The Federation has taken a major step forward recently in demonstrating its preeminence in the field of fly fishing and fly casting education. With the unique FFF Fly Fishing Instructors Handbook as its entrée, the Federation has become the “instructor” for fly fishing and fly casting classes at the Bass Pro shops, each of which has joined the Federation, and the Cabelas stores. In addition, scores of independent retailers are utilizing the Handbook. Sportsman’s Warehouse and other such entities are currently being pursued.
The “presence” of Federators at each of these fly fishing outlets is an outstanding opportunity for the FFF to promote its important mission and to solicit new members.
The FFF has also made the Handbook available for sale to fly shops and other fly fishing instructors. For those of you who have not yet seen the Handbook, it was created by Ron Cordes, PhD, JD, Former FFF Chairman of the Board of Directors. It contains 10 separate “Modules” addressing Knots, Fly Casting, Food Sources, Fly Tying, Nymph Fishing, Dry Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Lakes, Fly Fishing for Steelhead, Fly Fishing for Bass, and Saltwater Fly Fishing. In addition there is a special section dedicated to instructing children called “First Cast – Teaching Kids to Fly Fish.” This particular comprehensive curriculum, over 120 pages in length, was written by Phil Genova in 1999 with assistance from Shahab Farezanegan and Joe Cambridge. We have condensed it and updated it. Actual lesson plans are included. Just as a point of information, the FFF obtained permission to use the Fist Cast materials from Phil’s widow who holds the copyright.
The FFF Fly Fishing Instructor’s Handbook Modules are based upon the highly regarded Cordes/LaFontaine Pocket Guides created by Ron Cordes and assisted by Gary LaFontaine. What makes this Handbook particularly unique and effective lies in its construction and the methodology for its use. When teaching a subject, the instructor removes the appropriate Module from the Handbook and makes a copy for his or her use as well as a copy for each student. The instructor can then add notes to his copy such as reminders and additional thoughts. The student gets the dual benefit of being able to take notes on his or her copy on the appropriate pages being discussed and then leave the class with that copy in hand for future reference. In essence the student leaves with a great tool and a great mechanism for keeping the instruction clear and complete in his or her mind and thereby improving retention.
Another great benefit is the fact that each Module represents a fundamental framework that can be readily tailored to the particular needs and interests of the instructor. And, for those shop owners who do not have the time to create comprehensive presentations, the work has been done for them. This should enable more shop owners and their staff to be able to offer courses, a benefit to any shop. In the future, supplements to the Handbook will be made available.