Here we go with some pictures from the " IRON MAN FLY CONTEST" 2016 (see article below and webpage for more pictures). It was a great night and we filled the house at the Blackhorse in Knoxville. Best of all we accomplished our goal of raising the money needed to sponsor a child to the Great Smoky Mountain Trout Camp this summer. The funds from this event combined with a hot dog fundraiser we did this fall gave us the total we needed! (Special thanks to Lori Douthat for her SLR photo work! If the pictue is great it is her shot!)

WINNERS LIST
Mike Bryant-Syndicate fly rod-donated by Syndicate Fly Fishing-Knoxville, TN
Matt Duncan-Access Mid -Arbor reel-donated by Orvis-Sevierville, TN
Weston Claytor-our youngest competitor-"TYWHEEL" donated by Tywheel & Fly Tying kit-donated by Little River Outfitters-Townsend, TN
Charlie Chmielewski-Fishpond long handled boat net-donated by Smoky Mountain Angler-Gatlinburg, TN
Melissa Harrell- One dozen flies, autographed book from Don Kirk, "Eat More Otter" shirt-all donated by Southern Trout magazine

Our sponsors and donors provided almost $1000 dollars in retail products to the winners of each round and contestants. The weather kept some from coming out and competing but we still packed the house. We had a great night of fun before the anticipated big storm rolled through our area this weekend. Thankfully Knoxville dodged the bullet even though just 30 minutes away in surrounding areas folks got hammered with snow.

People are already saying they can't wait till next year's event and we are thinking up ways now to confuse and frustrate the next year's round of competitors! I cannot say enough about the tiers who not only paid an entry fee to compete but came in ready to do battle and laugh while "Tying for a Purpose" . The crowd had a big night of great food and craft beer, while they watched the tiers try to make the most of their bags of totally mismatched fly tying material and tie something fishy for the judges. Hats off to those who came out and shared the evening with the Great Smoky Mountain TU chapter and the other TU chapter members along with welcomed guests, who came to attend and compete. Your donations helped us make it happen for a child this year for Trout Camp!

Our judges Dan from LRO, Kris from Orvis, Erick & Mark from Syndicate Rods truly had a tough time judging the entries. The quality of flies tied from a hodge podge of screws, rubber bands and such was amazing and each round raised the bar as the night went on.

Thanks again to Don Kirk author and editor of Southern Trout and Southern Kayak magazines. Don and his wife drove up from Alabama for the event and yes to see his new grandchild. Congrats and best wishes to them and their family!

(P. S.) -If you have shots from the night please send them to me at john711111@yahoo.com and I will post them here and on the Great Smoky Mountain TU webpage:

http://greatsmokymountain.tu.org/

John Reinhardt
President
EMAIL:john711111@yahoo.com