Inspiration can be derived in many ways. It can be a fleeting moment along a wilderness trout stream or bonefish flat. Once, while fishing the upper reaches of Kettle Creek, in North Central Pennsylvania, I witnessed a four inch brown trout leap out of the water to grab a two inch stonefly hovering overhead. On my first bonefish trip I watched a five foot barracuda charge into a school of bonefish to no avail. Certain moments like these are etched in my mind. As a teacher, artist and fly tyer, I also acquire creative inspiration by studying true masters of their craft. When I studied watercolor, I was mesmerized by the works of Andrew Wyeth. During the decade I worked in wildfowl carving, I studied the works of Larry Barth and the compositions of Robert Bateman. In the realm of realistic fly tying, I was knocked of my feet by the work of England’s Paul Whillock and without a doubt the creations of Bob Mead set the standards for realistic fly tyers today.
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“The Federation Internationale de Peche Sportive Mouche (FIPS Mouche) is the official sanctioning body for World Fly Fishing Championships and Conservation Symposium. Each year one of the member countrieshosts the event. Since 1981 the US has fielded a team.

In 1997 when the World Championships were held in Jackson Hole Wyoming , Team USA changed direction. Under the coaching leadership of Jack Dennis and the support of the Board of Directors a new mission was adopted. Build a highly competitive team from the ground up by finding and developing the best and most aggressive fly fishermen in the country. Moreover, to recruit the most capable coaches, support staff, and sponsors that were willing to take up the challenge of producing a winner. Since that time Team USA has moved from the bottom to a contender.

The men and women that compete in the National Championship come from all over the country and from all walks of life. They are guides, business and trades people, medical professionals and more. No compensation, cash awards or special incentives are provided to the competitors or members of Team USA . The only benefit is the honor of representing this country in the World Championships. Many businesses associated with fly fishing and/or competitive sports have provided money and materials to support this non-profit organization. All of the coaches and support personnel volunteer their time and pay their own way. The dedication and sacrifices by all involved are substantial.
” http://www.flyfishingteamusa.com/

“The National Fly Fishing Championship constitutes the final round of the regional competitions held across the United States. A team will be chosen from among these contestants to represent the United States in an Olympic style event which is held annually. This program is sponsored by Colorado Trout Unlimited and the associated Trout Unlimited Chapters in the State of Colorado.”
http://www.nationalflyfishingchampionship.com/

When a fishin’ buddy asks if you want to go on a steelhead trip the answer is usually a fervent yes, time and finances willing. Of course, there’s always the problem of scheduling, weather, and most importantly, the timing. Get there too soon and the water may be down, get there late and you’re staring at a muddy mess. Fisherfolk plying their talents along Lake Erie’s “Steelhead Alley” know this all too well. The pompous blowhard down at the local fly shop, bragging about “nailing” them all day on white sucker spawn and glo bugs, is often the same dejected soul, a little more humble and tight-lipped, the next time you see him at the local watering hole. Read the rest of this entry »