Flyfishing Tournaments

[Jason B]

There is a lot of bass tournaments that i see on TV or hear about going on. Is there any FF tournaments here in the western U.S.? If so where can i find information about them?
Thanks
Jason B

[FrozenFish]

A Fly-Fishing tourny....that made me laugh :)

[Jason]

Here's one that I know of.

http://www.jhonefly.org/

The Jackson Hole One Fly Event is not a professional contest. There are no cash prizes, though they do award trophies and fishing gear to the winning team's participants. The satisfaction comes in competing in an event that raises money for worthwhile causes and promotes the sport of fly fishing. While the event is somewhat competitive, it is not destructive, and does not promote professional fishing.

Man is somewhat competitive by nature; it is what drives us. The Jackson Hole One Fly captures the spirit of friendly competition and does not lose sight of what fly fishing is all about - the celebration of the outdoors, the celebration of a beautiful cast, the gathering of friends, and the sharing of nature. That is what this contest is about.

[1fly]

I'll try not to get too defensive, but the One Fly is NOT a fishing tournament!

Yea, people count the number of fish they catch (don't we all?). But have you ever heard of the "winner" of the One Fly? The particpants (not contestants) pay a $1000 entry and there is no winner's purse. The One Fly is a fund raising event. Proceeds go to fund stream rehab in the area. It's an awesome win-win.

From the posts I have seen from Jason B. he could probably outfish everyone at the One Fly. But that is not what it is about. People who come to compete at the One Fly are laughed at and not invited back. The guy who "won" a few years ago showed up with a tarpon fly the next year. Just to let everyone know he doesn't take himself too seriously.

The One Fly is about people who love fly fishing and the Snake River.

[RAW]

I know there is an international fly fishing tournament and probably a few local geographical tournaments, but most fly fishers do not believe in them (I don't condemn them, just don't participate or believe in them.) Friendly competition is another thing! If fly fishers ever get to the point where they are like the Bass Anglers (I don't condemn them, just don't participate in them,) then I think we have lost something and become part of the rat-race which is so prevalent in our lives anyway. Fly fishing should remain "The Quiet Sport" in my opinion. $.02

[Fred]

There was a program on television a while back that showed the outdoor olympics (I think it was called that). Anyway, as part of the program, there was a fly fishing competition. They showed some of the competitors. They were all fishing the same stretch of river. Needless to say, it was very crowded and they were fishing very fast and catching small fish. They had to make decisions on which fish to keep because the one with the biggest fish won (or something like that). Anyway, the decision process seemed very stressful.

In short, the entire competition seemed to completely miss the important reasons (to me) for fly fishing in the first place. Solitude, quiet, isolation. Like the guy who posted a report about walking along the river and not even bothering to drop in a line. And the fact that fly fishing is a way to get away from the day-to-day stress...not add to it.

Basically, although we all take pride in being great anglers (after all, a lot of us are obsessed with the sport, so we should be fairlyl good at it), turning it into competition really seems at odds with what we set out to do in the first place. .02 cents.

[Wes Johnson]

While bass and walleye tournaments are legal here in Utah, be careful on coldwater tournaments.

If you remember there was an effort a while back to have a Strawberry tournament. It was opposed by TU and Strawberry Anglers on conservation ethics associated with the rebuilding on the fishery. DWR decided not to allow any angling competitions when it came to coldwater fishing.

There was also the incident where a group in Logan wanted to have a whitefish tournament on the Logan and Blacksmith. They hawked it as removing whitefish so that the trout had less competition. This was also protested by TU, and DWR advised them not to do it.

Flyfishing tournaments for coldwater species in Utah are basically a no-no.

[Jason B]

I don't know if i would ever participate in one and don't see anything wrong with them as long as certain guild lines are followed. No fish kept in live wells and they are quickly released, limited participants, enough area to give each person personal space to fish. It's not just a competition of anglers but of the elements. Testing your knowledge of insects, fish behavior, casting and fishing abilitys, and knowledge of the water. It could be a tournament of anglers against angler but also a test of your knowledge of the sport. I would never participate in a contest or tournament that shadows what the bass tournaments practice.
thanks
Jason B

[RAW]

Jason,

I've participated in some "friendly" competitions in the past with fishing partners. When your buddy is standing on one side of a river catching trout after trout and you are not catching any or few, it can really drive you crazy. When you're on the catching end and your friend is not catching it can really make you gloat. I've been on both ends. It can make for some fun ribbing and memories. I think most of us do what you suggest when we go fishing anyway, whether alone or with friends. We are always in competition with the trout. Like I said earlier, and it sounds like you agree, I just can't see myself wearing a shirt that has advertising on it (although I have been forced to wear one at tying demos) and running up and down the stream with a time limit trying to prove my fishhood.

[FrozenFish]

I was wondering, why don't you guys make a small FF tournament, that is if enuf of you want it..

[Lowcountry]

How about fly casting or tying tournaments? This is the only FF tournament that is ethically feasible.

[HWG]

There's a Fly-fishing tournament in the Eastern Sierras in Calif every Sept. I fished in this year and it wasn't to bad. Kind of crowded but fun. There aren't any cash prizes bit lots of merchandise. the guy who won it this year got about $8,000.00 dollars worth of merchandise. They had a big dinner and awards ceremony that night with lots of raffle prizes. One of my fishing partners won the grand prize, an all expense paid trip to Alaska. It's still-water fishing in Lake Crowley.

HWG

[Juke]

I find this a very interesting subject, I have read many personal interpretations of the sport. Many have stated that it is ethically wrong, why? Is it because fly fishermen are somewhat elitist in their thinking? Is it because we flyfishermen do not want to lumped into the same catagory as some "Southern Bubba."

How is the flyfishermen's yearning for solitude any different than the guy who wants to sit on the bank of a muddy river bait fishing for catfish on a hot summer afternoon? There is no difference. Each angler is looking for the same release from the stresses of everyday life, albeit throught different methods.

It is common in the UK to have "fishing derby's" for carp, and salmonids. The islands of the UK are the cradle of flyfishing as we know it. This is where many of the so called "ethics" of modern flyfishing had their origins. Yet, it is an accepted practice there.

If a respected fly angler such as Lefty Kreh entered a BASS tournament, and threw poppers and clousers with his 6 wt, would he be ethically bankrupt in the eyes of fellow flyfishermen? Or would this only apply to an angle chasing the holy trout?

[Juke]

Hi Wes,

Can you please expand a little on your comments about coldwater ethics, and "Flyfishing tournaments for coldwater species in Utah are basically a no-no." I would like to understand the DWR's thought process on this subject.

As you are probably aware, Wyoming has many tournaments and derby's for coldwater species each year(Flaming Gorge, Viva Naughton, Evanston Elks, etc.) and yet in these particular waters there is no apparent damage.

Thanks in advance.

[shazerblaze]

I find it interesting, because competition doesn't necessarily have to bring out "the bad" or "the unethical" in us. It can actually bring out some good in the fishermen. I fully understand the ethics and the moral code fly fishermen tend towards. I am one of them. I believe in catch and release (95% of my fishing) and yet I am always willing to throw a 12 in on the barby (selective harvest can improve a fishery). If it is done in moderation with particular care to protect the fishery, I don't know if a little tourney would be bad. Now, if it was destructive in some way, I'll oppose it whole-heartedly. I don't know! Hmmm! I think a little tourney would be fun. Everyone could give and receive some friendly jabs at the successes and skunks. Maybe a prize for the largest fish released. Maybe the prizes could only be given if the fish were released. Ethics and river courtesy could receive points also. Anyway, something to think about. By the way, I did see some kind of tournament or contest or something with flyfishing on TV. If I remember correctly it was on ESPN or ESPN2 (probably ESPN2 -- they tend to have things like that). Be good.

[shazerblaze]

I agree. Well said. It would be like a couple of friends getting together to "strut their stuff" and catch some fish. No harm done, only fun.

[Bonefish]

With all due respect to 1fly, as is set forth in the name, the One Fly Tournament is absolutely a fly fishing tournament, and does indeed have winners. I know two individuals that have been on winning teams, and both of them will proclaim themselves the winners and brag about the conquest at every available chance. The winners of the tourney are indeed called winners, in both individual and group classes, and they typically will recieve Sage rods, reels, lines, gear bags, etc., which definitely lend a competitive aspect to the tournament. The plaque they recieve (which weighs as much as a small drift boat) also clearly states "winner- one fly tournament, 199-". While I wholeheartedly agree with you that the onefly is a good thing as far as tournaments go- the impact to the fisheries is minimal due to "beat assignment", and the money goes toward a good cause- let's not get caught up in the "benefit of mankind" aspect of this. Call it what it is- a tournament where people get to jump on the fence and crow a little bit and gain recognition and respect from thier peers, not to mention get thier names and probably patterns in numerous magazines.

I was fortunate enough to spend a substantial amount of time fishing in the Jackson Hole area in the late 80's-early 90's, and was peripherally involved in the 1fly contest on one occasion. Personally, I was appalled at the self serving chest thumping and blatant competitive distrust that charachterized the tournament. I have always said that fly fishing is about what makes you, personally, feel good (this is obviously different for everybody), and I have nothing against those types that need competition to enjoy fly fishing- it is just not for me. I feel that competition and numbers in our wonderful sport have no place and are completely missing the point, but that is just my opinion. Also Robert Travers, Gary Lafontaine's, Bud Lilly's, Steve Raymond's, Charlie Brooks, and Dan Bailey's.

I do have a friend who owns a fly shop in Durango, and competes in a dozen or more bass tournaments a year. We had this same discussion a few years ago, and he felt that (fortunately), bass style tourneys would never work for trout. His opinion was that trout are more fragile, and that a fishery with enough sizable trout to sustain a tourney would immediately crash after the tourney, and would take years to recover. He did not feel planters would present enough of a sustained challenge for tournament fishing. He felt that bass are "tougher", and are used to more temperature extremes, dirty water, and recuperate from being caught a lot faster than trout. I hope he's right.

Anyway, sorry for the novel (again), and this in no way is a personal attack on you 1fly, please don't take it as such. Remember what it's all about.

[Larry S.]

I'm not going to get myself caught up in the tounament controversy just yet. I will save my opinion till after I hear from Jay and Kathy Buchner at our Cache Anglers meeting this Thursday evening. They both participated recently in the World Flyfishing Championship held in Sweden last August(Kathy won a "sponsered" event). They are giving a presentation on just that.

Having said that how many of us know who has won the past One Fly events? I'll bet it is substantially less than those of us who can tell us which "flies" won the contests.

[Wes Johnson]

This particular rule covers fishing contests in Utah. Specifically it states:

"(2) Fishing contests conducted for cold water species of fish, such as trout, whitefish, and salmon may not be conducted:

(a) If the fishing contest offers $500 or more in total prizes, or has more than 200 contestants, except on Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Echo Reservoir there is no limit to the amount that may be offered in prizes or the number of contestants.

(b) on those waters where the Wildlife Board has imposed special harvest rules, such as tackle restrictions, reduced limits, or size restrictions or other exceptions to the general fishing regulations."

enuf said.

[Juke]

Sorry Wes, I disagree, "enuf" has not been said. Simply regurgitating the current law on the books hardly elaborates on the reasoning behind such a management decision. I was hoping that you could elaborate on why the DWR has such a regulation on coldwater tournaments. And also on your your specific comment on "conservation ethics" as the apply to tournaments for coldwater species.

Laws in the State of Utah are changed all the time, maybe this one should be changed as well.

[FrozenFish]

I have learned that all cold-water fish are much more delicate then warm/cool water fish, therefor no tournys for them, and can you imagine Bass Pros handleing trout the way they do bass, no way in he!! the trout would survive..

[mcgx2]

My opinion on the whole tornament subject comes from a reflection on myself. When I was younger I tended to be very competitive by nature, and then I realized what affect this has on my outlook, and what difference did it all make anyway if next week...month...year no one would remember what the competition was all about. The only one I like to compete with any more is myself. When it is just myself vs. the trout and my own expectations. There are no excuses, no winners or loosers, only the rewards of having played on an unbiased playing field as nature treats every man equally and maybe learning a little in the process.

Larry S. - You are right, I can tell you almost every fly that has won the One Fly but can't tell you any person that has won.

mcg

[Fred]

I feel the same way as MCG and I share some of Bonefish's thoughts too.

The competition, for me, is against the fish. Someone once said, "it's the battle of the wits agains the unarmed". Nevertheless, it is so challenging and offers so many things to consider, that I don't need to compete against other anglers to find satisfaction. Just exploring new waters, learning about new fly patterns, tactics, or insects, and feeling the tug of the line when I hook a healthy fish is enough competition for me.

[Juke]

Let me explain my position a little more clearly. I probably would never compete in a tournament, or derby, and I agree with almost everyones feelings on the flyfishing ethos, or the unique personal satisfactions we all like about this religion called flyfishing.

However, some of the statements on this subject do not hold water scientifically, or ethically. I see a segment of the Utah angling population that would participate in such a tournament. I have yet to hear a satisfactory answer "why" this is not legal in this state.

[RAW]

Well said Rufman!

[Bonefish]

Juke,

With all due respect, it seems to me that you have indirectly answered your own question. I absolutely agree that there is a significant amount of the fishing population that needs this competitive aspect in their sporting pleasure, and would participate in a tourney. This has resulted in the law currently in the books.

Does anyone remember the "Strawberry Derby" fiasco about four-five years ago (maybe longer)? It originally started out as a Strawberry Rez only contest where the biggest fish caught on a certain day got $10,000- it might have even been $25,000, I can't remember. Initial indications were so completely overwhelming (one estimate I heard was putting over 80,000 people on the rez in one day) that they had to change it to a statewide tourney. Some joker snuck down below Flaming Gorge Dam at 2am in the morning and hooked one of those wall beasts with a rapala to win the prize. He of course then claimed to have caught it down by Little Hole, but later admitted it was not a legal catch. I think this tourney might be what prompted the coldwater addition to the rule.

My point is, I feel that exact reasons why it is not permitted have been adequately and appropriately explained from many angles within this thread. The damage, both immediate and long term, that a tourney would do to a single body of water are both indisputable and terrifying. Because there is so much interest in tourneys, the powers that be understood that they would trash, probably irrepairably, water that tourneys were held in. For once, I think they got it right.

[Larry S.]

It's like the "Big Buck" contests of days gone by that were sponsored by Sunset Sports, Wolfe's, and Zinick's among others. Probably a lot of you on this board don't remember them let alone the sponsers that have long since went the way of the Dodo.

Back in my younger days I won a spinning outfit from Sunset Sports for a 13lb cutthroat spawner from Swan Creek over at Bear Lake. Still have it.

I think I was a Dodo.............

[Larry S.]

Hey Curtis----- can you park in the senior citizen stalls at Smith's now? :^) I see I went from a junior member to just a plain ol' member............

[Juke]

In the scenario at Strawberry you describe, there were obviously no controls set into place, in other words, it was not managed well.

Indisputable harm? Immediate and long term dammage? This I cannot say. But if such a tournament is managed correctly, then this can be a popular outlet for the targeted angling crowd.

If I am to believe you arguement, then Utah fisheries are much more fragile, and suceptable to damage by its anglers than those of neighboring states who allow, and many times endorse such a derby on coldwater fish.

[Larry S.]

We had our Cache Anglers meeting tonight with Jay Buchner as the guest speaker. He talked about the World Flyfishing Championships that he has participated in for the last several years. I came away from the meeting with a better understanding as to how this particular organization approaches "Tournament" type fishing.

This organization has been around a long time(I sure even longer than B.A.S.S ) and has a far different approach. For instance since 1993 it has required an environmental or conservation symposium to help educate about problems facing anglers around the world. And they generate funds for many projects around the world. There are other items too numerous to mention and would bore you I'm sure as there are those who would object to contests no matter what.

We did have a pretty good turnout and had a good time.

Crosby was so impressed he left his wallet as a token of his appreciation ! (give me a call in the morning and I will get what is left of it back to you. :^) )

[1fly]

Bonefish,

I agree with a number of your points. I'm glad you see the One Fly as a good thing. I would like to clarify a few points. It is called the "Jackson Hole One Fly Event" not tournament. The people involved are refered to as "participants", not competitors. Its my understanding that a number of people were not invited back in the years you mentioned 87-early 90s for the reasons you listed (too serious). I would be interested to know if your friends got invited back?
Having attended the last 5 years, I can tell you that there is no "chest thumping". One of my favorite quotes from the One Fly board is " The board cautions however, that it is not trying to develop a professional event, as we feel this event is about having fun. Fishing ability must take a back seat to fun in the overall success of the event." Doesn't sound like a tournament. Bottom line is to look at what comes of the event. CONSERVATION MONEY. Yea it doesn't benfit mankind but if you have ever fished the Snake, South Fork, Yellowstone, Henry's Fork, or Buffalo River you have probably benfitted from the One Fly. The One Fly is also working with TU on a number of embrace a stream projects (From helping Bonneville Cutts in the Goshute to Brook Trout in the Smokey Mountains)

It sounds like you may have run in to a few bad apples at the One Fly. From first hand observation, I can tell you people like Jack Dennis, Mike Lawson, Denny Anderson, Scott Sanchez, and Gary LaFontaine have no respect for that kind of attitude.

[Bonefish]

1fly- I shot off an email to a freind back east who still participates in the "event", and he comfirmed your info. He thought that it started out as a "tournament", changed briefly to a "contest", but has been an "event" for quite a while now. Obviously, I was so turned off by my initial contact with the occasion in the early 90's. that I haven't bothered to keep up on it. My apologies. Seriously. I am man enough to admit when I wrong. I do however, think that a glo bug is still an egg pattern, and a red devil or san juan is still a worm.

What do you say we call this a draw? I'll concede that the onefly is a good thing, that it probably does not connotate a typical tournament, and that it does benefit a lot of us anglers in direct ways. Will you concede that there really are "winners", and that deep down, the majority of anglers in the place wants to win it, even if it is no longer a blatantly competitive event? Even if they call the winners something else? ("most enthusiastic participant", or maybe "the guy/team who's name we drew from a hat") I don't see how competition cannot be a large factor in the onefly. If it was all about conservation money, then Trout Unlimited and the Nature Conservancy would be requiring essays on why they should accept massive amounts of money from all of us, and would only be accepting one out every four donations. I don't buy the comraderie card either, although I'm sure that's part of it. I can hang with my fishing buddies without spending $3 large.

For the record, both of my friends who won the event were invited back. One is still going to this day. The other individual was one of a two guide ensemble that a wealthy client paid his way. He was invited next year, but the client wasn't going to pay for him. Yes, I know that only one "professional"is allowed per team, but cheating has also, unfortunately, been an overwhelming factor in my onefly exposure as well. No, I am not a shyster who hangs out with a bunch a con artists, but it became purely apparent quickly that the majority of the teams were made up of more than one professional. Another guy I know who still competes keeps two guides on his construction company books just in case they ever get caught, and pays their way every "event" This is also a big reason I am so turned off by it. Fortunately, it sounds like things have changed, and I am glad to hear it. Anyway, I'll shut up now, remember what it's all about.

[Wyoming 2]

Did you read your Utah fishing regulations...tournies for trout are against the law...

[Salmo]

What would be the point.
Does anyone really care who catches the most or largest fish?
Is the need for recognition one of the the reasons we fish?
Do all things in life need to be competitive?

For me I think I will try to keep this one thing in my life noncompetitive.