Fly Fishers of Men

OUR MISSION

As Christians, we find deep inspiration from Jesus Christ, who called His disciples off the Galilean waters by saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) Jesus uses these words to invite His disciples to evangelize others and bring them into a relationship with Him by sharing the Good News.

Combining the art of fly fishing with this mission of evangelization, we seek a deeper meaning to our lives by blending adventure, spirituality, and care for God’s creations as we share the love of Christ and foster lasting friendships through authentic Christian fellowship.

Jesus Called Fishermen for a Reason

WHO WE ARE

The Fly Fishers of Men (FFOM) group started in 2017. Fr. David Boettner, Robb Morris, and Scott Briggs were attending a dinner party at the home of Dana Martin, and the conversation among the four men soon turned to fly fishing. When Fr. David mentioned that the Diocese of Knoxville owned a retreat center on the Hiwassee River, phones immediately came out. After checking the calendars, the first annual FFOM retreat was scheduled a few months later. Although Scott and Dana had no prior experience with fly fishing, they jumped right in.

Today, FFOM has grown to over 150 members. We continue to hold an annual weekend men’s retreat at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center on the Hiwassee River. Our group holds quarterly meetings for fellowship, featuring knowledgeable speakers who discuss various topics related to the outdoors, conservation, and fishing. We offer Fly Fishing 101 classes and casting lessons for anyone interested in learning. Several members have taught others to tie trout flies, resulting in a small group that meets regularly for fly-tying fellowship. Throughout the year, we engage in various other activities, including Bible studies, cookouts, and small-group fishing trips to local rivers and streams in East Tennessee, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

We have organized fishing pilgrimages for groups of 20 men to Missoula, Montana, where we float down the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot rivers. Evening sessions during these pilgrimages are led by Fr. David Boettner.

You don’t need to know anything about fly fishing to join FFOM. All you need is a genuine interest in good fellowship, the outdoors, and a willingness to learn the rewarding art of fly fishing. The group welcomes all skill levels, from novices to seasoned fly fishermen, who share a passion for enjoying time together in the great outdoors.

RETREAT INFORMATION

If you are a fly fisherman or have ever wanted to learn, this is the event you’ve been waiting for!

Join Fr. David Boettner for the Annual Fly Fishers of Men Retreat, Friday September 25, 2026 – Sunday September 27, 2026 at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center located on the Hiwassee River, one of America’s premier trout streams.

If you are over 18 years of age and would like to participate, or if you need more information, please get in touch with FFOM at [email protected].

UPCOMING EVENTS

Date	Time	Event	Where
January 8, 2026	6:00 – 8:00 PM	Quarterly Meeting	Dead End BBQ-Sutherland Ave.
April 9, 2026	6:00 – 8:00 PM	Quarterly Meeting	Dead End BBQ-Sutherland Ave.
July 9, 2026	6:00 – 8:00 PM	Quarterly Meeting	Dead End BBQ-Sutherland Ave.
October 8, 2026	6:00 – 8:00 PM	Quarterly Meeting	Dead End BBQ-Sutherland Ave.