If there’s any question about whether fly fishing tournaments are gaining in popularity, look no further than this past weekend’s 3rd annual “Fly Fishing for the Mission” event held at Pointe-aux-Chenes south of Houma, Louisiana. Once again, a strong turnout with the vast majority of participants under 40 years of age.
Like kayak fishing tournaments, fly fishing tournaments offer low entry fees and low payouts. It’s more about the fun of competition than any financial awards. What monies are taken in often go to non-profits. In addition to great comradery, tournaments offer participants a chance to do what we love most – actual fishing! We also learn from others success. Unlike those big pro tournaments, secrets are shared. These events also sometimes offer fly tying, fly casting, and other activities typical of “conclaves” (fly fishing festivals).
The Southern and Southeastern Councils have tournaments planned. A couple clubs in the Texas Council, as well as the Texas Council have tournaments coming up.
Here in the Gulf Coast Council, we are presently researching possible tournament options. The New Orleans Fly Fishers Club have their long-standing Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo scheduled again for October.
And this Saturday, May 5th, the Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers – another FFI-GCC member club – will host their 7th annual Cedar Lake Fly Fishing Tournament at Camp Contributions landing in Biloxi. Time is 6:00am to 12 noon. The tournament is open to the public. Entry fee is $30 and includes lunch from Your Mamaz House. Registration ends May 3rd. For complete rules and more info, click on this link.
On Saturday, May 25th, it’s the 10th annual Bass on the Fly tournament out of Lake Fork Marina on Lake Fork, Texas. This is a catch/photo/release (CPR) tournament exclusively for fly fishing with aim for highest total inches of five bass. Categories include Boat and Non-Boat (bank, kayak, canoe, float tube, etc). The tournament is open to the public. Entry fee is $70 per person, and includes Big Bass Pot. Register before May 15 and get into the drawing for a Sage Smallmouth Rod.
Activities for BOTF kick off on Friday afternoon with free casting clinics, product booths, fly tying, and kayak demos. There’s also a “Big Sunfish Tourney” from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, with a $10 entry fee. At 6:00pm, there’s the Captains meeting followed by a guide report.
Proceeds from Bass On The Fly go to support Reel Recovery and the FFI Texas Council. For more info, go to www.bassonthefly.org.
