FFI Gulf Coast Council

The first-ever Fly Fishers International Virtual Expo is coming up November 5th through 7th. The FFI Virtual Expo brings all the workshops, experiences, knowledge, and community of our annual Expo to a digital platform.

Over the course of the three-day event you’ll find casting and fly tying demonstrations, conservation presentations, fly fishing skills workshops, discussions on travel and destinations, and so much more. A $25 registration fee grants you access to the Expo, with some workshops requiring an additional fee.

While the main event is the first weekend of November, there are some activities and workshops that start as early as September 6th. So don’t wait to register!

The Virtual Expo can be enjoyed right from home and will feature:

• Over 150 interactive, hands-on workshops and presentations on casting, fly tying, conservation, women in fly fishing, travel, and much more with experts like April Vokey and conservation partner, Trout Unlimited.
• Offerings for every skill level and all things fly fishing.
• Break-out rooms, social gatherings, and entertaining activities.
•  A fly fishing film competition open to anyone with a camera, a love of fly fishing, and a great story to tell.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐰 at flyfishersinternational.org/Virtual-Expo/Activities

With the recent spike in the number of Coronavirus cases, and in an effort to insure the safe health of all involved, a number of FFI clubs, councils, and other groups and agencies have cancelled events scheduled for the next few months.

Some of these events, such as our own Sweetwater Classic, had been rescheduled from early Spring due to the last spike in January.

In addition, several club meetings are on hold until further notice. However, those clubs using Zoom will continue to meet online.

* Note: the Gulf Coast Council has a Zoom Pro account available to clubs for their use. Assistance is also available. *

Here is a rundown of cancelled 2021 Fall events, and tentative 2022 dates.

• Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic – hosted by the FFI Gulf Coast Council. Next date: March 11-12, 2022.
• FFI Southern Fly Fishing Fair – hosted by FFI Southern Council. Next date: September 29-October 1, 2022 (tentative).
• Florida Fly Fishing Expo – hosted by FFI Florida Council. Next date: Spring 2022.
• National Hunting & Fishing Day – hosted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at four venues across the state, the 4th Saturday in September. Next date: September 24, 2022.
• Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo – hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers. Next date: October 1, 2022.
• Red Stick Day – fly fishing festival hosted by Red Stick Fly Fishers of Baton Rouge. Next date: Saturday, March 5, 2022.
• Toledo Bend Rendezvous – public weekend retreat for fly tiers set for first weekend in November. Cancelation pending no cancel fee. Next date: November 4-6, 2022.

One event that will not be cancelled is the Fly Fishers International Virtual Expo. While official dates are November 5-7, there are a number of workshops, auctions, and other activities tied to the Expo occurring in the weeks ahead. For complete schedule, go to www.flyfishersinternational.org/Virtual-Expo/Activities

We are announcing that our 2nd annual Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic scheduled for September 17-18 has been cancelled.  Our next Classic will be held March 11-12, 2022. This was not an easy decision, but one we felt obligated to do in light of the current spike in Covid cases, and with mask mandates and other measures being implemented.

The good news is that with the rapid surge in vaccinations PLUS high number of immune recoveries, medical experts believe we may be close to herd immunity by Spring. While Covid will always be around, we look forward to a return to “normal”.

The first Classic was held in mid-March and it was our intention to continue with this date. The Covid spike in January forced us to a September date.

Spring gives more opportunities for trophy bass. The format in March will remain the same…Okhissa is in the mix. In addition, there’s the Big Crappie category.

We also will have fly tying, fly casting, and we are working on having a Special Guest!! We’ have BBQ sandwiches on Saturday for folks to enjoy after the tournament.

Percy Quin has stated they will be very happy to switch your cabin dates if you have already made reservations. We thank them for their assistance!!!

If you registered for the tournament on iAngler, your registration is still good. You can cancel if necessary.

If you have any questions, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. This is YOUR event…to celebrate warmwater fly fishing on the northern Gulf Coast…to have fun fishing and sharing fish stories, meet new friends, and help our Council with its educational programs.

The Fly Fishers International annual Membership Meeting will be held virtually on Saturday, July 17th at 12:00pm CST. This past year has been a challenge for us all. On a positive note, it’s also been a big year for changes and improvements in the organization. This meeting will be an opportunity to share those achievements.

Here’s the agenda:
– Introductory Remarks, Dave Peterson, Chairman of the Board
– State of FFI, Patrick Berry, President and CEO
– Conservation, Tom Logan, Chair / Brad Eaton, Co-chair
– Womens Programs & Virtual Expo, Patty Lueken, Chair
– Education & Learning Center, Dutch Baughman, Chair
– Casting Programs, Bruce Williams, Chair
– Fly Tying Programs, Jerry Coviello, Chair
– Membership, Barry Webster, Chair
– Financial, Jim Maus, Treasurer
– Roundtable with Q&A, Chairman Peterson & meeting attendees

FFI members should have received an email with a link to the Zoom meeting. If you’re an FFI member, and did NOT receive this email and you wish to attend virtually, please contact the FFI office at info@flyfishersinternational.org.

Registration for the Big Bass Tournament of our 2nd annual Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic is now online.  Part fly fishing festival and part tournament, the Sweetwater Classic will again be held out of scenic Percy Quin State Park near McComb, MS on September 17-18.

The event itself is FREE. Entry to the park for the event is FREE. Participation in the casting games, fly tying activities, seminars, etc. is FREE. The only costs are if you plan to fish the Saturday Big Bass Tournament ($30) and/or the Big Bream Contest on Friday ($5). ONLY if you plan to fish the tournament do you need to register. For the Big Bass Tournament, we are using the iAngler Tournament app/website for both registration and logging catches.

Please note that for 2021, fishing waters have been expanded this year to include Lake Okhissa near Bude.  We’ve expanded fishing times to allow anglers to accomodate the 45-minute drive to this trophy bass haven.  Both Okhissa and Lake Tangipahoa (the park lake) rank in the top 6 of big bass waters in Mississippi.  Equally important, both of these small lakes are kayak friendly and fly fishing friendly.

Please make sure to read all the details and rules. While there are many rules, most are simply common sense or legal fishing requirements. We want everyone to have a fun, but safe, time on the water.

To register, or to learn more about the Sweetwater Classic, click on the “Classic” menu.