Dear Fellow Classic Fly Dressers and Fly Lovers,

Having just recently been informed of your Group's existence, I wish to extend to all of its members and friends an invitation to participate in the 1995 edition of the Quebec Federation for the Atlantic Salmon, World Salmon Fly Tying Championship.

This event, which is presented annually (for 11 years now) by the Quebec Federation for the Atlantic Salmon (FQSA), is a friendly yet serious contest and not only are the winners rewarded, but all those who enter a fly also receive gifts.

Of late, we have made great efforts to turn this event into a truly international happening. Just in the iast few years, we have received and honored entries from over 20 countries including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, Finland and Japan.

Above and beyond the competition, the event's main objectives and goals are:

To preserve Atlantic Salmon Fly Tying's historical and cultural heritage.

To stimulate the evolution of Atlantic Salmon Flies and their tyer's creativity.

To promote the talent of local and foreign fly tyers.

In short, interest for this Championship has been steadily growing. I am thankful for this opportunity to try to convince all of you to participate in this event.

Of course, I could try to lure you by stating that the prizes are worthwhile, that all the flies will be displayed during the FQSA's annual meetings, that the winning flies will be permanently exhibited at the FQSA headquarters and the winning and worthy of mention flies will be photographed and published in FQSA's magazine, "Salmo Salar." Finally, I could add that, for a fee of S 20.00 Can., we can officially register an original creation and its ingredients for the fly tyer who wishes that posterity remembers the fly and its creator. We even issue a fly pattern registration certificate to that effect.

If I had done so and nothing more, this would have been just another reckless sales pitch.

Thus, it is my understanding that our objectives are compatible with The Salmon Flyer's own dedication to the appreciation of the Classic Atlantic Salmon Fly.

The Championship welcomes entries of all interested individuals, regardless of citizenship and/or affiliation. FQSA membership is not, in any way, mandatory. There are no fees whatsoever, but the flies sent in will become part of the FQSA's collection. Thus, please keep in mind that your entry is a "donation". Furthermore, you may enter as many flies as you wish, in as many categories, but please respect that the amateur categories are reserved exclusively for amateurs as defined in the rules.

In all, there are five categories; three of which are open to non-amateurs. There are three imposed patterns and two creation patterns, which are to be designed in respect of a theme.

Imposed Patterns:

Expert: The Sherbrook (Full Dress Classic)
Amateur: The Green Drake (Feather Wing)
Amateur: The Gageure (Hairwing)

Creation Theme: (Open to All Tyers)

Hairwing Wet: "The Action"
Featherwing Wet: "The Moisie River"

I would be delighted to answer to all inquiries, including requests for the free information and entry pamphlet.

Artistically Yours,

Denys Poirier