Acadiana Fly Rodders club is based out of Lafayette, Louisiana. Our mission is to promote fly fishing, fly tying, conservation and fellowship. Our membership includes all levels of expertise. Those interested in learning or improving their skills at fly casting, fly tying, or fishing strategies will benefit greatly as members of AFR.
Louisiana is the redfish capital of the world. It's also home to great offshore and freshwater fly fishing. Many of our members fish for these species out of kayaks or shallow skiffs. Most of our members also travel to Arkansas, Colorado, Montana, Tennessee and elsewhere for trout and other coldwater species.
We are very fortunate to have three (3) FFI Master Certified Casting Instructors in our club, more than any other club on the Gulf Coast. This means members have an exceptional learning opportunity to improve their casting and learn advanced techniques.
Meetings
We typically meet the 3rd Thursday of each month. Time is 6:00pm.
Unless otherwise noted, our meetings are held at Pack & Paddle Outpost behind their store on 601 East Pinhook in Lafayette. Click here for Google Maps direction.
These meetings are open to the public and include tackle tips, fishing reports, and sometimes guest speakers. The programs can cover a wide range of topics, either fly fishing, fly tying or of general fishing interest.
Membership
Annual dues are $25, plus required membership in Fly Fishers International.
While general meetings are open to the public, other club activities such as casting clinics, outings, club picnics, etc. are for paid members only. For more info, go to our Membership page.
Fly Fishers International (FFI)
FFI is the world's largest organization dedicated to our sport. It's mission is conserving, restoring and educating thru fly fishing. Membership includes discounts on books and videos, as well as subscription to the award winning FlyFisher magazine. Dues go towards conservation and educational initiatives. They also support Reel Recovery and Casting for Recovery. For more details, go to www.flyfishersinternational.org.
The FFI is divided into regional councils. Louisiana FFI clubs and members are by default also members of the Gulf Coast Council, which is involved in regional educational and conservation projects. For more details, go to www.gulfcoastcouncilffi.org.
The Acadiana Fly Rodders is an FFI charter club, and a member of the FFI Gulf Coast Council. FFI membership is required for club members.
Awards and Recognition
Acadiana Fly Rodders and our members have been recognized over the years for their outstanding contributions to our sport and to charitable causes.
2019 - Keith Richard - FFI Jay Gammel Award
This award is given by the FFI Casting Committee to recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to the teaching of fly casting. Keith is owner of The Camp Fly Fishing School in Breaux Bridge, and works
with AHERO promoting fly fishing for veterans. He has conducted
workshops at FFI events and has authored numerous instructional videos and articles on fly casting.
2012 – FFI McKenzie Cup
This award is given annually by Fly Fishers International to that FFI Club which has made an outstanding contribution on behalf of FFI. These represent activities and services which further the cause of conservation, education or philantrophy. Acadiana Fly Rodders was recognized for several contributions, but most notably for their longtime participation in Reel Recovery, a program for male cancer victims.
2012 – Robert Tabbert – FFI Conservation Award
Given to an individual, group or organization that has made extraordinary contributions to conserve our fisheries resources. Bob Tabbert has been an active member of the FFI Conservation Committee for many years and worked with clubs and other organizations to promote conservation and to enhance and improve fisheries.
2012 – Robert Tabbert – FFI Don Harger Memorial Life Award
Given to an individual, or to a family member in the individual’s memory, who is/was actively engaged in, or is closely related to, some aspect or area of fly fishing, either as a vocation or avocation.
Gulf Coast Council - Woman of the Year
2015 – Beverly Vidrine
2009 – Carolyn Dunn
Awarded to a woman who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the sport of
fly fishing, and through her devotion, has benefitted the Gulf Coast
Council, the FFI and/or her club.
Gulf Coast Council - Fly Tying Award of Excellence
2008 - Carolyn Dunn
Awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the
art of fly tying, through any combination of innovation, enhancement of
the art or education of others.