If you are the semi-competitive type and you are looking for a good cause then you owe it to yourself to sign up for this years Rogue River Steelhead tournament.

This annual event, which is put on by the Rogue Flyfishers helps to raise money for the club, which in turn uses the funds for fish, fishing enhancement, and other projects that help support the fish of the Rogue basin.

This year the event is scheduled for October 29th, which is a Saturday, and costs $150.00 per contestant. Boats consist of two fishermen and a rower,of which many are local guides, volunteers and club members.

This is a flyfishing tournament, and prizes are awarded in various categorys, with the top prize going for largest Steelhead and most inches of fish. The tourney is catch and release, barbless fly,and conventional gear only. Last years winner took top honors with a mere 23 inches as the top fish. I personally have heard of many 30 inch fish being caught this year--so WATCH OUT!!

For your money you will also receive a continental breakfast, as well as the banquet dinner to be held at that evening at the Red Lion Hotel here in Medford, Or. There will also be silent auction as well as the traditional oral auction fundraiser also to be held that evening at the Red Lion. Last year some of the prizes included some nice custom made fly-rods, but the real reason to enter is for fish enhancement.

Seats go fast for this event and they have told me that only six slots are left even as we speak.(Or read in this case.) You can still make reservations for the banquet if you just want to come and hang out with a buunch of fishy guys.

Last year the event brought in over $8500.00 dollars and even though it is not as famous as some of the other Trout and Salmon fundraising tournaments held in other places--this one is low key and a little more comfortable feeling.

So, if your late October schedule is missing some excitement, come join in the Annual Rogue River Steelhead Tournament.

You can find more information at: http://www.rogueflyfishers.org

A.J. Klott

A.J. Klott Author, writer of fishing humor,and "fly tack" peddler.A.J. writes about the people,characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005. If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his "two guys with flys" website