It’s the winter fly fishing show
season in Texas once again, and I thought I would pass on some advice about
getting the most out of the shows you attend.
Shows break down basically into five categories: Keynote Speakers,
Classes, Products, and Fly Tiers.
Keynote Speaker:
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| Flies from Dave Whitlock's seminar |
These individuals are usually of
national or even international renown for their skills. In other words, they
were likely paid to come speak and did not just volunteer to help the hosting
organization. As an attendee these should be priority one. They represent both
a unique chance to learn something as well as an investment by the hosting
organization. Thus, attending these seminars is critical to the event as well
as making a good impression on the invited speaker. Few things are worse then
speaking to a nearly empty room. Really well known speakers will have a crowd
get to their seminars early if you want a seat.
Admittedly, scheduling conflicts
will occur and you will have to decide which of the two seminars you want to
attend. I always consider the likelihood of seeing a speaker again or if I can
directly contact the speaker later in the show or at their shop. In all cases the goal is to learn! I usually
have a notepad or someway to write down important points in any seminar I
attend. A lot of information will be taught by speakers during the whole day,
and staying organized will make referencing it later much easier.
Classes:
Classes represent
a means to learn a skill. A class is led by a skilled volunteer from the
hosting organization. These usually include casting, fly tying, and perhaps
more unique courses such as tenkara or entomology. These are usually happening
throughout the event and will over lap at least a little with other events, but
the classes are often small with mostly one on one instruction in the subject
being taught. These are a great way to get a foundation in something new or get
advice on something that has been troubling the past.
Products:
Shows
usually include a number of product dealers or company representatives. These
people and the items in their booths are a great way to examine new products or
even purchase items not regularly found in your area. They are also a great way
to test and learn about items that are technically complicated.
Fly rods are a great example. Will
you cast better with an $800 dollar rod? What does a fiberglass or bamboo fly
rod cast like? Casting areas are standard at fly shows. Get one of these rods
in hand and cast it.
Fly Tiers:
There are
whole shows dedicated to this facet of fly fishing, but in general the tiers
will be featured as a gallery with several tables each having a tier or two
present. Alternatively, they may be spread out with the organizations to which
they belong. Often clubs keep a skilled tier at their table to attract people.
Be sure to find a local club and chat with them in you are not already a
member.
If you enjoy tying be sure spend the time watching a fly
being tied from start to finish and if you still do not understand the tricks…sit
there and watch it again. Tying is about the details. Often it is the minor
touches that give a fly its eye appeal, not the big obvious things. It is not
uncommon if you are willing to spend the time watching the process for a tier
to give you the fly. Admittedly this is entirely up to the tier, but it does
happen frequently.
The winter shows are very good in Texas I hope to see you
there.
Feb. 7, 2015
Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival
Bethany Christian Church, located at 3223 Westheimer
Houston, TX.
From 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Admission fees are: Adults $10.00;
Students (with valid I.D.) and Seniors (62+) $5.00; Children under 12 Free;
Family $15.00.
Feb. 20-22, 2015
GRTU Troutfest
BANQUET AND
AUCTION:
6:00 PM
Friday Feb 20th 2015
EXPOSITION:
Free Admission
Saturday Feb
21st 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM & Sunday Feb 22nd 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Fly Fishing
Film Tour Feb. 21st
Doors open at
6:00 PM, show is from 7:00 - 9:30.
Purchase
Tickets ($15/adult, $12/children 12 and under) at the GRTU booth in the expo
tent.
http://www.grtutroutfest.org/
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