SPRING FLY FISHING CLASS BEGINS NEXT SPRING BY JOHN BERRY

As many of you know, my wife, Lori, and I have been teaching a fly fishing class at Arkansas State University Mountain Home for several years. We teach a class each spring and fall. Next week we are going to begin our spring class. Over the years, we have taught hundreds of people to fly fish. It will be held on Thursday night March 30, April 6, 13 and 20 on the ASU campus from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

We always begin with an hour of fly casting instruction. This is basic instruction for someone who has never held a fly rod or someone with limited experience. Lori always leads this. Over the years, she has really worked at it and has become an accomplished casting instructor. I also assist. Together we have over forty years of fly casting instruction experience. We like to keep our class size limited so that all of the students get a lot, of personal attention at each class. We show you where your mistakes are and how to easily correct them.

The rest, of the instruction, is in the classroom. This is where I draw on my twenty-five years’ experience as a fly fishing guide. Of course, Lori, with over a dozen years of experience as a guide, ably assists. We talk about equipment, (what to buy and what not to buy). We also cover knots, rigging, fly selection, entomology, reading water and water safety. This is a great class for couples.

To register for the class, you need to contact the University. They have made everything easy by developing a great website. Just go to  http://asumh.edu/services/community-education.html. If you do not have access to a computer, call Sarah Sykes at (870) 508.6105 to register. There is a nominal fee.

If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, please sign up. I hope to see you there.

SOWBUG ROUNDUP

Don’t forget that the Sowbug Roundup is in full swing. This is the premier fly tying show in the South and possibly the best in the United States. It draws fly tyers from all over the United States and from other countries. It began yesterday but continues today and tomorrow. The Sowbug Roundup is held at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. The doors are open at 9:00 Amand close at 4:00 PM. Admission is only $5.00 and kids under twelve years of age are free. Lori and I are quite involved. I have a booth for Berry Brothers Guide Service and Blue Ribbon Fly Shop. I am also a tyer and will present a seminar today at 11:00 AM on When, Where and How to Fish the White and Norfork Rivers. Lori will teach a fly casting today and tomorrow.

Stop by my booth and say hello and I will tie you a fly.