On April 26th, the Gulf Coast Council – and the world of flycasting – lost one of its greatest advocates. Dr. Sydney Smith of Gulfport, a former Casting Director for the GCC, passed away at age 82. A former neurologist, Army veteran, and native of Jackson, MS, he retired from medicine in 2011.
An FFI Master Certified Casting Instructor, Syd conducted casting workshops at various club events and at GCC events. He also contributed articles to “The Loop”, the official publication of the Fly Fishers International Casting Program. In addition, Syd made beautiful bamboo fly rods the likes of which few could compare. He was also a skilled fly tier, and graciously donated his beautiful flies to flyfishing events.
Syd was a gentleman of many talents beyond our sport. He enjoyed singing in the choir and playing the guitar. His specialization was folk music, and he even composed several original songs. He also authored a book on the subject. And in the Fall, Syd could be found alongside his best friend in a duck blind waiting for the winged wonders to come from the sky.
He is survived by his wife, Jordan, and son, Zachary.
