Since the formation of Washington FFI in the 1960s, our members and affiliated clubs have played an invaluable role in conserving and protecting countless acres of stream and riverbank. We bring people together in the vigorous defense of ecosystems and committed efforts to share the best in fly tying, casting, and fishing skills. Each year, the Washington State Council gives up to 7 awards for excellence in education, conservation and leadership to various members and affiliated clubs.
Of the seven awards categories, 5 individuals are being recognized in 2025:
o WSCFFI Fly Fisher of the Year
Jim Black has helped coordinate the last 5 fly-casting events and fly-fishing shows that the WSCFFI has sponsored or participated in. He always picks up the slack when extra support is required. He is currently the secretary for the Board of Directors and has been unselfish with his time and efforts in the support of WSCFFI.
o Pat Herdt Education Award (individual) 2 recipients for 2025
Tim Opitz has been a champion for Youth Fly Fishing Education. In 2018, Tim created a 2-pronged youth education model. The 2 prongs are Membership, for those youth whose parents or grandparents are members of the Overlake Fly-Fishing Club (offc.org). The second prong is Outreach, for community youth groups and school groups. Tim is an amazing manager with an ironclad commitment to teaching the next generation of fly-fishers.
Kevin Angevine serves as the South Sound Fly Fishers fundraising chair; he also plays a critical role in our Education Program. His actions have displayed a continuous, focused effort promoting education of fly fishing for multiple years that sets him apart from his peers. Kevin inspires and mentors over 90 students a year leaving a positive impact. Additionally, he sponsors multiple fly-fishing trips with students for hands on learning, which directly results in many new club memberships.
o Bill MacCay Conservation Award
Ryan May, a member of our Conservation Committee of The Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds, began work to set up our club as a “partner” organization with Snohomish County’s Healthy Forest Project (HFP). HFP is a community stewardship program which aims to restore and care for the forested parks and natural areas managed by Snohomish County. His efforts to promote the events through social media have increased awareness and participation from the community at large. This very successful habitat restoration effort has been a huge source of pride in our club and has motivated our members’ involvement.
Congratulations to well deserved award recipients!!
Volunteers are the life blood of our organization. Please congratulate this year’s awardees and be on the look out for someone to nominate next year. If you were counting, there are only 4 names above. This year we created a new award to recognize individuals within affiliated clubs of the WSCFFI who the backbone of their clubs. The Robert Gerlach Award was created in 2025. The WSCFFI Board of Directors voted to bestow the 1st award to the namesake of the award, Robert Gerlach. Congratulations Robert!
To improve the WSCFFI Awards nominations process, we are planning to rewrite and standardize all the awards criteria, submission process and the possible addition of a couple of awards to better serve our membership. As we make changes, we will provide updates in our newsletters as well as our website. If there are any suggestions or changes, please let us know. All inputs can be sent to President@WSCFFI.org .
If you personally know any of the reward recipients, please offer them a well deserved congratulations.