Competitive fly fishing is not a new thing and not uniquely american. The World Fly Fishing Championship dates to 1981 and started under International Confederation of Sportfishing in Europe. Saltwater tournaments such as the famous Gold Cup tarpon events in Florida and elsewhere had fly tackle divisions before BASS existed.

There are numerous tourneys locally for all types of fishing gear and species and some people like to participate and some don't and some don't have an opinion. Is there any differerence between fishing a tournament with fly tackle or any other type of tackle? Not really.