Streamline

Hello TU/TFFers, as Bruce Buffer would say, IT'S TIME!!! Yes, it's that time of year. The annual 15x15 Species Challenge is here. What does the challenge mean to me? It's a challenge I can enjoy that sparks a spirit of exploration, to go fish those waters and visit locations I may not frequent. It's tying some goofy panfish flies. It's conversations with friends about their plans. Just an all-around great time, which is why our chapter is proud to provide such a unique opportunity to our members and friends on the fringe.

If you haven't joined, there is still plenty of time with the challenge spanning to Labor Day. It is open to all skill levels and a fantastic way to indulge that spirit of exploration, and you never know when you might find that new favorite spot. Registration is easy, cost is minimal but should be considered a great investment in conservation, as frankly this is a fundraiser for the club. Money well spent in my opinion.

I encourage every one of you, salty veterans or newcomers alike, to get signed up. Invite friends to play along, take a kid fishing, enjoy learning about fish identification and the aquatic biodiversity in this great state. Embrace the adventure!

Russell Vaughn, President
420 Dave Whitlock Chapter / Tulsa Fly Fishers

All fish must be caught on a fly rod and fly, and released back into the water. You have 15 weeks to catch 15 different species of fish in Oklahoma. Each catch is confirmed and logged, or rejected, by a Judge. All Judge rulings are final.

The species are: Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Kentucky (Spotted) Bass, Striped Bass, Sand (White) Bass, Hybrid Striper/Sand Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Drum, and a Wild Card, which is any species not on the list above.

Submissions: Post the photo to the Facebook Tournament page within one week of the catch. The photo must be a selfie with you and the fish, or a photo of the fish with the 2026 Challenge Badge showing your name. The post must include the photo, species, date caught, and body of water. No submissions accepted after the close of the tournament.

Big Fish Challenge: the challenge within the challenge, open to paid Individual entrants. Measurements must be clearly visible on a bump board or tape measure, and Big Fish species must be caught in public waters.

Our readers are a dedicated bunch of anglers, and they don't want to read about how you came to love fishing despite the relentless beatings you endured each time your father caught you with his fly rod. Your stories must start with a bang. You must cut right to the chase, so to speak.

Please forward your completed works in Word format, and don't forget your pictures in JPEG, to Bruce Brewer at rbbrewer1@live.com.

Floyd Lewis' ticket was drawn at our May Raffle. He won a pair of Prato Sunglasses from a selection donated by our board member Ed Wampler, sunglasses that carry a lifetime warranty.

With the advantage of polarized lenses, Floyd will be able to spot the fish before they notice him. That is, assuming the fish haven't purchased their own pair of Prato sunglasses.