This summer's edition of The Loop is now available for download and reading. It's packed with great info, including:
- MCI Jim Sommercorn posits that casting is a form of throwing and should be taught as such. Read his informed thoughts on same in
.
, Bill and (J.W.) Jay Gammel.
- Lee University Professor Guy DeLoach publishes his studies on how new casters learn fine-motorskill sports like fly casting. An in-depth study. . .and the results may be surprising.
- Vancouver Island's Bruce Morrison gives us an interview with the man who designed many of the world's great fly lines -- Bruce Richards. Casting Masters, Then and Now -- AN Interview with Bruce Richards.
- China’s emergence into world culture is exemplified by their intense and rapidly growing interest in fly fishing. Read Kenneth Chia’s charming article about China’s reception of fly-fishing and their quick-found love of the sport. Chia is China’s first, and only, IFFF certified instructor.
IFFF & Council News
The IFFF's annual International Fly Fishing Fair was held August 2-6 in Livingston and, as always, was a terrific exposition of all things fly fishing with workshops and demonstrations on fishing, tying, casting and conservation led by many of the top fly fishers in the world. That’s not to mention the the fun activities and social events … and some fine fishing right at hand on Montana’s blue-ribbon trout streams. Along with all the fair activities, IFFF conducted its annual meeting and elected two new chief officers. We’ll have more on the fair in the next Flyfisher magazine, but right now read on to meet our new President/CEO Len Zickler and Chairman Tom Logan.
Message from the President/CEO
It's been quite a journey for me since my wife first bought me a fly rod in 1995. While I did not know what to do with the rod, a coworker volunteered to introduce me to the sport. Dave suggested we take a field trip.
We arrived streamside. Dave pulled out a box of fly tying materials and a portable vice. He negotiated the water's edge, turned over rocks and promptly set about tying a fly similar to what he was seeing in the rocks.
He patiently taught me how to line up my fly rod and tied the new imitation onto my leader. He did the same on his rod then gracefully cast into a riffle immediately hooking a beautiful rainbow trout! I was hooked as well!
It is been just over 20 years since my wife bought me that fly rod. It has been a very rewarding journey through leadership positions at the club, council and national levels. I now find myself hired as interim President/CEO of the International Federation of Fly Fishers. I thank everyone for the support over the last 2 1/2 years as we set about on a new direction for the Federation.
As I reflect on my introduction to the sport, I realized my friend and mentor Dave not only introduced me to the sport but he gave me the gift of fly fishing. As Federators this is our calling - to give the gift of fly fishing and in so doing create the conservation stewards of tomorrow.
I am so excited to take on this challenge! I very much look forward to working with Tom Logan, our new Chairman of the Board in this effort. But we need your help! I think a good way would be a generous donation to the IFFF Foundation.
Together, we will improve service to our members, expand our membership and establish the foundation for a strong, sustainable financial future!
Please help us share the gift of fly fishing and create the conservation stewards of tomorrow!
Len Zickler, President/CEO
International Federation of Fly Fishers
Message from the Chairman
The responsibility of serving as your Chairman over the next two years is both a humbling and exciting opportunity for me, but I sincerely look forward to the task.
We all are fortunate, though, in that Phil Greenlee did an outstanding job laying the groundwork for us to grow and achieve even more towards preserving the fly fishing opportunity as a quality outdoor experience. You'll hear much over the next few months about compelling messages, funding-raising to secure financial stability for continuing and new programs, membership benefits and growth, education and conservation.
Importantly though, the task ahead of our organization is one that can best be achieved collaboratively with help of our Councils, Clubs and members. Communications is always important, but the fact is that we'll need both your support and assistance as one organization to achieve our mission.
Speaking of mission ... we do have one that generally is to support, enhance and preserve the fly fishing opportunity and resource stewardship and education are considered essential to achievement of this mission. So, look forward to hearing more from me regarding an expanded focus on teaching and a growing voice for conservation of all fish in all waters. I look forward to your suggestions…
Tom H. Logan, Chairman
International Federation of Fly Fishers
IFFF Fly Fishing Fair a success
The Fly Fishing Fair held earlier this month in Livingston, Mont., was a great success. Here's a glimpse of one of the Casting Clinics held during the fair. Find more information in the upcoming Autumn 2016/Winter 2017 issue of
Flyfisher Magazine.
