Nine fly fishing legends are being honored for their years of dedication with induction into the Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame.
The hall is located within the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City, North Carolina. Induction ceremonies are May 5-6, starting with a “Lagers with Legends” event Friday evening at Mountain Layers Brewery.
Induction ceremonies will be at the historic Fryemont Inn on Saturday, beginning with lunch at 1 p.m. Inductees are being honored for their contributions to communications, conservation, crafts and more.
The 2023 inductees:
Jen Ripple, Tennessee (Communications) – Inducted for sharing her knowledge and experience as a writer and editor of Dun magazine and many other publications, as an instructor, volunteer, teacher and public speaker. For her dedication to bringing recognition to women working in the industry, and her work to introduce new women to the sport.
Mike LaVoie, North Carolina (Conservation) – Inducted for his many years of conservation, environmental and national resource oversight for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. For being the bridge of understanding to connect reservation authorities with local and regional authorities. For finding funding partners to implement significant projects for endangered species, river conservation and bridge removal to open regional waterways. For his work to build the economic impact of fishing in Cherokee and Western North Carolina.
Walter Babb, Tennessee (Crafts) – Inducted as a nationally recognized professional fly tyer and rod builder, a historian and scholar of flies specific to the Smoky Mountains and developing many patterns specific to the region. He is widely known for sharing a lifetime of knowledge and being an avid fly fisherman.
Capt. Jacob (Jake) Jordan, North Carolina/Florida (Recreation) – Inducted for his 60 years of contributions to the saltwater fly fishing industry. Known nationally and internationally as a big game-light tackle captain, business owner, educator, author, conservationist, guide, industry consultant and world record holder many times over. At 81, Jordan still owns and operates the Fly Fishing School, the marlin school and tarpon fishing charters in the Keys.
Don Ray Howell and Dwight G. Howell, North Carolina (Ambassadors) – Inducted together poshumously for their leadership and commitment in sharing a lifetime of knowledge as regional pioneers as Trout Unlimited state board members, rod builders, guides, and teachers. As shop owners, the Howell brothers were the first to bring tying materials to the area. As nationally and internationally recognized fly tyers, they even tied for the Prince of Wales.
John Zimmerman and Taylor Sharp, North Carolina (Humanity) – Inducted for their work together creating and cofounding the nonprofit Casting for Hope and the Casting for Hope retreat center. Casting for Hope supports women battling ovarian and other gynecological cancers while using fly fishing as a catalyst. Shop owners and avid fly fishers they are known for thinking creatively to host unique ways of fundraising to support their cause.
