Welcome to the seventeenth International Fly Tying Symposium, November
17 & 18,
2007. This year’s theme is “Old Friends and Favorite Patterns” or “Old
Patterns and Favorite Friends.” Take your pick, they’re interchangeable.
It’s about how we have all tied together and shared our favorite
patterns with you and each other. In the process many once considered almost
strangers
have become friends, fished together, and continue to enjoy each other’s
company. Over the years we have all gotten to know who has created a fly
they are most known for, their favorite fly. So this year, in following
with the
favorite pattern theme, each tier will display a fly that most represents
them, their signature fly. A special tent card printed with “Favorite
Fly” will
be on each table along with the selected pattern. It will be fun to see
the fly they have the most success with, and for you to talk about whether
you
agree or not. Just don’t call me to complain they stole your pattern!
Once again the symposium
is surely taking an international flavor more than ever. We
have a number of new tiers coming from overseas, and several
returning that have missed a year. Just the opposite, however,
Theo “Goldbead” Bakelaar from Holland can’t
make it. His daughter is due to give birth to twins in November
and he wants to be there. Looks like there will be a few more
beadhead tiers arriving in the future!
You, the attendee, also come from all over. So, this year several of our seminars
will concentrate on streams and waters in Pa., N.J., N.Y., Mass., and other
areas you want to fish. Almost all our talks are new. Even the ones that
have similar titles from the past have been revamped and updated with new
info and new fly patterns.
I’m very happy to have Doug Swisher back and Charlie Meck. Dick Talleur
never misses and these legendary tiers and more will be demonstrating, teaching
classes, and doing talks. Johan Klingberg, all the way from Sweden, will talk
about the hottest techniques in fishing “Czech Nymphing.” Don’t
miss this one and it’s in English not Swedish! And another talk by “Ozzie” Ozefovich
that kicks off each day’s seminars at 10:00am is sure to be a must see.
Look at the brochure for a description and more about all the other great seminar
talks this year. I think this is the most interesting schedule we’ve
ever presented.
The youth class, taught by FFF, is returning again. And the adults also are
in for a treat. Be sure to look over our great morning classes taught by the
legends in fly tying. This is sometimes the only opportunity to sit in a small
class to learn from a master tier. And you’ll still have time in the
afternoon to visit the show.
If you have been saving your money for some new fly tying material, you’ll
see it all at the symposium. There is such a huge selection of the latest materials,
necks from the actual growers present, like Keough and Collins, hooks, tying
desks, frames and shadowboxes, art work, and so much more, you better have
a suitcase full of money to satisfy your needs. Just about every book and DVD
about fly tying will be on display and available for purchase. This always
keeps you going on those cold winter days after the show is over.
Thanks again for Fly Rod and Reel for returning as the show sponsor. The full
page ad announcing our symposium and the other mention in the magazine
reaches a large diverse audience.
Last to remind you that our fabulous Saturday evening banquet is not to be
missed. A limited amount of tickets are available, so be sure to check
when you buy your show ticket.
Have a great time old friend.
Chuck Furimsky
