Always wanted to try this. I can appreciate this sport.
This shop
Grindstone is close to where I live.
A member at my former place of work (
HGCC ) was very active in fly fishing even when forced to use a walker to get around. John also taught people how to tie flies, he must have been good because he had guests from near and as far away as New Zealand come to visit him and fish. He had a father and daughter from South Africa visit once for lessons and to fish with John, the daughter who was maybe 15-16 was genuinely interested and carried a lot of the conversation surprisingly.
When he broke his hip and couldn't access his wines in his basement cellar, I categorized them in a book so he could choose a wine and anyone could find it in the racking. I couldn't accept any money for doing this for such a great man, so one day he surprised me with a framed set of British Columbia Steelhead flies. I showed our Pro this and he said I had about 200 dollars worth of flies, mounted and framed. Seems John's flies had been bought and traded for many years and when I stopped into the shop recently in Waterdown to have a look, I mentioned I had known John before he passed away, the owner and customers spoke so highly of his kindness and sharing of information and skills.
Just thought I'd share this. Definitely a unique experience. I'll try to post a pic of the flies.