CCA Fly Tying Clinic Set for November 5 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Fly tying is an essential skill for anyone looking to get more entrenched in fly fishing, but it’s also a great hobby for those who love an intricate challenge. Learning how to tie flies might look intimidating at first, but once you grasp the basics, it’s not as hard as it looks -- and it’s oh-so-rewarding. 

On Sunday, November 5 from 1-3  p.m. in The Landings Association’s conference room (600 Landings Way) CCA Skidaway is hosting a fly tying clinic. Kyler Gartner of Rivers and Glen in Savannah, will be teaching us the fine art of fly tying.

Kyler will be introducing fly tying, covering everything from materials to skills and patterns. Learn how to imitate the live food of gamefish by attaching material to a hook, imitating various life stages of insects, and imitating minnows and other natural foods. 

Kyler adopted the lifestyle of a fly fisher and tyer at a relatively young age. Hailing from North Platte, Nebraska, he  learned the fundamentals of fly fishing from his grandfather in the various lakes and ponds in his home state during the summer months. Kyler grew up in South Carolina from the age of 6 and was fortunate enough to experience the outdoors in such a rich environment.

In his early 20s, he accepted his first manager position at The Charleston Angler in Charleston, SC. At that point in his life, he was managing the flagship store and tying commercially for the shop and for customers getting ready for trips. After a wonderful five year run, he accepted the manager position at Gordy & Sons Outfitters in Houston, TX and called Texas home for a couple of years. Prior to accepting the position at Rivers & Glen in Savannah, GA, he worked alongside Flymen Fishing Company and Blane Chocklett to produce Blane's Game Changer series of flies for the mass market. In his 10 year professional career, there is perhaps no other activity in his life that has brought him closer to people and to the natural world than fly fishing. In that pursuit he has bonded with people he might never have crossed paths with and had fly fishing experiences throughout the lower 48 that he wouldn’t change for anything.

When he doesn’t have a fishing rod in hand, Kyler typically can be found sitting at the tying bench cooking up pragmatic patterns to throw at redfish in the Lowcountry. When the weather doesn’t permit for fishing, fly tying is a hobby within a hobby that keeps him constantly connected to the water and the fish that live there.

Equipment needed for fly tying include a vise, scissors, and bobbins. Those interested and have fly tying equipment, please bring it with you. If you have questions or concerns about this clinic, please  email Paulette Hamilton (sushi1103@mac.com).

The cost for this clinic is $10 and is for CCA members only. The clinic is limited to 8 in order to give a more one on one hands on instructions.