Renowned fly-fisher Charles Jardine, is to be inducted into the fly-fishing equivalent of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony in New York State in October this year. The honour, bestowed by the Catskill Fly Fishing Centre and American Museum has never been awarded to a living UK personality from the UK.
The Fly Fishing Centre and American Museum is seen as the crucible of fly fishing in the US and performs a vital role for both education, conservation and fly fishing for the over seven million US fly-fishing community.
“To say that I was utterly shocked when I received the call, would be an understatement,” commented Charles Jardine.
“And when I saw the criteria for selection and names of earlier luminaries, well, I am just humbled and deeply moved to even be mentioned in the same breath of those that have been previously inducted. The American Fly fishing community has been so kind to me over the years and bestowed some wonderful accolades; this by far is the pinnacle. I think I am still dreaming it all….”
The honour is: ‘Reserved for distinguished members of the angling community who ‘stand tall’ and whose reputations are a part of the history of fly fishing’.
When making their decision, the nominating committee look for a person who has made a substantial contribution to the sport of fly-fishing on a national or international basis.
For example, by:
Furthering the understanding or care of the aquatic habitat.
Innovations of fly-fishing techniques, tackle, flies or other elements of the sport.
Furthering appreciation for or knowledge of the practice of the sport.
Inductees are selected from throughout the fly-fishing community be they anglers, guides, scientists, conservationists or fishing industry leaders.
Mr Jardine is the Director of the Countryside Alliance Foundation’s Fishing for Schools programme, which assists students with learning difficulties by offering fishing related activities as a way back into formal education and learning; in the classroom, on field trips, or a combination of both.
Charles Jardine concluded: “The list of people honoured by the Committee are my heroes, luminaries in our community. The standing of these individuals represents the very cornerstones of our sport – A fly fishing Olympus. I just feel utterly humbled to be in such company and so glad that I have been able to contribute, in some small way to a sport that I have loved for over sixty years. I really don’t feel worthy – after all, I am just a simple fisher who just wants develop and grow our fabulous sport. That’s all. But what an extraordinary honour! Wow!”