The Gulf Coast Council (GCC) of Fly Fishers International (FFI) has announced their inaugural Gulf Coast Classic fly fishing festival, set to take place on Friday and Saturday, May 5-6, 2023, at the Learning Campus of Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The event aims to provide an expanded range of activities and educational opportunities to the fly fishing community, showcasing the best of the Gulf Coast region.

Among the activities tentatively planned, mostly Friday and Saturday:

• Seminars on fishing locations, tactics, and multiple species
• Exhibitors and vendors
• Fly tying demonstrations
• Conservation programs
• Beginner fly casting instruction (free with admission)
• Beginner fly tying instruction (free with admission)
• Fly tying workshops (registration required, cost $20-$50)
• Casting workshops (registration required, cost $0-$20)
• Fishing Tournament (free with admission, kicks off Thursday a.m.)
• Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) (ticket purchase required, limited seating)
• Raffles & silent auction, offering many one-of-a-kind items

Click here to see the workshops schedule.

Centered around activities and education, the event will feature fly tying, casting, diverse techniques for catching fish on the fly, popular fly fishing destinations, and conservation efforts. Numerous renowned fly tyers from the region will showcase their preferred patterns through demonstrations. Attendees can also expect a sizable raffle and silent auction boasting one-of-a-kind items, as well as a fly fishing film festival and various other exciting attractions.

Gulf State Park, which spans 6,150 acres and features a 900-acre Lake Shelby, is a unique location for fly fishing enthusiasts, with clear Gulf waters that host a wide variety of both fresh and brackish species. The park also offers numerous family-friendly activities, including a 3.5-mile beach, 28 miles of paved backcountry trail for hiking and biking, a free bike share program, kayaking on Lake Shelby, and an Interpretive Center.

The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park will serve as the hub for the festival, hosting seminars, demonstrations, and an on-site restaurant with a special seating area for attendees. On Saturday evening, the 2023 Fly-Fishing Film Tour (F3T) will make its Gulf Shores debut, with more details to follow.

For volunteers, presenters, fly-tyers, vendors, and exhibitors, the Gulf Coast Council has secured on-campus dormitories for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Registration for these accommodations will open in early February, with any remaining beds available to registered attendees on a first-come, first-served basis starting March 15th.

The Gulf Coast Classic offers numerous opportunities for sponsors, donors, demonstration fly tyers, and volunteers. The GCC encourages those interested to participate in any of these capacities. Please note that smoking is not permitted anywhere in the state park, but walking-distance smoking areas can be suggested if needed.

For more information on the Gulf Coast Classic and to stay updated on event details, visit the Fly Fishers International website.