The Fly Fishers Club of Orange County has created a special award, in honor of Peter Koga, that recognizes a club member’s contribution and involvement that evokes the spirit and commitment that Peter had shown.  The board has created this award, starting in 2020, to recognize outstanding efforts that a current member makes to contribute to our club’s success.

Peter Koga Biography:

Peter was a true ambassador to the Club and to sports fishing.  A certified Federation of Fly Fisher caster, he was an expert in both saltwater and freshwater.  He was a pioneer in introducing Spey casting to Southern California and his fly tying skills and speaking engagements were well received nationwide.  He performed his tying skills as an invited guest at Fly Fishing Shows throughout the Pacific Southwest, Colorado and New Jersey. 

Peter served the Club as a Board Member at Large in the 80’s and as its President in 1993.  Through Peter’s leadership, he was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Club’s current 501c(3) Non Profit status.  He helped implement the Club’s Trout in the Classroom Program which has reached thousands of students as part of the County of Orange Outdoor Education Curriculum.  Peter was a key member of the committee that worked with Bill Blackstone to create and fund The Bill Blackstone Foundation and was instrumental in developing the relationship with Humboldt State to create a scholarship opportunity for future students.  Many will also remember Peter’s involvement and attendance at various outings and activities for the club.

The Peter Koga Award: 

This award will be given to an individual that demonstrates a level of commitment and contribution to our club, reminiscent of Peter, maybe over years and in different ways. 

Criteria for selection include:
A record of leading activity in multiple club projects
Notable supporter and advocate of the club and the sport of fly fishing
Demonstrated willingness to aid and get involved when needed
Current club member

Nominations will be made by a current member, with 2 additional sponsors, to the award committee.  The committee will accept nominations until November 1st. 

Peter Koga Award-Nomination Form can be found by clicking HERE.  
Please print the form, fill it out and give to any member of the nominating committee:

Nominating committee: Art Prangley, Denis Higginson, John Williams, Jimmy Edwards, Terry Roznos

The award will be presented at the January club meeting and will include a Certificate and a Fly Fishing Reel engraved with “FFCOC Peter Koga Award”. 

Our club recognizes multi-year outstanding contribution through our Lifetime Membership and the Lifetime Membership Award is our highest recognition.  The Peter Koga award is an additional award meant to recognize individuals that make a difference in many ways, maybe over years, but with a level of enthusiasm and participation that is broadly recognized in supporting and advancing our club.

January 2021 Update:

The Fly Fishers Club of Orange County is proud to announce our first recipient of the Peter Koga Award is Melinda Burns. Melinda's contribution to the club in so many ways, and her passion for the sport and spirit of fly fishing made her a great choice to be the first.