(WSB photos)

12:39 PM: It’s that one day of the year when you’ll find all the fishing-related activity inland – gear demos/tryouts, classes, and more are all happening at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park (4503 Beach Drive SW) during the annual Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) Fly Fest. That includes, coming up at 1, the highly competitive (and tasty) EWA Staff Cookoff:

See the plan for the rest of the day here.

4:26 PM: We don’t know yet who won, but the dishes in contention sounded scrumptious – from a pork-belly banh mi to a fancy BLT to scallop sliders. Meantime, Fly Fest was also an occasion for EWA and the fishing community to give back. For one, while classes and clinics were free, donations were accepted for Casting for Recovery. For two, the Wild Steelhead Coalition was represented to accept a special donation:

EWA proprietor Dave McCoy’s daughter Nessa McCoy created art to sell at the shop and by donating $2.50 from each piece, raised $1.800 for the WSC!

EWA’s shop is at 4502 42nd SW in The Junction.