Something In The Woods, My Trip To Insectival 2025
- michaeltaggert55
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
It is no secret that I like to tie flies and I like to talk. So when I get asked to do a live presentation, I typically will jump at the chance. A while ago I got an email from one of the clubs in our council to elevate a request for a tying demonstration at a public event. As the council Fly Tying Group Liaison It falls into me purview to handle these requests.
I sent the request out to the full council but did not get a great response back. I agreed that I would do the event as a the council representative. So yesterday I went to Solomons MD. and set up the Chesapeake Council of Fly Fishers International booth. I had the privilege of meeting some 500 people who stopped to hear about Invertebrates and to watch me tie some 50 flies in the time I was there.
I have learned a thing or two about this Kind of event. First is to have a great looking set up. The second is to Keep the flies simple and quick. The third is to have a display of flies that are, shall we say way more complex? Finally have a way that the passers by can get more information.
I got there at 730am and set up the booth. Already the organizers knew that this was a bit of a different experience from previous tiers. I had professional looking display pieces. I brought a display of great looking flies and had them on stands so the visitors could see the flies. I also brought some of my fly boxes filled with flies to show the variety of flies we tie.
I also had a display of life cycle flies that i had tied just for the event. The council provided hand outs and stickers. To keep the Elevator pitch short and sweet i only tied one fly pattern. Yes, I tied mop flies all day. simple but effective at showing how easy fly tying can be. I was asked many times how long does it take to tie something like the blue damsel or Blue Charm flies I had on display.
I hope that many of the kids had a little spark to learn more.
