Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award
How It Works
This Fly Fishers International (“FFI”) Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award Program (“Saltwater Award Program”) is an educational program for all FFI members who care to take part. The Saltwater Award Program is managed for and on behalf of FFI by the Fly Tying Group of FFI. The award is offered for demonstrated skill in fly tying that requires submittal of fly collections for evaluation. The award involves mastery of diverse materials and complex tying methods.
In the process of this Saltwater Award Program, a tyer will learn and use many important fly tying techniques, use a variety of materials, and learn a number of effective fly patterns. Upon successful completion of the Saltwater Award program, tyers will receive an FFI Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award Certificate, a FFI Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award Pin, and the accomplishment will be recognized in the Whip Finish Journal and on the FFI website.
Program Requirements
Participant must be an FFI member. To receive the Award and recognition, it is necessary to follow the instructions outlined in “Instructions to the Saltwater Award Participant” below. Participation is entirely voluntary. No FFI member or Club is under any obligation to participate.
Why an FFI Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award Program
The FFI Fly Tying Group exists to preserve, enhance, and support the art of fly tying. Our focus is two- fold: (i) sharing of information and teaching so that more people may take an interest in our craft; and
For individuals to improve as tyers they need to be able to measure their progress. The Saltwater Award Program provides FFI members the opportunity to develop or reinforce their fly tying skills and test their progress against a consistent standard. The Saltwater Award Program supplements the FFI Fly Tying Skills Award Program by focusing specifically on saltwater flies.
The Goals of the Saltwater Award Program
Saltwater Award Program is an educational program for all FFI members who care to participate. The Saltwater Award Program is managed for and on behalf of FFI by its Fly Tying Group. The goal of the Saltwater Award Program is to encourage FFI members to develop and improve their fly tying skills at their own pace through a structured learning plan and contribute to the purpose of the Fly Tying Group. The Saltwater Award Program is meant to be informative, enjoyable, and encourage camaraderie and cooperation amongst those taking part. In addition, it can also assist FFI clubs and instructors in the planning and delivery of courses and demonstrations.
Instructions for The Saltwater Award Participant
Simply tie the flies. Follow the tying instructions on this website page.
Contact a Saltwater Award Evaluator (“Evaluator”) to confirm his/her availability to evaluate your flies and get the mailing address of the Evaluator. All approved Evaluators are listed on the website. Throughout the process of the Saltwater Award Program, the Evaluator is your contact person if there are questions or items of concern to the tyer. Tyers are encouraged to communicate with the Evaluator at any time. It is also suggested that tyers look at the Saltwater Fly Tying Award Program Evaluation Form found on the website and become aware of what the Evaluators will be evaluating and fully understand the evaluation and scoring process.
Participants are required to present THREE examples of each fly pattern for EIGHT out of the TEN patterns listed that you may choose from.
Mail the flies and the completed Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award Program Submittal Form (found on the website), together with a copy of your receipt showing payment of the Saltwater Award Fees (below), to the Evaluator.
We suggest that the flies be mailed to the Evaluator in a small, compartmented box that will fit into a 6” x 9” padded mailer and mailed First Class Mail or by using a Small Flat Rate USPS box. The tyer’s name should be written on or affixed to the fly box. It is also suggested that the tyer track the shipment to ensure delivery to the Evaluator.
At the time the flies are sent to an Evaluator, the application fee may be paid one of two ways: (i) either email a copy of the completed Saltwater Fly Tying Award Program Submittal Form to the FFI office and make a payment using a credit card at the FFI Store found on the FFI website; or, (ii) mail a copy of the completed Saltwater Fly Tying Award Program Submittal Form along with a check to: Fly Fishers International; FTG Coordinator; 1201 US Highway 10 West, Suite D4; Livingston, Montana 59047-9022.
Saltwater Award Fees
Pay online at the FFI Store https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/store
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Fly Tying Group Member
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$30.00
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NON Fly Tying Group Member
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$60.00
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International Fly Tying Group Member
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$60.00
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International NON Fly Tying Group Member
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$90.00
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*Note: International tyers are required to pay by credit card. International checks will not be accepted.
The application fee is a non-refundable fee, regardless of the outcome of the evaluation. It is the intent of the program that each applicant improves their skills and be awarded for this achievement; therefore, the Evaluator may provide feedback and suggest re-submittal of any number of the flies for further evaluation. However, the process must be completed within 90 days from the time of the original application, at which time the application will expire. An applicant may submit a second, complete application (must include flies, forms, and fee) following the expiration of the first application.
Flies to Tie (click image or title to download the pattern)