The International Fly Tying Symposium
 

The 2007 International

Fly Tying Symposium

A Note from the Director


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

 

Chuck Furimsky