The 2012 International

Fly Tying Symposium

A Note From The Director

Welcome to the 22nd anniversary of the International Fly Tying Symposium. This year the symposium is moving to the Garden State Exhibit Center, where the January Fly Fishing Show takes place. This means the symposium is going to be our largest ever with the new expanded hall. Because we have extra space, expect many new tiers, more exhibitors, even a practice casting pond, and a pool to test fly patterns. See what the fish see and why they eat the fly.  

The theme is “The Italian Connection.” Our Jersey Italian tiers will welcome the real Italian tiers from across the pond. As always, we also welcome many tiers from a number of countries and all our fantastic USA tiers. Charlie Craven, from Colorado, will visit us for the first time since many of you asked about him. Dozens of new tiers - too numerous to mention here - are listed on the brochure and web. We welcome them all.

Another new addition that really fits with our tying theme is the bamboo rod-makers’ aisle. The artists and craftsmen that create fly patterns and bamboo rods have a lot in common. Jeff Hatton, who owns the largest col- lection of historic bamboo rods, is a popular exhibitor at our Denver Fly Fishing Show. He is coming for the first time to our symposium with his 40- foot display that will definitely hold your attention. A list of bamboo rod- makers will be updated on our website as they commit to attend.

Our new show hotel is across the bridge, only a three-minute walk from the exhibit center. The Hotel Somerset-Bridgewater has great service, a new bar and restaurant, reduced room rates for the symposium and will host our special morning classes and our Saturday evening banquet. Plus, it has the largest free parking area next to the exhibit hall lot. Call 732-560- 0500 to reserve your overnight lodging before they sell out.

If you have never taken one of our special morning classes be sure to check out the brochure. Talk to someone who has taken a class and see why this is an opportunity not to be missed. And you’ll still have the rest of the day to visit the show.

During your visits to all the tiers and exhibitors, be sure to pick out some of our talks. These educational seminars are just great and the rooms fill quickly. It’s all part of your ticket price. The same goes for “Featured Tiers and Book Signings.” Special morning classes are the only extra cost.

Back again is the FFF Saturday Tying Class. If you have a youngster that wants to learn to tie, this is the place. You’ll see their face light up when they tie their first fly, something you won’t see when sitting at their computer.

If you have been saving for new fly tying materials, this is definitely the place to buy. There is such a huge selection of materials - necks from the actual growers exhibiting, like Keough and Collins, hooks, tying tools, lights, boxes, artwork, and just about every book and DVD ever produced for fly tying. You’ll have a treasure chest of good stuff to use for your favorite fly patterns and the new ones you’re sure to learn.

One last reminder: our Saturday evening banquet is open. The seats are limited, so check at our registration desk for available tickets. The food, door prizes, and banquet programs are worth it.
Enjoy the symposium and bring a friend or two!

—Chuck Furimsky