Long-time member Larry Gibbs has received one of the highest honors that FFI gives members, its Fly Fisher of the Year Award. Congratulations Larry.
Larry Gibbs in unique among leaders of FFI in the Northwest and nationwide. While most FFI members are focused on developing their expertise in casting, tying or fishing skills, Larry has focused on developing our organization. From recruiting members, creating and leading clubs, supporting FFI financially and over the past three years helping establish a service focused membership strategy for FFI nationwide. For his long service and success in those efforts, the national Board of Directors of FFI named Larry 2024 Fly Fisher of the Year.
Larry first stepped into leadership in 2001 as director-at-large for the Washington State Council and an organizer of it’s Northwest Fly Casting Expo at Trophy Lake, Wash. that year. A year later he became Council treasurer and has been in a leadership position for the council ever since.
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He helped establish two new charter FFI clubs in Washington
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He was an outspoken proponent in 2003 of creating “The Osprey,” an FFI funded wild steelhead conservation newsletter
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He was always involved in fundraising efforts at the annual Expo in Washington and is one reason why the Washington State Council remained solvent through pandemic and donated consistently to partner organizations in less fortunate financial conditions
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He helped organize funding in 2005 to install regulation signage at 10 important trout lakes in Washington’s high desert helping conserve the opportunity for all fishers
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Larry took on a national role in 2008 as Auction & Raffle Coordinator for the FFI Conclave in Loveland, Colorado and held that position for five years.
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As the nation emerged from pandemic, Larry took on the role of Membership Director for the Washington State Council to help restore its membership, a role he also shouldered as a contributor to FFI’s national Membership Committee
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And Larry has long been a contributor to FFI’s national fundraising efforts
Throughout his two decades of navigating the Washington State Council and FFI along its path of growth and changes, Larry has been a cornerstone of the organization. He has been a player-coach who rolls up his sleeves to get things done and guide and improve team members . Crucially, leaders must be able to balance vision for an organization with authenticity. Larry never over sells what he or our organization can accomplish, but he never doubts the value of education, conservation and community to our fellow fishers, both men and women.
Larry’s long dedication to that mission, his willingness to pitch in, his ability to get things done and his generosity to its efforts make his contributions deserving of FFI’s Fly Fisher of the Year Award.