On June 19, 2025, the beautiful town of Manteigas, nestled in the heart of Serra da Estrela, Portugal, hosted the very first edition of the Open da Estrela, a fly fishing competition held in honor of Sr. Manuel Lúcio – a passionate angler and respected figure in the local fishing community.The event brought together 10 dedicated anglers from various regions across Portugal, all united by their love for the sport and the memory of Sr. Lúcio. Despite the low water levels in the river – a condition that made fishing far more technical and demanding – the competition was filled with excitement and steady action, especially on dry fly, which proved to be the most effective technique of the day.The atmosphere was one of friendly rivalry and shared respect for nature, tradition, and the craft of fly fishing. After a full day on the water, the final standings were:

🥇 1st Place   – Luís Esteves

🥈 2nd Place – André Gomes (myself)

🥉 3rd Place  – João Mota

Securing second place in such a competitive and meaningful event was an honor, especially under such challenging conditions. More than just a tournament, the 1st Open da Estrela was a heartfelt tribute and a celebration of community, skill, and shared passion.We look forward to seeing this event grow in the years to come – and to many more casts in the crystal-clear waters of the Serra da Estrela.