Traveled #23 | Fly Fishing World Championships with Glade Gunther: Inside the Idaho Fly Fishing Event

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/705B

In this episode, host Dave talks with Glade Gunther, a member of Team USA and the person in charge of organizing a major event in Fly Fishing, to share what’s planned and how people can join in the fun.

Dave and Glade will tell you all about the famous rivers in Idaho, how the event works, and even give some helpful fishing tips. Whether you want to watch the competition, volunteer, or just become a better fisher, this episode has everything you need to know!

1:09 - From casting simple spinners as a child to learning the art of fly fishing as a teenager, Glade Gunther's journey reflects the timeless appeal of fishing as both a personal pastime and a shared experience.

5:15 - Glade shares how today Fly Fishing Team USA continues to grow, selecting top anglers every two years based on a points system. Glade explains how recent changes have made it easier for people to participate, and how the team is now made up of the best 15 anglers in the country.

7:28 - After COVID paused competitions, Fly Fishing Team USA revamped its selection process by creating a regional system, dividing the U.S. into four sections. This made it easier for anglers to compete locally without extensive travel.

15:12 -Glade then proceed in sharing how Fly Fishing Team USA’s selection process allows anglers to compete in up to three regional events, counting their best two scores to account for luck and variability in conditions. Rankings from regional events are combined with points from interregional competitions to determine the top anglers.

30:52 - Glade emphasizes how the U.S. aims to minimize disruption and avoid conflicts with local anglers. With careful planning and support from state and federal agencies, the event will promote conservation, safe fishing practices, and a fun, competitive environment for participants.

36:33 - Glade describes their success in securing bids for organizing a fly fishing event and the subsequent planning efforts involved. They mention having a cabin in Island Park, Idaho, which lies within the renowned "golden triangle" of fly fishing, spanning Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

43:03 - The youth fly fishing team recently achieved remarkable success at the World Championships in the Czech Republic, sweeping the podium with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes and securing the team gold medal.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/705B