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2007 FFF Southern Council NominationClub of the YearCentral Texas Fly FishersI would like to nominate the Southern Council FFF Central Texas Fly Fishers as the 2007 Club of the Year. I am a member of the CTFF but mostly in name only! My son, Jesse, got his first taste of fly tying at the age of 8 at a Fly Fishing Expo. He was hooked from that moment on. But since neither his dad nor I knew anything about fly fishing we couldn't be of much help to him. So we located the CTFF and asked if an 8 year-old beginner could join. They totally welcomed him with open arms all around. They taught him everything he needed to know about fly tying and fishing. They even set him up with a rod and reel. They never treated him like some pesky little kid; it was always as an equal....another club member. They encouraged him and supported him. And they always invited him to come and help with their community service activities. (They tried to include me as well but I always wanted this to be "Jesse's thing... his special interest.) They had fun helping and encouraging this cute, little, eager blond kid. But what makes them so special is that even now that he is a big, teenager they still look out for him and encourage and support him. They continue to give him the confidence that comes from being "one of the guys". They have truly nurtured his love for the sport. And I have seen this same welcoming attitude directed towards every single newcomer that has ever attended a meeting or function of this club. They genuinely want to share their love of the sport with every single person they come in contact with. An open fly tying session is held every month; much camaraderie occurs here! They man the Fly Tying tent at Texas Expo every year in addition to hosting several fly fishing events for the community each year. CTFF members volunteer for the yearly "San Marcos River Clean-Up" pulling out some pretty interesting items to add to their "collection"! They also mentor the yearly San Marcos Parks & Recreation Dept. Fun Fish Day; this is an outreach program to the Special Needs students from the local school district. The club actively supports "Casting for Recovery" and encourages members to contribute flies. Several members have completed the Texas Parks & Wildlife Angler Education Program to better promote and teach the public about the sport of fly fishing. You can also see CTFF members promoting and having fun while participating in the annual San Marcos River Parade (look for the giant fish float!) They support and contribute to the local Community Center as well as pitching in and volunteering for the Brown Santa Program. Food Drives are held and the topic of community service is an important facet of every meeting. Conservation projects are also always stressed. I truly hope you will bestow the honor of being Club of the Year on this club because they are one hard-working, fun-loving, fine example of what fly fishing is all about! Jaci Kroupa |
