Fact is, as much as I love fly fishing, fly *tying is a whole other world altogether, a world that, after attending, I realized I've explored maybe 3% of (truth be told, before I went to FF - I figured I had maybe 50% of it figured out).
My flies are passable, and what's more they catch fish, but when you're tying for presentation - good lord, the measure of skill, dexterity and aesthetics you gentlemen displayed was nothing short of awe inspiring.
Of course, I didn't know a living soul there, so who do I have dubious pleasure of sitting next to but not one but two of our local celebrities...John Bonasera and Ted Patlen. I had a whole raft of ties I wanted to try that day, but - how do you follow after those two?
So I dropped back to one thing that I DO know and do extremely well...I tell stories through my pictures. Who knows, maybe 30 years from now - some other new tyer might stumble on my work and marvel the same way I did reading through Mike Valla's book.
But enough of me - it was a real pleasure meeting all of you guys, and I'm sorry I didn't get around to speak to everyone - I was having a hard enough time soaking up what I could from the grand masters I was seated next to. I also got to tie next to Tim Didas (salute) who surprised me at how delicate a touch he had for such meaty marine fingers, wow talk about a class act and all around nice guy - Hope to fish with you in the future.
And to Eperous - thanks for the fish tales
Rick Miller - I remembered every word you shared about the 4 stages of a fisherman
JB - Thank for the constructive critiques and the warm welcome, hoping I can do my part to preserve our heritage in the coming years
Mike Valla - Most parents will read the cat and the hat to their kids, I'll be reading the signed copy of your book to mine
John Bonasera - I can see why you have the following you do, thanks for taking it easy on the new guy
and of course Sarah Palin's biggest fan - Joe Fusco ... appreciate all your insights bro...
Alright so on to the photos...
