Southeastern Fly casters Invitational casting tournament?

[pbourcq]

If I organized and ran a casting tournament how many people would show up? We could do an adults and kids division or even am and pro or whatever. Payout the top 3 placers. Say 25-50 dollar buy in. Make sure all the kids get something.

I will setup the course, get the judges, hoops, and all obstacles. Also add a distance cast and a few other things.

It would be fun to get together and cast and people never leave these things without learning something.

We could do it anywhere in Georgia you want. Would anyone be interested in something like this? Thoughts or ideas?

[Buck Henry]

One somewhat self serving thought: possibly make this a NGTO fund raising opportunity versus paying out cash prizes to winners? Not sayin, just sayin! :rolleyes:

[Gatorbyte]

I like the idea.

I'd like to point out to others the thing that makes NGTO work is the efforts by the members. If you plan it and organize it, people will come and so will the support.

[Fish Gazer]

Hey, I think this is a great idea too.


Just a note, there is a casting competition at the FFF S.E Conclave coming up.


ACA-5 weight Fly Casting Competition-John Hand, hosted by the Sunshine State Casting Club. A FUn For All casting event on Saturday, June 5th, 1pm to 4pm.

Here is the link

http://www.fffsec.org/conclave10/2010_conclave_programs.html#Cast

We have some fabulous casters nearby, I know who I would have my mulah on,,,,,,,,,, RR.


Jeff

[Fire Walker]

I am down :app:

[GaMtnSteeler]

Count me in if you have a category for tree branch accuracy.

[Musselwhite]

Sounds interesting. I'm in.

Musselwhite

[benvan]

I am down for sure!

[pbourcq]

Im thinking maybe the end May or June. We can do it somewhere central to everyone. I have lots of targets, cones, and what not.

It will be limited to a 9 foot 5 weight max length/weight. i have matching reels with line on them for distance and accuracy. I need to round up some prizes and figure out how to make it worth it for NGTO.

Any ideas on intersting targets?

If you are interested let me know and I will work on this over the next few days. Any input is welcome especially on when to do it.

If we get enought people maybe brent will cook barbecue.....

[tboy]

Yeah man! The more casting the better!

If there is anything I can do to help you get this event set up I'd be thrilled. Let me know and thanks for stepping up to put it together!

Idk a lot about how other courses have been set up, but RR did one with a hoop vertically above ground that you had to cast through to the target. It was a good challenge.

May 22nd or 29th for possible dates?

[pbourcq]

Count me in if you have a category for tree branch accuracy.

There will be bushes to cast at....or around......;)

[Fire Walker]

I was lucky enough to compete in the 1st Annual Fly Fishing Masters, at the time it was aired on OLN(the Outdoor Life Network now Versus)and thought that we could use the same idea for our own NGTO Masters.

There should be teams of two and the fee could be 100 dollars a team. 50 to NGTO and 50 goes in the pot. This way we can have Brent and his crew hook up the Q and support NGTO and all their efforts! At the first masters we did the casting comp around a farm pond, it made it really cool and more authentic casting to targets on the water. There is of course the distance element and targets but there was also the roll cast and obstacle. We could throw in some other cool things as well. We can use pontoons to set the course as well as judge. We can use the original rules as a benchmark. Rocket has these and was a big part of the show so as always can give great insight. 1st order of business imo would be to firm up a location. By late May early June the weather will be fantastic and the fields should have been bush hogged. So let’s find someone that has a farm pond, preferably with an earthen dam to cast from for the distance component. Pretty easy to set up the distance component with some yellow polypropylene line and weight to keep it straight. We can use the same course for the roll cast. The targets can be hula hoops with foam tubes wrapped around them set at 25, 50 and 75 feet. The brush cast can be a foam board with some fake branches. The bracket system was the method used originally but given time constraints we could set it up like the fling casting comp. We then take the top three teams from the casting comp up to Jimmy’s and have a fish off for the grand prize:tu: It shouldn’t be too hard to contact some sponsors for the event and get them to donate all kinds of cool schwag. Thoughts?

[Buck Henry]

Something to consider: cooking BBQ is somewhat costly and time consuming to do, especially for a smaller event like this. I was kind of hoping burgers and dogs would do (just trying to control costs guys; it's my job!).

[Fire Walker]

All things considered lets see what the intrest is. I am a big fan of burgers and dogs and knowing this crew there will be tons of other yummies to go along. Just remember if we have 20 teams thats a grand to NGTO. Those better be some **** good burgers and dogs::ke::p

[skibum]

You just want a partner so he can cover your arse in the comp.. ;)


I was lucky enough to compete in the 1st Annual Fly Fishing Masters, at the time it was aired on OLN(the Outdoor Life Network now Versus)and thought that we could use the same idea for our own NGTO Masters.

There should be teams of two and the fee could be 100 dollars a team. 50 to NGTO and 50 goes in the pot. This way we can have Brent and his crew hook up the Q and support NGTO and all their efforts! At the first masters we did the casting comp around a farm pond, it made it really cool and more authentic casting to targets on the water. There is of course the distance element and targets but there was also the roll cast and obstacle. We could throw in some other cool things as well. We can use pontoons to set the course as well as judge. We can use the original rules as a benchmark. Rocket has these and was a big part of the show so as always can give great insight. 1st order of business imo would be to firm up a location. By late May early June the weather will be fantastic and the fields should have been bush hogged. So let’s find someone that has a farm pond, preferably with an earthen dam to cast from for the distance component. Pretty easy to set up the distance component with some yellow polypropylene line and weight to keep it straight. We can use the same course for the roll cast. The targets can be hula hoops with foam tubes wrapped around them set at 25, 50 and 75 feet. The brush cast can be a foam board with some fake branches. The bracket system was the method used originally but given time constraints we could set it up like the fling casting comp. We then take the top three teams from the casting comp up to Jimmy’s and have a fish off for the grand prize:tu: It shouldn’t be too hard to contact some sponsors for the event and get them to donate all kinds of cool schwag. Thoughts?

[PAW45]

I was lucky enough to compete in the 1st Annual Fly Fishing Masters, at the time it was aired on OLN(the Outdoor Life Network now Versus)and thought that we could use the same idea for our own NGTO Masters.

There should be teams of two and the fee could be 100 dollars a team. 50 to NGTO and 50 goes in the pot. This way we can have Brent and his crew hook up the Q and support NGTO and all their efforts! At the first masters we did the casting comp around a farm pond, it made it really cool and more authentic casting to targets on the water. There is of course the distance element and targets but there was also the roll cast and obstacle. We could throw in some other cool things as well. We can use pontoons to set the course as well as judge. We can use the original rules as a benchmark. Rocket has these and was a big part of the show so as always can give great insight. 1st order of business imo would be to firm up a location. By late May early June the weather will be fantastic and the fields should have been bush hogged. So let’s find someone that has a farm pond, preferably with an earthen dam to cast from for the distance component. Pretty easy to set up the distance component with some yellow polypropylene line and weight to keep it straight. We can use the same course for the roll cast. The targets can be hula hoops with foam tubes wrapped around them set at 25, 50 and 75 feet. The brush cast can be a foam board with some fake branches. The bracket system was the method used originally but given time constraints we could set it up like the fling casting comp. We then take the top three teams from the casting comp up to Jimmy’s and have a fish off for the grand prize:tu: It shouldn’t be too hard to contact some sponsors for the event and get them to donate all kinds of cool schwag. Thoughts?

The Atlanta Fly Fishing School has a pretty sweet setup with a pond. May be a good opportunity for them to get some more exposure. Be nice to have an event for rank amateurs like me.

[bonedog]

Sounds like fun but I don't think anyone would want to be my partner, Lol.
bd

[fishinbub]

Sounds cool pretty cool. $50 is a lot of :money: though.

[sparsehackle]

Sounds cool pretty cool. $50 is a lot of :money: though.

I agree with fisinbub. A lot of us would like to enter the competition mostly for the fun of it; and to watch, learn, and talk to/get tips from some of you guys who can really cast.

I'm happy to donate $25 to NGTO to participate, but not so happy to cough up $50-$100 to enter a contest I couldn't possibly win, or even place in.

[Fire Walker]

You would be correct. Rocket Roy I am humbly asking you to be my partner lolYou just want a partner so he can cover your arse in the comp.. ;)

[pbourcq]

So do you guys want to do a casting thing or do a casting qualifier then a fishing round also? Ive got measuring trays so its very easy to setup either way.

[Jack Hise]

Casting Contests are a lot of fun and the way we do it up in Michigan every year is to award nice 1st., 2nd,. 3rd., etc place prizes but have a drawing of the contestants for the top prize. This allows everyone regardless of skill a shot at the big prize. Another field leveler is for everyone to distance cast the same rod. Got into one in Idaho where the rod we cast was the grand prize (lost by 8'!).

Another distance contest is to draw 2 names they exchange rods and cast with their off hand. This one is always good for some laughs and suprises!

A walk through course casting at Hula Hoops from a sitting position or under/through trees is a hoot but time consuming. Pair the contestants up and let one score while the other casts (of course no one would cheat!!).

I have a diagram for a 9 hole course cast from one location. Land on the target 0 points, with in 1 foot 1 points, 2 feet 2 points and 3 points for outside 2 feet. Low score wins!

The main objective is to have fun and earn some much needed cash for a worthy cause.

[Fire Walker]

Well you are more than welcome to come hang out and even help. If you feel as though you aren’t proficient enough to compete then perhaps we could offer a beginners seminar. It has been suggested that we use the Atlanta Fly Fishing School as a venue for this event. Why not offer a one hour class for 50 dollars, half to the school and half to NGTO. I am just throwing out ideas here guys. If its too much money then dont compete. If its too much for the class then don’t participate. Bottom line is this is a great opportunity to have a blast, win some cash and cast with the best the Southeast has to offer. I say come on come all. Find a partner and start practicing. You never know you may just win the whole darn thing.
I agree with fisinbub. A lot of us would like to enter the competition mostly for the fun of it; and to watch, learn, and talk to/get tips from some of you guys who can really cast.

I'm happy to donate $25 to NGTO to participate, but not so happy to cough up $50-$100 to enter a contest I couldn't possibly win, or even place in.

[Fire Walker]

Got you pm but have been working in the yard all day. Will call u tomorrow.So do you guys want to do a casting thing or do a casting qualifier then a fishing round also? Ive got measuring trays so its very easy to setup either way.

[pbourcq]

I know that I see the same 2 dozen guys in the competitive circuit on the east coast. Im sure they will be there along with everyone else we can round up. I love getting beat. It drives me to practice harder and better each time.

Ill talk to you tomorrow Firewalker. There are alot of ideas, keep them coming. There are things I do and dont like about the comps i go to. This one will hopefully be smooth with low drama and lots of fun.

Im in the works of hashing out a location, more on that later.

[pbourcq]

I like the ideas of raffles and some other stuff to ensure even those who dont place have a shot at winning something. I have placed "out of the money" several times and its discouraging. Alot of this will be determined by what we can get for prizes. Hopefully we can round up some good stuff.

If anybody wants to help by all means.

[fishinbub]

I'd like to see a youth tourny. We have Tboy (I think we'll make him cast off hand;)), myself, RBL, fishace, ATLNinja, and probably several others.

[pbourcq]

Ok. Any youth interested? Fishinbub, if you can confirm those guys for me i can easily add a youth round. Need a few more though. Maybe do a 25 dollar buy in for youth?

[Rocketroy]

You would be correct. Rocket Roy I am humbly asking you to be my partner lol

The Funk and Wagnell listing of acceptable phrases shows.......and I quote: The use of: "Fire Walker and Humble can not be used in the same sentence!" Rocketroy

[Rocketroy]

I,m in.......whatever the format, Paul! You are an energetic young man,and it will be a pleasure to cast with you,as well as many others,that enjoy a little 'fun" competition! My two cents tip is to contact Mack Martin and Dutch Earle,for their experience with entry fee pricing! Careful on the $$$$ involved,we are in a recession,and these two have experience, with a recent effort to attract F/F and TU types,to a similar day of outdoor action! It is surprising to me the small number of F/F, that won,t step up,for free events, even........finally,try somehow to head off the fear of losing,or "not looking good",in some way,adopt the KISS principle, and DO IT! NGTO calls our FLING events *"Casting Games" for that reason! Regards, Rocketroy *FFF conclaves and other gatherings,therefore have sure- nuff- open competition and a second Fun event for newbies,for that very reason!

[pbourcq]

Cool, game on. Im working on a cool venue possibly near helen;) More on that later. I can do a youth division. The money thing is the least of my worries. If it has to be cheaper it can but prizes will reflect that. I love to cast and love to fish. I know that comps get alot of like minded guys together and I always have a fun time.

Ill do a youth division that will make it worth there while to come.

Are we in agreement that a final fishing round is what people are wanting?
Now we need to round up some prizes. Ill work on what I can and you guys do the same. Let me know what turns up. I have alot of experience with comps both fishing and casting, just need to get some swag to put in it. For example the Rumble the tribe has agreed to pay 10 grand cash this year, maybe more. Thats serious dough. For this one we will do what we can do and go for it.

I agree with you. Most people seem hesitant to compete because of fear of whatever. Once you get past that you realize how much fun they are. My favorite time at comps is standing around peaking in fly boxes and talking about fishing anyway.

Im thinking around the end of May but let me continue to work on a few sponsors and we can coordinate with them. Ill keep everyone updated. Keep the ideas rolling. If its not fun its not worth doing. Thanks

[Rocketroy]

Reconsider such a date Paul, since the S.E FFF Conclave is in early June! You might find that two such similar events may not draw,from the relatively small pool of casting competitors,and especially,at the "HOT" time on the water where guides and Fly shops find it hard to pull off from guraranteed $$$$$ fishing events for a tournament! There would be more time,and a weather advantage,to perhaps staging such an event at our {NGTO} Fall Fling,in Nov., 2010! Or, co-ordinate your ideas with the FFF Conclave events coordinator,and expand on their offering,and ability to draw casters for the already scheduled and promoted Unicoi Lodge date! Go to the FFF web site,for more ifo.! Like I posted, I,m on for whatever you decide, just throwing out my take on several options,that are out there! Good luck, Rocketroy

[Fire Walker]

Edited for content

[Fire Walker]

will call you later todayCool, game on. Im working on a cool venue possibly near helen;) More on that later. I can do a youth division. The money thing is the least of my worries. If it has to be cheaper it can but prizes will reflect that. I love to cast and love to fish. I know that comps get alot of like minded guys together and I always have a fun time.

Ill do a youth division that will make it worth there while to come.

Are we in agreement that a final fishing round is what people are wanting?
Now we need to round up some prizes. Ill work on what I can and you guys do the same. Let me know what turns up. I have alot of experience with comps both fishing and casting, just need to get some swag to put in it. For example the Rumble the tribe has agreed to pay 10 grand cash this year, maybe more. Thats serious dough. For this one we will do what we can do and go for it.

I agree with you. Most people seem hesitant to compete because of fear of whatever. Once you get past that you realize how much fun they are. My favorite time at comps is standing around peaking in fly boxes and talking about fishing anyway.

Im thinking around the end of May but let me continue to work on a few sponsors and we can coordinate with them. Ill keep everyone updated. Keep the ideas rolling. If its not fun its not worth doing. Thanks

[Buck Henry]

Turns out the BOD dosent like us using their name for the event nor do they support us soliciting to "their sponsors" so I say the heck with them and the heck with this board.:bang:

Well, I certainly feel like I need to respond to the above statement so everyone understands this from the BOD's perspective. First off, I want to say that we think this is a great idea and that it certainly sounds like a lot of fun. We happen to have some world class casters in our midst and it would be cool to see these guys go head to head in a casting competition.

All we asked is that those organinzing this casting tournament market this thing it a bit differently. The sticking point is that this event involves paid entry fees, prizes, etc. There are potential legal and accounting issues at play here. Our primary concern is that if this event is billed as an NGTO casting tournament, our sponsors might understandably consider any donation made to this event as a fully tax deductible donation to NGTO. But this would not be the case as this event would be giving some portion of these donations away as prizes to the winners of the competition. There is no gray area here, it is either a fully tax deductible donation or it is not.

Again, we never asked those organizing this event to not solicit our sponsors. Rather, we respectfully requested that they not promote this as an official NGTO event when asking for donations since these donations may not be a fully tax deductible as described above. I certainly hope that everyone understands the potential legal and accounting issues at play here and that no one out there thinks that we are against this event from happening. I personally cannot wait to see this casting competition event, it will certainly will be cool to see the best of the best go at it!

Thanks as always for your trust and support!

[Fire Walker]

Sounds good and thank you for explaining it. We will inform all companies we solicit for donations that this isnt an NGTO event. We can handle our own food. Thank You Clark, my apologies.

We can call it the Southeastern Fly casters Invitational.

[SlowStreamer]

Sounds good and thank you for explaining it. We will inform all companies we solicit for donations that this isnt an NGTO event. We can handle our own food. Thank You Clark, my apologies.

We can call it the Southeastern Fly casters Invitational.

Luke,

I change the name of the Thread so there is no confusion.

[Fire Walker]

Ok thanks so what do you guys think?

[kevin m]

Sounds like a lot f fun. Is it going to be by invitation or can anyone play?

[pbourcq]

It will be anyone who wants to enter. I spoke to Jake Darling from Unicoi in Helen and we are firming up a date to host the event. Looks like we are going to use Nacoochee Bend behind the Helen Shop. It will be 2 man teams for the adults. One man for the youth.

This will be an event open to anyone and everyone and will be hosted by myself with the help of the NC FF Team. I will be donating proceeds to NGTO though considering the support we get from them, and you guys.

It will be a casting qualifier consiting of accuracy and distance then a final fishing round. Youth fish the water first then adults.

I am working on prizes right now. Worst case scenario I will divy up the cash from entry fees into prizes. Im thinking 100 bucks per team for adults and 25 bucks per youth.

The fishing will be a top 3 fish in inches. You have to decide if you want to score the fish before you release it. So, if you catch a 25 inch fish I would score it. If you have been fishing for 1.5 hours and catch a 15 incher.....well you have to make the call. Thats what is fun. I know there are some huge fish in the water.

As soon as dates get firmed up I will let you know.

[benvan]

sign me up for sure...

[Fishbreath]

This actually sounds quite interesting. Let me know how we're doing sign up.

[bamann345]

For the individuals, like myself, who are not familiar with casting contests, how do they work? I know there are “targets” and you are scored on how close you are to the center of the target. What do the targets consist of and is there a set distance for these targets?

Thanks for the information,

William Mann

[tboy]

Dude!!! im pumped about this!!
If the fishing part of the competition is at the bend, where will we be doing the casting part of the tourny?

Bamann, I am no expert on casting competitions, but from my understanding the casting courses are unique to each competition. There are usually a number of closer targets in the 10-30 foot range. a few specialty targets (obsticals to cast around or through, different types of casts that have to be made but are pretty commonplace) then a few larger distance targets.
I am not sure how the distance is factored into the scores.

[fishinbub]

I can probably handle $25.

Have you thought about something like a game of horse. (like in basketball) Caster #1 steps up and casts left handed, curved around a tree, and hits a target from 60 feet away. Then caster #2 has to make the same cast. If he fails then he gets a letter. Would make a very entertaining event.

[tboy]

Is it gonna happen or will the idea sleep for the time being?

[pbourcq]

100% my fault. Its gonna happen I have just been killed with work. And the first of June I have a big comp in WV at harmons cottages, then bozeman and the americas cup in colorado in september. Throw in the rumble and a trout legend comp and im getting pressed for a time to do it. I dont want to in august becasue of the heat and fishing pressure but i dont want it to be miserably cold either. Im working on it.

[Kent]

For those of you who are up for some competitive casting, your opportunity is coming next weekend at the FFF conclave at Unicoi State Park.

There's plenty more to see & do.

Conclave info (http://www.fffsec.org/)

Rules for ACA 5-weight FlyCasting Competition (http://www.fffsec.org/conclave10/ACA%205wt%20Event%20Rules.pdf)

[tboy]

pbourcq, thats absolutely understandable. I'm sure there are people here that would help share the load of organizing venues and all, deligation is a prime tool. If that would help it work out, im sure ppl would help. might be something to be thinkin about for next year if not.
thx for the info, im sure some were curious.

[tdillinger]

100% my fault. Its gonna happen I have just been killed with work. And the first of June I have a big comp in WV at harmons cottages, then bozeman and the americas cup in colorado in september. Throw in the rumble and a trout legend comp and im getting pressed for a time to do it. I dont want to in august becasue of the heat and fishing pressure but i dont want it to be miserably cold either. Im working on it.

Im all about trying for throw the long the long toss , im in Pittsburgh and i can do WV no prob. need dates and address? :)

[fishinbub]

Would it help if others helped out? Gonna send you a pm.

Tight Lines,
Sam

[pbourcq]

Thanks guys. Ill call Jimmy beginning of next week and has out a date. We had talked about using Nac Bend for the comp, and doing the casting in the field below.

I will be in contact with you guys that want to help. I will need help setting up the course, marking beats, getting together whatver prize stuff we can, setting a good date that works for the most people, ect.

Im looking forward to it.

[pbourcq]

Here is how it works.

3-4 targets. Each target looks like a bullseye with 3 colors. a 2 foot center ring then a 1 foot ring farther out then a 1 foot ring farther out. Middle is worth 300, then 200 then 100.

3 casts at each target.

Then you have bonus targets. They are normally worth 100-300 points depending on difficulty. i have a course design picked out but I cant give it away till comp day;)

We will section the water off into an appropriate number of beats (fishing zones)

Fishing will be 2 or 3 hour sessions depending on beat length.

You have to pick 5 fish to score (over 8 inches) You must decide to score a fish or not before it is released. So if you dont catch a fish for 2 hours and catch a dinker.....score it......but if you are railing fish every few minutes and catch one.....well thats your call.

i know I have had some people asking if we were going to do FIPS-MOUCHE rules. The answer is no. You can fish whatever you want as long as its a fly (debarbed) with a fly rod and you net your fish.

Top placing caster gets to pick water first.

I plan on letting youth cast first and fish the water first.

[fishinbub]

Awesome, I plan on entering the comp but if there is anything I can help with just let me know.

[benvan]

any info on this tournament or venue? Want to participate but it seems to have died off?

[benvan]

Little change but heres the deal.

The West Georgia Fly Fishing Meetup group is putting together a casting comp. Pbourcq is helping with the setup as well and I am sure this will be a can't miss event. To keep with the West Georgia Fly Fishing Meetup Groups objective of educating fellow fisherman of the fly fishing resources on our side of the state this event will be held West Georgia. Venue is still pending but looks like it will be the Hunter Complex Recreation Area in Coweta County Newnan,Ga.

Best in the West(Georgia) Fly Casting Challenge.

5wt 9' rod maximum.
Golden Trout award for distance comp.
1-3 place trophies.
Many prizes including: Drift Boat trip from River Through Atlanta and many more TBA. These prizes will be given away by a drawing of names from competitors so everyone will have an equal chance at winning.

Kids and adults divisions. $15.00 entrance fee for competitors and includes a shot at being drawn for some great prizes. (more prizes will be added to this post as they come in.)

Part of the procedes will benefit the group "I Know My Plan." This is a group dedicated to helping women, children, and seniors who have been victims of sexual violence. www.iknowmyplan.com

Remember this is an event for fun and everyone and anyone is welcome to join.

[pbourcq]

This should be a good one. We will have a kids and adult division. Should be fun to be able to get out and cast and BS a little.

[benvan]

If anyone would like to volunteer as a judge or for any other purpose I could use some help. Hope everyone is still interested and wants to come out and participate.