December 06, 2011
By Jeff Simpson
REPORT, Maine — Macauley "Mac" Lord has been given the highest distinction in the fly casting world, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Federation of Fly Fishers www.fedflyfishers.org . The award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the world of fly casting instruction. Throughout his fly casting instructional career, Mac has always had an acute interest in developing and teaching techniques that simplify the sport, thus making it as easy as possible for people to get involved with fly-fishing. Mac has been instrumental in teaching not only beginners and expert anglers the techniques and tips that enable them to expand their fly fishing horizons. In addition, Mac helped build a program that has trained and tested fly casting instructors in more than 36 countries.
"Mac inspires his students and co-instructors to be better not only at casting and catching, but he also teaches them the importance of being good stewards of the environment," said Chuck Willey, L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools fly fishing and wingshooting supervisor. "He works tirelessly at being an overall ambassador of fly fishing."
Mac is also an accomplished author, having written the L.L.Bean Fly-Casting Handbook <http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/52254?feat=sr> (Lyons Press, 2007), as well as dozens of articles for magazines such as American Angler, Fly Fisherman and Saltwater Fly-Fishing. His words, like his instruction, show beginners and experts alike how to take their skills to the next level, focusing on many of the little casting techniques that incrementally lead to the whole of being more successful on the water.
The award was presented earlier this year during the annual Federation of Fly Fisher's festival in West Yellowstone, Montana. Mac joins an esteemed roster of past recipients including Lefty Kreh, Joan Wulff, Mel Krieger and others.
