EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES



Although clients have an abundance of learning opportunities during a charter, there are certain aspects of flyfishing that can be more comprehensively addressed in a meeting or classroom type of environment.  Captain Mark has been deeply immersed in flyfishing for nearly four decades, and enjoys sharing his knowledge gained through experience and personal interaction.

 

 

 

 

PRESENTATIONS

If your shop, group or club is looking for a speaker, consider one of the following presentations.  They are interactive opportunities to learn firsthand about specific fisheries and strategies.  Generally speaking, a few relevant patterns are tied before or after.

 

Pike on the Fly – a Worthwhile Pursuit (approximately 60 minutes)

Pike are often viewed as a nuisance species, one that is beneath the effort of many fly anglers. This presentation highlights life history, gear, flies, local and global fishing opportunities, and their enigmatic traits that often make them a perfect target for fly fishing.  This presentation is often paired with the pike fly tying class, usually as a lunchtime seminar.

 

Striped Bass Real Estate - Location, Location, Location (approximately 45 minutes)

Striped bass live in a wide variety of habitats...finding the fish in those places is the key to catching them.  This presentation emphasizes a practical approach to locating bass in various water types based on tide, forage, and season.  Finding the fish is usually the hard part; catching them after confirming their presence can be relatively easy.  This presentation is often paired with one of the saltwater fly tying classes.

 

FLY TYING CLASSES/LESSONS

Captain Mark’s fly tying classes feature patterns that not only teach familiarity with materials and techniques, but also catch fish.  The flies are proven winners that work not only for him, but for clients as well.  The species specific classes are tailored for success with a given fishery.  Hooks and materials are provided, but students should bring their own tools.   Classes are usually arranged for clubs and shops in group settings, but smaller and even individual sessions can also be arranged.  Please note that classes or lessons are not limited by those listed below; Captain Mark is well versed in most saltwater and bass/pike patterns, so if there is a niche material, technique, or species that you would like to learn just let him know.

 

Please note that except for the basic saltwater class, students should have previous tying experience.

 

Basic Saltwater Tying

Learning the art of fly tying is easy, and there is hardly a better way to start than with saltwater patterns.  The flies themselves are typically much larger than those used in fresh water, so understanding the principles of material management, proportion, and color blending is uncomplicated.  The patterns tied in this class use a variety of common natural and synthetic materials, and cover the water column from top to bottom. 

 

Tying with Adhesives

There are many adhesives on the tying market to aid us, each with multiple uses.  Epoxy, Softex, Tuffleye, Clear Cure Goo, Bug Bond…this class addresses uses for each, handling tips, and the all important issue of just how much is really needed for each application.  This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands on experience with the different products and get a feel for how they behave on a hook.

 

Tying for Pike

Durability and fluidity are the hallmarks of good pike flies, and this bunch fits the bill.  Water wolves beware, these prey bite back!  This tying class is often paired with the Pike on the Fly presentation. 

 

Tying for Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are a nearly perfect fly rod fish, particularly in river systems.  This class features both imitator and attractor flies, and emphasizes techniques for creating bulk without compromising castability. 

 

Tying for Bonito & False Albacore

Ocean speedsters have keen eyesight and usually require more exacting imitations of their prey.  This class emphasizes size, color and proportion more than any of the others so that small tunas will find these tidbits hard to resist. 

 

Tying for Northeast Rip Fishing

Not for the faint of heart, rip fishing in the northeast requires heavy lines, big flies, and good sea legs.  Flies need to be noticed in the chaos of fast, roiling water.  When things start to get tough out there in the calamity, remember one thing: the gamefish are not there to rest, they are there to feed!

 

Tying for the Saltwater Flats

While absolute mimicry isn’t completely necessary when flats fishing, natural muted colors and the suggestion of movement will usually produce results better than flies with flash and bright colors.  This class emphasizes principles of subtlety in both color and materials for flats flies, and covers applications from northeast striped bass to tropical bonefish.

 

FLY CASTING LESSONS

Fly casting is as difficult or as easy as one wants to make it.  Captain Mark has a great deal of experience in teaching fly casting to both novice and advanced individuals.  If you are looking to get into the sport or are an experienced caster who would like to work out a few kinks or add more distance to your cast, contact Captain Mark.  He works with groups or individuals, and his commitment is limited only by how much the student would like to learn.