The Fly Shop in Redding is hosting the Gabe Duran Memorial Fly Fishing Tournament May 19-21. Gabe Duran was a local fly fishing celebrity, but his reputation reached much further.  I have had anglers tell of fishing with Gabe as far away as Montana. A larger than life presence with a personality and smile to match, he was a light that dimmed far too soon at the age of 34, three years ago. What better way to remember and celebrate a man who as a guide and a friend touched so many in the Northern California fly angling community?

Each 2-angler team will have 2 days of guided fishing on the Lower Sacramento River which should be in prime shape with hungry trout on the prowl after the very wet winter and high water conditions. But the fishing is not the only attraction. Friday night begins the festivities with a beer and appetizer party where great stories and remembrances of Gabe are sure to be shared.  After an awesome day of fishing on Saturday, a barbeque party with live music by the Wolf Creek Boys will be held that evening. Sunday's fishing will be followed by an afternoon awards ceremony.

There will be 6 prized categories awarded and all will receive Gabe Duran Commemorative Swag Bags. Some of the prizes will include guided fishing trips as well as rods and reels.  The cost is $1500 per team of two anglers with proceeds benefiting Cast Hope.

Cast Hope is a great organization that offers youngsters the opportunity to be introduced to the outdoors through fly fishing, learning an activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. There are many guides throughout Northern California who generously participate offering fishing trips and mentoring many youth in the north state through this program.  For more information on this great organization visit Casthope.org.

This inaugural Gabe Duran Memorial Fly Fishing Tournament will be a fantastic event where even beginners to the sport of fly fishing can compete with the most skilled fly angler. Gabe’s light will be shining that day!

For more information on the event and to sign up, contact Ryan Johnston at 619-540-9259 or at ryanjohnston@hotmail.com.

Gary Heffley has been a valued contributor to MyOutdoorBuddy for over 10 years serving as manager, sales representative and reporter for much of Northern California. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to fish and write about his adventures. He has a long history in the Sporting Goods field and uses that extensive experience to impart his wisdom in his writing.