Casting Certification Instruction

The Federation of Fly Fishers Casting Instructor Certification Program began in 1995.  The purpose is to educate and enhance the growth of fly casting instruction, establish a standard for fly casting instructors, and establish high standards in testing.  Casting instructors across the country need to be unified and talk the same language in order for the discipline to grow and improve.  Tie The Knot and the Yellowstone Fly Fishing School will only employ FFF certified instructors.

The Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) has a Casting Instructor Certification Board of Governors (BOG) that oversees the certification process.  The first level of certification is the Casting Certified Instructor (CCI).  Currently there are just over 1000 CCI’s internationally.  The next and final level is a Certified Master Casting Instructor (CMCI).  Currently there are 159 internationally.  In Montana we have four Masters: Bob Jacklin, Matt Wilhelm, Molly Semenik and Bill Toone.  Of the 159 Masters only nine are women.  Molly Semenik was the ninth women to receive her Masters Certification.

A Master is a highly experienced instructor, fly fisher and fly caster. The BOG entrusts a Master to be a steward of the CCI program. Masters may test a CCI candidate.  Masters could become a BOG. The casting certification program is an excellent way to become a better caster and therefore angler, but, also to improve your teaching techniques.

If you are thinking about becoming an instructor, if you are a guide or a serious angler the certification process may interest you. If you wish for guidance in the process or private instruction please contact Molly or visit the Federation of Fly Fishers web site: www.fedflyfishers.org and click on casting instruction.