flies!  Stand by for further details!