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International Women Fly Fishers
Festivals
1996 |
1997
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1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004
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2005 |
December 1996 San Francisco waterfront, Ft. Mason Meeting Center.
 Fanny
Krieger (current IWFF Board Member) has to be given credit for her "build it and they
will come" idea to gather flyfishing women in one location, allowing us to meet one
another. Not even Fanny knew where the first International Festival of Women Fly Fishers
(IFWFF) would lead.
Until
walking into the facilities at Ft. Mason, on Thursday evening, and seeing so many women,
flyfishing women, I had no idea of how many "others" there were. It was an
awe-inspiring sight. There were over 170 women, traveling from all parts of the country,
gathering together for their personal "reason"…in my case, simply to meet
other women who fly fished, maybe someone to fish with. What has developed since that
Festival has been magnificent. Many long term "thank you’s" go to Fanny and
the women of Golden West Women Flyfishers who organized and hosted that first IFWFF.
Many "thank you’s" go to the women who traveled from far and near to attend
that fateful, fun filled, weekend of fish toss, blind-fold drawing, speed knot tying
games, author sessions, equipment displays, casting Queens and Kings (Joan Wulff and Mel
Krieger) demo casting at the Casting Ponds somewhere near Haight-Ashbury and …parties
…. We do not want to forget our parties….
That
weekend some of us became aware of women like Fanny, Joan Wulff, Maggie Merriman, Joan
Whitlock. That weekend we met women like Annette McLean, Diane Bristol, Betsey French,
Rosemary Wiese, Yvonne Graham, Pudge Kleinkauf, Nancy Zakon, Cindy Scholl, Jean Williams,
LoriAnn Murphy, Kim Chelseka, Lyla Foggia…the list could, and does, go on.
That
was a magical weekend.
Festival
2, November, 1997, Baja, Mexico.
Those
of you attending IFWFF 96 may remember the moment Yvonne Graham stood up and said "If
you want to be international, I know of a place we could meet next year." The
tradition was off and running. Yvonne, working with Fanny, Margot Paige, Gwen Perkins,
Cindy Scholl, Nancy Zakon, Raye Carrington , Susan Cuse, and others, organized IFWFF 97.
With the "lure" of warm weather and warm water out the hotel door, many
women arrived carrying their fly rods…a change from San Francisco where, although
meeting on the waterfront, no fishing was "planned".
Women,
many of whom had been in San Francisco, were staying in one of two neighboring hotels, in
contrast with the year before where we were spread out around town. It did make for
greater ease in getting to the
"sessions"…except that the water beckoned. It beckoned so much, that
each morning, women lined the beach…to fish. In fact, word was spread that
early fishing was better. Those familiar faces were to be seen as the sky turned
fiery orange. Early fishing was better…women began appearing before the sky lit
up. By the end of the weekend, we were practically bumping into each other in the
dark. What dreams we had…rooster fish, dorado, maybe marlin, or … anything
that would bite! (That seemed to work well for most of us.)
Casting
clinics, seminars, fly tying sessions and rod demos kept us busy. LoriAnn Murphy and
Mike Williams, out in the water, trying to instill rowing skills in their pupils.
Lyla Foggia, busy, interviewing women on why they fished, how they started. Jodi
and Billy Pate, among others, offering casting help for those bigger rods in salt water.
Gary Graham, going up and down the beach on his ATV, like a shepherd tending his flock,
offering helpful suggestions from his years of experience on that very beach.
Yvonne, translating and making certain the details at the hotels, travel and meals were
taken care of. And of course, lots of women eager to meet others, to learn, to enjoy
the wonderful atmosphere created by this shared love of flyfishing. I remember too, that
we had a whole group of women, and one baby from Colorado. Parties. Oh yes,
the parties. A bit of tequila tasting went on. Fresh lime juice in the
margaritas was a nice touch.
The
raffle-auction was fun and afforded me the opportunity to later travel to the Catskills
and attend the Wulff School of Fly Fishing and see once again, women who had attended
other Festivals, namely Annette McLean of Winston and Rhea Topping, instructor for Joan
Wulff. That last early morning on the beach was special. Within a moment or
two, I saw a shooting star, the surf light up with bio-luminescence and upon shining my
flashlight a few yards off the beach, an airborne Ladyfish. A magical
experience…
Festival
3, October, 1998, Sun Valley, Idaho.
Not
long after returning from Baja, mail started going out. Women were being asked where
they would like to meet next. The choice was Sun Valley and the Sun Valley Lodge.
Sonja Henie, (I know that is spelled wrong) the famous ice skater, helped to make
the lodge famous when she made a movie and the lodge and ski area served as the setting.
What a setting for the movie, what a setting for IWFF 3!
A
theme was chosen around which the Festival was to be built. There was to be a
special presentation on the Dette Family, the Catskill fly tying family, highlighting the
life and contributions of Winnie Dette. Her daughter, Mary Dette Clark was invited.
Lisa Lyons, at that time, the Director of the Catskill Flyfishing Center, had
prepared a media presentation on the Dette Family. Mary Dette Clark spoke of her
mother and her experiences as a member of that well known family.
Betsey
French of Montana and Cindy Scholl of Colorado headed up the steering committee. At
the last minute, Cindy was not able to attend and Betsey, took the reins (as she might
say) and headed the team during the Festival weekend. Again, familiar faces showed
up. Pat Magnuson, current IWFF Membership Chair, emerged from her behind-the-scenes
efforts and served as Registrar.
There
were fishing topics available. Maggie Merriman instructed on the topic of stream side
entomology. Selecting gear right for you. Taking care of gear. Tying flies with Mary
Dette Clark and BJ Lester of Colorado. Casting clinics, on the water demos, an FFF
certification course with Jan Kurahara (our trusty IWFF Legal Counsel) and team, as well
as a bit of time for streamside activities. Fishing local waters was now an expected
part of an IFWFF. Silver Creek Outfitters put on a stupendous Friday evening cocktail
party for us.
Along
with the mailings on where to go, mailings and phone calls had been made regarding
changing the Festivals into an organization and selecting leaders. At the business
meeting on Friday morning of that gathering, a vote was finalized which changed
"us" into an official organization. A name was chosen. International Women
Fly Fishers was "born". An election process was carried out. Fifteen Women
were elected to become members of the first Board of Directors.
Being
held Halloween weekend, a costume party (there we go with parties again) was slated.
The big night, Saturday, saw the likes of Susan Sylstra imitating Maggie Merriman
and her dental woes; Alice Owlsley as the "Henry's Fork"; Misako Ishimura, Mary
Dette Clark and Lisa Lyons as Japanese ladies in Kimonos. Those elected to the first Board
were announced at the Saturday evening festivities. After the party, we got another
treat….Gary Shandling and Warren Beatty were making a movie and were staying at the
Lodge. They hung around the lobby chatting with Diana Ellerd. That was fun to
watch.
Sunday
morning, the first Board Meeting was held. Officers and committee heads were
selected, responsibilities discussed. International Women Fly Fishers was off and
running. Jodi Pate was selected to be the first President of IWFF. We
began the process of incorporating, as a non-profit corporation in the State of
California, under the watchful eye and diligent work of Jan Kurahara.
IWFF
Festival 4, October, 1999, Stratton Mountain, Vermont.
Having
decided on building the Festival around a theme again, "Women in the History of
Flyfishing" was selected. As things sometimes happen, early on in the process for
selecting a location and organizing the Festival, Craige Stainton (yes, me) was asked to
step in to be the Festival Coordinator. Having been an educator, I polled women to
see what types of seminars and sessions they would like to have. More hands on, more
equipment, outdoor photography, writers' workshops, interactive displays, and of course
casting! Joan Wulff was invited to be our Keynote Speaker. Maggie
Merriman was asked to bring her "Wall of History" to Vermont. Joan
Whitlock was asked to come from Oklahoma. Mrs. Helen Shaw, or as she says, Mrs.
Helen Kessler (Mrs. Shaw being her mother) was invited to come from upstate New York.
Helen Shaw (her "professional" fly tying and authoring name) was probably
the second woman to author on the topic of fly tying, Dame Juliana Berners most likely
being the first. Helen Shaw 's book Fly Tying, published first in 1963, and numerous
times since, has taught the learning fly tier the basic techniques used in tying and how
to handle materials and tools properly. Mrs. Kessler was kind enough to donate two
copies of her book to the silent auction. The bidding was tough and the prices were
high enough to amaze Helen Shaw Kessler. A lovely lady and truly a representative of
our theme of "Women in the History of Flyfishing". If you are ever in
Manchester, VT, stop by the American Museum of Fly Fishing and see the collection of
Helen's flies.
Speaking
of the American Museum of Fly Fishing…And not forgetting the parties….The ORVIS
Company sponsored a delightful Friday evening cocktail party at the AMFF. According
to Director Gary Tanner and staff, the IWFF party was the best party they had ever had at
the museum. ORVIS was very generous in other areas. They donated leather bound
portfolios as our "registration bags" and supplied fly lines and hats to our
registrants.
We
stayed busy!
It was apparent the fly tying sessions were popular…one could hardly find a seat to
practice "techniques" (instead of whole flies)…just as Helen Shaw's book
would recommend. The women listening to Annette McLean and Diane Bristol speak on
equipment selection and care could barely be pried loose from their chairs for the next
session's attendees to enter. Ann McIntosh did a super job pinch hitting in the
Writer's Workshop. Staff from Abenaki Publishers came in for the Photography and
Bass Sessions. Karen Kukolich hosted the mini-series session on Stripers. Maggie
Merriman, once again, made the mystery of selecting the right fly at streamside a simpler
task. Jan Kurahara and Rhea Topping offered an FFF certification course. Karen
Graham and LoriAnn Murphy headed a "Guide's Discussion Panel". Cindy Scholl's
interactive fly/insect display was a valuable learning tool. Pudge Kleinkauf
had a great time instructing a beginning float tube session in the half filled
swimming pool. And, Joan Wulff amazed us with the beauty and grace of her
casting, snow, rain, freezing temperatures and all. She said she thought it
"funny" that people were impressed with the casting taking place in the rain and
snow, as she was sure those were conditions in which we would all be fishing anyway.
Again,
familiar faces, familiar names appeared. We were even treated to a lovely group of
women attending from Japan's Flappers, the "women's" branch of Japan Fly
Fishers.
At
our Saturday night Dinner Party, Joan Wulff spoke about women who had contributed to our
sport. She showed a movie of Lee and her fishing to an inspired audience. Members of
the 1999-2000 Board of Directors were announced. The wonderful "Lady Angler Fly
Shop", "brainchild" of Betsey French, Annette McLean and Diane Bristol,
having been set up to "display" many of the products on the market for women,
was taken down. It was transformed into our auction-raffle area where one could bid
silently on Helen Shaw books, fishing outfits or equipment. One could deposit raffle
tickets for videos, hats, or supplies. If you were brave, you could bid in the live
auction for guided trips, weekends in Baja, gold bracelets, float tubes, rods, or other
coveted items. The evening was a BIG success.
Sunday
morning, for the first time in the 4 Festivals, was utilized for sessions and
presentations. It had seemed appropriate to use the time on Sunday, since we had
come from so far. Joan Wulff teamed with Jan Rowan to present a session on Atlantic
Salmon, the third species in our mini-series. We bid a fond farewell to all who had
traveled to Festival 99. The Board once again convened, this time selecting Craige
Stainton as President for 1999-2000.
IWFF
Festival 5, October, 2000, Stuart, Florida.
The
year had been a busy one. A web site,
www.IntlWomenFlyFishers.org,
had come on line. New editors had been selected for the newsletter. A spiffy
brochure was created and distributed. The web site, the brochure, and the newsletter aided
in spreading the word of IWFF and Festival 2000. We finalized the official
"non-profit" status in California. Misako Ishimura drafted Ann
Bounds, in Arizona, to take over the computer discussion group, which has flourished.
Membership increased once again under the guidance of Pat Magnuson. Redesigning and
simplifying the registration form, Pat's efforts made attending the Festival simpler than
ever before.
A
Sunset Welcome Cruise, organized by Jodi Pate, began the weekend. We were happy to meet
Maria Platz, here all the way from Australia, on that cruise. Involvement of the Florida
Oceanographic Society gave us a wonderful educational opportunity to explore a mangrove
lagoon. Unending casting clinics organized by Education Chair Nancy Zakon and Maggie
Merriman, offered splendid instruction by a host of well qualified women instructors. Fly
tying and knot tying was organized by Capt. Karen Kukolich. Dolphin/dorado, Bonefish and
Billfish mini-series sessions, with Yvonne Graham and Pudge Kleinkauf, Nancy Zakon and Jodi
Pate, respectively, offered inside "contact" with 3 major species groups. A
jam-packed Club Liaison session led by Misako Isimura's crew, including Susan Eggert (2001
Board) once again strengthened the bonds connecting and supporting women's' fly fishing
clubs around the world. A second type of mini-series was presented. What to
pack/take, how to get along while traveling and with Frontiers Travel, where to go for
fish. The only thing one could have wanted more of would have been time.
At
our General Session on Friday, Keynote Speaker, our own Jodi Pate, spoke about her life
growing up, overcoming obstacles with hearing impairments and how she began fishing, with
her husband, Billy Pate. She was, at the time of the Festival, holding some 17 world
records of various species on various weight lines.
Women
fished early in the a.m. Attended sessions, then met for lunch. Outdoor activities after
lunch. Saturday at lunch, Joan Whitlock hosted "A Fly Fishing Woman's
Journey" and introduced Raye Carrington, Board Member, IWFF-CFO, guide, instructor,
B&B owner; Maggie Merriman, long time instructor; and Sally Stoner, traveling author,
as each gave insight as to where flyfishing has taken them in their journey through life.
Redington
Rod Company sponsored a lovely Friday evening, poolside, cocktail party. ( If you were
there, do your "no-see'um" bites still itch?) That was right about the
time I brought Gayle Civish back from the hospital. She had gotten a nasty gash from
a stingray, the kind we had learned about that afternoon at the Oceanographic Society's
field trip. I know we both "clean-up" pretty well on most occasions but
this party we attended in hospital and fishing "garb".
Saturday
night festivities saw another cocktail party, a slide show of the Festival activities,
dinner and the most fun filled auction to be conducted at a Festival to date. Raye
Carrington and her crew, including Paula Darby of Florida, Rosemary Wiese of
Seattle…(Raye kept her crew locked in a 2nd floor room from Thursday to Saturday
evening working on the auction raffle items.) … organized, logged and organized some
more and ended up with a fast paced auction with auctioneer, Scott Robertson. This
was the most fun many of us ever had throwing money into a good cause, the future of IWFF.
Sunday,
once again used for session time, offered attendees the chance to "play" a big
fish…Capt. Karen Kukolich (2001 Board) and Jodi Pate demonstrated and then had
"students" try their hand at "playing" what were rather more
"mermaids" than fish in the swimming pool at the hotel. Great fun!
Again,
the Sunday Board Meeting. Yvonne Graham was selected as President for 2000-2001.
Quite a few new faces to refresh the energy supply of the BOD.
IWFF Festival 6 2001
No Festival Held
IWFF Festival
7 October, 2002 San Diego California
Saturday's evening festivities began with a
cocktail party by Simms Fishing Products and Diane Bristol. The wine and
hors d'oeuvres were a great beginning. Throughout the early evening we
were treated to a pictorial revue of the weekend by our own paparazzi,
Craige Stainton.It was fun to see who was doing what when we couldn't be
there. Salmon and chicken as a main course was followed by a Napoleon
for dessert.
After dinner we were treated to a fantastic and wildly
humorous chat by Judy Muller, an ABC news correspondent and fly fisher.
She had us in tears over her tales of flyfishing mishaps and
misadventures. While we can't all hold up a trophy fish we all can tell
of misadventures. I think Judy can top us all with the story of her
brother fishing naked with only his boots on. You had to be
there!!!
The evening was capped off with a well run, spirited auction.
Trips,art, waders, and many unique items were available for bidding.
Some auction proceeds are going to Allen Greenberg and his
San Diego
conservation project regarding the nearly extinct
Southern California
steelhead. Maggie Merriman has a special project involving an
Early Women Fly Tyers History to be displayed in
Livingston, Montana.
Money was raised for Casting For Recovery. A teacher/artist in
San Diegodonated a painting and the proceeds went to Susan Balch for
Casting For Recovery. IWFF will also use some of the auction proceeds to
go to Sr. Carol Ann Corley's youth project.
A festival runs as well as it's parts and our many parts were
in synch."It takes a village" really applies to the festival. We had
many in our "village". Louie and Gordie Zimm from the San Diego
Flyfishers helped by housing our guest, other members of SDFF donated
flies that where offered in the auction. Gretchen Yearous offered her
time and knowledge of the
San Diego
area. Helen Condon and David Banks of the No Nonsense
Fly Fishing books donated a great fly fishing in
San Diego booklet.
Peter Picone and Jeff Solis, area guides, helped supply the
Fly Shop with display racks. Rachel Connery and the Redding Fly Shop
donated all of our festival bags. Alison Osinski took guests out for a
Sunday sail. Mike Vyncke of Marriotts was invaluable in helping and
anticipating what we would need. Every one at the hotel was cheerful and
friendly.
Last and not least, our village is rounded out by tour
members who took the time to be involved by just being there. Many
familiar faces were there, some who have been to every festival. Thanks,
Sally Stoner, Yvonne Graham, Betsey French, Craige Stainton, Nancy
Zakon, Pudge Kleinkauf and Joan Whitlock for "being there". We had new
faces but I have a feeling we will be seeing more of them in the future.
The time sped by all too quickly but there is next year to
look forward to.
IWFF Festival
8 October 24, 2003 Padre Island Texas
Women from all over the US, as well as from New Zealand and Canada, fished,
frolicked and feasted during the October 24-26, 2003 IWFF Festival on South
Padre Island, Texas. The redfish had heard we were coming and joined in the
fun, as did the spotted sea trout. Whether from the beach or from the boats,
the Mother Lagoon (Laguna Madre) made us welcome, as did the town. One bar’s
marquee even sported the message “Ladies, check your fly!” Besides just
fishing, we ate lots and lots of the shrimp that the area is noted for, had
some super casting instruction on the beach, and learned about the sea
turtles in the area from the Save The Turtles Foundation. The banquet and
the annual auction were both a rousing success.
Photos
IWFF Festival 9 October 28, 2004 Pocono
Mountain
,
Pennsylvania
Festival
2004 in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania was simply
wonderful! About 100 women anglers from across the country gathered for
fishing and friendship and to learn more about all aspects fly fishing.
Tracey Warmus, hospitality hostess and member of the Chesapeake Women
Anglers and Juliana’s Anglers of New York, kicked off the Festival by
warmly greeting each arriving guest. She chose to wear for this
occasion, her special sunglasses adorned with a lady angler on one side
and a fish on the other—this motif set the tone for the entire weekend.
Pat Magnuson of San Francisco, California, as always, efficiently
managed registration. Peels of glee were heard as old friends from past
festivals were reunited. Festival Co-chairs, Dawn Foley (New Jersey) and
Ellen King (South Carolina), worked alongside Auction Chair, Pudge
Kleinkauf (Alaska), to set up items for the auction. And the Pocono
Manor was very gracious, sprawling over 350 acres, with private streams
for over two miles. It was an ideal setting.
Joan Wulff and her husband, Ted Rogowski, from New York State, were
special guests. Joan, as you probably know, is the most celebrated woman
angler in the country. During the weekend, she gave several inspiring
presentations and casting sessions – pure poetry in motion – and she
told us we could do it too, with some practice!
Other special guests included Floyd Franke, author, flytier and Wulff
School of Fly Fishing lead instructor. His Friday night presentation,
“How to Catch the Big Ones,” utilized willing participants, which
resulted in a lot of laughs. Maggie Merriman, Fly Fishing Woman of the
West, with over 35 years of fly fishing experience, gave two
presentations: “Beginning Entomology for Anglers,” and “Reading Trout
Waters.” Joan Whitlock, pioneer in fly-fishing schools and in women’s
outreach programs of the Federation of Fly Fishers, shared marvelous
stories of how it was to be a woman angler back when…
Thursday night after dinner, Dee Kelly of New Jersey, gave a description
of the fishable water in the area. She had prepared a detailed handout
for anglers, showing all the best, secret-fishing places of that area.
The Orvis shop on the premises gave an exciting slide presentation
showing what was possible to catch.
Friday was Fishing Day. The beginners were paired with other anglers,
and gear and box lunch in hand, they were off to fish. The weather was
not perfect, but the scenery was beautiful-- fall colors, softened by
the overcast, were a perfect backdrop. Many caught fish and came back
with great stories. One mother and daughter went together, and the
daughter caught her fist fish on a fly rod! Mentioning daughters, we had
our youngest IWFF member with us, 12-year old Heather Propes,
accompanied by her grandfather, Tom Propes--more about Heather later.
Saturday was Seminar Day. Topics included “How to keep a women’s fly-
fishing club energized,” by the Chesapeake Women Anglers, who were
celebrating their 10th anniversary! Others were fly tying with Floyd
Franke, FFF Certification Workshop, Traveling for Cold Weather Fishing
by Tammy Corb of Frontiers Travel, and of course, several different fly
casting sessions from beginner to advanced levels.
The Auction Dinner had a Halloween theme, thanks to Marla Blair’s
decorating artistry. Many of us wore costumes – and several were dressed
as flies, including a Bead-head Caddis and Copper John. (Somehow, she
had gotten a copper toilet seat rigged up!) There was a Dame Juliana as
well as witches, princesses, etc. We were a pretty festive crowd. Many
good items were auctioned – float tubes, rods, all sorts of equipment,
many trips---some to exotic places such as Hawaii. We had a wonderful
time. Most of the raffle items were won by none other than Heather, our
youngest member. She took it in stride! Funds were raised to support the
local Trout Unlimited conservation effort on the Broadhead River, our
Special Project of developing a Girl Scout badge for fly fishing, and
Casting for Recovery.
Many members were given the recognition that they truly deserved. Fanny
Krieger, IWFF founder, Pat Magnuson and members of the Shasta Mayflies
were recognized for hosting an IWFF Rendezvous this past year. Dawn
Foley and Ellen King, Festival Co-chairs, were given a rousing hand of
applause for all their hard work to make the Festival a success. Susan
Eggert was recognized for her dedication to Topica, our on-line chat
facility, and Liz Watson for valiantly doing our newsletter for the past
three years. And of course, the evening wouldn’t have been complete
without paying homage to our “shining stars,” legends of women fly
fishing: Joan Wulff, Maggie Merriman and Joan Whitlock. The applause for
them was an outpouring of affection and respect for all they have meant
to the sport and to women fly fishers.
Sunday morning came too soon. Joan Wulff gave a group casting
presentation to end our time together, and our “hostess with the mostest,”
Tracey, distributed Royal Wulff flies and a card thanking all the
participants for coming. Following Dawn and Ellen’s parting
announcements to end our weekend, there were lots of exchanging of
e-mail addresses and good wishes until we gather again. Many remarked on
the warmth of the event. There is nothing like an IWFF Festival.
IWFF Festival 10 October 6, 2005, Squaw Valley,
California
 Our
tenth birthday celebration was complete! Co-chairs Fanny Krieger,
founder of IWFF, and Pat Magnuson gave us a wonderful Birthday Party!
Many attended the party – about 100 women fly fishers from across the
country, literally. While a group from Alaska traveled to Lake Tahoe,
CA, scene of the festivities, one member from Martha’s Vineyard, MA, won
the “has come the furthest” prize, though a lady angler from the Florida
Keys was a close second.
There are so many things to report I hardly
know where to start.
The Fishing … was very
successful. On Thursday night we all assembled with lots of talking to
catch-up with old friends and meet new ones – and to hear a presentation by
Frank Pisciotta, a writer and one of California’s top guides, specializing
on the Truckee River – 10 minutes from the lodge. His presentation showed
many of the river’s most productive spots – of which we took full
advantage. Many who went fishing landed 20” fish!
And Presentations … were
spectacular! Maggie Merriman, one of the premier fly fishing instructors in
America and internationally known as a pioneer in the sport, gave two
fascinating presentations: Basic Entomology – the A,B,C’s; and Tips and
Techniques for Casting Instructors. Her easy and enthusiastic style and
humor kept us laughing while learning.
Kit Mullen, a wildlife
biologist, now with the National Park Service, has traveled and fished in
risky places and gained the knowledge and awareness to do so safely and
successfully. She gave us so many useful tips for safety and preparedness
that we’ve asked her to pass these tips along to you in future newsletters
and on the website. Watch for her column.
Kate Blubaugh, world
traveler in the fly fishing industry – currently with the Reno Fly shop,
conducted a fun tournament of casting complete with prizes.
Simone Geoffrion, sales
manager at the American Fly Shop in Sacramento, CA, gave us great “Martha
Stewart” information on how to keep your rod and reel cleaned and your
wading boots from infecting new streams. She made Neatniks of us all! She
uses Pledge on her fly rod! It does look beautiful.
The blend of fly fishing and politics is a
new topic for us. We were honored to have Richard Anderson, publisher of the
California Fly Fisher, and Councilman of Truckee, CA, present “The Politics
of Fly Fishing.”
Skill Building … was
personalized. We had an all-star team of casting instructors including
Katherine Hart, one of a dozen Master FFF-certified women instructors; and
Molly Semenik, Marla Blair, Simone Geoffrion, women guides and Basic FFF
casting instructors. Each gave personalized help to improve casting. Many
“raves” heard about the casting instruction. Andy Burk, Master fly tyer for
Umpqua flies, guide and instructor had us entertained for hours with his
mastery of fly tying.
Fun Free Time
… included shopping and dining! The Silent Auction items were plentiful and
attracted great interest especially as the bewitching hour of closing drew
near. The cocktail parties each night gave everyone a chance to “meet and
greet” and have a good time. Saturday night was the Banquet and Live
Auction. Items sold included (to name a few) so many wonderful rods, reels,
trips, waders, boots, hats from our Kenyan fishing sisters, vests and
jewelry, and even a jeroboam of wine – all the essentials for a fishing
weekend! IWFF is very grateful to the manufacturers and sponsors who made
this possible.
And more browsing time…
revealed what’s new. When you had a minute on Saturday, you could browse
the vendors’ booths: Ryan Rods (hexagonal graphite construction), Char Bloom
with her new feminine fishing vests. On the Book Table: Marla Blair’s new,
hot off the press, “Positive Fly Fishing”, along with books about our
founder, Fanny Krieger and Pudge Kleinkauf’s Women Fly Fishing Alaska were
available. Other vendors’ tables were The American Fly Fishing shop from
Sacramento.
The setting … was a quaint
little village near the lake. The Village of Squaw Valley, in the
mountains around Lake Tahoe, was conducive to having lots of nice places to
sit and talk with old friends from past Festivals, dine with new friends and
share fishing and life stories – or fish late – or just take some time for
yourself. That’s what Festivals are all about … having a chance to meet
women fly fishers from around the world, be in a beautiful setting where you
can fish, and learn more about the sport we love and still have some time
for yourself. Pat and Fanny planned it well.
In closing, I want to report on awards and
honors recognized during the Festival:
- Fanny Krieger received the Founders Award,
in honor of the 10th Anniversary of IWFF, and in appreciation for
her vision, guidance and energy all these years.
- Ann Bounds was named Lady of the Year,
given to the member who has been the “most valuable player” for IWFF during
the year, for her work on the Club Liaison Committee.
Awards of Appreciation were given to:
·
Maggie
Merriman for continued contributions;
·
Kate Blubaugh
and Misako Ishimura for their work as Good Will Ambassadors;
·
Patricia
Dee-Kelly for her work on the Newsletter;
·
Susan Hunter
and Joyce Silva for hosting Rendezvous' this year;
·
Sheila Hassan
for her work on site selection criteria;
·
Sue Eggert
for her work on IWFFTalk, and to
·
Pat Magnuson
for eight years of service as Membership Chairperson.
CLC Festival Contest Winners:
--The Best Photo Album Award: Women In
Waders, S.C., Ellen King, President
--The Club with the most members attending
the Festival: was the Shasta Mayflies of California with 8.
--The person who traveled the longest
distance was Karen Kukolich, of Martha’s Vineyard, MA.
--The Club with the largest number of active
members: The Bonefish Bonnies of Key Largo, FL with 150 members!
--The Club with the largest
number of IWFF Members: Golden West Women Fly Fishers of California with
16.
--The youngest woman fly fisher: Annalise
Schlafer, 7 ½ years old, goddaughter to Cheryl Cline, IWFF CLC Committee
member.
--The Club with the Oldest Founders Date: the
Golden West Women Fly Fishers out of San Francisco, CA, founded in 1983.
--The Club with the
Youngest Founders Date: the ShiruBett Women Fishing Club of Kenya, Africa,
founded September 2005.
International
Representation:
The youngest International representation at
the Festival went to Julia Cline, 12. She and her family are from British
Columbia, Canada. Julia is the niece of Cheryl Cline.
Casting
Tournament Awards
went to:
(Friday’s Winners)
Misako Ishimura, Mary Ann
Dozer, Karen Kukolich, Teresa Adams, Robin Healey, Ann Bounds, and Corol Ann
Cary;
( Saturday’s Winners)
Julia Horowitz, Sally Stoner, Cathy Tronquet,
Maria Bodkin, Kiki Galvin, Ellen King, Patricia Dee-Kelly, Carolyn Sutton,
Janice Ehly, Dawn Hewitt, and Patricia Mazza.
Winners of the Festival’s Door Prize
Drawings:
Ellen King
of Women in Waders, S.C. and Kathy McCartney of Eugene, OR, were awarded
hats donated by Wambari House Limited in Kenya, Africa. Website:
http://www.wambari.com
Have Questions email us here
rev.
03/27/2006
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