I love my wife, and I mean that. Sometimes she pushes me out the door when I need to be pushed out the door. For example, I wanted to attend the Advanced Streamer Tying and Tactics Class that my friend Ryan Walker was hosting in Billings, Missouri. The reason that I was hesitant to attend was because it meant that I would be gone an extra day for a previously planned fishing trip. She knew that it meant a lot to me and that my friend would be happy to see me so she pushed me out the door. Wendy, if you're reading this, thank you for supporting me and understanding me so well!
Prior to arriving at the class, I wasn't really sure what to expect. However, since this was the second class in the three part series, I was able to gather some feedback from folks that had attended the first class. Everyone that had posted on social media about the first class had overwhelmingly positive things to say about the class. They mentioned how Ryan was a great instructor and how they walked away from the class feeling like they had learned multiple skills. So with excitement and child-like enthusiasm, I opened the door to a community building in Billings Missouri.
What I heard first, was Ryan's voice and then a pause. What I got was a big hug and equally large smiles on the faces of Ryan and I. What I saw was a contingent of about 10 fly tyers and Ryan's lovely wife, Cindy. The smell of dinner also filled the air (outstanding BBQ by the way) which was a nice touch.
I had arrived late so the class was already in the middle of tying a pattern so I decided to wait until the start of the next pattern. I was thrilled to learn that I was going to be learning how to tie a Roamer first and a Yard Sale second. While I was familiar with these patterns (and had caught smallmouth on both and with Ryan) I was excited to get some individualized instruction on how to tie these patters from someone who had mastered them.
Ryan's instruction was outstanding. He did a great job of not only explaining each step with a pattern but also explained his reasoning for each detail. For example, he didn't just communicate how to create a keel weight for a fly, he explained why a keel weight was necessary for the pattern and the action that it would create with the fly. I walked away from that class with a couple of streamers that I am satisfied with, but more so, I came away with more knowledge about streamers and streamer fishing that I think I have received in all my previous learnings about streamers. That is a testament to not only Ryan's experience, but his ability to communicate important information from his experiences with others.
So if you're bummed that you missed the first and second class, I have great news. There is one more class that you can attend! The final class will include instruction on how to tie a double deceiver, an articulated yard sale, and a bang tail. There is an early and late session available and the date is Sat., Feb. 28. See the links below to sign up for a class as RSVP's are required. Ryan needs to know how many folks will be in attendance so he can plan food amounts, fly tying supplies, and seating arrangements. Donations for the class are taken at the door and I only tell you that so you can plan accordingly.
Flies that Will Be Tied in the Final Advanced Streamer Tying and Tactics Class:
Double Deceiver
Articulated Yard Sale
Bang Tail
Early Session Feb 28
8:00 AM-1:30 PM
2:00 PM-7PM
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