Todd Oishi is a true Champion of Canadian competitive fly fishing. Not only has he racked up an impressive collection of team and individual medals, and pushed Canada’s National team to great heights abroad, but almost more importantly he is a constant champion of the sport heralding everything from grass root high school fly fishing clubs and charity tournaments to his current role as Fly Fishing Canada’s Chairman of National Competitions. In this exciting interview Oishi expounds on the importance of learning directly from the masters and gives us a backstage pass to some of his many trips to the World Fly Fishing Championships.
Hamann: Todd, if you don’t mind I’d like to wade right in. Living in bountiful British Columbia you have ample opportunities for world class trout and grayling fishing on lakes and rivers however you’re provincially limited to using just one, single, lonely fly. With the majority of the competitive world using 2 and 3 flies at a time how do you compensate for this restriction? Have you learned any tricks? Has it strengthened or weakened you as a competitive angler?
Oishi: Yes, it’s true; here in British Columbia we’re restricted to using a single fly in all of our province’s lakes and rivers. For me, this proved to be a huge disadvantage as I had never fished multiple flies until I was in Sweden preparing for the 2005 WFFC. I was rather embarrassed and had to ask my teammate Terence Courtoreille to demonstrate how he attached his dropper tags. Add to this the fact that I had never fished for brown trout or grayling… and you could only begin to imagine what was going through my mind at that point in time!
I suppose that having fished with a single fly for all these years has taught me to put a lot more thought and effort into my fly tying and pattern selection, as relying on a single fly often requires a more thorough and accurate presentation.
Unfortunately I can’t fish the same way that I would for upcoming competitions (that allow multiple flies), but I feel that practicing on my home waters with a single fly has taught me to have a lot more faith and confidence in my decision making process and has reinforced my belief that at times it is the presentation rather than the pattern itself that leads to angling success. Out of necessity, I’ve also learned how to adapt some of the more effective European and British techniques to compensate my inability to fish with multiple flies. Some of these adaptations and tactics have helped me when fishing under very demanding and technical situations.
Hamann: You’ve competed on behalf of Team Canada in a staggering 5 World Championships. I know this is a big subject, but could you walk us through some of those experiences? What were some of the hurdles, triumphs, and breakdowns you encountered? How did those teams gel and what would you do different in the future?
Oishi: Sweden was my first FIPS competition. This was also my first time fishing for grayling and brown trout (the two eligible species) and provided a great introduction to the thought process and methodology behind competitive fly fishing.
Portugal’s WFFC was next. The venues were quite challenging and possessed very low fish populations. We were quite concerned as we had caught only a few fish during our practice sessions, but not one of them was of eligible size! The fishing proved to be very technical and avoiding a blank proved to be a critical factor for placing well at this competition.
The Commonwealths in North Wales was held back-to-back with Portugal’s WFFC, so I arrived ready for action. My team mates had been pre-fishing the venues while I was at the WFFC, and had already collected a wealth of information before I arrived. Their collective experience and information sharing was a prime example of true teamwork. Fishing for brown trout and grayling in the River Dee and the massive rainbows in Llyn Brenig was an extremely valuable learning opportunity for me.
Finland’s WFFC was another great adventure and learning experience. The Simojoki River was extremely challenging, as many of the beats failed to produce fish throughout the competition. The lake was our greatest challenge, as we had expected the trout to be feeding on the natural food sources in the typical locations you would expect. Unfortunately we were completely unaware of the fact that the fish were freshly stocked and the location where they had been dumped into the lake.
Fishing at New Zealand’s WFFC was a “dream come true” for me and for most of the competitors. The fish were plentiful, strong and enormous! We had sent a team to New Zealand a year in advance and had a fairly good idea of what was in store for us. Having never fished in New Zealand myself, I discovered rather quickly that using a heavier rod and stronger tippet was essential for successfully landing the Kiwi trout.
Scotland’s WFFC consisted of five loch-style sessions. Donald Thom, John Beaven and me flew to Scotland two months after New Zealand’s WFFC in order to pre-fish all five venues. We were very confident and prepared for this competition. The fish kill on the Lake of Menteith was a concern for us, as it had fished so well during our previous trip. Lock Awe and Loch Leven proved to be the most challenging venues, as they produced more blanks than fish per session. The entire team pulled together and in the end contributed to Donald Thom winning an individual silver medal, which was Canada’s first medal at the WFFC’s.
I flew to compete at the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships on the Isle of Islay after the conclusion of Scotland’s WFFC. One of the Canadian teams had arrived a week earlier and had plenty of notes on patterns and techniques that had proved to be effective during their practice sessions. While we were at the WFFC I had the opportunity to talk with a few competitors that had fished the European championships when they were held on Islay. Their advice proved to be more effective than the original game plan and ultimately proved to be a large part in our team’s success at the 2009 Commonwealths.
The experience and knowledge that I have gained as a result of these competitions and our nationals has proved to be invaluable for my competitive fishing career. It has also helps me to understand why the British and European teams do so well at the WFFC’s and other international competitions, as a typical team member attends more competitions within a single year than most North Americans are capable of attending in a decade.
In hind sight, after each and every competition or Masterclass that I have attended, I often say to myself: “I wish I knew then (in regards to previous competitions) what I know now!” I suppose that hind sight is truly 20/20…
They were all great adventures and very humbling experiences. During these adventures I learned a lot about competitive fishing and angling in general, but the thing that I treasure the most is the friendships that I have made along the way. The opportunity to share a boat with seasoned competitors and to compete with a variety of teammates (both nationally and internationally) has proved to be an invaluable experience for me.
Beyond lost luggage (seems to be a common theme), minor illnesses and vehicle issues (tow bills and breakdowns), things have been quite uneventful for most of the teams that I’ve been on. I suppose that the most severe hurdle that we encountered was the time that our team captain became extremely ill in Portugal. He was hospitalized and had to fly home to Canada prematurely – consequently missing the Commonwealths in Wales. But from my experiences; the stumbling blocks along the way only serve to strengthen the bond between teammates and their fellow competitors.
The triumphs have been many and on different levels, but being a part of the team that put a Canadian on the podium at Scotland’s WFFC was an emotional and rewarding experience that I will cherish forever!
Hamann: I’ve read that you consider your role as Captain at the 2009 Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships in Islay, Scotland your most fulfilling to date? Can you tell us about this experience and why it stands out even above many of your World Championship bids?
Oishi: The Commonwealths on the Isle of Islay, Scotland was by far one of my favourite competitive fly fishing experiences and angling experience in general. Fly Fishing Canada sent two teams to compete at Scotland’s Commonwealths, and I was selected to serve as the captain of one of the teams. Both teams worked together as a single entity and shared all of the information with each other during our nightly meetings and between sessions. We eventually came to realize that the wild, brown trout of Islay are constantly looking upwards, so we adjusted our techniques, flies, and lines to capitalize on this fact.
The team that I captained sat in third place for nearly half of the competition, but in the final session fell just slightly behind Australia’s WFFC Team. It was a great feeling to know that we are gaining momentum and can be competitive on the international scene.
Hamann: In conversations with you over the past year it’s obvious you are a loving and devout family man. You also run your own business. How do you juggle your competitive fly fishing life with your family life? Is your better half supportive of these pursuits? Do you see your children possibly following in your foot steps?
Oishi: I believe that you should always put your family first, business second and fly fishing at second and-a-half. In fact I chose to skip Poland’s WFFC in order to attend my son’s high school graduation (even though I invested the time and money to pre-fish the venues in preparation for that competition). I missed the team and official practice sessions and opening ceremonies for the 2009 WFFC, as my other son graduated during that time as well.
My family is everything to me and it is through their support and understanding that all of this has been possible. Besides, I blame this all on my wife, as she was the one that really encouraged me to pursue my passion to this level (and I sincerely appreciate and love her for that).
My employees are very understanding and do a great job while I am away on my adventures, which in turn allows me to focus on the task at hand. My kids enjoy fly fishing with me, but I have never pushed them beyond what I felt they were capable of handling. I would rather see them enjoy fly fishing as a pastime at this point in their lives. That being said; they have all expressed an interest in perhaps competing one day…
Hamann: The Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament is a great competition that raises a hefty sum for cancer care each year. Tell us a little about this competition and why you’ve been an attendee for almost a decade?
Oishi: I first heard about the Trojan Pond’s fly fishing tournament through a fly fishing show and from a few friends that had competed at it. When I heard that the funds were donated to a hospital where my family stayed and I stayed after a horrific car accident I signed up immediately.
The Trojan Pond was my first competitive fly fishing experience. My success at this annual competition eventually helped me secure a spot on our National team. The tactics and techniques that I have learned from my international experiences have proved to be very effective for this “single fly” tournament. It’s a superb competition, but more than anything else, I really enjoy the social aspect and the very worthy cause that this tournament funds and supports.
Hamann: Tell us a little bit about the fly fishing club you founded at the high school in your hometown? From a development process for other anglers who might be interested in doing the same how did you bring it to life and keep it moving? What has sprung from this planting?
Oishi: I approached the principal and discussed the idea of starting a club for the students. I was overwhelmed by the number of students and teachers that expressed an interest and signed up for the club. The club meets on a monthly basis and occasionally at lunch time for fly tying sessions. They occasionally study entomology (streamside and I bring in my collection), but more importantly, it’s about getting the kids outdoors and into fish.
I also inspired a friend (who teaches at another school in our town) to set up a club at his school as well. There are currently four high schools fishing clubs in our town that come together to compete at a friendly-spirited high school fly fishing tournament.
I personally believe that we should all give back to our sport and strongly encourage anyone that has the time (and patience) to mentor a child or help start a fishing club in their area. It’s important to get the business community and service clubs involved in the kid’s fishing clubs, as many of the children don’t have or can’t afford their own rods, reels, lines, etc.
Hamann: Let’s see, you’ve attended, in their respective countries the Czech Nymphing Masterclass with Jiri Klima, Polish Nymphing with Vladi Trzebunia, Scottish loch-style with John Buchannan, and UK loch-style with John Horsey. Easy to see you like to put a great deal of study and knowledge into your game. Could you walk us through each of these clinics and some of the little and big “aha!” moments you encountered?
Oishi: I first saw Jiri Klima and the Czech team in action on a river in Sweden. I was amazed by the staggering number of fish that they pulled from the very same water that our team had just finished covering. The images of their double-headers and multiple hook-ups reinforced to me just how effective this technique was and its value for a competitive angler.
Jiri’s Masterclass made a dramatic difference in my ability to read grayling water and how to effectively cover moving water. The “aha!” moment for me was the way that he extended the duration and length of his average drift. His thought on fly pattern design, as well as equipment and leader design was also a real eye opener.
Both John Horsey and John Buchannan provided a wealth of information on the value of sinking lines and taught me how to work my fly from the moment my fly entered until it was lifted from the water. Their thoughts on fly pattern selection and positioning within their cast was also very valuable.
I also had the opportunity to learn from Vince Gwilym, a coach from Wales, and really enjoyed seeing the subtle differences in their approach to fly pattern selection and how they covered the water. I also learned a lot from the senior members of our Canadian teams that have already been fishing loch-style for quite a few years.
I have to come to appreciate the value of learning from the masters of their techniques, rather than second hand or from books and videos. I made the decision and commitment that if I ever qualified again to represent my country that I should make a serious effort to improve and hone my skills through proper coaching and practice.
Hamann: Now back to the World Championships for just a second. Anglers young and old across the North American continent dream of having a chance to compete on the pinnacle of fly fishing’ stages. Team Canada has yet to medal though – do you feel there’s a bit of unfinished business here? Does it just take time? Or do you feel there are other components that will propel Team Canada to the world podium?
Oishi: Over time I have come to appreciate that our sport is truly a team sport and that the accomplishment of the team is a direct result and reflection of the performance and commitment of the individual team members – and vise versa. Donald Thom’s silver medal at the 2009 WFFC last June was a huge accomplishment for Canada and a prime example of team work.
Our performance at New Zealand’s and Scotland’s WFFC’s stressed to our Canadian teams the importance of pre-fishing a venue a year in advance, but during the approximate timeframe as the competition. These recon missions allowed us to identify the food sources that were available and the most effective fly patterns, as well as the locations where the fish were concentrated and/or actively feeding.
Hamann: Since it picked up a bit of comical steam in the last interview let’s continue the tradition: If you were stranded on a deserted Island in the middle of the Ocean what one album would you bring; Jimmy Buffett’s Greatest Hits ? And now the standard fly question: What 12 trusted flies would you take into battle? 6 for rivers, 6 for lakes?
Oishi: First of all… I sincerely doubt that any island in the Pacific would be deserted if it had sufficient levels of electricity to operate the record player. But if that were indeed the case; I would have to say that it would be Justin Bieber’s latest album. That way my 14 year-old daughter and the rest of her friends would be able to locate and rescue me…
Flies for rivers would have to be: Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Black Wooly Bugger, Czech Nymph and Gold Ribbed Hares ear Nymph. Flies for lakes would be: Olive Wooly Bugger, Blob, Booby, Humungous, Diawl Bach and Elk Hair Caddis. With that being said; I have made alterations by adding “hot spots” and various materials that have made these standard “tried and true” patterns even more effective than their original form.
Hamann: For every check book hiding wife/husband there’s a gear obsessed competitive angling other half. Tell us about some of the gear you’ve come to trust over the years? I think you’re a fan of Sage rods and Islander reels? What other competition specific gear do you prefer?
Oishi: I have been very fortunate to have picked up some top-notch sponsors for most of my equipment needs. Being a part of Sage, Rio and Islander Reels, Bare Waders and several other prostaff programs has given me access to high quality gear and equipment that I couldn’t have afforded otherwise and allows me to fish beyond my means.
My favorite rod for loch-style fishing is Sage’s 10 foot, 7 weight, Z-Axis. It’s a powerful rod that has a relatively softer tip section that makes it ideal for fighting all sizes of fish. For bank fishing sessions I prefer a 10 foot, 5 or 6 weight Z-Axis, for all the same reasons.
For rivers I prefer to use a softer and lighter fly rod than what the vast majority of North America anglers are currently using. I have had to design my own hybrid rod that allows me to achieve the 10 foot length and action that I find to be most effective for my style of fishin.
For stillwater fishing (loch-style and bank) I typically carry at least 10 Islander Reels lined that are spooled with a variety of fly lines that possess different densities and qualities. I keep them organized in a sturdy, transparent, plastic tool case that I purchased from Home Depot. The transparent lid allows me to see the contents of my case and protects their shiny finish. They are a tad more expensive than most reels in their class, but are absolutely flawless in design and manufacturing. They possess a smooth, infinite drag that can protect lighter tippets and are able to effectively put the brakes on even the largest trout or salmon. They also show up well in my photography and are guaranteed to last a lifetime, so I will be able to hand them down to my children and grandchildren someday.
I fish from a variety of watercraft, but primarily fish loch-style from my 12 foot Lund car-top boat that is powered by a 9.9 Yamaha 4-stroke motor. I also enjoy fishing loch-style in my 12 foot Wilderness Kayak. I own a fish-finder, but haven’t used it in years, as it is essential to hone your fish finding skills by learning how to pinpoint the location and depth of the fish with your fly lines rather than relying on a device that is banned for competitions.
Hamann: Let’s look at hooks specifically now. What brands, sizes, and styles are mainstays in your competitive angling box?
Oishi: I am not really loyal to one particular brand, as I use a variety of hooks that come from several manufacturers. I typically use Hanak and Kamasan hooks for most my nymphs, lures and Czech Nymphs; Mustad and Tiemco for my streamers; and Tiemco, Hanak and Kamasan for my dries.
The key is to use the most effective hook that compliments the fly pattern and technique, rather than staying within a single brand of hook. The same goes for fly lines and leaders. Keep in mind that the same auto manufacturer that produced the Cadillac also produced the Vega.
Hamann: Many coaches will say it was almost as hard learning how to “tell someone how do something” as it was just learning how to do it. Could you relay some of your coaching philosophies? How do you motivate and instruct anglers whether they be teenagers just entering the sport or co-members of a World Championship squad?
Oishi: I personally feel that winning isn’t necessarily the ultimate goal, as I have found that learning from your mistakes often proves to be a much more valuable experience. I suppose that this quote from Paul William “Bear” Bryant probably sums up my feelings best: “It’s not the will to win that matters — everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters…”
I would have to say that it’s important to be thoroughly and properly prepared; always try your best; and stick to the team’s “game plan”, so that by the end of your session you can confidently tell yourself and the rest of your team that you exhausted all of your resources and gave it your best effort.
Hamann: Since there is a very strong case to argue you are currently one of the most successful loch style artists in North America I’d like to focus there. First, this is a foreign practice for many North Americans. What is it? And why is it important for competitive anglers to become proficient in it?
Oishi: I appreciate the kind words, but there are a lot of senior Canadian team members that I’ve had the pleasure to fish with and study under that have provided me with a better understanding of loch-style fishing. The international coaching that I received has brought it to an entirely new level for me – for both my competitive and recreational angling.
Loch-style fishing is a dynamic, wind-drifting technique that allows the fly fisher to cover a greater area of water and number of trout in a relatively short period of time. The angler or anglers (2) fish from a boat, as it drifts downwind. They cast and retrieve their flies ahead of the drift, with the wind against their back. A drogue (submerged windsock) is used to manage the speed and direction of the drift. The British have refined and perfected this technique into an art form. I strongly urge competitors to study and practice this technique if they are serious about competing internationally.
Hamann: Where have you turned for inspiration in your loch style fly construction over the years? Do you search for materials abroad or find what you need on Canadian soil?
Oishi: I would have to say that my loch-style fly collection has been inspired by a variety of coaches and my fellow teammates. I have been very fortunate to have been befriended by other competitors that have openly shared some of their favourite patterns with me. It’s amazing how much people will open up after the competition is over and they have a couple of drinks to satisfy their thirst. I couldn’t believe it when I sat beside a member of Team France and he showed me the entire contents of his river fly box.
I am very resourceful when it comes to almost everything in life. My approach to fly tying is no different. Like many other tyers, I am constantly on the hunt for new materials and often accompany my wife to the local craft shops. I try to support my local fly shops, but I find that many of the Stillwater materials that I prefer to use have to be special ordered from the United Kingdom and Europe. I usually pick up fly tying materials whenever I travel abroad and replenish my supplies when I have enough items to justify paying the duties and S&H that are required when ordering from overseas.
For instance, locating quality booby foam, straggle fritz, and competition-grade hooks within North America can be next to impossible, so purchasing from overseas is often the best option. Over time I have inspired a few of the shops that I deal with to carry a few of the more popular items as a result of my loch-style seminars and the students’ request that they carry them. I suppose that it really comes down to a case of “supply and demand.”
Hamann: No self respecting competitive angler would head into loch battle with just a floating line and sink-tip. Tell us about your line arsenal? What are some of your favorites? How do you choose lines based on any given day/conditions?
Oishi: In addition to the fly lines that you mentioned; I always carry a MidgeTip, slow and fast glass intermediate lines, as well as density-compensated type 3, type 5, and type 7 sinking lines. The sweep lines also have a special place in my tackle box.
The density of the fly line depends on the weather conditions, depth of the fish, and the speed of the drift. I often cycle through the lines (and watch my fellow competitors) to determine which fly line would offer the greatest chance for success.
Hamann: It might seem like a minor element to the uninitiated, but having excellent boating/motor/drogue skills can mean the difference between placing in a session and relegation. How do you approach that crucial decision of whether you or your opponent controls when there is no ghillie at hand?
Oishi: I always try to make a “gentleman’s agreement” that we work as a team and that our goal is for our boat to score the highest number of fish – regardless of who is 1st or 2nd in the boat. Everyone wins when you work together! I typically offer to take control of the boat whenever I am fishing with a competitor that is not well versed at loch-style fishing, as handling the boat and knowing how to set up a proper drift can be a skill unto its own.
Hamann: Scenario: your world championship squad wasn’t able to scratch together the dough to pre-fish the venues. After an exhausting 15 hour international flight you’ve finally arrived and you have just 3 days to develop a game plan for a 5 session loch style event. Where do you start? How do you proceed? Will you hire guides? Will you probe fly shops? Was there any work done before you left for the tournament?
Oishi: We typically do our research and seek the services and advice of a local guide that we feel would offer us the best value and knowledge for that region. The team usually assigns specific flies that are to be tied by the team members before we depart on our journey. Once we have arrived; visiting the local fly shops can be a wise strategy for identifying the current hatches and “the local cuisine”.
During our team and official practice sessions we are each assigned various techniques and tactics to employ that will hopefully help us to narrow down and determine the most effective locations, patterns, lines, and techniques for targeting the competition waters. By game day we usually have a solid game plan and try to stick with it unless conditions dictate a need to step outside the box. Having a solid backup plan set in place can be a critical factor for times such as these.
For instance, at Scotland’s WFFC, I shared a boat with Mike Sexton. Our teams had already determined which locations, flies, and lines we should use for that venue, but when we arrived the conditions had changed significantly from the previous day. I noticed a few rises near the dam and discretely pointed them out to Mike. We agreed to stay back and target that area rather than following the armada of boats that were heading to the far end of the reservoir, where the previous sessions had been won. Our decision to target the rising fish paid off, as Mike and I finished 2nd and 3rd respectively for that session.
Hamann: Many people think loch style fishing has predominantly to do with “pulling lures.” How often is this true? Are there times when getting creative like just casting dries can win the day? What other less than obvious techniques have proved effective in competition?
Oishi: Like all things in life, and fishing, everything has its time and place where it shines. For instance… I’ve won some sessions fishing with nothing but a team of dry flies and others that required sinking line tactics to stay on top of the leader board. The key is being able to recognize when and where each technique would be the more effective choice. I suppose that observation, experimentation, confidence and pure dumb luck all come into play when searching or prospecting for trout.
For instance, during a session at the 2008 Canadian Nationals the majority of the competitors were set on pulling nymphs and lures, as they had been producing well during the practice sessions. I made the decision to switch to a floating line and a team of dries after observing several trout that were rising periodically to take something off the water’s surface. The rest of my group missed the rise and stuck with sinking line tactics and consequently scored a significantly lower number of fish.
At the 2010 Canadian Nationals several of the competitors in my group stuck with nymphing tactics after hearing the stories of the success that some competitors had been experiencing while using them. After assessing the situation, I chose to pull lures and wound up winning my last three sessions as a result of this decision. The point being that sometimes you need to have confidence in your own ability to make decisions, rather than relying on and following the rest of the pack.
Hamann: What does the term “keep your head up” mean to you in regards to loch style competition?
Oishi: Never give up hope! I have become a firm believer and disciple of this mantra, as on several occasions I have caught fish within the final seconds of a session when others have all but given up on hope and are simply going through the motions rather than fishing with confidence and the belief that all things are possible!
Hamann: Todd, you’ve had a great career to date, but I know full well a true competitor such as yourself is always looking ahead to the next competition, the next technique, and the ever evolving refinement of one’s “game.” What are your plans for the future? What mountain are you looking to climb next?
Oishi: I am currently more focused on training and improving my overall skills. I am no longer obsessed by the desire to attend the WFFC (even though I have qualified and have been offered a spot on the team), but feel that there is a need to bring my best possible game rather than just showing up. That being said; I have a few more trips to Europe in the works in order to seek out some additional coaching.
Hamann: Thank you kindly for your time and candid answers. It’s been a real pleasure. And now on a larger scale and active member of Fly Fishing Canada: How do you see competitive angling evolving over the next 5 years? What is your hope for the future and how will we get there?
Oishi: I forecast a much broader acceptance and greater involvement in competitive fishing as a whole. As ambassadors of our sport, it is all of our responsibilities to promote good sportsmanship and to encourage others to create a stronger playing field here in North America. Forums such as Trout Legend that share valuable information on techniques and provide a sense of community through positive dialogue amongst competitors are certainly leading all of us in the right direction.
Todd Oishi’s Track Record:
2002 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament, Kamloops, British Columbia – Team 1st place
2002 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament – Highest individual points
2003 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament, Kamloops, British Columbia – Tied for 1st place
2005 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament, Kamloops, British Columbia – ‘Largest Catch’ award
2005 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament – Team 4th place
2005 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament – Highest individual points
2005 – 25th World Fly Fishing Championships, Sweden – Team Canada Member
2005 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship, Campbell River, British Columbia – Individual Gold Medal
2005 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship – Team Gold Medal (Team Mustang)
2006 – North American/US National Fly Fishing Championships, Boulder, Colorado – Team Canada Member
2006 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship, Grand River, Ontario – 9th place individually
2006 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament, Kamloops, British Columbia – Team 1st place
2006 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament – Highest individual points
2006 – 26th World Fly Fishing Championships, Coimbra, Portugal – Team Canada Member
2006 – Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships, Northern Wales – Team Canada Member
2007 – 27th World Fly Fishing Championships, Finland – Team Canada Member
2007 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament, Kamloops, British Columbia – Team 1st place
2007 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament – Highest individual points
2007 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship, Grande Prairie, Alberta – Captain Stillwater Solutions
2007 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship – Team Gold Medal (Team Stillwater Solutions)
2007 – North American/US National Fly Fishing Championships, Boulder, Colorado – Team Canada Member
2007 – North American/US National Fly Fishing Championships – Individual 1st place – Lower Poudre River
2008 – 28th World Fly Fishing Championships, New Zealand – Team Canada Member – Team 9th place
2008 – Lexus European Fly Fishing Championships, Chew Valley, England – Largest fish – qualified for finals
2008 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament, Kamloops, British Columbia – Team 3rd place
2008 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament – 2nd highest individual points (actual fish length)
2008 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship, Mont Tremblant, Quebec – Captain of Team BC
2008 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship – 11th place individually
2009 – 29th World Fly Fishing Championships, Drymen, Scotland – Team Canada Member
2009 – 29th World Fly Fishing Championships – Team 9th place
2009 – 29th World Fly Fishing Championships – Individual 3rd place finish on Carron Valley Reservoir
2009 – Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships, Isle of Islay, Scotland – Captain of Team Canada 1
2009 – Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships – Team 4th place (highest finish for Team Canada)
2009 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament, Kamloops, British Columbia – Team 3rd place
2009 – Trojan Pond Fly Fishing Tournament – 3rd highest individual points
2009 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship, Fernie, British Columbia – Individual Bronze Medal
2009 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship – Team Gold Medal (Team Cormorants)
2010 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship, Parklands, Manitoba – Individual Bronze Medal
2010 – Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship – Team Gold Medal (Team Cormorants)
September 22, 2011
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