Testimonial
Suncoast Fly Fishers, Florida, 2012
Please note: At the time this was written the organization was known at the International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF)
What Does the International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF) Do for Suncoast Fly Fishers?
Suncoast is a charter member of the International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF). Why are we a charter member? As a charter member we have responsibilities and advantages. The responsibilities include every member becoming a member of IFFF and maintaining that membership. If anyone has not renewed their membership, please do so. You can check on the status of your membership by e-mailing IFFF at membership@flyfishersinternational.org. We must also send in an annual report to IFFF on our activities and financial status.
501(c)(3) and Income Tax Filing
Some of the advantages of being a charter member include an umbrella tax-exempt status and IFFF files our report to the IRS based on our annual report.
Information, Education, Conservation
Each member also receives IFFF's magazine the Flyfisher and Fly Fishers E-News. Several articles from our newsletter, “On the Fly” have appeared in Fly Fishers E-News. Each new member also receives a FFI emblem. Check out the IFFF web site for information on casting certification, and other resources at www.flyfishersinternational.org. At this web site you can also renew your membership and sign up for Fly Fishers E-News.
Liability Insurance
Through FFI we have liability insurance custom-tailored for fly fishing clubs. Their program provides coverage for commercial general liability, directors’ and officer’s liability, excess liability, incidental property coverage, and coverage at an event. The cost to obtain coverage thru the IFFF is a fraction of what it would cost to obtain similar stand alone coverage. The premium for a Charter Club changes annually but if very reasonable. Call for details. 406-222-9369.
Casting Instructor Certification Program
IFFF has the only certified fly casting instructors’ program. This is a very rigorous program to grant certification to those members who meet high standards of casting and teaching ability. It is an asset to our club to have three certified casting instructors – Pat Damico (certified master casting instructor), Chris O’Byrne and Dayle Mazzarella. We have two casting clinics each year led by Pat. We all know how much he has helped us improve our casting abilities.
Member Incentive Program
For every 12 new members SFF is eligible to receive a $75.00 credit toward a merchandise purchase from one of the IFFF's Industry Partners. This has been a great asset to our club and many of our club rods were acquired through this program.
Annual Meeting, Local Council Expos, and More
These are just a few of the benefits. IFFF has an annual Fly Fishing Fair with members from all over the world presenting programs and fly tying and casting sessions. Several of us attended last year and had a great time. The meeting for 2014 is August 5-9 in Livingston, Montana. Our Florida Council of IFFF also has its annual event the third weekend in October.
SFF is a charter member of IFFF and we feel very fortunate to be part of an international organization that fosters the art of fly fishing, education and conservation and provides high standards and great resources.
Thomas Gadacz
Past President
Suncoast Fly Fishers