I got some exciting news on Wednesday: I’ve been named as one of the “Featured Tiers” at the International Fly Tying Symposium on November 21-22 in Lancaster, PA. What an honor! I’m tremendously excited about this. The Featured Tier gig will be on Sunday, and it’s a nice followup to my Seminar on Saturday. In my Featured Tier slot, I’ll be demoing “Wet Flies and Soft Hackles for Northeast Streams.” I’ve yet formally decide on the specific flies, but I’ve got a pretty good idea of what will be on the vise. They’ll all be fish-catchers and proven patterns. Stay tuned for more details.
What a lineup! I’m both honored an humbled to be included with these people. When I’m not speaking, I’ll be on the show floor at a tying table. Batting leadoff on Sunday. I’ll start the day at my tying table, do the demo, then return to my table. This is going to be good!
Many thanks to UpCountry Sportfishing for hosting the book signing event on Saturday — and many thanks to everyone who showed up to buy a copy of my book, Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River, or have me sign their already-purchased copy. I was truly delighted by your enthusiasm for the book, and that the writing resonated with so many of you. It’s a little surreal and a bit humbling seeing people waiting in a line to have you sign their copy of your book, but of course it’s all good. Again, my most sincere thank yous!
If you missed the UpCountry signing, or if you live downstate or in the NYC/Westchester area, I’ll be at The Compleat Angler this Saturday, August 29, from 11am-2pm. Same deal: you can buy a book there, or you can bring in your already-purchased copy. Hope to see you there, and stay tuned for more signing events.
But wait, there’s more. I’ll also be making the rounds this fall and winter to fly fishing clubs throughout the northeast to talk about the book and the river. Plus, the IFTS in November and The Fly Fishing Show, and the CFFA Expo. If you’re in charge of booking speakers for your club, I’m a professional speaker and I’d love to present to your group. Contact me and we’ll set up a date.
IFTS has a new town and a new venue — the Lancaster, PA Convention Center! Previously held in Somerset, NJ, the Hilton location that hosted the event is closing, hence the new digs. From the IFTS website: “Join us in November for our 35th Anniversary International Fly Tying Symposium. This year’s Symposium will be held at the Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA. The weekend will be full of seminars, classes and fly tiers with many overseas artists demonstrating and lecturing.” So mark Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22 on your calendars.
Fly tying is serious business, especially if you want to learn from some of the world’s best tyers. On the other hand, fly tying is a hoot, as Barry Ord Clarke, Tim Cammisa, and the guy in the middle demonstrate.
I realize this new location will put the show out of practical reach for many of you in New England; you’ll have to make the call on whether or not to drive the new distance. I can tell you that this is one of my favorite shows, and the location is excellent. I’ll have a tying table and will be doing a seminar on wet flies, day/time TBD. I hope to see you there!
If you ordered the Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River through an outside vendor, it should start shipping tomorrow. Yeeeee-hawww!!!! I’ve changed my tune a wee bit on selling copies directly to you; if you would prefer to get a signed, inscribed copy from me, you still can. You’ll find out how if you click here.
I’m pleased to announce that once again, Tony Lolli has featured me in his At the Vise column in On The Water magazine. The format has shifted a bit; instead of a “guide flies” focus, it’s more of a profile, and it also features the book.
You know that guy! On The Water is a terrific magazine with excellent photography and printed on a paper stock that feels good in your hands. Well worth seeking out. There’s an digital version, too. Many thanks to Tony for letting me play again.
Finally, the International Fly Tying Symposium has moved from Somerset, NJ, to Lancaster, PA. Lancaster is a ~most excellent~ space — it’s where they hold the Fly Fishing Show. This year’s IFTS is November 21-22. More details to come!
