Durban North angler hooks Youth Protea spot for world championships
Griffin Price will be competing at the FIPS-Mouche World Youth Fly Fishing Championship in Idaho Falls, USA.
EVER since he held his first rod in his hands, Griffin Price knew that the angling life was his calling.
In time his passion would grow into a dream to one day represent his country at a world championship in the sport of fly fishing and in July this year, he will get that opportunity.
The 17-year-old has been selected for the Youth Protea fly fishing team that will compete at the FIPS-Mouche World Youth Fly Fishing Championship in Idaho Falls, USA.
Although he has fished for leisure in Zimbabwe, Spain and parts of South Africa, this will be his first international competitive fly fishing tournament.
He has competed in five South African Youth Nationals and one South African Senior A Nationals over the past five years and will be competing in SA A Nationals again in April this year.
The Clifton College learner will be part of a six-man team for the Youth Protea and spoke to Northglen News about his hopes and goals for the champs.
“To be honest I’m psyched out and foaming with excitement. I can’t wait to travel to the USA, each passing day just brings me closer to my goal. It has been a dream of mine to be selected for Youth Protea team and I’m ready for whatever opportunity comes my way. My goal would be to help the team do well and then look at how far I can progress in the singles competition,” he enthused.
Griffin aims to take between five and six rods to the competition and has to tie more than 800 flies for the competition.
“I have a little station where I customise and make my own flies. The thing I enjoy the most is the variety of flies in terms of shape, colours and patterns. The goal is to have your flies mimic in appearance insects that would lure a fish out. I was introduced to fly fishing by my friend Nathan Pollard who showed me how to tie flies. Through Nathan I joined the KwaZulu-Natal Fly Fishing Association (KZNFFA) and started fishing competitively. In time through experimentation I was also able to tie my own flies and perfect the art. Some flies take five minutes to make while others take longer,” he said.
Currently, Griffin is the captain of the KZNFFA Youth Team.
He added the support from his family has also been a key to his success.
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