History and Overview
The Casting Instructor Certification Program (CICP) was developed to enhance the overall level of instruction in fly casting by increasing instructor knowledge, casting proficiency, and teaching ability. A secondary goal was to create a common understanding of casting terminology and casting mechanics that would serve the fly casting community, internationally and in North America.
Objectives of the Program
The CICP Program's main objectives are to educate and enhance the growth of fly casting instructors by:
- Establishing high and consistent standards for casting instructors.
- Administering a test that fairly and consistently assesses the candidate's knowledge of casting, teaching ability, and casting proficiency.
- Conducting teaching workshops as a required part of certification.
- Conducting clinics on how to teach fly casting at FFI shows, fairs, and consumer fishing demonstrations.
- Developing and maintaining an instruction reference for certified instructors.
- Establishing and maintaining communication networks for certified instructors.
- Facilitating the exchange of ideas between instructors worldwide.
Who Runs the Program?
On September 25, 2023 the FFI Board of Directors unanimously approved the FFI Fly Casting Education Program as the official casting program of FFI. To view the current Fly Casting Education Program organizational structure and team membership, click the link below.
FFI Fly Casting Education Team
The Casting Board of Governors, or CBOG as it is referred to in the Bylaws, has developed and administers the Casting Instructor Certification Program of Fly Fishers International.
Some of the most respected names in the world of fly fishing have been members of the Casting Board of Governors including Mel Krieger, who founded the CICP, Gary Borger, Lefty Kreh, Joan Wulff, Jim Green, Al Kyte, Bruce Richards, Steve Rajeff, and Al Buhr. Our international expansion has brought further well-known names into the program.
While the CBOG administers the CICP, the success of the program is dependent on involvement of Master Casting Instructors (MCI) working at the local level. MCIs play a key role in the CICP as they instruct students, teach, and mentor candidates toward Casting Instructor (CI) certification. Masters also teach and mentor CI instructors to become Master Casting Instructors.
The CICP recognizes all casting and fishing associations throughout the world in their endeavors to improve the level of casting instruction, as well as their efforts to preserve our natural resources. The CICP seeks judgment only within its own programs and continually monitors its status, seeking improvement through education.
Why is this good for our Sport?
Training and certifying fly casting instructors will provide beginners with a smoother entry into fly fishing due to the increased skill level of FFI-certified fly casting instructors. Fly fishers have ready access to instructors trained to help them advance to the next level. The CICP fosters exchanges of teaching and casting ideas among instructors across the world.
Questions
Please direct your inquiries to our Casting Coordinator.
E-mail: casting@flyfishersinternational.org
Telephone: 406-222-9369