Fly Tying Symposium Salutes “Dutch Masters”

June 6, 2013 By: Erin Block

This fall, an impressive line-up of fly tiers will gather at the Garden State Exhibit Center for the International Fly Tying Symposium. With demonstrations, competitions, exhibitions and special recognition of Dutch fly tying masters, dates have been set for November 23-24, 2013.

Read more in the press release below. 

Fly Tying Symposium Salutes Netherlands Artists Nov. 23-24

SOMERSET, NJ – Fly-tying artists from throughout the Netherlands will join their counterparts from around the world displaying their craft and skills at the 23rd annual Fly Tying Symposium, Nov. 23-24 at the Garden State Exhibit Center.

Admission is $15 on Sat., $12 on Sun. and $20 for both days.  Symposium hours are 9-5 on Sat.; 9-4:30 on Sun. Plenty of free parking.  

Tiers invited from the Netherlands – dubbed the “Dutch Masters” – include Harry Schoel,
Theo Bakelaar, Johan Put, Ronald Pop, Paul van den Driesche, Rudy van Duijnhoven and Ben Weytjens from Belgium.

The pre-Thanksgiving International Fly Tying Symposium will feature the first Super Fly Competition, with prizes awarded in five open categories plus a youth division.  Judging will be by show attendees joined by a team of professional fly tiers including Bob Clouser, Fishy Fullum, Dave Klausmeyer, Enrico Puglisi, Tom Baltz, Charlie Craven, Gary Borger, Ben Furimsky, Bakelaar, Marc Petitjean, Eric Stroup, Bob Mead and Bob Popovics. 

Participation in the Super Fly Competition is free.

“There will be more than 100 of the world’s best and most creative fly tiers plus exhibitors demonstrating and selling every material, hook, book, vise and video known to mankind.  Shops will be on hand with everything and anything related to fly-tying,” said show producer Chuck Furimsky.

Hackle growers scheduled to be at the Symposium include Collins and Keough.

In keeping with the theme of individual hand-crafted fly-fishing products, there will be a full exhibit of bamboo rods.  Indoor casting ponds will allow visitors to try out their dream tools. 

The Symposium’s designated hotel is the Doubletree, 2000 Atrium Dr., Somerset, NJ, with a reduced rate of $92.  To receive the lower price, call (800) 222-TREE (8733) and request accommodations in the International Fly Tying Symposium block.  “The special rate includes breakfast and must be made by Nov. 1,” said Furimsky.

For Symposium information and International Super Fly Competition rules and registration materials, call (814) 443-3638; e-mail [email protected]; or view updates at www.internationalflytyingsymposium.com 

The Fly Fishing Show

The Fly Tying Symposium
531 North Center Ave.
Suite 102
Somerset, PA 15501

Chuck Furimsky 

Toll Free:  (866) 481-2393
Phones:    (814) 443-3638
                   (814) 443-1784
Cell:           (309) 750 2750
Fax:           (814) 443-3943