The Hamilton Area Fly Fishers and Tyers (HAFFT) are marking their 10th anniversary of fly tying instruction. Kids and parents are invited to help celebrate this milestone by trying their hand at fly tying on April 26, at the Sherwood Library in Hamilton. Knot tying and other essential skills for the fly fisher will also be taught.
The HAFFT was started by Harold Becker and Ted Knott in 1992 to promote conservation and remediation of area streams as well provide a venue to learn about fly fishing. Since then the club has become a focus for those wanting to learn more about the sport of fly fishing and the art of fly tying. In its short history the club has continually been involved in numerous environmental projects in and around Hamilton and has grown to over 50 members.
The Spencer Creek watershed rehabilitation has been a particular favourite of the Hamilton and Area Fly Fishers and Fly Tyers.The HAFFT has worked along with the Hamilton Conservation Authority as well as other agencies and landowners in conducting spawning studies, stream rehabilitation, dam removal, planting streamside vegetation and other efforts to improve water quality and habitat. The club’s commitment was recognized by the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority in 1999 through an award in the areas of fisheries protection and habitat restoration.
But the true joy for the members is the opportunity/privilege to teach legions of young people the rudiments of tying flies. Nothing compares with the “oohs” and “ahs” from neophyte tyers as the spinning of a rooster feather on an iron hook produces a totally different effect than they expected. Club members have worked with local organizations such as the Dofasco Angling Club and the annual Dunnville kids fishing derby as well as provincial organizations like the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Many hundreds of kids and adults have learned to tie flys with HAFFT members by their sides.
The members are continuing this tradition of instruction by inviting young people and their parents to learn to tie a fly at the club meeting scheduled for Monday, April 26, 2004 runningfrom 7:00-9:00 p.m. We are planning a full evening with knot tying techniques and indoor fly casting instructions as well. The club meeting place is downstairs in the Sherwood Library located at the northeast corner of Upper Ottawa Street and Fennel Avenue. Members will be on hand to teach youngsters (and those young at heart) the basics of tying a fly that will catch fish. Refreshments will be served, all materials and equipment will be provided and the entire evening is free of charge.
So c’mon out for an evening of fun and learn something different from a group of dedicated fly fishing volunteers.
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| Paul Beck teaches fly tying to an attentive audience of Markku and Liisa Wainman |
Media contact: Bruce Wainman, 905-319-8928
wainmanb@mcmaster.ca