Simon Gawesworth

Simon learnt to fish at the age of 6 and took up fly fishing when aged 8, being trained by his father - well known fly fishing instructor and author, John Gawesworth. By the time he left school at 16 to teach fly fishing Simon had become the British Junior casting champion, repeating the feat the next year. In the following years Simon broke seven British casting records and won the adult casting championships three times in succession, representing England in two European and one World Team Championships.

With the collapse of the British Casting Association and the tournament casting scene in the UK, Simon turned his hand to competitive fly fishing. Over the following years Simon represented England in three home internationals (against Ireland, Scotland and Wales), two European championships and five World Championships, culminating in the prestige of becoming the England Team Captain and Manager for the 2003 World Championships in Spain.

In January 2001 Simon and his wife moved to the United States to start working for a new fly line company called RIO Products, based out of Idaho Falls, ID. Working for then owners Jim & Kitty Vincent, Simon quickly took on the marketing role for RIO Products, as well as developing and designing fly lines for the brand.

During his career Simon has written numerous articles for the fishing press, published three books on spey casting, presented five instructional videos and DVD’s, appeared on numerous television and radio shows, demonstrated casting at fly fishing shows around the world and is recognized as one of the leading authorities on Spey casting and fly casting instruction. In addition, Simon is the host of RIO’s acclaimed “How To” fly fishing video series, as well as the main presenter in RIO’s Fly Fishing Tips video series. His relaxed, easy to understand teaching and presentation manner is followed and loved by thousands of fly fishers around the world

He is an FFI (previously FFF) Master and THCI (Two Handed Casting Instructor) certified instructor and also holds the APGAI and STANIC diplomas for Fly Fishing Instruction in the UK. In 2019 Simon was recognized by the FFI (Fly Fishers International) with their “Lifetime Achievement In Fly Casting Instruction” Award.

Simon regularly gives club talks, shop presentations, casting demonstrations and teaches fly casting classes around the US – none more so than in his home ground of the Pacific North West.

Simon lives in SW Washington and works for RIO Products, where he designs and tests fly lines, as well as being the Brand Manager for RIO. He conducts fly casting classes and seminars around the world.

Simon is happily married with two children and a dog.