Effective March 2nd, 2026, Fly Fishers International (FFI) raised its membership dues. This marks the first increase in base dues in over 15 years.
During that time, the cost of delivering programs, supporting our community, and operating the organization has steadily increased. After careful review and thoughtful discussion, the Board of Directors has approved a modest dues adjustment to ensure Fly Fishers International remains strong, sustainable, and well-positioned for the future.
Here’s what to expect:
- Standard Memberships will now be $45.00 per year.
- Youth, Senior, and Veteran Memberships will continue to receive discounted rates.
- Youth memberships will be $25, while Senior and Veteran will be $35 per year, which still provides a deep discount off the standard rate.
- Enhanced Membership Levels (Advocate, Patron, Sustainer) will remain unchanged.
Why are these increases necessary?
Back in 2009, when the last dues were approved, the cost of membership was marketed as “the cost of a budget fly line”. Which at the time, the budget Orvis Silver Label line was $35. According to the U.S. government’s Consumer Price Index, the cumulative rate of inflation from 2009 to 2026 has been a whopping 51.6%. So, a $35 fly line back then would cost $53 today. The current price of an Orvis Clearwater fly line is $49. So the increase is still in line with “the cost of a budget fly line”.
Sadly, it’s not just fly lines that have gotten more expensive. It’s everything else. And in addition, we now utilize technology that didn’t exist in 2009 but is now used to provide members and future fly fishers with all the tools they need to be successful. These include our monthly Zoom sessions on casting and fly tying, as well as our extensive video library. FFI member benefits are at an all-time high.
There’s no denying that if FFI were a larger organization, with more members and bigger sponsors, that we could forestall dues increases for a couple more years. Growing membership is a goal we are currently working on. In order for FFI to become a more powerful voice for conservation – as a large majority of fly anglers urge – we need to grow membership by a factor of 10 or more. To do this, we need to transform from a bottom-up organization (as most hobby NPOs) to a top-down organization. It won’t be an easy change, and it won’t happen quickly.
Meanwhile, these dues changes allow us to continue investing in the programs, education, and community connections that define FFI, while supporting long-term financial stability and our strategic vision.
We’re deeply grateful for the continued support and commitment from our members to the fly fishing community and to conservation. Thank you for being part of Fly Fishers International.
The Gulf Coast Council (GCC) of Fly Fishers International (FFI) is raffling off a five-day adventure trip to beautiful Costa Rica, donated by our friends at 4 Corners Costa Rica. Tickets are just $25 each and there is no limit to the total purchased.
Registration is now live for our 4th annual Gulf Coast Classic to be held May 1st and 2nd at the Learning Campus in Gulf State Park. This event continues to grow in popularity, featuring some of the nation’s top fly tiers, regional fishing experts, educational workshops, as well as a slew of fun activities such as a Mixed Bag fishing contest, a Big Gun contest, Youth activities, a Fly Fishing Film Tour showing, and a large raffle with many one-of-a-kind items.
Whether you’re wanting to learn to fly cast, or take your casting to the next level, Fly Fishers International (FFI) Certified Casting Instructors are there to help with a global network of more than 1,000 CCIs, Mentors, or Examiners across 32 countries.
An urgent reminder that this Friday is the deadline for responses to the proposed Notice of Intent (NOI) to reduce the buffer zone for industrial harvest of menhaden (pogies) from 1/2 mile to 1/4 mile. Please read the following summary, then email your thoughts to: jadriance@wlf.la.gov
Our 4th annual Gulf Coast Classic is still four months away, but excitement is building! We’ve once again procured many of the great fly tiers from last year, while adding some new renown tiers. We’re also excited to announce that our Conservation Keynote speaker will be Dr. Aaron Adams, one of the premier marine scientists in the nation as well as a fly fishing expert and author.
No Wake Outfitters and the FFI Gulf Coast Council will be hosting a special event on Saturday, January 17th featuring Jeff Preddy, owner of Fly Hair Company. Time is 12pm to 5pm. Location is the No Wake Warehouse on 1926 Airline Dr in Metairie, LA. There will be a food vendor onsite as well as beverages.
