Friday, November 8, 2019

FFI-GCC recognizes Kisatchie Fly Fishers, two KFF members

The Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International has annually honored individuals and clubs within it's geographic region for their outstanding contributions to fly fishing, fly tying, conservation and community.

In September, the FFI-GCC announced their 2019 awards. Among the recipients were the Kisatchie Fly Fishers club, as well as KFF members Roger Breedlove and Glen 'Catch' Cormier.  Emphasis was placed on both past and current contributions.  Each of the winners received a mug with their name and award, featuring award-winning artwork of fly-fishing artist James Lady.  The awards were distributed at the recent North Toledo Bend Rendezvous.

Kisatchie Fly Fishers was recognized with the "Club Community Award". This award is based on community participation and philantrophy. Among the accomplishments noted were: a successful expo with proceeds donated to The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, holding an annual "Fly Fishing 101", participation in the local farmers market special events, teaming with the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club to restore a kayak launch on Calcasieu Lake, co-sponsoring the North Louisiana Fly Fishers "Masters Series", donating over $300 of books and videos to the local library, and many more!

Roger Breedlove was awarded with the "Man of the Year". This award goes to a male individual who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the sport of fly fishing, and through his devotion, has benefited the sport and community. Among Roger's credentials were: obtaining the FFI Casting Certified Instructor badge, teaching and giving private casting lessons over the last three years at NO cost, building and donating dozens of fly rods to his club and to the GCC, teaching a rod building clinic, and much more. Recently, Roger was named to the Gulf Coast Council Board of Directors.

Glen 'Catch' Cormier was awarded with the "Presidents Award". Chosen by the President of the Gulf Coast Council for their outstanding contributions to the Council, and to the sport of fly fishing in general. In selecting Catch for this award, GCC President A.J. Rosenbahm noted his contributions via magazine articles, radio segments, and websites on fly fishing and kayak fishing. "He's always willing to help clubs that need help on their websites. He does this on his own time, not expecting recognition or compensation. He is very generous with his time, a staunch conservationist and a talented fly tier.".  Currently, Catch is president of Kisatchie Fly Fishers and Conservation Director for the FFI Gulf Coast Council.