Getting started in competitive fly fishing

[Daniel Podobed]

I was just curious, how does one go about getting started in competitive fly fishing? I am going to assume you join an organization, and then compete at local, regional qualifiers and go from there. But what organization, FM? Are there other, less prevalent organizations?


Also, this question doesn't equate with me wanting to begin competitive fly fishing, as I am not skilled enough in too many ways to count, but you don't hear much about it. Also, can you go to events and actually watch people fish competitively, or is it closed off?


I would be interested in seeing an event take place if possible.

[Loren Williams]

Daniel,

Thanks for your interest in FIPS style competitions.  I think we have all felt identical to you--"I am not ready" and "How do I start?" My advice is simple:

1.  Go to the FIPS website and DL the rules.  Or  click here http://www.fips-mouche.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=106&Itemid=11  Read them over and get familiar with them--they will force you to change how you fly fish-I promise that.

2.  Then, find a Regional event, or events, you can get to and get started!  The Team Facebook page has become pretty solid at posting upcoming events, as has this forum.  True, some events are not announced very far in advance but one must truly realize the insane amount of work required to pull one off.  No one, at any level, gets paid--so rounding up volunteers is often the limiting factor.  If you qualify at a Regional then you go on to nationals where you may make the team-or may not.  We all have to make the team at each National event--so there are always 15 spots up for grabs.

In addition: this co-op has been operating various smaller competitions which are great for getting to understand how they operate, to learn strategy, get to know folks, and to just have fun learning.  Teams are being formed because the team aspect will accelerate your learning-and it they offer a platform for team events like the America Cup. There are also numerous other competitions that may share some or all of the FIPS philosophy of operating under the Olympic ideal.

The reason most of  us enjoy this is because it satisfies our competitive drive while at the same time we get to grow our skills and meet what I feel to be the best of the best anglers our country has to offer--by way of technicians, creative beasts, fishy abilities and teammanship.  Medals or not I still keep coming back for more!  I just continue to learn and as I learn more I find I want to learn even more.  It will never end. Healthy addiction.  I am now friends with individuals I considered as mentors or icons.  It's really awesome from that aspect and for me the people I have met are probably the single largest motivation.  Yeah--I train hard and fish hard and once in a while all my moons line up--but if I was DFL every time I'd probably still be in the game.

It is not for everyone but for those that enjoy it-competition fly fishing is great fun.  We were all newbies and that is all still fresh in our minds.  All I ever ask of interested folks is that you share.  Don't just take.  We all have something to offer--I really believe that.  Personally, I enjoy, value, and benefit from  everyone's offerings.  I do wish more guys would answer as much as they ask.

[Daniel Podobed]

Thank you very much for your input Loren. It has definitely pointed me in the right direction.

[John Killinger]

I think the reason some of us don't answer is that they don't feel they are on the same level and they feel inferior compared to the "top dogs". What I do love about everyone on this site is they make everyone feel comfortable, no one puts anyone down.

[Loren Williams]

John,

I look at skill sets like languages.  I might be fluent in Arabic (I am NOT BTW), you in Latin.  Does not make either of us better than the other, unless it is in our own minds.  I do wish I could speak latin..and if you'd help me I'll offer some Arabic back at 'ya.

Point is, none of us know it all, all of us know a little.  Let's spread the wealth!

[John Killinger]

I agree and I'm trying

[Chris Smith]

Daniel,

Loren stated it about as well as it can be said.  The only additional advice I can provide....

1.  If you can find a schedule of competitions for the current or past years, jot down event details, website addresses,  etc.  Most of the these events are held annually.

http://teamstonefly.com/?p=1372

2.  If there's an event in your region, volunteer to judge.  It's one of the best ways to get your feet wet.

3.  There seems to be a strong contingent of anglers in your general area.  Touch base with someone like Anita and toss around the idea of putting on a mini-comp.  

4.  Finally, if you can find a regional or local competition with a minimal entry fee, don't be afraid to go for it.  The experience alone is worth the price of entry.

It's the mission of this cooperative/league to support competitive fly fishing.  Let us know if there's any additional way we can help.

[Daniel Podobed]

Chris, thank you for the information.

[Dejon Hamann]

Great info here. I'll just reinforce a couple elements.

1.  It's never too soon to enter a competition.  If you're mindset is just to learn and have fun then you will not fail.

2. A complete and continually updated list of all the verifiable fly fishing competitions in north america can always be found here: http://troutlegend.com/coop/schedule/

3. As Chris mentioned I think there's enough support in your area that you could easily organize a small 1 day competition with a few other members.  Neat part too is if you work with us we can get it sanctioned and half the field will gain points for the leader boards.