The Future Of Fly Fishing
Reality is slowly setting in of late. Hitting 70 in six months, and had the somber realization that I have more days behind me than in front of me casting a fly rod. That being said, having the opportunity to become a FFI certified casting instructor has given me the opportunity to be involved in an amazing community in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. Yielded some great friendships with fly shop owners, outfitters and local guides that all have common goals. Those goals include increasing the awareness of the sport of fly fishing to the younger generation with the hope that many of them who will be future leaders and influencers will become passionate about the traditions of the sport, but more importantly be proactive in the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the resources that give us the opportunity to enjoy this life long journey.
I am instructing a junior fly casting clinic for ages 12 to 18 at North Guana Outpost in Ponte Vedra Beach on Friday June 26th, 10am to 2:30pm. As of today we have one signed up. We have work to do. We will keep at it. I so much want to discuss over lunch (that is included) what their thoughts are on the future of the sport and if they are aware of the conservation efforts underway in our region. Bring attention to organizations such as Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), Georgia’s Saltwater Anglers Association ( GSAA), Bonefish Tarpon Trust (BTT), all of focused on holding our elected officials accountable for making decisions that have a positive impact on our natural resources.
I have had a handful of teenagers take casting lessons of late. What I see with some of them with this underlying passion to grow in the sport, but they are all in high school dialed in on sports, maintaining their GPA , performing community service so they can get some scholarship money and accepted to the college of their choice. Who can blame them.
Speaking of college I am still attempting to get noticed here on the first coast. I am ready to fire an email off to the provost staff at University Of North Florida introducing myself and see if there is any interest in offering an elective course in The Art Of Fly Casting. Included in this course is a lesson dialed in on how important it is for their generation to get involved in the conservation efforts to protect our fisheries. Wish me luck…lots of luck.. Tight Lines !