Wednesday, January 21, 2015

"The Fly Fishing" Show 2015

Last Friday I attended the Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough Massachusetts. I had attended this show before many years ago and was anxious to see how it had changed. I had a few things on my shopping list which I did find as well as a few others. I found this Grouse back, and I quickly snapped it up. The natural design of the feathers will be perfect, not for soft hackles but for streamer shoulders. I also found some wonderful soft hackle/wet fly hooks. These are hand made English hooks and the come in some odd sizes which are not found in shops. Size 13's. A nice color was found in Pearsall's silk. I think it will make for some lighter body colors.

Along with many vendors offering lots of "stuff", the nice part of that is you get to see it and touch it before purchase. Many tackle companies were there with everything fly fishing. I had the chance to cast a TFO 5ft half weight rod. I almost went home with it. The best part of the show for me was meeting many people, authors, fly tyers, and book sellers.


Here are a couple of gentlemen I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to for quite some time. The gent on the left is Ted Patlen. He is a fly tyer, fly fisher and an absolute fly fishing historian. A walking encyclopedia. Ted's comments and input can be found on various sites and forums. It was a pleasure to meet and talk with you Ted.

The fellow on the right is Bob Mead. Bob is a wonderful fly tyer as well as a friend to the late Fran Betters. Bob and I talked for some time about Fran and I was given much new information about Fran. Bob it was a pleasure meeting and talking with you.

I stopped for a spell and talked "Tenkara" with Dan. He was in the midst of tying a few flies which I watched him complete. The flies were simplicity to the highest. He was generous to give me two of his flies which I will test. Thanks Dan.


For those who follow this blog you know my love for the streamer fly. When I got wind of a new book about to be published on the subject I was to say the least excited. And when I read that the author of the book was going to be at the show and the possibility of meeting said author all but sealed the deal to go.

Sharon Wright the author of "Tying Heritage Featherwing Streamers" is one special lady and fly tyer. I spoke with Sharon at length about the book and her love of tying these beautiful flies. A master at her craft she joins a group of Maine women who have taken the tradition of streamer flies and tying to the new century. The book was signed and I have not read it through, but it is well done with with many beautiful color photos. There is a feature where she takes apart a Carrie Stevens streamer to show just how Carrie tied her treasures. Thanks Sharon for the book and for your words at the show.










18 comments:

  1. Looks like you had an awesome time Brk Trt! Sorry to have missed you - it's a fun show to attend!
    Will

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hibernation,
      Thanks.
      Will it was a great show. More people and vendors, the last time I attended.
      Sorry I missed you.

      Delete
  2. I'm looking forward to the show in NC.

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    Replies
    1. Kevin Frank,
      Thanks.
      It's coming your way. Kevin cast the TFO 5ft half weight if given the chance.

      Delete
  3. Alan
    Fly fisherman never get tired of attending great fly fishing show. I am anxious to see some of your streamer work from your new book purchase. Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      Bill these shows break that winter slow down and bring life to the angler.

      Delete
  4. Good Stuff Brk Trt. The flies you tie are works of art, especially the streamers. Looking forward to your newest creations.

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    Replies
    1. TROUTI,
      Thanks.
      Pete wish you could have attended. The book has some wonderful streamers.....where to start?

      Delete
  5. Nice report Alan. I love those fishing shows. By the way, which geezer are you?

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    Replies
    1. Howard Levett,
      Thanks.
      Which geezer you say. Well I'm the handsome one.

      Delete
  6. Nice report, and good to see my buddy Teddy looking well he certainly is a charater!
    The book is an interesting one, and I've seen and read a lot of 'reports' about claims made in the book. maybe you've seen them also, but I would recommend you take some of the info contained within, with a pinch of salt....

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    Replies
    1. Eunan,
      Thanks.
      Those Hawaiian shirts are the thing. I shall take a good look.

      Delete
  7. Missed the show in Denver this year as I was fighting the flu bug. I hope I am beyond it now. Thanks for sharing the neat finds you found at the show. Always great to put a face with the fly fishing folks whose products we yearn for. Looking forward to seeing more from the Streamer book.

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    Replies
    1. Mel,
      Thanks.
      Mel it's nice to be able to see first hand certain materials before you buy. I really like those wet fly hooks.

      Delete
  8. Headed to NJ tomorrow to attend for the first time. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the report.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Curry,
      Thanks.
      Mike I hope you enjoy yourself. There's a lot to take in.

      Delete
  9. Come on, admit it, you must have been at least a little bit intrigued by the Tenkara table ;)

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    Replies
    1. Klags,
      Thanks.
      I love the concept of Tenkara which is "simplicity" the flies are pretty cool to.

      Delete