We are pleased to announce that ESPN will be holding two competitions to qualify a total of six anglers for berths in the 2003 ESPN Great Outdoor Games Fly Fishing Competition.

Each of the two qualifying competitions will be limited to 18 anglers. All anglers must submit an application to be considered for the event(s). Twelve participants for each event will be selected by committee review. The remaining six competitors for each event will be determined by the results of an open-call casting competition in which any angler is eligible to compete.

The open-call casting competition will be held early on the first day of the tournament. Any angler who has ever professionally guided on the tournament waters will be required to participate in the open-call casting competition.

Applications (including letters of reference) must be mailed to:
PO Box 3252
Reno, NV
89505

Applications must be received no later than Feb. 7, 2003. Applicants will be notified by email or U.S. mail confirming receipt of your requests. Initial details are listed below. More information will be provided to applicants. All competitors will be required to sign a liability waiver and name and likeness release.

Eastern event

Dates: March 19-21, 2003
Location: Spring Ridge Club, Spruce Creek, PA
Nearest Airport: State College, PA
Nearest Accommodations: State College, PA
Entry Fee: None (Competitors must purchase their own fishing licenses)
Number of Competitors: 18
Prize Purse: $1,000 total
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $300
3rd Place: $200

Eastern event fishing format: Competitors will fish for a set amount of time on a designated stretch of river. The competitor must measure and declare a single fish within the designated time window. Once the competitor has declared a fish as his or her catch, he or she must cease fishing. An official and a camera operator will accompany each angler.

The top six competitors from the first day of competition will move on to the final day of competition. The top three competitors from the final day of competition will earn invitations to the 2003 Great Outdoor Games. All fish caught will be released.

Western event

Dates: April 8-10, 2003
Location: The Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Idaho
Nearest Airport: Idaho Falls
Nearest Accomodations: Idaho Falls
Entry fee: None (Competitors must purchase their own fishing license)
Number of Competitors: 18
Prize Purse: $1,000
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $300
3rd Place: $200

Western event fishing format: Competitors will wade or fish from drift boats for a maximum of three hours on designated sections of the Henry's Fork. Within that time, the competitors must each measure and declare a single fish as his or her official catch, then release it back into the river. Once the angler has declared a fish, he or she must stop fishing. An official and a camera operator will accompany each angler.

The top six competitors from the first day of competition will move on to the final day of competition. The top three competitors from the final day of competition will earn prize money and invitations to the fly fishing competition at the 2003 Great Outdoor Games. All fish caught will be released.