During the pandemic, record numbers of new fly tiers emerged as folks took up hobbies to occupy their abundant spare time. Now in the post-pandemic era, these tiers are looking to establish social connections with fellow feather crafters in their area.
Growing in popularity across the country are casual fly tying gatherings where beer and snacks are involved. These are usually held monthly at local pubs, micro breweries, or locally-owned stores or shops, and are open to the public. There is no organized agenda. In some cases, a featured tier might demonstrate a pattern at the beginning of the event. But for the most part, everyone ties what they want. Attendees can tie, or watch other tiers tie a certain fly. Beginners can watch and learn tying techniques, or borrow one of the spare vises and tools and learn to tie a fly.
These casual “Tying+Beer” events appeal to a younger, more diverse crowd. This is important since statistics from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) show that fly fishing participation is at a record high for the age 25-40 demographic, women, Hispanics, and African-Americans.
Although most of these “Tying+Beer” events are not affiliated with local clubs, many are supported by the clubs. One club even provides pizza for the events! In a few cases, the local club will also substitute one or more of their monthly meetings with the Tying+Beer event.
Here in the Gulf Coast Council, there are currently three (3) open tying events.
- Flies & Flights – Held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Rally Cap Brewing Company in Baton Rouge, 7:00pm to close.
- Acadiana Open Tying Night – Usually held the 4th week of the month at Pack & Paddle in Lafayette, 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
- Bugs & Brews – Held 2nd Wednesday of each month at Skeeta Hawk Brewing in New Orleans. 6:30pm to close. Supported by the New Orleans Fly Fishers. This is a new event for 2023.
For our readers in southwest Georgia, there’s a similiar event in Albany. “Tie Down Wednesday” is held Wednesdays at 6:00pm at Pretoria Fields Collective.
If you know of any other similiar event within the Gulf Coast Council (or just outside our boundaries), please let us know. If you’re looking to startup a “Tying+Beer” event, we can put you in contact with organizers of existing events to help you get started.
