Maple Ridge’s Todd Oishi is on the look out for the next generation of competitive anglers, and he’s hoping to find some in his own backyard.
A new program by Fly Fishing Canada is hoping to pair young upcoming anglers with seasoned pros to mentor them and groom for international competitions.
Oishi is no stranger to the international stage, having competed with Team Canada at the World Championships of Fly Fishing five times.
“I’ve been around the world and met some great fly fishers from all over,” he said.
Those opportunities exist for the next generation of anglers. Oishi and Fly Fishing Canada just have to find them.
Oishi is looking for avid fly fishers aged 13 to 18.
Oishi said he’s hoping to hold evaluations in the coming months, and will be making recommendations to the national youth team.
While Oishi says he’s not a very competitive person by nature, international fly fishing competitions have allowed him to network with fishermen from all over the world and learn new techniques along the way.
“For a young person, it’s a very positive experience,” he said.
Oishi hopes some of the interested anglers will come from his home town of Maple Ridge.
The local high schools hold an annual fly fishing tournament, so there’s at least some competition happening at the junior levels locally.
That’s not often the case for much of Canada.
“The Europeans tend to dominate the competitions because they can compete every weekend,” Oishi said. “Out here were lucky to get three or four competitions in before we go to the worlds.”
• Anyone interested in trying out for the Canadian youth fly fishing team can contact Oishi at 604-462-0194, or by email at todd@bcflyfishingadventures.com
