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Gather round aspiring fly tiers
By Armand Courchaine
Wed Jan 16, 2008, 03:14 PM EST
Ever observe the fishermen in your family during winter? They do things like taking their fishing gear out, lubricate the reel, changing the hooks on their lures, looking at the calendar, counting the days until spring. They say things like "Where is global warming when you need it?"
I remember sitting in the living room with my dad. We would be reading and exchanging magazines like Field & Stream, Outdoor Life and Sports Afield. The magazines are still around but their contents have changed through the years. They were serious magazines on hunting and fishing, now it's anything goes like snowboarding.
Every once in a while I will meet people who really appreciate the values of hunting and fishing. Just recently I met a customer (a woman) who was raised and lived in Colorado. She was telling me she would hunt and fish in Colorado and Montana. I have to tell you women that have spent time outdoors seem to have natural beauty about them. I am surprised they don't use things like Oil of Olay, Pond's Beauty Cream etc. No need for it.
Imagine the woman of today, more in tune to Oprah, Survivor, etc. It's sad they just don't know how to live.
I can't believe all the junk in my local newspaper about the meltdown of Britney Spears. Who cares!
I've been a little stressed lately. On Jan. 18, 19 and 20 Fly Fishing Show East takes place in Marlborough. I have been asked to be a demonstration fly tier at the show.
A fly tier is a person who uses thread to tie on a hook, different materials such as furs, feathers and synthetic material to imitate natural baits or attractors that just look good to fool the fish. I don't tie at home; just too busy. Now I tie at shows and in classes at meetings. I actually look forward to tie flies, meet old friends, and new.
If you never fly fish, don't do it. You will never be normal again. The show is big. You can learn techniques and info on travel, see fly casting demonstrations, fly tying demonstrations, meet authors on fly tying and fly fishing.
The show takes place at Royal Plaza Trade Center, off Route 20 (heading towards Worcester from route 495) in Marlborough. Hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, and $2 for kids under 12.
For more information, check out the website at www.flyfishingshoweast.com. If you go to the show be sure to say hello.
Armand can be reached at ajc137@juno.com
