Building the next generation of ethical fly anglers

DANIA BEACH, FL – March 22, 2022 – The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), in conjunction with Greys, is excited to announce a new fly-fishing program for junior anglers that will launch this summer. Spearheaded by IGFA Trustee and renowned fly angler Andy Mill, this new program will help young anglers in various locations across the United States learn the joys of fly fishing and the great outdoors.

“Interest in fly fishing is at an all time high so it is important to seize on this interest and grow our sport with this new generation of anglers,” states IGFA Trustee Andy Mill. “All of us at the IGFA have worked hard in preserving our sport’s resources, and it’s important for young people to not only have fun with fishing but develop an awareness of conservation. This is a win-win relationship, and with Greys new fly reels and rods, we’ll be able to put rods in the hands of young people that will enjoy a sport that has filled our hearts with great joy.”

The program will kick off in late March/early April with classes in South Florida tailored toward underprivileged youth and foster care children. Beginning in June, the program will then expand out west to Jackson, Wyoming, and Aspen, Colorado, where young anglers will meet once a week throughout the summer to hone their fly fishing skills and their knowledge of conservation and environmental stewardship. Additional locations are also being explored in Vale, Colorado, and Sun Valley, Idaho, but have not yet been confirmed.

“As an avid fly angler, I couldn’t be happier with the launch of this new program,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “We are extremely grateful to IGFA Trustee Andy Mill and our partners at Greys for helping to bring this together, and help spread the important mission of the IGFA.”

The IGFA currently offers a variety of youth angling education programs, however, this will be the first hands-on program that focuses specifically on fly fishing. The IGFA’s youth angling education programs have existed for several decades, and in just over the past four years they have reached nearly 100,000 children around the world.

“The IGFA has not only been the world’s angling record keeper for more than 80 years but has also instilled the constitution of ethics and integrity in fishing throughout the world,” states Jim Murphy President of Greys. “This new program reaches well beyond just fishing, and that is something that rings true with us at Greys as well. We want our product to inspire anglers to do more than just wet a line.”

For more information about the program, please contact IGFA Marketing Director Jack Vitek at jvitek@igfa.org.