Barrett Productions Inc. and the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) have partnered to create the Fly Fishing Masters, a nationwide competition where fly fishermen compete for a $52,000 purse. The tournament is a team event and anglers must enter in teams of two by June 15, 2003. If your team is selected to participate in one of the regional qualifying competitions, a $100 advance entry fee is required. There is no fee to apply. Participants may apply for multiple regional competitions but may only compete in one event.

A maximum of 50 teams will be selected for each regional qualifier. The four regional events (California, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Georgia) will be held between June and September to determine which teams will compete in the final event on October 12 at an undisclosed location. Each team will participate in a casting competition, the 8 teams that score the best will advance to the fishing portion of the regional qualifier. The winning team from the fishing portion of each regional qualifier will advance to the final event.

At the final event, the first place team receives $30,000, second place receives $15,000, third place $5,000, and fourth place receives $2,000. Prize money is divided equally among team members.

The tournament will be organized, filmed, and produced by Barrett Productions, a Missoula, Montana, company known for creating fly-fishing programs like Fly Fishing the World. They are also responsible for selecting the teams from the submitted applications for each regional event.

The following is a brief list of other rules and eligibility requirements. For the complete list of rules and information on how to apply visit www.olntv.com. Or you can enter by fax or mail. Fax applications to 406-327-0909, ATTN: OLN's Fly Fishing Masters. Mail applications to OLN's Fly Fishing Masters, 317 South Orange St., Missoula, Montana, 59801.

GENERAL RULES
--All interested applicants must enter in teams of two people. It is suggested that each team include a competant fly tier.

--The members of the teams chosen for each regional qualifier are solely responsible for all costs and expenses of transportation and lodging associated with their participation in the regional qualifiers.

--Participants are required to provide all of their own equipment including flies.

--Teams selected agree that they will not fish the competition waters for a period of three weeks prior to the commencement of the regional qualifier.

--Transportation to the final venue and hotel accomodations will be provided by organizer (Barrett Productions). Finalists are responsible for all other costs and expenses associated with their participation in the series.

CASTING COMPETITION
--Only 9-foot, 5-weight standard-production rods can be used during the casting competiton. All rods will be inspected at registration.

--All casting will be done with a Cortland 555 weight-forward floating line. Lines cannot be marked in anyway that would indicate distance, nor fastened to the reel at less than 50 feet.

--All leaders for the casting competition will be 7-foot, 3X tapered leaders, and will be provided to each angler upon registration.

--The fly used in casting will be no larger than a #6 pattern, and will be a highly visible dry fly. Flies will be provided to each competitor upon registration. A lost fly can be replaced with approval by the judge.

--A combination of casts and skills will be combined for a final score. The casting contest is composed of the following components: distance, accuracy, obstacles, roll casting.