| Our nation was founded and continues to grow stronger when like - minded groups of individuals share ideas and resources to achieve shared goals.
So too the nation of fly fishers has its organizations, taking advantage of the synergy created when independent anglers band together in support of the conservation agenda. One organization, the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) came to be in 1964 from the efforts of many individuals and clubs, celebrates over 48 years of existence and service to the fly fishing community. Its members share the belief that fly fishing is not only the most conservative way to practice the sport, but also the most fun. Towards that end, the primary activity of the Federation of Fly Fishers is the teaching of fly fishing skills, fly tying, and the ethics of angling. Its publication, The Flyfisher, was the first national magazine for anglers to focus exclusively on fly fishing (its editor was Arnold Gingrich, then editor of Esquire), and it is still published quarterly and sent to all the Federation of Fly Fishers members. The FFF headquarters is located in Livingston, MT.
To better serve its constituency (individuals and clubs formed wherever fly fishers gather to talk flies and fish: cold, warm or salt water), the Federation of Fly Fishers has formed regional councils to more efficiently represent geographic-specific needs and interests to the national organization. The FFF North Eastern Council was formed to represent the following areas:
USA Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island
Canada Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador
Now, nobody wants to have to fish his or her favorite stretch of water in rotation due to the number of anglers waiting their turn, but in any political system, there is power in numbers. If you are reading this, the urge to fish runs deep in you and you probably fish locally as often as you are able and occasionally travel to fish. You have probably enjoyed fishing on waters that favor the fly fisher because of special regulations. You can add your voice to our fly fishing nation to help expand fly fishing opportunities by simply becoming a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers, or you can wade a little deeper and get your club involved or contribute your skills to a fly fishing school, workshop or clinic. The FFF is focusing its considerable energies now on working with youth programs like the Boy Scouts of America, and learn to fly fish classes specifically designed for women. They also offer training and certification for casting instructors to help anglers get more out of their time 'a stream'. As a fly fisher, you know how much you get back from your involvement with the sport. It fulfills your life on many levels. If you are thinking it is time you gave something back to fly fishing today or for its future, consider doing it through the Federation of Fly Fishers.
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