Back in March at the first-ever Gulf Coast Sweetwater Classic at Percy Quin State Park, one of the major non-fishing activities was the “Casting Skills Challenge” setup by our Education Director, Roger Breedlove. The CSC is an FFI program designed for all casters, from beginner to advanced, to be a fun way to study, practice and challenge oneself in a progressive fashion at one’s own pace.
Details about the Casting Skills Challenge can be found here on our website under “Casting” menu. The GCC CSC webpage has helpful links to the FFI website, as well as details about CSC activities within our Council.
Roger gave this summary of the Challenge at the Sweetwater Classic:
The Casting Skills Challenge was taken up by a goodly number of participants in the Classic in McComb, MS back in March. We spent the first day, (13th), explaining the challenge and helping folks where they were a bit weak. Lots of practice that day. Mike Carlin, (our Kisatchie club president), had driven over with me and was a great aid.
On Saturday, (14th), we began observing challengers in late morning as they returned from fishing the tournament. We got busy and remained so for several hours. The first challenger was Tom Bullock of Shreveport, LA, who went for Bronze and acquitted himself admirably. Next came A J Rosenbohm, (our council president from River Ridge, LA), who also did well and scored the Bronze. Third was Michael White of Youngsville, LA, who made short work of the Bronze. Next up was Fred Hannie of Lake Charles, LA, a tyer of great talent, who subdued the Bronze challenge.
Kyle Dugas of the New Orleans club came up and breezed through the requirements for Bronze, Silver and Gold. Gene Dufrene of the Mississippi Coast club was next and stood for the Bronze, which he achieved. After him came Larry Strohm, also of the Mississippi Coast club, who conquered the requirements for Bronze. Ken Holmes of St Francisville was next up and had precious little difficulty obtaining all 3 levels. His fishing buddy, Daniel Stelly, also from St Francisville, attained all 3 as well.
Scott Irwin, from Bossier City, LA, encountered no difficulty in attaining the Bronze. Then the Bronze rating next went to George Norton of Pensacola, FL. Glen Davis of Jackson, MS, demonstrated his skills in reaching all 3 levels. Albert Wood of Terry, MS, was last, but it was worth the wait as he scored all 3 levels.
Great participation and we apparently have several notable casters in our Gulf Coast Council. Kudos to all – Roger.
