Attendees begin building their iron flies, while others mingle and enjoy refreshments.
PHOTO BY EMILY GABERT – SPECIAL TO THE BANNER
By Emily Gabert, Special to the Banner
MANCHESTER — Beginner and experienced fly fishers came together Saturday afternoon to share their passion for their tying and fishing skills.
Fly Tying classes and an Iron Fly Tournament were hosted at the American Museum of Fly Fishing with Pig Farm Ink. It allowed the community to see what the sport has to offer and what exactly it entails.
“We came to Manchester to bring unity to the fly fishing community,” Kevin Ramirez, of Pig Farm Ink, said. “We want everyone to know how great the sport is.”
The Fly Tying classes were taught by local tiers, and tiers from all over New England.
The basics and advanced tying tactics were explained. Saltwater flies and deerfly ties are two of many methods taught to participants. Some people even get blindfolded while they do fly tying as a fun component of learning the new tying methods — Ramirez was one of many who helped teach these methods.
Ramirez explained that these events aren’t just limited to this area, they are also offered all over the country.
Beer was provided to those of legal drinking age, along with pizza from Cristo’s Pizza and Pasta restaurant in Manchester.
Children also participated in the activities. A special crafting table was open for children to practice making colorful clown flies using coat hangers. According to Bob Ruley, executive director of the museum, people speak highly of the children’s activities.
