James Richard “Ricky” Ozmar

James Richard “Ricky” Ozmar — Cumming, GA
Ricky Ozmar has fished since he was three years old in both salt and fresh water.  His uncle is a fishing boat captain and Ricky has been able to work with him.  His mother bought him a fly rod when he expressed an interest and they traveled to Fish Hawk in Atlanta, GA.  Rob Smith taught him how to cast for the first time in the parking lot.  Ricky then joined the Foothills Chapter of Trout Unlimited where the TU Chapter President, Ron Thomas, was very helpful and encouraging, sharing information about places to fish and how to tie flies.  As Ricky says, “so many people have been helpful and encouraging including Jeff Durniak and Landon Williams.”  Ricky met Team USA Youth member, Mason Sims, fishing on Smith Creek.  Mason told him about Team USA Youth’s North Carolina Youth Fky Fishing Clinic on the Nantahala and Ricky was able to attend it and became “hooked on the Euro Nymphing technique thanks to the great instructors like Gordon Vanderpool.”  Ricky  entered several competitions sponsored by Team Dead Drift.  He says, “I love the competition aspect of fly fishing.  I live near the Smithgall Woods Conservation Area  (State Park) and fish Dukes Creek regularly, which has really helped me to grow my skills.”
When asked what he likes best about being part of Team USA Youth, he says “I really enjoy being around other fly fishermen who have the same interests and passion of the sport as I do.  It is a great honor to represent the United States in a competitive sport.  I love being outdoors enjoying fly fishing with a team who has excelled in so may competitions.”
Ricky sees his future after graduating high school as continuing into college.  He would like to be guiding and teaching others how to fly fish and to share the sport he loves.

Youth Fly Fishing Article