Author Topic: New Guy looking to join a team (Read 481 times)

Wes Manning · « **on:** January 24, 2011, 07:22:42 PM »

Hello,

My name is Wes Manning, I currently live in Denver Colorado, and I am 27 years old. I have been fly fishing and tying since I was 9. I've been fishing the Rio Grande every summer since then, and was able to dramatically increase my fishing when I moved to Denver 4 years ago. I am a veterinary sales rep and my territory includes everything south and west of Denver. I am now able to pull off the Highway and get my line wet a lot more often... Steamboat Springs, Vail, Gunnison, Cortez, Durango, Salida, you get the picture.

I recently competed in the Best of the West accuracy casting competition. This was my first time competing--I have had a huge interest to competing, but never knew where to look. My girlfriend found the competition... and I went. I qualified for the Finals; I went back the following day and was 10th in the overall standings. I competed and was in 4th place with 8 left to go, when I had to leave. It was a lot of fun, but most of all I enjoyed putting my competative drive to good use, again.

I am more interested in a casting and fishing combo tournaments. I recently found out about Teva Mountain games, so I'll have to sign up as soon as registration opens in February. I am interested in getting involved in any way possible: helping organize events, joining a team, and most of all just competing. If you live in the Denver area and are looking for a team member let me know, or if you are in the Denver area and just want to get out and fish, let me know!!!

I look forward to meeting and competing with all of you!!

Thanks,

Wes Manning

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #1 on:** January 24, 2011, 08:49:18 PM »

Hello and welcome Wes!

It's great to hear that you've started to explore the competitive side (the learning curve is HUGE) of fly fishing.

Just a suggestion for you; you might consider volunteering as a controller at any upcoming competitions if you aren't quite ready or comfortable with competing at this time. It's a superb opportunity to observe seasoned competitors in action and will significantly shorten the learning curve that is associated with our sport...

Cheers and good-luck,
Todd

Wes Manning · « **Reply #2 on:** January 24, 2011, 09:42:51 PM »

Todd,

Thanks for the input. Everyone I have spoken to, has told me to get involved... and, just like you said, it would definitely help me understand how seasoned competitors approach events. I look forward to getting involved.

Chris Smith · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2011, 10:29:03 PM »

Welcome Wes. I'm glad you took my advice and joined TroutLegend!

I spoke with Dave Pehle via e-mail and mentioned your interest in the sport. Dave co-organizes the America Cup International Fly Fishing Tournament, and it would be a great opportunity for you to judge or possibly compete. I'm sure Dave will introduce himself.

You're off to a great start by joining TroutLegend. There's a ton of great comp info. here.

Josh Graffam · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2011, 01:03:29 AM »

Hey Wes,
We met at the Denver ISE... nice casting! Send me a private message... I live up in Saratoga not too far from you...

Also hello to everyone else... I have not introduced myself yet... I have met a few of you guys at some other competitions but have been lurking for a long time... Anyone planning on going to Bend?

Here is a NZ brown i stumbled across back in Dec