FFI Awards Ceremony November 13 at 8:00 pm ET
Awards presented by Fly Fishers International acknowledge those individuals who demonstrate the highest levels of achievement, dedication and contribution to preserving the Legacy of Fly Fishing. The information provided about the recipient comes directly from the nominations that were considered to bestow the award. The Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Please click the button below to register to attend the event.
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FFI Award of Distinction for Leadership and Service
Richard “Rick” N. Williams, PhD
Eagle, Idaho
Rick Williams has many long and enduring contributions to FFI make him an ideal candidate for this award. Recognizing his expertise as a fisheries biologist and pioneering casting instructor, Rick is currently a Senior Advisor to the FFI Board of Directors for both conservation and casting. His contributions to both FFI’s casting programs and conservation program have endured over many years and have played a key role in the development of both of those programs.
Rick’s distinguished career in biological consulting, focused on native trout conservation and salmon/steelhead recovery in the Pacific Northwest, has prepared him well for his service to FFI. He has worked tirelessly to preserve and restore native populations of salmon and steelhead in western states and his research has led to new paradigms for managing these species.
He has served the FFI Conservation Committee for 27 years and has been a Senior Adviser to the Board of Directors for 15 years. Rick was the Western Rocky Mountain Council Conservation VP and served as the FFI Conservation Director for 5 years with Tom Logan and Bob Tabbert. Rick played a leading role in developing the FFI Conservation Grants Program as well as the Conservation Scholarships program. He continues to manage the scholarship program, and his efforts have helped to launch the careers of many aspiring fisheries biologists. Rick has even led international conservation efforts, recently consulting with the government of Bhutan on preservation of the Mahseer.
Rick has been involved with the FFI Casting Instructor Program for 28 years. He earned his Casting Instructor certification in 1997, his Master CI certification in 1998 and his Two Hand Master certification in 2006. Rick was first elected to the Casting Board of Governors in 2004, serving in that capacity for 15 years. He was elected as Chairman for a three-year term in 2014. He also chaired the Exam Committee, Examiner Development Pathway Committee (EDP), Two-Hand Committee.
Rick was instrumental in the development of the Examiner Development Pathway (EDP), a much-needed improvement in casting examination procedures. EDP is a process by which examinations become more consistent with regard to candidate experience and expectation. This improvement was primarily attributable to the implementation of a suite of Examiner Training Workshops, of which Rick was a principal author.
Rick was very involved with the Strategic Planning process for the Casting Program, culminating in a plan which in 2019 was regarded as a model for all FFI programs.
Rick has a long history of recruiting, preparing, and testing candidates for Casting Instructor certification at all levels, all over the world. Locally, since 2008, he has helped Silver Creek Outfitters prepare and test over 100 candidates as part of the Professional Development initiative. Internationally, he has served as an FFI International Ambassador, participating in the first FFI international event in Scotland in 2006. He has since given workshops and exams all over the world, including several events in Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Canada.
Rick played a pivotal role in the development of the FFI Education Committee curriculum, as one of the principal architects of the signature Casting Skills Development program. This program has become very popular with the flyfishing public and is being rolled out at fly fishing events worldwide. It is especially popular in Australia.
His contributions to FFI can only be described as prominent and extraordinary. I can think of no one during my participation with this organization who is more deserving of its ultimate award.
Rhonda Sellers
Livingston, MT
Rhonda Sellers has provided leadership to FFI over the last 13 years clearly exceeds these rigorous criteria. In her roles as Operations Manager, Vice President for Operations and now Executive Director her leadership and talents have touched literally every aspect of our organization. From budget development and finances to website design to “keeping the train on the track” and everything in between, Rhonda is the glue that holds FFI together. Her contributions include:
• Staffing and providing wise council to a number of key FFI committees
• Supporting the Board of Directors
• Maintaining and building the FFI Website which includes over 400 individual pages
• Supervises all FFI employees
• Responding to countless requests from Board members, Council Presidents, Club leaders and FFI members
• Overseeing all aspects of FFI operations
• Expanding our International footprint
• Many others too numerous to mention here
As can be seen from the list above, she has an amazing ability to keep many “plates spinning” at one time and she never fails to follow up.
She is highly respected by Board members, Council and Club Presidents and every member who she has helped along the way. A consummate problem solver, she knows how to dissect problems and created solutions in ways that have endeared her to our leadership and members. She does all this with grace and a good sense of humor.
She invariably treats everyone with respect, whether they are a fly fishing luminary or a new member with a question. That said, Rhonda doesn’t hesitate to take action when a tough decision needs to be made, or someone needs to get feedback they may not want to hear.
Late in 2023, the Board asked Rhonda to assume the duties of President and CEO. Not only did she step forward, she exceeded our expectations in every way. Without skipping a beat, she has not only moved FFI forward but has begun new programs and initiatives that are increasing our relevance in the fly fishing community.
In sum, if there is something that you find particularly good about FFI, Rhonda Sellers had something to do with making that happen. If there is something you don’t like, she probably is trying to fix it. She is truly deserving of the FFI Award of Distinction for Leadership and Service because she has without question made prominent and extraordinary contributions to our organization for the last 13 years. We are confident that she will continue to do so!
FFI Fly Fisher of the Year Award
Larry Gibbs
Bonney Lake, Washington
Larry Gibbs in unique among leaders of FFI in the Northwest and nationwide. While most FFI members are focused on developing their expertise in casting, tying or fishing skills, Larry has focused on developing our organization. From recruiting members, creating and leading clubs, supporting FFI financially and over the past three years helping establish a service focused membership strategy for FFI nationwide.
Larry first stepped into leadership in 2001 as director-at-large for the Washington Council and an organizer of its Northwest Fly Casting Expo at Trophy Lake, Washington that year. A year later he became Council treasurer and has been in a leadership position for the council ever since.
- He helped establish two new charter FFI clubs in Washington
- He was an outspoken proponent in 2003 of creating “The Osprey,” an FFI funded wild steelhead conservation newsletter
- He was always involved in fundraising efforts at the annual Expo in Washington and is one reason why the Washington Council remained solvent through pandemic and donated consistently to partner organizations in less fortunate financial conditions
- He helped organize funding in 2005 to install regulation signage at 10 important trout lakes in Washington’s high desert helping conserve the opportunity for all fishers
- Larry took on a national role in 2008 as Auction & Raffle Coordinator for the FFI Conclave in Loveland, CO.
- As the nation emerged from pandemic, Larry took on the role of Membership Director for the Washington Council to help restore its membership, a role he also shouldered as a contributor to FFI’s national Membership Committee
- And Larry has long been a contributor to FFI’s national fundraising efforts
Throughout his two decades of navigating the Washington Council and FFI along its path of growth and changes, Larry has been a cornerstone of the organization. He has been a player-coach who rolls up his sleeves to get things done and guide and improve team members . Crucially, leaders must be able to balance vision for an organization with authenticity. Larry never over sells what he or our organization can accomplish, but he never doubts the value of education, conservation and community to our fellow fishers, both men and women.
Larry’s long dedication to that mission, his willingness to pitch in, his ability to get things done and his generosity to its efforts make his contributions deserving of the FFI Fly Fisher of the Year Award.
Molly Semenik
Blaine, WA
Molly Semenik has volunteered in many different roles with FFI for 23 years. Her primary emphasis is casting, but her other love is Women Connect. In fact, Molly is one of the four founders of Women Connect. Prior to Women Connect starting in 2016, Molly taught casting and fishing classes to women at the Expos for many years.
You may ask, “Why does Molly still volunteer after twenty-three years?” Molly explains that it is her community of life-long friends and many of these friends are as devoted as Molly to the preservation and advancement of techniques and philosophies for casting. Also, many FFI individuals have mentored Molly to get her where she is today and she feels it is her duty and privilege to give back to FFI. Teaching, mentoring, casting and fishing are all passions that Molly is grateful for every day. She appreciates FFI’s role in helping her pursue her passions.
Molly’s love for fly fishing started when her father gave her his Orvis bamboo fly rod. Molly was fourteen years old. In 1979 she moved to Utah from Michigan. For the next twenty years, Molly fished Utah and Arizona rivers, including the famous Green River. She also started salt water fishing.
In 2000, Molly and her family moved to Montana to begin her career as a professional fly fishing instructor and guide. Fourteen years later they moved to Washington state. She and her husband live in Birch Bay, Washington now. Molly follows the FFI Motto of “All Fish for All Waters”. Not only does she fish for trout, but she also pursues salmon and steelhead as well as Dungeness crab.
Jonathan Walter
Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Jonathan’s exemplary service to FFI has endured over time and his contributions have clearly had national and international impact. First, Jonathan has served as Chair of the Casting Board of Governors, where he skillfully guided that group in their continuing efforts to refine and improve the Casting Instructor Certification Program.
Jonathan never shies away from tough issues. Instead, he tackles them head on. However, even when confronted with controversial issues his leadership has always been characterized by grace and patience. The best example of this is reflected in his recognition that to expand the influence of fly casters in the fly fishing community FFI’s casting programs required a complete rethinking and reorganization.
Jonathan led the transformation of the Casting Board of Governors into the newly established Fly Casting Education Program. This restructuring of FFI’s casting programs has created countless new opportunities for fly fishers to develop their casting skills and has broadened the reach of FFI’s fly casting programs.
Jonathan’s hard work and devotion have been extraordinary. The transformation took great courage and 40-60 hours a week of intense dedication and patience. With the new Fly Casting Education Program (FCEP) up and running, the FFI has expanded the reach of casting education beyond that of the Casting Instructor Certification Program and moved into casting education for the general public--mostly focused on the innovative Fly Casting Skill Programs. This reimagining of our casting programs will have a lasting impact for many years to come. Jonthan’s contributions have been made over many years and will have an enduring impact on Fly Fishers International.
FFI Buz Buszek Fly Tying Memorial Award
Eric Austin
Ruskin, Florida
Eric is a highly accomplished fly tier, tying everything from very practical "guide flies" to complex full-dress salmon flies, from dries to nymphs to streamers to foam flies. He is now a frequent speaker and/or featured tier at fly fishing shows. He has been a regular contributor to Fly Tyer magazine, with his flies often featured on the cover. He writes on tying specific flies, families of flies, and instruction on specific tying techniques and materials. To the extent that full dress flies are an indicator of accomplishment, Eric has few peers.
In his demonstrations and writing Eric is very clear and carefully describes what he is doing and why. He listens carefully to questions and gives thoughtful answers. Whether tying a simple or complex fly, he is consistent in using good technique and is always ready to explain something new, special, difficult, or unusual. In short, not only is Eric an excellent fly tier, but he is also an excellent teacher of the art. This applies whether in private conversation, across a demonstration table at a show, speaking to a large audience, or a Zoom presentation.
While Eric is clearly one of the most skilled tiers around, he is also very down to earth. He will engage with anyone on the subject and carry on the dialogue at their level. He doesn't get hung up with the buzz words but uses every-day language. He knows and appreciates the best materials but recognizes that most tiers prefer economic components and use substitutions when appropriate.
Eric was very modest about being nominated for the award, but his nominator insisted because of his consistent skill and leadership. Eric has clearly demonstrated that for many years, now being recognized as he now a leader in the FFI Fly Tying Group. He is a good role model for the art of fly tying, now engaged in the FFI community, and well deserving of the Buz Buszek Memorial Fly Tying Award.
Fred Hannie
Lake Charles, Louisiana
When Fred Hannie takes his place at the tying vise, he is driven by dual objectives: not only does he aim to craft flies that will attract fish, but he also strives to create fies that are true-to-life representations of the prey species they mimic. This blend of artistic fidelity and practical functionality has served him exceptionally well over the years. His expertise and dedication were recognized over a decade ago when he was honored as Fly Tying Forum.com’s Fly Tier of the Year. Further accolades followed in 2012 when he clinched the top spot in the Fly Fishing & Tying Journal’s tying competition. Among his most esteemed achievements is the Charles E. Brooks Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed upon him by Fly Fishers International.
Fred's fly tying patterns are predominantly designed for targeting warm-water and saltwater fish species prevalent in his area. He is also an accomplished author, having penned two influential books on the subject: "Fly Tying with Monofilament" and "Uncommon Flies." His contributions to the field of fly tying were recently celebrated with a feature on the cover of Fly Tyer magazine, showcasing his innovative honeybee pattern. Below are several examples of his intricate and beautiful creations, highlighting his skill and creativity in the craft of fly tying.
Growing up in southwest Louisiana, he discovered fly fishing at a young age, using the limited selection of flies available at the me through a local sporting goods store. Later on, he began learning to tie flies out of necessity. His "bible" as he called it, was "Orvis Fly Patterns - Volume 1" by John Harder. A few years later, he received a catalog with some flies that looked like the insects they were supposed to mimic, and that set his path to realisc patterns.
Having won several Iron Fly and One Feather tying contests over the past two decades he is certainly a well-rounded and exceptional "classic" er. But his specialty is Realiscs - imitative flies that mimic the real thing to almost every detail. Fred's reputation as one of the top realisc tiers in the world is well grounded. He has an avid following on social media, his flies have been featured in numerous magazine articles, as props on television and films, and he has authored two books on the subject and featured in other publications. He has been a featured demonstration tier at countless events. He has been recognized by the FFI, the FFI Gulf Coast Council, and other entities. He has been a member of the Deer Creek and Copic Markers pro staffs.
In addition to his accomplishments as a tier, Fred's service to the fly fishing community has been venerable. He has served as Vice-President and Fly Tying Chairman of the Gulf Coast Council, on the FFI Tying Group Board of Governors, and as editor for the FTG Whip Finisher newsletter. He has conducted clinics and workshops for regional clubs across the South and at various FFI events. He has generously donated both his flies and his artwork to many fundraising activities – both fly fishing related and otherwise.
In summary, Fred Hannie is as unique an individual as are his flies - someone who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of fly tying. His patterns, like his artwork, are exceptional both in detail and in presentation.
FFI Conservation Award
Glen “Catch” Cormier
Boyce, Louisiana
Catch Cormier presently serves as Vice-President and Conservation Chairman for the Gulf Coast Council. He has been a longtime advocate and voice for preserving the fisheries along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Texas to the Florida panhandle. Most recently he has been one of the leading advocates in the fight to restore Louisiana redfish Spawning Potential Ratios (SPR) to what it needs to sustain the fishery. His advocacy, in conjunction with the American Saltwater Guides Association (ASGA), and many local saltwater fly anglers and guides has helped to change redfish regulations and get the fishery on the right track. He has been a leader in the push to establish a buffer zone along the Louisiana coast for the menhaden fishery boats further (two miles) offshore from the present 1500’ buffer zone. He has also been active in the fight to change creel and slot limits for spotted seatrout in Louisiana from a 25 fish limit with anything over 12” being legal, to a 15 fish creel limit with a slot of 13”-20”, which was adopted into law in November 2023.
A lifelong resident of South Louisiana, Catch is an avid fly-fisher who loves to target all species on the fly, especially coastal saltwater and warmwater species. He is an FFI Certified Casting Instructor, an avid fly tyer, and served on the FFI Conservation Committee for many years.
Brad Eaton
Woodbury, Minnesota
Brad Eaton served on the FFI Board Conservation Committee after serving for more than 22 years, making extraordinary contributions to conservation of fishery resources and the natural landscapes that support them. He has played a role in every aspect of FFI’s conservation work from philosophies, policies and planning to Conservation Scholarships and Grants and especially the many Conservation Actions FFI has taken to improve conservation and protection of natural systems and fisheries. Brad is a scientist by training and profession who consistently applied his understanding of scientific method and the biology of natural systems to assure that all FFI conservation endeavors meet the essential standard of being scientifically sound.
Brad was a coauthor of the 2015 FFI Conservation Policy Plan and played a key role in development of the FFI Strategic Plan for Conservation 2023-2025. Both documents establish sound conservation philosophy and FFI’s position as a conservation organization solely dedicated to preservation of fly fishing opportunities and the Legacy of Fly Fishing. Brad also served as a coauthor of A New Conservation Paradigm for Conserving Fish and Wildlife Habitats for the Planet and provided valuable editorial review of FFI’s Policy on Climate Change, update of the Basscatch Program and Flyfisher articles that include Climate Change Affects Fly Fishing.
Brad has served as Lead for the FFI Conservation Grant Subcommittee for a number of years and is especially dedicated to the purpose and integrity of the Grants FFI awards to support conservation projects demonstrating FFI’s commitment to conservation of natural resources. He receives and organizes each Grant Application for Subcommittee evaluation and recommendation and brings those recommendations to the Conservation Committee in impeccable form for recommendation to the Board for final approval. Brad’s management of the Conservation Grant Program would, alone, qualify him for the FFI Conservation Award but it more importantly exemplifies the quality of his commitment to all FFI conservation work.
FFI Council Leadership Award
Debra Pauli
Atlanta, GA
Debra Pauli grew up in New Orleans where everyone fishes, but it was a learn-to-fly-fish class with the Georgia Women Fly Fishers (GWFF) where she first experienced the sport of fly fishing. She joined GWFF and began participating in their monthly fishing events and meetings. Soon, she was elected Treasurer of the club, a position she still holds. She also joined the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club to gain experience and learn more about fly fishing. She immediately volunteered to help with raffles then took over those responsibilities before settling in as Membership Chair. She held that position throughout the pandemic and started the Rod Raffle Renewal Program to ensure continuity of membership when COVID hit. As Membership Chair of the Atlanta Club, Debra engaged with members via the group e-mail capabilities to ensure continuity of the community.
In 2020, Debra applied for the board of directors of the Southeastern Council and, being a retired Certified Public Accountant and Treasurer for the GWFF, was soon elected Treasurer of the Council. After two years in that role, she stepped up as Council President.
In the relatively short time that she’s led the Southeastern Council, she recruited others who had a similar interest in having a dynamic organization, instituted a businesslike framework, and developed a club-centric approach to providing activities and services to FFI and its members. According to one person interviewed, upon Debra’s becoming president, several of the Council’s first few meetings were focused totally on developing a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis in order to make sure everyone had a clear idea of where the organization was headed. Shortly thereafter, under her leadership, a website, newsletter, and social media sites were established. She also began making trips to the various clubs within the council’s geographic area to get a feel for what the clubs needed. She created a concept called “Fishing the Waters of the SEC” as a way of getting FFI members together, whether they are club members or not. It was recently determined that almost half FFI members are not club members, so such activities are quite valuable. She led the development of an annual fly tying event, first at Western Carolina University, and now at Lee College, Tennessee, and she established the first virtual annual meeting for the Southeastern Council. In an effort to attract more attendees to the event, this year the meeting featured April Vokey as guest speaker.
Lots of activities, but one might ask, what are the results? Has the Council grown? In 2022, the Southeastern Council started with 840 members and ended the year with 941. It grew again in 2023 to 1,051 members, which was the highest growth rate of any council in the US. In just two years, under Debra’s leadership the Council had grown by 25%.
FFI Dick Nelson Fly Tying Teaching Award
Don Lieb
Visalia, California
Don Lieb was a fly fishing and fly tying companion of Buz Buszek. They both had two daughters
and their families were close. Don was a long-time member of the Kaweah Fly Fishers in Visalia,
California, and up to the time of his recent passing, the Club website has a place where you can sign
up to attend Don's fly tying class every other Tuesday night. At the time of his recent passing, Don
was 103 years old.
The FFI Buszek Library has a featured video interview with Don, hosted by Tom Logan, and filmed
by Wayne Luallen, where Don talks about his relationship with Buz and he ties the Western
Coachman fly pattern. At the time of the video interview, Don was 102 years old, and during the
video he explains the fly tying techniques used to dress the Western Coachman. Don was a fly tying instructor for over 80 years.
FFI Lifetime Achievement in Fly Casting Education Award
Brian Henderson
Elizabeth Beach, New South Wales
Australia
Brian Henderson is the most influential fly caster and instructor in Australia today. Brian has been teaching fly casting for more than 20 years in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region. He served as a Governor over the last decade or so and continues serving the new Fly Casting Education Program (FCEP) as the Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator, along with Bill Higashi from Japan.
Brian first became interested in fly casting and teaching in 1999, after watching videos by Mel Krieger and Joan Wulff. Soon thereafter, he met FFI instructors Tom White and Peter Hayes. Brian was already an ardent fly fisher and was using the videos and interactions with Tom and Peter to improve his own fly casting. Friends started asking him to teach them and he stated with working with Gavin Platts (CI) form Queensland and with Carl McNeil (MCI from New Zealand) to improve his teaching skills.
Brian gained his CI in 2007, MCI in 2009, and THMCI in 2013 at the Conclave in West Yellowstone. Since that time, he has worked in a very strategic and dedicated fashion as a fly casting instructor. For example, he and Carl McNeil have collaborated over the last decade or more to provide teaching schools and regional testing events in Australia and New Zealand ever since. Brian is a passionate caster, instructor, coach, and mentor. He is also an experienced and often utilized Level 3 examiner – FFI’s highest level.
Brian is a sought after mentor who sets high standards in casting and instructional excellence for himself and his students. He has also developed significant video capabilities including an extensive teaching library, as well as utilizing video analysis to mentor students on site and from afar. Brian continues to actively teach and mentor both SH and TH casters and instructor candidates.
Brian is a very gracious individual, blessed with an extraordinary amount of both patience and common sense. He has a wide range of skills that have served the Casting Instructor Certification Program (CICP) and now the FCEP very well. He is an excellent program administrator, who thinks strategically, and is sensitive to both geographic and cultural sensibilities in the large and ethnically diverse Asia-Pacific region. His direct input into many regional testing events has made them models of success for FFI. He is a very hard and tireless worker and has participated in teaching and testing events in Montana, Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, China, and Malaysia.
Brian is widely known and universally respected throughout the region. Brian ‘s passion for fly casting and teaching will retain him as a leader in the Australia-New Zealand fly fishing community and FFI for years to come. His impact within the CICP has been and continues to be profound, as is his impact on students and fellow instructors in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Todd Somsel
Issaquah, Washington
Todd started his fly casting journey twenty years ago when he approached Bruce Williams to explore the possibility of becoming a FFI Certified Casting Instructor. Even though Todd was humble in his demeanor, it was very clear that his emerging casting skills were approaching elite levels. After his successful CI Certification, Bruce helped mentor Todd through the MCI exam while at the same time Todd helped him prepare a group of CI candidates. His patience made him a great mentor and teacher. Bruce and Todd pursued their two-hand instructor certification together, with Todd reaching the goal first. The day before his THMCI exam when his nerves were running amok, he said what he says so many times, “See it, Feel it, Trust it.”
All the while, he continued to teach casting and prepare candidates for CI certification. He volunteered his time to help run the casting activities at several FFI Conclaves and Expos. Todd was one of the first instructors of his vintage to teach single-hand workshops before becoming one of the principal two-hand instructors, which he remains to this day.
Soon after being elected to the Casting Board of Governors Todd accepted the challenge to lead a major revision of the CI certification exam. Not only was the new test a major improvement, Todd and his team also created companion documents to help candidates prepare for the test. This innovative guide nurtured a constructive, collaborative approach to the exam for candidates and examiners alike.
Todd is a lifelong learner, always asking questions, always experimenting, always casting. He feels an inherent responsibility for getting better and that is what he feels he owes to the Fly Casting Education Program. He is always giving back and continues to make major contributions to fly casting education.
Todd’s natural athletic ability, combined with his patience, humility, and compassion set an inspiring example of how we can all become better teachers. He does not seek accolades for his accomplishments, but if you ask his students, you are likely to hear of an educator who has left an indelible mark on their casting journey.
FFI Mel Krieger Fly Casting Instructor Award
Ray Bianco
Santa Clarita, California
Back in 2005, Ray was instrumental in guiding the Santa Clarita area on how to set up a flyfishing club. With his experience and expertise along with the offerings on the FFI website, Santa Clarita Casting Club became an official club and still continues. Ray handled many classes from tying, knots, rod and reel set up and his specialty, fly casting. As one of his students, the nominator Connie Bullock became a better caster and fly fishermen. Our club owes a lot to him and feel he needs to be recognized.
Massimo (Max) Malli
Varese, Lombardy, Italy
Massimo (Max) Malli is an Italian two-handed rod casting instructor (FFI certified as THMCI since 2007) committed to spreading and teaching the two-handed rod casting technique.
Over the past 20 years of activity he has being able to introduce over 1,300 fishermen of all ages (both men and women) to this fishing technique, many of whom have then made it their passion, particularly in fishing anadromous fish.
His activity takes place in numerous and different activities:
- organization, in collaboration with the main Italian fly fishing clubs, of specific events during which, fishing reports, photographs and films are shown to introduce the basic concepts of the use of the two-handed rod, the main casts used during fishing in different conditions as well as types of equipment are fully illustrated.
- organization of practical courses, usually lasting two days, on the main large Italian rivers to introduce beginners to basic fly casts as well as intermediate and experienced casters to improve their technique and improve their performances during fishing situations. The courses are divided into 4 levels: BASIC (intended for novices), ADVANCED BASIC (intended for beginners), ADVANCED 1st level: (intended for those already experienced) and ADVANCED 2nd level (intended for experinced fishermen).
- organization of practical courses on fishing tactics, particularly for anadromous fish: these courses take place on some of the main European rivers characterized by the presence of Seatrout and Atlantic salmon.
Max Malli is also the promoter and organizer of the group called "The SpeyBand" which held every year a meeting called "Annual Gathering" (now at its 11th edition) which attracts over 250 fishing enthusiasts of the two-handed rod and during which dissemination activities of the TH technique are carried out.
He is also the owner of a very popular Facebook page: Thepeyand Community and he has created his own YouTube channel (completely free) on which 38 tutorials are visible, 14 of which are specific to teaching Spey casting techniques and related problems.
He is also heavily involved in the training of new TH cast instructors and in particular has trained Gianfranco Lenzi (THMCI since 2014) and Stefano Monchieri (THCI since 2014 - certification not renewed).
During 2023 Max Malli teached and trained 5 new instructors who, during the exam session held by FFI in Italy on 4 and 5 November 2023 on the Ticino river in Cuggiono (near Milan) all together passed the exam acquiring THCI certification; among these a woman (first and only in Italy) and a 23 year old young man. This is the list of new instructors: Umberto BENEDETTI, Carla Enrica BORSA, Leonardo CORTI, Maurizio CORTI and Alessandro SALVI.
It can be said that Max Malli has been the point of reference in Italy for the two-handed casting technique for over 20 years, to the diffusion of which he has made a relevant and important contribution in clear relation with the spirit and vision of Fly Fishers International.
FFI Women's Community Development Award
Mary Ann Dozer
Sisters, Oregon
Mary Ann was one of the founders of Women’s Connect, and she regularly helped organize and run the acclaimed Woman’s Fly-Fishing Workshops conducted every year during the FFI Conclaves. The workshops were an enormous undertaking which offered a comprehensive three-day school exclusively for women wanting to increase their flyfishing skills and knowledge. Mary Ann served as the school leader for three years.
Mary Ann is a Master Certified Casting Instructor and she served on the Casting Board of Governors for three years. She is a passionate teacher, and has always been a pioneer in utilizing new techniques to expand the size of the audience she can reach. She was an early adopter of virtual instruction, and tireless proponent of virtual methods to the Casting Governors. When the Covid pandemic forced FFi to convert to a virtual version of the Expo, Mary Ann served as a teacher, advisor and mentor to all of the Casting Instructors who volunteered to conduct virtual presentations for the benefit of FFi. She also volunteered to serve as Moderator for many virtual workshops.
In addition, Mary Ann agreed to lead the Outreach effort of the Casting Program. This entailed not only initiating Continuing Education Zoom sessions for existing instructors, but also organizing virtual gatherings for the Flyfishing instructor Community at large.
Finally, Mary Ann was a leader of the casting activities at the Albany, Oregon Northwest Regional Expos for many years. She utilized the Fly-Casting Skills Development (FCSD) program to introduce casting to anyone who attended the show. Due in part to her early efforts, FCSD has become the single most popular activity the FFi Casting Program has to introduce new participants to our sport. Through her passion for teaching, organizational skills and willingness to push boundaries, Mary Ann has had a lasting impact on the expansion of the flyfishing community.