Jimmy Green Memorial Fly Fishing Fair and Casting Expo

The Day on the River will not be held on Saturday June 19th.  Please join us at the Jimmy Green Fly Fishing Fair and Casting Expo at Lake Tye in Monroe, WA.  Last year we had a large turnout with fun activities for everyone.  Some highlights from last year include the wonderful free bbq lunch, the spey casting competition, numerous on the the water presentations, and manufacter reps with rods and lines to demo.  Come join the festivities with fellow fly fishers.

Someone Doing Something Right - Greg receives THCI Certification!!

One of the greatest pleasures in life is when someone we care about receives success and recognition for their hard work and dedication.

Greg Benchibenga has been working on casting with me for around four years now.  He fixed his gaze on the Long Belly Lines and those places far in the darkness of his eyes. 

For the past three years Greg has been working toward a silent goal of taking and passing the Two Handed Casting Instructor (THCI) test given by the Federation Of Flyfishers (FFF). 

This past weekend at the Sandy River Speyclave,  Greg was successful in achieving his goal.  Greg is a keen student of life and a very understanding individual which makes him an outstanding Instructor.  Greg’s presence with the students, his focus on technique, and his vast knowledge makes his casting lessons a day to remember.

It is with great honor that I call Greg a friend, mentor, and fellow casting instructor.

Quick Note

We will be back on the river at Fall City on Saturday 5/8/10.  The next scheduled "Day Off" will be June 19th for the Jimmy Green Fly Fishing Fair and Casting Expo 

The Last Day of the FFF Conclave in Ellensburg, Washington (5/1/10)

Another day of wind today, but this was the day that I had come to the FFF Conclave for ... the day of my Class.  I would have two assistant instructors Greg Benchibenga and Robert Spencer.

Greg  Benchibenga

Robert and Ann Spencer

Greg is getting ready for his Two Handed Casting Instructor certification from the FFF.

This was his class.  I did the introduction and turned the class over to him.  I gave him some last minute pointers (not that I know everything, but I was hoping to be of service where needed)... and to build his confidence toward the testing.

Robert's helped us with teaching techniques and general support for the the students.  As always he helped provide good moral support to the class.  Unfortunately, the class was small, to say the least, with just one student Mikel Knife. Must work on getting more next year!  Fortunately, I have never been disappointed in low turns outs since I started the "Day On The River" (our free Saturday events) where the expectation is unknown. If there is only one, or many, it is always chance to share ... and welcomed!!

The Class was held at Irene Rhinehart Riverfront Park on The Yakima River (turn right off the Umptanum Road at the Yakima River Bridge to the pond).  It's a lovely park with closely manicured grass, play settings for the young ones, and wind sheltered picnic tables.  It was a great place to hold a class.

A good instructor and very good student (Mikel).  People like them are what makes my time on the water even more enjoyable.  I would like to thank Mikel, Greg, and Robert and Ann for their support and help during the class.

In closing, I would like to thank the Washington Federation of Fly Fishing Council for inviting me to help with the class.  Special thanks to Don Simonson and Kip Keener for all of the FFF support.  It is because of people like them that the sport is better for everyone.

The People at the FFF Conclave

New to the Sport

Old Friend (Gretchen Beatty)

Neighbors ... Ron and Kristin Torda from All About the Fly in Monroe, WA.

Those Who are Making it Happen ... FFF Conclave

In every venture there are those that make things happen ... this is for you!

Don Simonson counseling a potential Casting Instructor.

Everyone chips in ... even with the dishes.

Kip Keener, the Casting Chair.

More from the FFF Conclave

The biggest factor in Fly Fishing is catching a fish.  Fly Fishing can be a 365 day hobby or obsession whichever you choose!!  You can fish, tie flies, work on getting better with your casting, and even build your own rods.  Who could ask for anything more out in the fresh air, and having one idea that leads you to the understanding of excellence.

George Grant's meat and potatoes ... the Sculpin

Box ready to go for the Yakima

The Large Fly for those of use who know that size counts

Some are good enough to eat.  It has been a great afternoon and we still have the evening to go.  Good food and good company, who could want anything better!!