Who is Charles Ritz?
Charles Ritz, son of César Ritz, founder of the famous palace, has left an indelible mark on the world of fly fishing. His life and contributions to this passion are marked by innovation, preservation of the environment and the promotion of fishing as an art.
In 1917, at the age of 26, Charles Ritz was sent to New York by his father to complete his hotel training. It was here that he began tinkering with split bamboo fishing rods, selling them to a New York department store, known today for its clothing.
Confined to a small office, he uses his spare time to learn the basics of the business by selling his fishing rods. He regularly fishes on the Beaverkill, a river in the Catskill Mountains, to test and refine his fly rod theories.
In 1927, back in France, he opened a shoe store in Paris, which served as a front for his actual rod-making workshop. One of his models, made by Jim Payne, became famous. Charles Ritz develops Parabolic rods, which become a standard in fly-fishing and are still appreciated today for their performance.
A member of the Anglers Club, he travels the world to fish the finest rivers, from Bavaria to Scotland, Florida and British Columbia.
He maintains relationships with influential figures, including President Eisenhower, to whom he gives a Parabolic rod. His fishing companions include Bavarian grayling, Norman trout and trout from famous English rivers.
A commitment to ecology
In 1958, he founded the International Fario Club, bringing together anglers from all over the world to discuss the quality of rivers and their ecosystems. Charles Ritz is an ardent defender of the protection of water resources. He helped found the national water and river protection association and co-founded the magazine "Plaisirs de la Pêche" with figures such as Ernest Hemingway.
The Charles Ritz Prize
The Charles Ritz Prize is a prestigious initiative honoring efforts to preserve aquatic ecosystems, particularly rivers and streams. The award highlights concrete projects aimed at improving the carrying capacity of natural environments and restoring wild fish populations.
By rewarding on-the-ground efforts, the Charles Ritz Prize recognizes the work of individuals and associations committed to protecting their local environment. This encourages responsible and sustainable management of natural resources. The prize also aims to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving rivers and their ecosystems. By highlighting exemplary projects, it inspires other initiatives and encourages collective awareness.
How to get involved
Any person or organization wishing to present an initiative in favor of river protection must complete an application file. This file must detail the work carried out, the objectives achieved, and the impact of the initiative on the river ecosystem. The application must be submitted by the end of June of the year of the award.
The winner receives a trophy and a cash prize in recognition of his or her work and commitment to river protection. A special prize is also awarded to an initiative that stands out for its efforts to educate and inform the general public about river ecosystems and related issues.
