FLY FISHING -- The Glacier Outdoor Center is gearing up for the debut of the Glacier Anglers Cast-Off on Saturday with events, programs and free casting clinics scheduled from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in West Glacier, Mont.

Cast-Off 2011 is open and free for all ages and ability levels, but there's a niche for competitive types want to take a shot at qualifying for the All Cast National Fly Casting championships.

Here's the speaker lineup:

1. Beyond Bugs (Entomology and Ecology): Matt Boyer, FWP & Karsten Carlson
2. Trout Hunting: Mark Evans, Dylan Freed  from Glacier Anglers Pro Staff
3. From Nets to Knots: Travis Morris, product rep for Winston, Ross, Lamson and Scientific Angler

Read on for more details.

With free casting instruction, fishing seminars and a chance to qualify for the All Cast National Fly Casting championships, the Cast-Off 2011 is open and free for all ages and ability levels.

Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday fishing industry leaders, product reps from top brands such as Winston, Ross, Waterworks and Scientific Anglers and the Glacier Anglers staff will provide instructional clinics and casting advice to participants.

Participants will get on-site casting instruction at Glacier Outdoor Center’s four stocked fishing ponds.

The free All Cast certified qualifier casting competition will begin at 2 p.m. for all ages.  The competition includes tests of accuracy and distance and is divided into three groups; Masters, Open and Youth (14 and under) with each participant winning a day permit for another All-Cast event nationwide. Winners of each class in each category will win a season pass to all All-Cast events nationwide plus other top fishing gear prizes.  All-Cast is a nationwide fly-casting tour organization offering competitors a chance to win cash prizes for casting.

Classes and competition are free with donations accepted for the Flathead Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Several vendors, including Montana Coffee Traders and Great Northern Brewery, will have food and beverages available for purchase.