South African Fly Fishing Association - Competitive Angling

To some of us it might seem like a contradiction in terms…competition….fly fishing, after all the intended purpose behind this gentle art is surely to relax and de-stress from the competitive work place.

Yet for 28 years now, nations have been converging annually to pit their skills against fish and men alike, vying for the honors that a world championship brings. It would surprise many readers to learn that the Czech, French, Italians dominate this sport not the English with whom many of us might associate this sport for “titled gentry” or the Americans who brazenly show off their fishing prowess on ESPN.

Although very much in it’s infancy, SA competitive fly fishing is nonetheless grueling from a qualification perspective. Each region hosts quarterly competitions to identify the potential candidates and then if you mange to make it to the nationals you are put through the mill. From aquatic entomology and imitative fly tying, to equipment rigging and distance / accuracy casting, then of course multiple sessions of intense fishing.

Generally, it’s five distinct fishing sessions are held over 3 days, each session being an serious 3 hours of fish finding. Not only are our nation’s top anglers fishing some pretty challenging streams, but the rules truly test a fisherman’s skills. No barbs on your hooks, no artificial weights, to mention but a few. Every fish is measured and released by a designated marshal and based on your performance in any given session you accrue points and a ranking. Only your session ranking gets carried through in the competition, which means that you have to perform in every session. No lucky big fish is going to win you this event and whether you draw a good fishing beat is negated by the consistent performance criteria.

Eventually from about 400 possible contenders the selectors narrow it down to 15 to 20 candidates and then after practical river craft and technique assessment and tackle inspection you are put through a harrowing 3rd degree interview before the final 5 are given the honor of representing their country.

Not everyone is cut out for competitive fly fishing but if you think you’ve got what it takes to become a Sybase Protea then register to be invited to the forthcoming regional trials.

Competitive Angling Docs:
~ SAFFA Constitution
~ Fips Competitive Angling Rules