The Santa Barbara Flyfishers will host a one-time screening of the “Fly Fishing Film Tour 2024,” 7 p.m. March 19 at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara.

Two people wearing high overalls and baseball caps stand in waist-deep water. One of them is holding a good-size fish just out the he water. (Courtesy photo)
The Santa Barbara Flyfishers reports the sport has experienced renewed popularity, particularly following the pandemic. (Courtesy photo)

The Santa Barbara Flyfishers was founded in 1995 by a group of devoted anglers and conservation-minded sportspeople. Like the sport, the club is experiencing renewed growth across the board, but especially among women and youth, particularly after people have taken to the outdoors following the pandemic.

The event will include a series of short films featuring fly fishing experiences worldwide. Viewers will experience wrestling peacock bass in the Amazon; conservation efforts in the Bahamas; and a look at growing up with a fly rod in the Pacific Northwest.

Beyond the films, the program is designed to elevate the fly-fishing experience through art, education, community engagement, and environmental conservation.

The Santa Barbara Flyfishers’ community partners The Mayfly Project, Merito Foundation, and Casting for Recovery will be on the Lobero patio from 5:30 p.m. to raise awareness of the work they are doing to introduce foster children to fly fishing their local waters; teach conservation to students inside and outside of the classroom; and host fly-fishing retreats for women with or recovering from cancer.

There will be a raffle with proceeds benefiting community partners. Featured items include three nights in Mammoth and guided fly fishing for two; fly fishing gear; staycations; merchandise and gift cards.

Raffle tickets are $20 and will be on sale at the event or email SBFFPresidnet@gmail.com. Winners will be announced during intermission; attendance is not required.

Also on offer, with some of the proceeds going to the club, will be paintings of the endangered Southern California Steelhead done by local conservation artists, father and son duo Mike and Nate Irwin. The Irwins have a studio in the Funk Zone, 121 Santa Barbara St.

Santa Barbara Flyfishers thanks the John C. Mithun Foundation, corporate sponsor We Are Airstream Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara community for their support of this event.

Tickets available here or from the box office. General admission is $22 ($16 ages 15 and under).

For more, visit sbflyfishers.org.