Tuesday, September 19, 2017

2017 FFI Gulf Coast Council award winners

Stephen Robert with FFI-GCC President Mike Jackson
At this past weekend's 4th annual Gulf Coast Fly Fishing Fair, the Gulf Coast Council (GCC) of Fly Fishers International (FFI) recognized several Louisiana clubs and individuals for their outstanding achievements this past year. The awards were presented by GCC Past President Kyle Moppert at Friday night's banquet.

Fly Tyer of the Year - Stephen Robert of Houma - awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the art of fly tying, through any combination of innovation, enhancement of the art, or education of others.

Club Community Award - Contraband Fly Casters - awarded to a club that has been very active outside its own membership, and as such, has made outstanding contributions to the community at large.

Club Fellowship Award - North Louisiana Fly Fishers - awarded to a club that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to its members through activities, and effective communication..

Education Award - New Orleans Fly Fishers - awarded to an individual or club has made oustanding contributions to passing along the art of fly fishing to others.

In addition to these Louisiana winners, Cody Wells of Destin, Florida was awarded Man of the Year for unusual devotion to the sport of fly fishing and contributions to the FFI and/or his club. Also Corbin Bennetts was awarded the Robert J. Marriot Scholarship Grant. Corbin is a graduate student working on red drum research at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab.

Again, congratulations to all these clubs and individuals.