The world of fly tying education has never been more mainstream or high tech than it is right now. There are literally thousands of patterns with tutorials available on the internet which opens the world up to the creative minds of the industries best dressers. The need for “how too” books has diminished as video is simply a better resource and to some degree, the need for fly shops to offer fly tying lessons and clinics is less for similar reasons. Why then do the majority of shops still offer them?

There is still no better way to flatten the learning curve than with a qualified teacher, no matter what it is you are trying to accomplish. The ability of the instructor to direct and slow the presentation down to fit the speed of the student or the students prerogative to step back and say, “Whoa! That just went right over my head.” is not present on the net and for that reason, the private lesson will prevail.

Further to that, fly tying has always been somewhat of a social thing and the gathering of like minded individuals bouncing ideas off of each other is the best way to broaden one’s range.

That’s not to say that the internet doesn’t have its place and even the most accomplished tiers reference it from time to time but there is, at least currently, still a need for that personal interaction that can only be found at the a fly shop or at evening tying sessions with your friends.
That’s why Grand River Outfitting & Fly Shop still will be offering an array of tying demo’s throughout the winter as well as private lessons at a very reasonable rate ($40.00/hr).

Our instructor, John Hoffman is among the most well rounded teachers in the country and is comfortable with students from the most rudimentary level to the most developed. John is master with most styles but it is his relaxed demeanor that sets him apart from others.

We also offer an array of weekend demonstrations that are sure to interest anyone that would like to become a better tier. For details on our complete education program or to sign up for our newsletter, visit www.ontarioflyfishing.ca .