Upcoming Events
Greetings to all Florida FFI members,
We wish to announce the FFI Florida Council Expo 2021 Dates: October 1-2, 2021 Location: Mission Inn, Howey-in-The-Hills, FL 34737
The Florida Council of FFI is having a Fly Fishing Expo on October 1 and 2 (Friday and Saturday) at the Mission Inn. Hotel reservations are under Florida Fly Fishers at 951-784-0330. We are inviting all interested fly fishers whether a pro or beginner. General programs on fly casting, fly tying, and other related topics are being arranged.
Small group sessions for fly casting and fly tying will also be available for an additional fee. A reception is planned for Friday night and a banquet with a featured speaker and live auction for Saturday night. We are starting a publicity campaign and need your help in spreading the word. Any volunteering with the activities is greatly appreciated.
We welcome your ideas for making the Expo a big success! As the program develops, updates will be available on our web site. David Olson, President, is chairing the Expo. David ( david@whitestackle.com ) and Thomas ( thomasgadacz@yahoo.com ) welcome any suggestions or questions.
Florida Council Expo
FL Council Expo 2021 Proposed Fees for Expo
General admission (2 days + Friday Reception) $30
Single day admission $15 Reception (Friday) only $20
Banquet and live Auction (Saturday) $50
Small group Fly Tying 4 sessions (Friday and Saturday) $30/ session
Small group Fly Casting 4 sessions (Friday & Saturday) $30/session
Small group sessions: Fly Casting and Fly Tying = Morning and afternoon on Friday and Saturday
Fly tying = 6 people/session
Fly casting = 5 people/session
Raffle tickets @ $1/ticket $10 for 12 tickets $20 for 26 tickets
Past Events and News
Christina Welsh Receives FFI Conservation Grant
Christina Welsh, a second-year Ph.D. student studying Biological Oceanography at the University of South Florida was awarded the FFI Conservation Award of $2,000 to support her research.
Christina’s research focuses on understanding the metabolic physiology of larval fish concerning climate change. This includes measuring the amount of oxygen consumed by fish at rest and during exercise, and the minimum levels of oxygen needed for survival. By measuring these things at different temperatures, it is possible to estimate how fish populations change as seawater warms. The research will include species that are important components of recreational fisheries in Florida, like Red Drum and Spotted Seatrout.
Christina first became interested in studying marine science as an undergraduate at Stockton University, in her home state of New Jersey. Living in a small town close to the ocean showed her the value that natural resources provide to coastal communities. That was reflected in her research interests, as she participated in many projects that looked at the effects of climate change on important coastal species, including oysters, scallops, and various types of fish. Outside of school, her hobbies include running marathons and spending time with her two cats.
We are very proud of Christina Welsh and her background and commitment to Florida marine research.
Cliff Nigh (Conservation Chair) and Tom Gadacz
Eco Adventure Camps 2021
June 9 and June 22, 2021
This year Hillsboro County Park System in Florida offered a limited number of youths a twoweek experience learning outdoor nature skills. We have been teaching fly casting skills to the youths in these summer camps since 2013. Last year all sessions were cancelled due to COVID19. Past sessions had 40 youths per session and we usually did 3 to 4 sessions every summer.
Members of Suncoast Fly Fishers (SFF), a Fly Fishers International (FFI) Charter club and member of the FFI Florida Council, participate in the program by providing fly casting instructions.
This year we had two sessions of 20 youths/session and about a third of them were girls. The sessions were on June 9 at Riverview Civic Center and June 22 at Carrollwood Village Park.
During a brief classroom session several topics were discussed and included fly fishing equipment and techniques, differences between spin and fly casting, the kinds of fish in fresh and salt water, how flies imitate the food fish eat, and fly casting.
The kids are paired up and help each other. The casting stroke was demonstrated and practiced using the paint brush drill. The instructors moved among each pair giving praise and a few instructions. After practicing the forward and back stroke, they begin casting 5 weight 8’ 6’’ fly rods. Hula hoops and 18” potting plates were the targets and placed at 30 feet from the caster. The non-casting partner observes and encourages their partner. Avoiding rotation of the wrist was the greatest initial challenge. They changed positions every 10 to 15 minutes. Most of the youths had some proficiency by the end of the sessions and a few were a very good. Every youth received a SFF Certificate of Completion of the Junior Training for Fly Casting.
The Eco Adventure Camp at Riverview was covered on June 11 by our local FOX Channel 13 and host, Charlie Belcher. The youth they showed fly casting was rewarded by his parents with a fly casting outfit and a promised trip to the Rocky Mountains for fly fishing.
The youth fly casting sessions were staffed by SFF members Rick Warfel, SFF President, David Redd, Quinn Berry, Tom Gadacz, Chris O’Byrne, and Robert Fischer.
We wish to thank Director Heather Gay and camp councilors Jessie Brown and Brad Lympany.
Tom Gadacz