The Fly Fishers Club of Orange County was conceived in late 1965 by Mark Kerridge, who, at the time was teaching a fly tying class through the Anaheim Parks and Recreation Department. Mark reasoned that if so many were interested in fly tying, then Orange County must be ready to support its own fly fishing club. Acceptance of the idea was spontaneous, officers were selected from among the nucleus group, and organizational meetings were held during March 1966. A Constitution and By Laws were drafted and adopted and Articles of Incorporation were formulated and submitted for filing. The first dinner meeting of approximately 100 members and guests was held on April 28, 1966 at the Normandy Restaurant in Fullerton, California. The cost of dinner was $3.50 per plate.
According to the Constitution of the FFCOC, the purposes for which this organization is formed are as follows:
1. To encourage angling with artificial flies.
2. To encourage the conservation of the wild trout and warm water fish populations.
3. To disseminate to the public the results of these efforts.
4. To encourage youth to follow sound conservation practices.
5. To do any and all suitable, proper and lawful acts for the accomplishment of any of the purposes of objectives of this organization.