Project Healing Waters Fly-Fishing Update

While you may not have been aware of it, we have been having our own in-house (San Luis Valley disabled veterans only) rod building competition for the 2020 rod builders.  Thanks to the many who have been working in the shadows, a voting platform was developed,  prizes were donated and the Trout Unlimited Membership along with its Board voted during February and March time frame.

There were 2 Competitions conducted:
One was just for Beginners (the first time a disabled vet built their own fly rod), and
One was for Intermediates (the second or third time a disabled vet built their own fly rod)

I am extremely happy to announce the results:

In the Beginner’s Category, First Place goes to Carlos Atencio; Second Place goes to Jack Rudder; and Third Place goes to David Breece.  In the Intermediate Category, First Place goes to Patrick Mascarenas; Second Place goes to Frankie Romero; and Third Place goes to Antonio Read.  Photos of the first place rods in each category are shown below.

Congratulations to all the prize winners!  And congratulations to all those who entered the competition.

The prizes for First Place winners in each category include a trophy (see photo below), certificate, TU nippers and a $100 Gift Certificate from 8200 Sports in South Fork.  The prizes for Second Place winners in each category include a certificate, TU nippers, set of 18 assorted winter flies and a set of 6 streamers.  The prizes for Third Place winners in each category include a certificate, TU nippers, a set of 6 caddis flies, and a book.

It is our intent to do this in-house rod-building competition again here in the SLV in 2021.  Good luck to all future rod builders.

A Special Thank You to all the sponsors & contibutors:

*8200 Sports for donating the $100 Gift Certificates 
*Trout Unlimited in Alamosa for donating all the flies and nippers.
*Martin Jones for donating the books
*Rain Reich for setting up and monitoring the voting platform
*Thank you to all the TU membership & Board Members who took the time to vote for the disabled veteran’s rods.