Author Topic: Groundbreaking: "TroutLegend Competitive FF Cooperative" (Read 897 times)

Dejon Hamann · « **on:** December 17, 2009, 04:08:49 PM »

Competitive Fly Fishing Teams TroutLegend and Stonefly join forces to launch the “TroutLegend Competitive FF Cooperative”.

Competitive fly fishing in the United States is on the rise.

Long established overseas, more and more American fly fishermen are testing their skills against fellow anglers. In 2009 alone there were multiple sanctioned regional qualifiers, and a National Championship for “TeamUSA”, let alone a vast array of independent local, regional, and national tournaments.

Even with an increased interest in competitive fly fishing, anglers in the United States have a long way to go to match the depth and rigor of competitive circuits found overseas. What is needed is a support system that encourages and supports best practices in the formation of competitive teams and events.

The TroutLegend Competitive Cooperative is a viable solution to this growing need.

The TroutLegend Competitive Cooperative's mission is to serve as a support mechanism in the formation of competitive teams, the coordination and planning of competitive events, and the establishment of a regional and national ranking system.

What are the benefits to "joining" the cooperative?

For the aspiring competitive angler who has yet to join a team, the cooperative is a place to meet likeminded competitors. Via the cooperative's team directory and team profile pages, independent anglers can search for information on teams in their region or area.

For the aspiring competitive team, the cooperative is a place to learn from established teams regarding team formation, network for additional teammates, and establish a national identity via the team directory and team profile pages.

For existing competitive teams, the TroutLegend Competitive Cooperative is a place to coordinate inter-team practices and mini-comps, collaborate on regional, national, or international tournaments, and establish a common ranking system for competitors.

What commitment must a team make to join the cooperative?

Akin to other “Coops” the TroutLegend Cooperative is based on a direct participation model: “you get out, what you put in”. Teams wishing to join the TroutLegend Competitive Cooperative need simply agree, in principal, to work with other members of the cooperative in support of competitive fly fishing and become an active participant in the “TroutLegend Network” via the well established web portal.

In return, each team joining the cooperative will have their information placed in the team directory and team profile's section. This section will also include a place for teams to collaborate in support of inter-team practices, tournaments, and events. Each team will also nominate and place a member on the “Ranking Committee” which will oversee the “National Ranking System” as well as the overall actions and future of the Coop.

Chris Smith · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2009, 04:46:45 PM »

This could shape the future of competitive fly fishing in the United States (and beyond), and we're very excited to be a small part of it!

TroutLegend is already (IMO) the best stop on the web in terms of competitive fly fishing information. That's testament to Dejon's ability to build and maintain a "place" where strong competitors are willing to share useful information. I learn something new here each and every day, and I try to give back when I can.

If we can harness that willingness to share information with a willingness to collaborate on events, competitions, and guidelines for the growth of the sport, there's no telling where this thing could go.

Enough talk, however...

If you're thinking of forming a team...here is a great support mechanism. You really couldn't find a better place to get started.

If you have an existing team, here is a place to network, coordinate events, and work to shape the future of the sport.

Jason Baker · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2009, 07:34:33 PM »

Great to be part of this Dejon and Chris! Great job working together to form a great idea. I look forward to out first competitive outing as teams!

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2009, 08:06:51 PM »

Chris,

Thank you for your partnership in culturing and originating this project with me over the last few months. I truly believe we are laying the groundwork for a collaborative/system that could take this sport we all love so much to the next level here in North America.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #4 on:** December 18, 2009, 09:11:35 AM »

Nice work guys!

Brenton Greubel · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2009, 10:02:02 AM »

This is such a good idea, way to go guys!

Not sure if any of ya'll watched The Wire, but I like to think of this like Proposition Joe's co-op...

Chris Lee · « **Reply #6 on:** December 18, 2009, 03:26:40 PM »

Great initiative, folks. The NC Flyfishing Team would certainly be willing to participate in this venture.

I met Team Caddis out in Colorado and these guys were really interested in developing a series of events out west. Here is a link to their website:

http://blog.teamcaddis.com/2009/09/25/professional-fly-fishing-league.aspx?ref=rss

Shoot them an email and let them know about this. A western contact could help.

Chris Smith · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2009, 03:52:56 PM »

Hey Chris...welcome aboard. This could take the mini-comp scene to a whole new level.

Dejon and I were on the same page, as we too discussed e-mailing Team Caddis. It's on the to do list for the weekend.

Quick question...Adam and Steve from Blue River Anglers. Do you know if they were solely a 2 man team or if they were part of a larger unit?

Chris Lee · « **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2009, 06:59:29 PM »

Hey, Chris I got your voice mail but was busy dealing with the snow.

The guys from Blue River Anglers did not seem to be part of a team. There was another guide from their shop that partnered with one of the Aussie Outlaws teams. I do believe that the AC was their first comp. They did mention wanting to come out for the Rumble this year but did not show.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2009, 08:07:26 PM »

Ok. I'm gonna have to call these Chris people by their last names or this could get confusing!!!

Lee, absolutely thrilled that you guys are down with the Coop!!!! TeamNC has been a truly inspiring model for much of this work and it's clutch having you guys as a founding member.

We have a lot of work to do, but with these 3 teams grounding it I'm extremely excited about the possibilities.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #10 on:** December 19, 2009, 12:32:07 PM »

I'd like to thank Jeremiah Hamilton for creating this stunning Coop Logo:

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #11 on:** December 19, 2009, 02:21:27 PM »

Sweet!!!!! I want that on a shirt!

Chris Smith · « **Reply #12 on:** December 19, 2009, 03:02:35 PM »

That is sweet!

Rich Strolis · « **Reply #13 on:** December 19, 2009, 05:35:17 PM »

Guys,
looks like your project/idea is rolling along. I like the logo by the way it is stellar. On a side note, I heard the word t-shrit being thrown around. D, I know you use cafepress for shirts and what not, but my web savvy buddy has another vendor that makes nicer stuff for about the same price. If this becomes a viable option, let me know and I will have him get me the info on that.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #14 on:** December 19, 2009, 05:39:00 PM »

Quote from: Rich Strolis on December 19, 2009, 05:35:17 PM

my web savvy buddy has another vendor that makes nicer stuff for about the same price. If this becomes a viable option, let me know and I will have him get me the info on that.

If he has the same setup as cafepress I'd be happy to look at another option. Cafepress does all the printing, shipping, order processing, returns, and everything else - all I have to do is create designs and collect paychecks... which, as I'm sure you can guess, aren't much after they take their big cut for doing all that work.

Larry Hofferberth · « **Reply #15 on:** December 29, 2009, 05:15:03 AM »

Dejon and Chris,
You both have done a nice job at bringing this together, I salute both of you.
I think this will improve the fishing skills of the flyfisherman.

If Tim Ramey and I can help, just let us know!

Great job guys

Rich Strolis · « **Reply #16 on:** December 29, 2009, 08:03:38 AM »

D,
here is the link. Check it out, let me know what you think about it...seems like less cheese and nicer stuff to me..

http://www.storenvy.com/

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #17 on:** December 29, 2009, 01:58:00 PM »

Quote from: Rich Strolis on December 29, 2009, 08:03:38 AM

D,
here is the link. Check it out, let me know what you think about it...seems like less cheese and nicer stuff to me..

http://www.storenvy.com/

Unless I missed something it seems to be a similar, but completely different system than cafepress. Cafepress prints on a per order basis. I'd have to drop 4 or 5 bills just to run a single Tshirt at Sorenvy. Maybe in a couple years when we're a little bigger

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #18 on:** December 29, 2009, 05:06:50 PM »

We've made some edits to the logo. Please use this new one.

Chris Smith · « **Reply #19 on:** December 29, 2009, 10:52:16 PM »

Quote from: Larry Hofferberth on December 29, 2009, 05:15:03 AM

Dejon and Chris,
You both have done a nice job at bringing this together, I salute both of you.
I think this will improve the fishing skills of the flyfisherman.

If Tim Ramey and I can help, just let us know!

Great job guys

Larry,

I can't imagine a cooperative event without a fly tying demonstration or seminar. There's no doubt that we could benefit from the expertise both you and Tim have developed.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #20 on:** December 29, 2009, 10:54:57 PM »

D that is sweet!! Hamilton nice work!

Is there a team logo that you guys made for team TL yet?

Chris Smith · « **Reply #21 on:** December 29, 2009, 10:55:58 PM »

Quote from: Chris Lee on December 18, 2009, 03:26:40 PM

Great initiative, folks. The NC Flyfishing Team would certainly be willing to participate in this venture.

I met Team Caddis out in Colorado and these guys were really interested in developing a series of events out west. Here is a link to their website:

http://blog.teamcaddis.com/2009/09/25/professional-fly-fishing-league.aspx?ref=rss

Shoot them an email and let them know about this. A western contact could help.

Lee (so Dejon can keep us straight),

I e-mailed Paul Knight of Team Caddis but have yet to receive a reply. It's an @teamcaddis e-mail address, and if he is like me he may not check that account often.

Regardless, who were the team members you met in Colorado? Paul is listed as the head of the US Team, but I might e-mail the others as well...economy of scale.

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Author Topic: Groundbreaking: "TroutLegend Competitive FF Cooperative" (Read 897 times)

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