34th Fly Fishing World Championships held in Czech Republic on famed Valtalva River, Lipnov Lake and Kvetanov Lake. Team USA does well
By Russ Miller / June 13, 2013
[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]ou could think of the World Fly Fishing Championships like the Olympics for fly fishing as there are a few similarities. We have a governing body called FIPS Mouche and they have a set of rules that all competitors have to abide by to create an even playing field. These rules have shaped what most people now refer to as European Nymphing. Then there are the anglers, this year 30 different countries brought a team of 5-7 anglers to compete amongst each other for the title of world champion. Each country has a different set of requirements as to how anglers make the team, but most countries use a format that is very similar to what we use here in the US, a point system where regional competitions are held throughout the country leading up to a national championship. The top point earners for the year earn a spot on the world squad. A format like this allows anglers who are consistent throughout the year to rise to the top and it also weeds out the “luck” factor. So, anglers who are competing at the world level are the best that a country can offer.
Angling’s reward.
The Czech Republic breeds good anglers, there is a reason that we often times call this style of fishing Czech nymphing. So the opportunity to travel overseas and fish alongside of the Czech’s on their home waters is a once in a lifetime opportunity that the US team did not take lightly. During the three day competition we fish as a team, there is an angler fishing each venue, each session. The results of each session not only add to the individual standings, but more importantly they add to the team placing points. Months of refining technique, tying flies, and mentally preparing put the team in a modest 5th place this year during the competition. Our goal has always been to break onto the podium, but this year we fell short. This year the home team brought home the prestigious Team Gold (for the third year in a row) as well as an individual gold. The Czechs were the favored team to win and it was great to see soooo many locals coming out and support the team on their home waters.
Team USA. Photo credit assumed Russ Miller
The venues were spectacular for fishing as each one was unique in its own way and tested the skills and diversity of the anglers. No one technique was king and the best anglers who can do it all rose quickly to the top of the leader board. Here is a look at the venues:
