Tag Archives: The Little Things presentation

A late (but grateful) shout out to the Main Line Fly-Tyers

In all the excitement of doing the Edison Fly Fishing Show, I plum forgot to say thank you to Philadelphia’s Main Line Fly-Tyers. I was supposed to present to them in person last Thursday night, but we had a potential Covid issue, and it was decided to play it safe with a Zoom. Disappointed but unflustered, we all went forth through the ether and had a most excellent time. I gave them my original “The Little Things“ talk. Once again, I was impressed with the number of engaging questions and their friendly, matey nature. As things tuned out, they had a table at the show — I was at the show — and I got to put faces to some of the names. Thanks again, folks, and here’s to being in the same room for the next presentation!

I’ll have a summary of the Edison Show up soon.

Here’s a little thing, free of charge: whether you’re fishing in fresh or salt water, droppers are always the fastest way to find out what the fish want. You can offer them different shapes, sizes, colors, species, and life stages. This is a small baitfish suspension dropper rig. The Gurgler, on point (farthest away from me) acts as a suspension point with the floating line. So on a dead drift, the small bucktail flies are just below the surface film. You fish the Gurgler like a dry fly, managing the drift for a more natural presentation in current. For more on droppers in the salt, read my article How To Tie And Fish Dropper Rigs For Stripers.

“Stacking The Deck: The Little Things” in the current issue of The Fisherman magazine.

Many thanks to The Fisherman magazine New England Region Editor Toby Lapinski for giving this piece a home. This was originally intended to be part of my series of “Little Things” articles in American Angler. But with that pub’s demise, I’m happy to call The Fisherman its new home. “Stacking the Deck: The Little Things” continues the theme of seemingly insignificant things that can have a huge impact on your fishing success. Stay tuned as there will be more from me in future issues of The Fisherman.

“Stacking The Deck: The Little Things” can be found in the February 2021 issue of The Fisherman or online here.

The fall 2016 appearance schedule is shaping up

Greetings, fellow fly enthusiasts and pursuers of all things piscatorial. I hope you all had as good a Labor Day family picnic as I did. Incredible food, some stellar wines, a My Father Le Bijou Box-Pressed Torpedo — not to mention some ruthless hands of setback (you don’t want to mess with Aunt Jennie). We’ve been right busy in the currentseams calendar hub. Thanks to all the clubs and shows who have reached out, and if you haven’t yet, but intend to, please do because the slate is filling up. Here’s what’s going on so far:

Wednesday, September 28: Narragansett Chapter TU 225, “The Little Things 2.0.” Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich, RI. For more information and directions, visit narragansett.tu.org.

Tuesday, October 11: Mianus Chapter TU, “The Little Things 2.0” Waveny House, New Canaan, CT. For more information and directions, visit mianustu.org.

Thursday, October 13: Hammonasset Chapter TU, “The Little Things 2.0” (pretty sure we settled on this — if not, it will probably be LT 1.0). Quinnipiac Watershed Association Building, 540 Oregon Road, Meriden, CT. For more information and directions, visit hctu.org.

Saturday, November 5: Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum 10th Annual Art of the Angler Show, “Wet Flies 101.” I’ll be speaking at 1pm, and tying before and possibly after. Since wet flies is the subject, that’s probably what will be on the vise, though as always I am happy to take requests. The show is two days, but I’m swinging Saturday only. For more information, visit cffcm.com/programs-events/art-of-the-angler-show/.

Looking forward to 2017, I have one local gig scheduled, and I plan on presenting again at The Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough, MA, January 20-22. Subjects, dates and times are still TBD, and I’ll let you know as soon as I do.

Thank you all for your kind words, your enthusiasm, your questions, and for reading currentseams.

All this talking is going to make me thirsty.

EinBeer

Two pieces in the July/August 2016 American Angler

Submitted for your reading pleasure: “The Little Things V2.0” and “I’m Not Dead Yet — The last hurrah for wild Connecticut River strain Atlantic Salmon” in the current issue of American Angler.

“The Little things V2.0” serves as a springboard for a new presentation coming this fall (I will kick it off in Coventry, RI at the TU225 meeting in late September.

Many thanks to the Connecticut DEEP for sharing their time and knowledge for the salmon article, and a shout out to currentseams.com follower RM Lytle for the same (and a very spiffy photo of his prized catch).

The little things is like compounding interest. It all adds up. Then one day you’re rich.

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~

Look for it at your favorite fly shop or newsstand.

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The Big Gig: Fly Fishers’ Club of Harrisburg Annual Banquet, April 8

I have the honor of being the featured speaker at the Fly Fishers’ Club of Harrisburg Annual banquet on April 8, 2016. At first I thought there must be some mistake; this, after all, is the organization that has had such luminaries as Edward Hewitt, Lee Wulff, and Ernie Schwiebert speak at their event. It’s also regarded as the second oldest fly fishing club in the United States, having been founded by Charlie Fox and Vince Marinaro (you might have heard of them, too.)

But no. They want me. So, I am both humbled and excited, as this will be the largest crowd I’ve ever presented to. The subject will be “The Little Things.”

I got the gig in part due to the substantial following currentseams has, and the many positive comments you’ve left. It’s been said before, but it bears repeating: thank you for your readership and your support.

The Little Things, Friday, April 8, at the Fly Fishers’ Club of Harrisburg Annual Banquet.

little-things

Reminder:  Tying demo at the Compleat Angler in Darien, CT, Saturday, February 27 from 10am-2pm: Bucktails, Soft Hackles and Flatwings for Striped Bass.

January appearances and classes

Lots going on this winter, and I hope to see you during my travels. Also, thanks to everyone who joined the follow list over the holidays. I’m grateful for your support. If you’re new (or fairly new) please say hello in the comments section below. Tell me a little about yourself, what you like to fish for, how you like to fish, etc. I will of course be doing another fly package giveaway once we hit 400 followers. Onward and upward!

We kick off the 2016 appearances calendar in New Jersey. I’ll be presenting “The Little Things” to the Coastal Flyrodders on Tuesday, January 19, at Larkin House, 380 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ, at 7:30PM. Their mission statement says their primary goal is to have fun. My kind of group. For directions and details, visit coastalflyrodders.com.

Next up is the Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough, MA. I will be appearing at the Destination Theater on Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23 and presenting “Wet Flies 101.” This is one of my more popular presentations, and as the title suggests, it serves as a wet fly primer. Presentation times are as follows: Friday, January 22, 2:00pm, Destination Theater Room A. Saturday, January 23, 10:00am, Destination Theater Room A. The show takes place at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough. For more information, visit http://flyfishingshow.com/marlborough-ma/

As Mister Sullivan might say, it’s a really big shew.

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We close out the month with “Wet Flies and Fuzzy Nymphs for the Farmington” on Saturday 1/30 at UpCountry Sportfishing. This is a fly tying class, but you cannot sign up for it until they post it on their website.  Last year’s class sold out in no time flat, so keep your eyes peeled on the UpCountry site.

More, more, more: I’ll be tying at the CFFA Show Saturday, February 6, at the Compleat Angler on Saturday, March 5, and at the CFFA Tyers’ Roundtable in April. Stay tuned to your favorite fly fishing magazines, as the word machine has been humming along. Plus fly tying videos, Currentseams Q&A (thanks for all the terrific suggestions) and of course, fishing reports.

 

 

Many thanks to CWTU and Orvis

What a great turnout last night, generated by the membership of Croton Watershed Trout Unlimited Chapter. It’s always easier — for me, at least — to present in front of a larger group. Thanks also to Orvis in Yonkers for the venue. There’s something comforting about giving a talk while surrounded by fly rods and reels.

Thus closeth my speaking engagements for 2015. If you took the time to come out and see me, thank you. I truly appreciate it. Lots more coming up in 2016, so stay tuned.

Here’s to you!

Block Island All-Nighter Wee Drop

Thank you, CFFA

Many thanks to the Connecticut Fly Fisherman’s Association for hosting me last night. As always, it’s a treat to get out and connect with fellow anglers, share information, and see some familiar faces. Please mark Saturday, February 6, 2016 on your calendar. That’s the date for the CFFA Expo at Maneely’s in South Windsor. Since I was officially invited last night, I will once again be tying.

Pay no attention to that man in front of the curtain. Taken at last year’s Expo.

CFFA 2015

Next week’s gig: Thursday, December 17,  “The Little Things” at TU Croton Watershed Chapter, Orvis store in Ridge hill
Shopping Center in Yonkers, NY. For more information and directions, visit https://www.facebook.com/cwctu

December Appearances and Upcoming Events

It’s a busy time of year, and we’re certainly keeping our end up at currentseams:

Wednesday, December 9, “The Little Things” at the CFFA meeting, Veterans’ Memorial Clubhouse, East Hartford. For more information and directions, visit https://www.facebook.com/CTFlyFish

Thursday, December 17,  “The Little Things” at TU Croton Watershed Chapter, Orvis store in Ridge hill
Shopping Center in Yonkers, NY. For more information and directions, visit https://www.facebook.com/cwctu

Looking forward to 2016:

Tuesday, January 19,  “The Little Things” at Coastal Flyrodders, Wyckoff, NJ. For more information and directions, visit http://www.coastalflyrodders.com

I have not confirmed yet, but I will probably be tying at the CFFA show at Maneely’s in Manchester on Saturday, February 6, 2016.

I am in the process of scheduling a “Wet Flies and Fuzzy Nymphs” tying class at UpCountry Sportfishing, also in 2016. Date TBD.

I may be tying at the Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough, MA in January, but it’s an outside shot.

Your humble scribe in action.

TU_NYC

 

FVTU Awarded the Currentseams Legion of the Cheeseburger with Crossed French Fries

Hats off to another welcoming group that understands that a fed presenter is a happy presenter. Many thanks to the Farmington Valley TU for hosting me last night. Good to see some old familiar faces, and some new ones, too. Another strong post-presentation Q&A — well done, everyone! Looking forward to next time.

Pre-game dinner: Cheeseburger. Fries. Beer. What else could you ask for? Oh yes — a Mets victory! Thanks Jake, Thor, Murph, and Jeurys.

Cheeseburger