Venues have been set, beats are being mapped out and anglers from around the country will soon be pouring in from around the country. The US national fly fishing championship will take place in Cherokee, NC May 19 to 22.
The tournament is expecting 60 anglers. Participants are required to pay a $250 fee to help cover tournament expenses. Many anglers unfortunately were unable to come up with the funds for entry and travel. No international anglers have responded to invitations. This has allowed a few participants into the tournament who did not qualify through regional competitions. These anglers are still seasoned competition anglers, many with local knowledge.
Matt Pegg, Tournament Director says that there has been an outpouring of support for the event from the community. Several new sponsors have come on board, including the Sequoya fund, a Cherokee lending corporation.
An opening ceremony has been planned to take place at the Nantahala Brewing Company with regional band, Big House Radio performing. “The ceremony will be more of a party, than a ceremony,” said Pegg.
