History -
Buckeye United Fly Fishers, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Cincinnati, Ohio organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, incorporated in the State of Ohio for the preservation, conservation and wise use of our fishing waters and game fish; and to assist in the protection and improvement of our natural resources.
B.U.F.F. has been in existence since 1975 and a major influence in the growing popularity of fly fishing in the greater Cincinnati area and tristate area (Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky). The inception of the club was prompted by a local fishing shop called Mickey Finn's - long since out of business. Several formation meetings were held in the office of Ron Smith who came up with the name BUFF. The B in which could have stood for Buckeye or Bluegrass; being desperate for members, all bases had to be covered).
A decade later, membership membership roles burgeoned. To facilitate logistics and better manage future growth, a sister club was formed, The Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers. The two clubs are autonomous but freely participate in one another's programs. NKFF is an FFF affiliate and a member of the Southern Council.
We are an affiliated member of the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF). B.U.F.F. is one of the larger organizations in the Great Lakes Council of the FFF. In addition to our affiliation to FFF, our members actively support the local Trout Unlimited chapter.
Cincinnati, Ohio is conveniently located within several hours drive to most of the country's prime warm and cold water streams. Not withstanding, we have some prime warm water fisheries here locally.
Club Activities -
Fishing Trips - Every year, B.U.F.F. organizes traveling fly fishing trips for salmon, bass, trout and steelhead. The objective is to provide exposure to people, places, technique and equipment for both new and experienced fly fishers. Our travels have taken us to Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, N. Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and W. Virginia.
Training - Members helping members is the strength of our club. Without hesitation, veterans freely share their experience. Volunteers conduct beginners, intermediate, and advanced fly tying classes, rod building classes, and classes on constructing laminated strip landing nets.
Social - Twice a month members meet informally for a session of fly tying. Tall tales and techniques are freely exchanged. This is an opportunity not only to learn but to develop lasting relationships with others who share the same love for the sport. A more formal membership meeting is held on the second Wednesday of each month. Dinner is served followed by a presentation on some aspect of fly fishing.
Community Service -
B.U.F.F. is actively involved in community service activities such as "Challenge Camp" conducted by the Boy Scouts of America. Our members provided daylong educational services for 370 disadvantaged youth from at-risk areas of greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
B.U.F.F. has donated time and resources to the conservation activities conducted by soil and water organizations, county and local government projects, and Trout Unlimited as well as organizing fishing and conservation activities with local elementary and high school classes.
In addition to donating our time, we have made monitory donations to organizations such as "Fishing Has No Boundaries". This is a group that provides a day of fishing for the handicapped.
Conservation -
B.U.F.F. is committed to the conservation and preservation of our environment. Every year our organization provides donations to approved conservation organizations. Recent donations have been made to the Highlands Sanctuary, Nature Conservancy, Yellowstone Coalition, and Rivers Unlimited.
In addition to our conservation donations, we annually award conservation scholarship to deserving college students with career goals related to natural water system preservation or the restoration of aquatic life in streams, ponds, or lakes; or have on-going or completed research in one of those areas.
B.U.F.F. members actively engage in local stream restoration activities, including habitat restoration and erosion control on the Mad River. We voluntarily conduct stream monitoring activities and provide data needed to ensure the vitality of our streams and wildlife
To promote public awareness and an appreciation for the environment, videos, seminars and lectures are provided to schools and organizations.
Fly Fishing Sports Show and Banquet -
As a part of our ongoing educational program to our members and the public, B.UF.F. provides an all day Fly Fishing Sports Show every February. Our intent is to educate and inform the general public on the aspects of fly fishing. Our goal is to continue to grow the show and provide an opportunity for individuals new to the sport to learn about equipment, places and people related to fly fishing, conservation and education.
The show is continually growing and attracting attendees new to the sport of fly fishing. Our aim is to inform and educate through presentations by professionals in the business and exhibits by manufacturers, guides, fly shops, and ancillary entities related to fly fishing.
We maintain a very low price of admission to cover our costs and provide free exhibit space to interested resources related to fly fishing. Our Fly Fishing Sports Show and Banquet have featured nationally recognized and respected speakers, such as Bob Clouser, Mike Lawson, Gary Borger, Lefty Kreh, Lee Wulff, and Tony Nixon.
To financially support the organization's goals, we conduct a fundraising banquet after every Sports Show. As a part of our banquet, we conduct raffles and auctions of donated equipment, materials and services.
Copyright © 1998 - 2001 The Buckeye United Fly Fishers, Inc. Cincinnati, OH 45242
The Buckeye United Fly Fishers, Inc is a non-profit corporation organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, incorporated in the State of Ohio for the preservation, conservation and wise use of our fishing waters and game fish; and to assist in the protection and improvement of our natural resources