If You Pay, They Will Play?

What if there were fly casting tournaments that offered a cash payout? What amount would entice participants? How far would people be willing to travel to compete? How difficult is it to engage vendors in an event like this? Could fly casting tournaments increase the number of individuals who fly cast, or at least enhance the casting quality within our community? Would people be interested in watching these events live?

I have pondered these questions, along with many others, regarding this topic for years. I’ve also spoken with several fellow casting enthusiasts about paid tournaments, and it seems no one has clear answers. The usual good question arises: How are you going to fund it?

The first question to address is: Why fly casting tournaments?

For my niche readership, this may have a straightforward answer. We want there to be tournaments, and we want people to watch them. Tournaments inspire, educate, and motivate individuals to improve their skills. We want people to challenge themselves and we want to see more individuals taking up fly fishing. We wish to share our passion and knowledge with future generations. Guides wouldn’t mind more clients that could cast, and I personally wouldn’t mind seeing fewer tailing loops on the river. It makes for a less scenic view.

We want these new fly fishers to take lessons. We hope that the influx of newcomers will generate revenue that elevates the sport to new heights. Those of us immersed in the industry want more capital flowing through our community so we can pretend to have real jobs while making a living ribbon dancing.

Professional Fly Casting Tournaments?

I must clarify from the outset that I do not wish to participate in these competitions. On one hand, I prefer to maintain my amateur status; on the other, I don't want the same individuals winning repeatedly, not me, but I know a caster or two. It's quite possible this could happen, but I don't think we want ICSF casters to dominate the podium. There are many talented casters out there that like money, competition, and respect. If word of a pay tournament spreads far and far enough in advance, we might even get people to RSVP.

How much prize money is necessary to attract participants? The pressing question remains: how do we secure funding for prizes?

Using the age-old method of charging an entry fee and paying a winner obviously comes to mind. Imagine we could charge $100 to enter the competition with 30 participants; that would provide us with $3,000 for prizes. Of course, if either variable changes, so does the payout amount. This approach is feasible if we can reliably attract 30 or more participants, but that's a big "if." The more we can elevate the payout amount, the greater the excitement. Securing sponsors for prizes doesn’t seem too daunting, but participants are usually more motivated by the prospect of winning a cash prize than a fishing rod, at least based on my experience.

I’m uncertain how to find funds for payouts without the dacron backing of retail fly fishing companies. Would participants pay a higher entry fee for a larger prize? How far would one travel for a chance to win $10,000?

If we can’t afford to pay the winners, how will we manage to find a suitable venue? Surely, we wouldn't want to hold this competition in an airport parking lot, would we?

There’s a lot of water and grass around Miami International Airport… Just saying

As I mentioned earlier, I have been fortunate to host my modest competition alongside existing events. This arrangement simplifies everything for me, and it is an ideal situation. Numerous organizations, cities, fly shops, and non-profits across the U.S. host fly fishing events. It is possible to find more venues that would allow a group to host a tournament at their event, potentially without wanting a cut of the prize pot. We’re not looking to detract from existing grassroots festivals; we aim to enhance the community. We do not want to create an event that competes with other gatherings. I would love to know that the fly fishing festival I participate in has higher attendance because of our comp, and I hope it continues to grow as we remain involved.

Alright, Kalyn, maybe you’ve discovered a way to hang out at fly fishing festivals and provide the same three competitors with opportunities repeatedly. But how does that help anyone else?

It seems the most significant reactions I receive while demonstrating casting come from people who have never seen a fly rod squiggle a fly line like that before. I know highlighting excellent casting in front of an audience of fly fishers could significantly impact the industry today.

Competitions have been held at expos before, and we still talk about them years later. Many of those memorable moments from 20 or 30 years ago still resonate, which reinforces my belief that we want to bring that energy back to life.

People will actually practice. Few fly fishers are also exceptional casters. If fly fishers only understood the various ways that expert casters can present a fly, they would be inspired to work on mastering those techniques themselves. “I know exactly how this accuracy practice will help me—I’ve seen a monster taking flies under that overhang for years.” The industry as a whole wants individuals to improve their casting and fishing skills. After all, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

I am committed to pursuing this idea. Please share your thoughts. I will also be offering casting lessons specifically for professional casting tournaments… Just kidding, but I genuinely believe that introducing paid tournaments could benefit instructors in the industry, and it might help us identify some of the weaker links in our teaching community. Let’s not get too ambitious, though.