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Dear Fellow Flyfisher: Is flyfishing important to you as it is to me? I get alot of value out of my sport, perhaps because I see flyfishing as much more than a simple pastime. To me, it's a special way of looking at the world. In fact, flyfishing gives me a perspective on conservation and the environment unlike anything else. I believe it comes from the tradition and the commitment to beauty which are so much a part of the sport. That, in turn leads to a unique appreciation for the natural world. And that is why I flyfish. That also explains why I am a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers and why I am so eager for you to join me as a member of the only non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of flyfishing. Now, you are quite correct if you say there are many other fine conservation groups you could join. But do they really believe in flyfishing? Or will you just be lumped in with all the spinning rods and baitcasting reels? When you join the FFF, the answer is always flyfishing. And that's important, if you take your sport as seriously as I do. Let me give you just one example of why the Federation counts. In Oregon, public officials quietly decided it was time to open all that state's fly fishing waters to anglers with spinning and baitcasting rods. It was a decision which disregarded decades of special regulation and even threatened to allow salmon snagging on some of these prized lakes and streams. And nobody cared! Nobody, that is except the Federation of Fly Fishers. We argued that these historic set-asides were too valuable to lose, and we emphasized that the waters were special only because flyfishers had made them so. We stood alone, but we stood firm. And today, because of the Federation of Fly Fishers, those special regulation waters remain. Is Oregon the lone example? Not at all. The same thing happened in Michigan, where officials decided that waters made special by flyfishers should no longer be preserved for flyfishing. But once more, the Federation was there. And the world's only organized voice for fly fishing prevailed again in ensuring a future for special waters. Surely, it makes you wonder whether your waters are next. And if they are, to whom will you turn to for help if not to the FFF? Is the Federation's sole mission to protect flyfishing only rules? No, our vision is much broader than that. But FFF's philosophy of conserving, restoring and educating through flyfishing gives us a unique perspective that has proven important time after time. Few things demonstrate that point better than our commitment to catch-and-release. Other organizations may embrace catch-and-release, but FFF was the first to preach this essential philosophy for managing our fisheries. We also realized that its' importance went well beyond the trout stream, extending to all fish in all waters. And today catch-and-release is practiced throughout the world. Trout stream, bass lake, saltwater flat: Our leadership has influenced them all. What more can I say to demonstrate the value of joining FFF? There is, in fact, so much more, from youth programs to local stream projects. From protecting fisheries to supporting efforts aimed at containing whirling disease on our western trout streams. And as an FFF member, you'll be kept up to date through the quarterly Flyfisher magazine. But the real key to understanding the Federation is the realization that we are the only flyfishing organization. We don't pay lip service to the image; flyfishing defines the Federation's very soul. And let me emphasize that point: Nobody else shares your flyfishing perspective. Nobody else represents your flyfishing interests. Nobody else cares about you as a flyfisher. Go ahead, look around. And if you find another national organization with FFF's dedication to flyfishing conservation and education, let me know, because I'll want to be a part of that group. Until then, the decision to become a Federation member is easy. We may live in different part of the country, even different parts of the world. And there's a good chance we fish for different species. But we share a unique bond through flyfishing,you and I. And that's why I'm counting on you to send in your membership today to the world's only flyfishing organization. Just $29 a year to join the only organization dedicated to conserving, restoring and educating through flyfishing. Trust me, it's where every flyfisher belongs. Regards, Bernard "Lefty" Kreh,
P.S. I mean it when I say the FFF is the world's only flyfishing organization. But if you show me any other national association whose primary mission is conserving, restoring and educating through flyfishing, we will refund your first year's dues in the FFF. That's more than a promise. It's my no risk guarantee to you as a new member in the Federation of Fly Fishers.
FFF National website Federation of Fly Fishers
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