David Buckner, GCC Fly Tying Director, wishes to remind all our members that the new Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award (SWFTS) program not only offers tiers a chance to test their expertise, but also take advantage of some excellent benefits.
The Saltwater Award Program is similar to the “traditional” fly tying skills awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold) managed by the Fly Tying Group (FTG) of Fly Fishers International in that it provides FFI members the opportunity to develop or reinforce their fly tying skills and test their progress against a consistent standard. The Saltwater Award Program supplements the FFI Fly Tying Skills Award Program by focusing specifically on saltwater flies.
At the initiation of the program earlier this summer, J. Stockard was announced as the official partner for the FFI Skills Award Program. Here’s what is being offered:
- The first ten tiers to successfully complete the new Saltwater Award will each receive a $100 J. Stockard gift card.
- For anyone starting the Skills Award program – a 20% discount on tying materials. If you are tying flies to submit for a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Saltwater Skills Award, you are eligible for the 20% discount.
J. Stockard has even made it easy for those pursuing the SWFTS award. They’ve created a streamlined page so you can find exactly what you need. Many thanks to J. Stockard for supporting the legacy of fly tying.
Upon successful completion of the program, tyers will receive an FFI Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award Certificate, a FFI Saltwater Fly Tying Skills Award Pin, and the accomplishment will be recognized in the Whip Finish Journal and on the FFI website.
Program Requirements
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Participants must be an FFI member and an FTG member. You can join FFI and FTG at the time you pay for the Award application. To receive the Award and recognition, it is necessary to follow the instructions outlined in “Instructions to the Saltwater Award Participant” found on the Skills Award webpage (link below).
Participants are required to present THREE examples of each fly pattern for EIGHT out of the TEN patterns listed that you may choose from. Prior to this, you must contact a Saltwater Award Evaluator (“Evaluator”) to confirm their availability to evaluate your flies. Get the mailing address of the Evaluator. All approved Evaluators are listed on the website.
Throughout the process of the Saltwater Award Program, the Evaluator is your contact person if there are questions or items of concern to the tyer. Tyers are encouraged to communicate with the Evaluator at any time. It is also suggested that tyers look at the Saltwater Fly Tying Award Program Evaluation Form found on the website and become aware of what the Evaluators will be evaluating and fully understand the evaluation and scoring process.
Summary
The goal of the Saltwater Award Program is to encourage FFI members to develop and improve their fly tying skills at their own pace through a structured learning plan. It’s meant to be informative, enjoyable, and encourage camaraderie and cooperation amongst those taking part.
For complete details of the program, CLICK HERE.
