Results of the Inaugural NZ National Open Fly Tying Champs

Remarkable craftmanship at the first NZ open fly tying competition

by Doug Stevens, nzfishing.com

The youngest competitor won a special commendation for his remarkable fly-tying skills at the inaugural New Zealand National Open Feather Merchants Fly Tying Championship in Rotorua today.

Ten-year old Jacob Bond from Lake Rotoma, a passionate fly fisher, has been tying flies for just a year. “For a 10-year old boy to tie flies like this is phenomenal, I was hugely impressed because not only did the flies look good, they would certainly catch fish”, said Nate Jarvis, General Manager of Feather Merchants who provided the prizes. Jacob’s parents were also pleased with their bottle of Trout Valley wine, a merit award received by all entrants.

Despite a good turn out, including some competitors who had travelled from other parts of the country, the New Zealanders were unplaced. The three main place-getters were all from the Finnish and Italian fly fishing teams who are currently in Rotorua for the World Fly Fishing Championships. Mr Jarvis commented that though the competitors were all tying the same standard patterns, every country had a slightly different take on them. Fishing writer Doug Stevens from nzfishing.com observed “I was struck by the quality and craftsmanship that people put into this aspect of the sport”

The overall winner was Jarkko Suominen of Finland, while his team mate Janne Pirkkalainen was third. The second place-getter, from Italy was Sandro Soldarinin.

The event which was open to the public, was so successful, it will now be run annually in conjunction with the New Zealand National Fly Fishing Champs.

For the rules and regulations that  govern the fly tying championship, see the 2008 World Fly Fishing Champs website.