Since 2007, the Gulf Coast Council has annually recognized members and clubs for their efforts to promote and advance fly fishing, fly tying, conservation, and community – the goals and ideals of Fly Fishers International.
FFI members and member clubs are encouraged to submit nominations. Deadline for nominations is June 30th of each year.
- Nominations for GCC Awards must be submitted either using the online form (link below) -or- by nomination letter. Here is a sample letter for reference: CLICK HERE.
- Please state clearly the qualifications for the nominee for that award.
- Except for Friend of the Council, nominees must be FFI members that are affiliated with or reside in the boundaries of the Gulf Coast Council.
- Most awards are for contributions in the past 12 to 18 months, while some are for longtime achievement. Please check the award criteria.
- In the case where more than one nominee exists, and all are well qualified, preference will be given to those nominees not previously recognized. Please list all accomplishments as in some cases, that person could qualify for an alternative award.
CLICK HERE for the online nomination form.
Email the nomination letter to awards@ffigcc.org.
Again, deadline is June 30th. Honors are announced late Summer or early Fall.
Description of GCC Awards
Fly Fisher of the Year – Awarded to individual(s) whose dedication to the sport has been exemplary, and whose contributions have benefitted one or more aspects of fly fishing or the fly fishing community. (previously titled Man of the Year, Woman of the Year)
Youth Angler of the Year – Recognizes an individual under 18 years of age who has exhibited a passion for fly fishing, enhanced fly fishing skills, and/or contributed to his club or community.
Conservationist of the Year – Individual or club that has made outstanding contributions to the conservation of our fisheries resources and/or their habitats, either through projects or activism.
Excellence in Education Award – Individual or club that has excelled in teaching one or more elements of our sport to others, such as fly casting, fly tying, rod building, or fly fishing techniques. Some past contributions considered.
Fly Tying Achievement Award – Recognizes lifetime contributions to the art of fly tying, through any combination of accomplishment, innovation, instruction of others, publication, or enhancement of the art. This is a lifetime award, so selection criteria is more restrictive.
Club Fellowship Award – In recognition of a club has shown outstanding commitment to its members through activities other than regular meetings. Examples include workshops, casting clinics, fishing trips, fly festivals, etc. Also, activities for the purpose of growing fly fishing, such as college leisure courses or public clinics.
Club Community Award – In recognition of a club that has been very active outside its membership, contributing to the community, or benefitting charitable organizations such as Project Healing Waters, Casting for Recovery, Boy Scouts, or others.
Friend of the Council – Given to an individual or group, outside of the GCC, whose actions and involvement has contributed to the success of the Council.
President’s Award – Selected by the Council president, recognizing an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the organization, and/or to our members and clubs.
GCC Award Recipients
Fly Fisher of the Year Award
2024 – Brian Roberts
2023 – Donald Dehm
2022 – Danielle Davidson
2021 – Bill Morrison
2019 – Roger Breedlove, Jeanne Rogers
2017 – Cody Wells
2016 – Steve Oliver
2015 – Beverly Vidrine, Bill Waters
2014 – Jeff Deuschle
2010 – Jay Forrest, Todd Fleming
2009 – Carolyn Dunn, Marc Pinsel
2008 – Mary Rohrer, Syd Smith
2007 – Bill Heugel, Stacy Trimble
Youth Angler of the Year
2024 – Noah Hoyt
2019 – David Karcher
Conservationist of the Year Award
2024 – Robinson Almeida
2022 – Eastern Shore Fly Fishers
2015 – Eastern Shore Fly Fishers
2008 – Hill Country Fly Fishers
2007 – Dr. Guy Harrison
Excellence in Education Award
2024 – Jeff Ferguson
2023 – Dino Frangos
2022 – David Buckner
2021 – Dr. Tom Dempsey
2019 – Jeff Ferguson
2017 – New Orleans Fly Fishers Club
2016 – Magnolia Fly Fishers
2015 – Fly Fishers of Northwest Florida
2015 – Joe Bandera
2014 – Eastern Shore Fly Fishers
2008 – Jack Lehman
2007 – John Jackman
Club Fellowship Award
2022 – Historic Ocean Springs Saltwater Fly Fishing Club
2021 – Panhandle Fly Fishers
2019 – New Orleans Fly Fishers
2017 – North Louisiana Fly Fishers
2016 – Fly Fishers of Northwest Florida
2015 – Historic Ocean Springs Saltwater Fly Fishing Club
2014 – Contraband Fly Casters
2008 – Texas Fly Fishers
2007 – Destin Fly Fishers
Club Community Award
2024 – Panhandle Fly Fishers
2019 – Kisatchie Fly Fishers
2017 – Contraband Fly Casters
2016 – Red Stick Fly Fishers
2015 – Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers
2014 – Cane Country Fly Casters
2008 – Red Stick Fly Fishers
2007 – San Gabriel Fly Fishers
Friend of the Council Award
2024 – Sam Sumlin
2022 – Sisters on the Fly (SOTF) Southeast Chapter
2019 – Donald Dehm
2016 – Bill Heugel
2015 – Linda and Walter McLendon
2009 – Bob Clemenson
2008 – Rick Pope
2007 – Cary Marcus
President’s Award
2024 – Donald Dehm
2023 – Chris Williams
2022 – Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier
2021 – Jeff Ferguson
2019 – Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier
2017 – Micheal Jackson
2016 – Ron Foreman
2015 – Ken Koffel, Jeff Deuschle
2014 – Leon Cuccia, Marc Pinsel
2013 – Russell Husted
2012 – Syd Smith
2011 – Dr. Ned Lunt
2010 – Brooks Bouldin
2009 – L.F. “Buzzy” Burns
2008 – Marc Delaney
2007 – Ron Begnaud
Lifetime Excellence in Fly Tying Award
| Peter Allen (2015) | Glen 'Catch' Cormier (2024) | |
| Kevin Andry (2023) | Kirk Dietrich (2019) | |
| Diane Blair (2009) | Carolyn Dunn (2008) | |
| Richard Blair (2009) | Fred Hannie (2014) | |
| Ron Braud (2016) | Tom Herrington (2021) | |
| David Buckner (2023) | Bill Heugel (2010) | |
| Dirk Burton (2007) | Marc Pinsel (2022) | |
| Ted Cabali (2021) | Stephen Robert (2017) |
GCC Members Receiving FFI Awards
Since its formation, some members of the Gulf Coast Council have been recognized on the national / worldwide level for their contributions to Fly Fishers International. These awards are presented annually at the FFI’s national expo and awards banquet.
FFI Award of Distinction. Formerly known as Order of the Lapis Lazuli Award. The ultimate award of Fly Fishers International. Thus, the consideration for individual achievement is extremely strict. Services and contribution to FFI must be prominent and extraordinary, and above all, they must be long term.
2011 – Tom Jindra
Fly Fisher of the Year. Formerly known as Federator of the Year Award. Presented to that individual or director who has demonstrated unusual devotion to FFI, and through outstanding contributions has benefitted the FFI as an organization.
2016 – Kyle Moppert
Buz Buszek Memorial Fly Tying Award. Named after legendary tier Wayne ‘Buz’ Buszek, this is the ultimate award in the world of fly tying. This lifetime award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art form through accomplishment, innovation, instruction, publication, and enhancement of the art.
2024 – Fred Hannie, Sr.
McKenzie Cup. Given annually to that FFI Club which has made an outstanding contribution on behalf of the organization, and/or to the mission of the FFI.
2022 – Fly Fishers of Northwest Florida, Pensacola, FL
2012 – Acadiana Fly Rodders, Lafayette, LA
Fly Fishing Skills Education Award. Presented to recognize a single extraordinary contribution or prominent ongoing effort promoting comprehensive fly fishing education (casting, tying, teaching, etc).
2023 – Chris Williams
2022 – Bill Morrison
FFI Conservation Award. Presented to a person, group or organization which has made extraordinary contributions to the conservation of our fisheries resources in the past year.
2024 – Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier
2014 – University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Lab
2012 – Robert Tabbert
Dr. James Henshall Warmwater Fisheries Award. Presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to warmwater fisheries. Named in memory of Dr. James A. Henshall, 19th century author and early advocate for bass as a gamefish.
2007 – Dr. Gunyon “Guy” Harrison
Memorial Life Awards. An FFI life membership given in the name of an individual who has contributed significantly to fly fishing. The recipient is an individual whose accomplishments and contributions have advanced fly fishing education, conservation, and community.
2016 – Fred Hannie – Charles E. Brooks Memorial Award
2014 – Marc Pinsel – Charles E. Brooks Memorial Award
2012 – Robert Tabbert – Don Harger Memorial Award
Dick Nelson Fly Tying Teaching Award. Presented to an individual who has excelled in teaching the art of fly tying to tiers at all skill levels.
2014 – Bill Heugel
Mel Krieger Fly Casting Instructor Award. Given by the Casting Board of Governors (CBOG) in recognition of those who have made significant contributions to the FFI Casting Instructor Certification Program, have dedicated themselves to fly casting instruction, and have shared their knowledge with others.
2023 – Jeff Ferguson
2020 – Keith Richard
Jay Gammel for Fly Casting Instruction Award. Given by the Casting Board of Governors (CBOG) to honor those who have made a lasting contribution to fly casting instruction in the form of written publications, instructional course materials, or electronic media.
2019 – Keith Richard
Council Leadership Award. Presented to a council president who has demonstrated unusual devotion to FFI through outstanding contributions to their council, and to the organization as a whole.
2021 – A.J. Rosenbohm
2014 – Kyle Moppert
Council Award of Excellence. Previously given annually to an individual(s) from each council who have made outstanding contributions to their councils, and in advancing the mission of the organization. Antiquated in 2020.
2019 – Jeff Ferguson
2018 – Dirk Burton
2017 – Micheal Jackson
2016 – Ron Foreman
2015 – Jeff Deuschle, Ken Koffel
2014 – Marc Pinsel, Leon Cuccia
2013 – Russell Husted
2012 – Sydney Smith
2011 – Dr. Ned Lunt
2010 – Brooks Bouldin
2009 – L.F. ‘Buzzy’ Burns
2008 – Marc Delaney
A complete list of FFI award recipients can be found on their awards web page. Click here.
