Well, that was a blast! To start, the weather gods smiled upon my commute, and not even a traffic snarlfest from pothole patching on I-84 could dampen my spirits. Friday’s “Wet Flies 101” seminar drew a sizable crowd, larger than any I’ve presented to at this show. What a great audience — if you were there, thanks for coming. Ditto for Saturday’s “Trout Fishing for Stripers.” I think we all had fun.
I spent a good chunk of both Friday and Saturday walking the show floor, attending other seminars, and shopping. My treasure hunt included a few flatwing saddles and some prized waterhen wings. Did I mention the snipe?
And let’s not forget the social aspect. I enjoyed meeting you (if you’re someone I met) and I’m always happy to answer questions and talk fly fishing.
Finally, a shout out to some of my favorite fellow fly fishing road warriors:
Ed Lombardo, whom I’ve only spent about 15 minutes with in my life, but is one of the nicest people I’ve met. (Ed has presented right after me in consecutive years, so our paths cross during setup.)
Joe Cordeiro, my flatwing brother. Beautiful flies and a swell guy.
Tim Flagler from Tightline Productions. Another kindly soul, and I wish my tying videos looked like his.
Bob Popovics. Did you know that Bob and I share a passion other than fly fishing? It’s roses. Every year we spend a few minutes comparing gardening notes. Another great guy who has always been welcoming and supportive.
John Shaner from Hardy. John has an encyclopedic knowledge of soft hackles. I really enjoyed his presentation. And he tipped me off to the waterhen. Yahtzee!
Jason Randall. We didn’t get a lot of time to hang out, which is too bad because I have around 400 questions and discussion points to share with Jason about nymphing.
The Furimskys (Chuck, Janet, and Ben). Thanks for your kindness and for inviting me to your party.
Speaking of which, if you saw my presentation, please do me a favor: send an email to the show telling him you liked it. Please use info@flyfishingshow.com, not the email I previously posted.
Show swag. Feathery goodness for the intrepid treasure hunter.
Hi Steve,
Greetings from snowy Denver.
I was wondering if ideas from your Wet Flies 101 presentation are able to be emailed.
Last year, I began fishing wets on The South Platte and loved it.
I’d be interested especially in your ideas of letting fish hook themselves vs. any preferred type of hook set.
Even though the takes were often subtle, once engaged, these rainbows were extremely acrobatic!
Best regards,
Mike Hall morselsbymike.com
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Hi Mike! This article would be a good place to start. Read it and let me know if you have more questions. Always happy to help a fellow wet fly aficionado. https://currentseams.com/2014/12/28/wet-fly-101-take-the-ancient-and-traditional-path-to-subsurface-success/
Steve,
I was looking forward to Wet Flies 101 in Marlborough and was not disappointed. Very nice presentation and the new slides look great. And I noticed that you had a bigger crowd (during the presentation and after the presentation) than one of flyfishing’s greatest icons whom I listened to the hour prior. I won’t mention any names out of respect for the man. Kudos.
Alton
Thanks for coming, Alton. I appreciate your continued support. Please send an email to Ben and tell him what you told me! 🙂
Already did buddy. 😉
Hi Steve,
Apologies for missing this year’s show in Marlborough.
Sorry also for my not thinking of this before you came to the show.
Have you ever been to BT’s Smokehouse in Sturbridge?
It’s at the end your I-84 leg if you’re connecting to the MA Turnpike.
It’s worth the trip back, if you missed it — trust me.
Authentic Cajun bliss, Man
You’ll catch more fish!
All the best,
Peter
I have not been, but I’m intrigued. Mostly by that time on any trip I’m ready to make the final hour push home. But I’ll keep it mind. 🙂
Steve,
Glad you had a good show. Hope you make it out to Pleasanton sometime.Just curious as to the vendor that had the flatwings?? Still looking for a good yellow cape. I think you got the one from George? 🙂 Very happy with the 4 that I did get. Dave
Keough. They’ve been there for several years now.
Thanks, I got a few from them a couple of years ago. Missed the show last year. Hoping they attend and have a few left.