On Deck…The Next Generation of Fly Anglers…

Hitting 70 in a few months. After some math calculations, I have more days behind me than in front of me with a fly rod in my hand. That’s ok, because in the last two years I have been involved with an amazing fly fishing community here in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. Made some great friendships with the fly shop staffs, outfitters and local guides. Most all of them have similar goals, one of which is to get more of the younger generation interested in the sport of fly fishing. “ Fly Casting” defines the sport of “ Fly Fishing”. I get excited when I’m have a teenager show up at a clinic or for a lesson. I feel it my responsibility to make a good first impression on these young people. You get one chance, so I need to get it right. Although fly fishing is deep rooted in certain traditions, there is some evolution going on where some younger leaders and influencers are stepping up fighting the good fight to protect the resources that give us the opportunity to enjoy this life long journey. Ben Whaley from Maine, an advocate for the striper fishery along the east coast, and I recently read a Fly Lab article featuring a Muskegon Michigan native, Jackson Riegler an entrepreneur and conservationist that feels the next generation doesn’t care about aesthetics, or how they look. They care about the experience, the place , the people, but most importantly, water conservation efforts. And also in Brunswick Georgia, we have Jared DiVincent, owner of On The Fly Outfitters leading efforts, fighting the good fight to protect the longevity of the redfish fishery in coastal Georgia. Hopefully this evolution continues to grow. We all need to do our part.🎣