S. Fork rainbow tally. Photo: Copi Vojta

With big cutts on the brain, and a rough idea of how this unique “flyfishing derby on the honor system” works, FFJ Photo Editor Copi Vojta and myself headed to Victor, ID this last weekend to participate in Casting for a Cure. CFAC is an amazing event oragnized by Bill Farnum and Jim Copeland to help raise awareness and money for research in fighting Rett Syndrome.

While there are no shortage of conservation and support-the-troops based benefits and auctions in our fishy world, CFAC takes a very focused approach to a lesser known cause that is incredibly urgent. Rett is a brain disorder affecting primarily young girls beginning usually at around 6-18 months of age and throughout their lives. While the girls are aware and responsive to the love that surrounds them, the course of the disorder follows a path of physical challenge with symptoms similar to cerebral palsy and autism. But the fact remains that physicians are closer to a curative breakthrough than ever before, and the mantra of “now” for demanding action is paying off.

Bill Farnum (who is a hell of a fisherman himself) deals with it on a daily basis as in addition to doing the CFAC event each year and sitting on the national Rett board — his young daughter suffers from the disorder. This personal connection ripples throughout the event as each team fishes for a particular girl fighting Rett.

The fishing was great courtesy of Word Cast guides, the BBQ was phenomenal and there was enough Dry Fly products to drown Vegas. We were able to meet new friends and reconnect with others from Yeti, Howler Bros, Sage, Patagonia, Flyfish Film Tour, and a host of others. And Team FFJ, while faltering a little in the size dept on day one, came storming back with a series of 17-19″ cutts and bows to finish a respectable and indistinguishable middle of the pack. Much thanks to our guide Brian McCabe, my team mate Copi, and Bill and Jim for an incredible event.

I can’t encourage you enough to get on their site, learn more about the fight against Rett and to contribute towards the effort to end it.

Snake River serenity; paradise along the bank. Photo: Copi Vojta