Tying with Kids...Round 2

Tying up a storm...A beautiful sight

I was beginning to question my rationale.  I had only just returned from a two week trip abroad and the tying clinic was on Saturday!  "Stay calm," I thought.  With all arrangements seemingly in place, maybe my anxiety was unwarranted.  But I get this way when I host events.  I want to ensure each and every participant finds value in what we are offering, especially with a tying clinic.

This was the 2nd annual Kids Tying clinic, and I was excited to have nine children signed up to participate.  Tim Bjork and Jason Burt were kind enough to join as Tuesday Tyer expert instructors, and Nick Lowery from the Capital Journal joined to share his love for the sport.  Of course, many parents stuck around as well and really helped out.

After some careful reflection, all of the Tuesday Tyers who participated had so many positive things to say about the students in this year's class.  To the four first-year students: your determination and excitement fueled the fire within all of us.  Trying something new can be difficult, but you showed no signs of distress or discomfort.  The immediate skill at the vice was also a surprise to us.  Some of the flies produced by these first time tyers rival those that come from all of our vises, and I'd be willing to bet that they will catch just as many fish (which is a lot)  : )

To the returning students: we have officially dubbed you all "rogue tyers".  This was so fun to see from our perspective, because as a fly tyer, experimentation is a part of learning.  After that first fly, you were ready and willing to try some new patterns.  My constant requests for questions were only met with, "nope, we're good" replies.  Fur and feathers were flying everywhere as you were swapping fish stories and pattern advice.  If you ever wondered what the Tuesday Tyers crew does during the winter time, all you needed to do was look to that table of kids.  That's basically it...  Again, the skill and excitement shown at the vice brought us all a lot of joy.


So from all of the Tuesday Tyers, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in this fun event.  We could not have done it without some great sponsors and local businesses who helped out a bunch.  Please check them out when you have some time, and support fly fishing in South Dakota.  Their logos are listed below.  

We hope to continue this tradition next spring, hopefully making it more beneficial for all in attendance.  Until that time, please make a commitment to get your children out with a fly rod.  Whether in the backyard or off the dock, practice will help build confidence, and that will help them catch more fish.  Getting out on the water wouldn't hurt either, so get out and enjoy some parent sibling time!   Have a great summer!