Fly Fishing Fest May 3-4 at Gulf State Park

Fly Fishing Fest May 3-4 at Gulf State Park

The Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International will present the 2nd Annual Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival May 3-4 at the Learning Campus of Gulf State Park.
“We’re well-positioned to build on the success of last year’s event and are hopeful that we’ll begin to see the transition from a local to a regional event, as we’re garnering significant interest from anglers and groups throughout teh Southeast this year,’’ said event coordinator Chris Williams.
“We’ve also continued to grow our sponsor base and have added a number of accomplished tyers to our ranks for 2024,’’ he added.
Entry to the exhibitors hall at the fest is $10 per person or $15 per family per day. Kids under 16 are admitted free. Tickets are on sale at ffigulfcoastclassic.com or at the door.
Located in the Learning Campus’ Conservation Hall, this year’s exhibitor hall will feature guide services from across the Gulf Coast, fly tackle & fly tying suppliers, two fly fishing publications, local & regional artists, fly fishing & conservation NPOs from across the region and a fly tyers row with more than a dozen accomplished fly tyers. This year’s Fly Tyers Row will host more than a dozen fly tyers including two Umpqua Signature fly designers as well as staff tyers from major tying brands.
This year’s Classic will include free seminars on a variety of topics including Fly Fishing the Surf, Fly Fishing Mobile Bay, and Fly Fishing for Tripletail. Six paid workshops will include – “Building Better Baitfish” and “Intermediate Deer Hair Techniques.” Paid Intermediate & Advanced Casting Classes will also be available
A multi-species, catch-photo-release fly fishing tournament will be returning for a second year as a way to promote the diversity of local fisheries. Running from sunrise on Thursday, May 2, until noon on Saturday, May 4, the tournament is free to all Classic participants (must purchase a ticket to the event) and features adult and youth divisions. Prizes will include fly fishing gear, sunglasses from Bajio and subscriptions to On the Fly Magazine. Raffles & auctions will be hosted each day.
Friday’s festivities will close with a keynote presentation from Tony Friedrich from the American Saltwater Guides Assn. Tony is also executive director for CCA Maryland & founder of the Lefty Kreh TieFest (the largest non-commercial fly fishing show on the east coast). He has 22-years experience in environmental & fisheries policy, and hosts The Guide Post podcast.
On Saturday at the Learning Campus Conservation Hall a showing of the 2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour will be showcased. Tickets are $25.