1995 Jackson Hole One Fly Event
10th Anniversary of the One Fly
The 10th Anniversary of the Jackson Hole One Fly
celebration was highlighted by speculation over which fly would emerge
the winner after the three-year reign of the Double Bunny. Though the
Bunny was not technically banned the largest allowable hook size would
be a number 8 with a 3X shank which essentially removed big streamer
patterns form the competitive picture. The decision to go wet or dry was
a grueling one to make and many competitors opted for a switch-hitting
pattern that could work either way. A popular fly was the Sanchez AC-DC
Convertible for those who wanted to fish both ways.
Utah's Gary Eckman used a dry Chernobyl Ant to take the amateur title.
There was a three way tie among Tom Smith, Denny Andersen, and Laurie
Matcham for first place in the big fish category with 22-inchers. In the
team category, Team Coeur D'Alene took top honors. And, unbelievable as
it may seem, Team Sage won an unprecedented fifth "Second Place."
Other major highlights included the introduction of a new award - The
Top Gun - won by Jackson's Joe Bressler. The Top Gun was instituted as a
way for the pros in the event to be recognized in competing only with
their peers for honors. Mr. Curt Gowdy was our honorary chairman and was
joined on the Wyoming team with Senator Al Simpson and future Vice
President Dick Cheney.
1995 One Fly Event Winning Fly
The Chernobyl Ant
The winning fly of the 1995 One Fly was out of the ordinary, as its name
suggests. This foam bodied fly is the product of the guides of Flaming
Gorge - namely Emett Heath. While the winning fly propelled amateur Gary
Eckman into the winner's circle, he claims his fly is another version of
the Chernobyl Ant. No matter which version an angler might fish, the
basic concept and design is the same: High density foam forms the
abdomen and head, and rubber legs give the critter incredible lifelike
action as the ant struggles in the water. The name suggests a mutant
insect so true to form that the fly can be a myriad of colors, design
schemes, etc. This year's event is sure to entertain many different
varieties as a result of Gary Eckman's success. Eckman amassed 864
points for the amateur title. |
