The Fly Fishers International Casting Skills Challenge (CSC) consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold. Each level represents a more advanced achievement, that is, being able to make certain types of casts. The Bronze is designed for novices, the Silver for intermediate casters, the Gold for advanced.
All fly anglers – regardless of FFI membership – can benefit from following the regiment outlined in the CSC. It takes a structured path of achieving success with each level of casts, then building on those skillsets to complete the next level. However, if you wish to receive FFI recognition certificates and pins for any level completed, as well as recognition here on the Gulf Coast Council website, then you need to be an FFI member.
To qualify for the FFI recognition award, follow the documentation procedures (including use of a Facilitator) and submit Score Sheets to FFI. For the Gold Level Challenge, the facilitator must be a previous Gold Level recipient, or a Certified Casting Instructor. Fortunately, we have numerous CIs within our Council more than willing to assist in the Gold Level Challenge.
Information on the Skills Challenge, Facilitators, and Score Sheets can be found on this web page: FFI Casting Skills Challenge page
One important note… since there is an application fee for each level, it is recommended that you work towards the highest level you can in a short time before submitting the score sheets. For example, if you easily master the Bronze, then complete the Silver, but find the Gold to be too challenging at this point, submit your application for the Silver only (not Bronze and Silver). Later, when you accomplish the Gold Level, you can submit for the Gold. This will save you a few dollars, and make the paperwork easier for the Casting Committee.
Roger Breedlove (CI) is GCC Education Director and coordinator of the Casting Skills Challenge within our Council. If you have any questions regarding the CSC, please feel free to contact Roger at this email address.
Learning Center
To help casters become proficient at each type of cast, the FFI Learning Center has created a series of instruction modules. Each module consists of a cast description and video. The modules are available on this web page. FFI Learning Center
Most of the Learning Center modules are available to the public. The “Expanded Instruction” content on each module is available only to FFI members. Log in with your member ID to see those.
