Category Archives: News

Current news and relevant information about our community and related fisheries.

Florida Fly-Fishing Trade Shows for 2015

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Florida is fortunate enough to host two major fly-fishing trade shows each year. This year the ICAST IFTD Show will be held in Orlando and the IFFF Expo in Fort Lauderdale. Both shows are loaded with all the best fly-fishing gear exhibits, casting pools, demonstrations, fly-tying, technical classes, and more. Fly-fishing celebrities will also be attending – see show schedules for details!

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American Fly Fishing Trade Association
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ICAST IFTD Show – Orlando, FL

JUL 14 – 17, 2015

This year’s ICAST International Fly Tackle Dealer Show (IFTD) will be held at the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Conference and events begin JUL 14, exhibition begins JUL 15. Major players in the fly-fishing industry will be attending, all sharing the latest and greatest products and services. As always, fly-casting and fly-tying demonstrations and instruction are always a great part of the ICAST IFTD Show. In addition, new and local manufacturers will be exhibiting their latest innovations. Be sure to pick up a 2015 IFTD Show Schedule and not miss out! Included are additional resource links for Attendees, Exhibitors, and a map to the convention center.

NOTE: This show is open to professionals only (i.e. buyers, manufacturers, suppliers, members of the media, exhibitors, etc.). Make sure you have the appropriate documentation (proof of profession) for access before approaching the Registration counter.

Feel free to e-mail AFFTA for any further questions…
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International Federation of Fly Fishers
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IFFF Expo – Fort Lauderdale, FL

OCT 23 & 24, 2015

This year, the Florida Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF) will hold it’s annual fly-fishing Expo at the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Museum in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Exhibition and events are scheduled for FRI, OCT 23 and SAT, OCT 24. Many influential fly-fishing contributors will be in attendance, offering workshops and advice for all. Tom Logan and David Olson (Expo Chairmen) are designing a great program for this year’s Expo – Chico Fernandez, Flip Pallot, Jon Cave, Pat Ford, Sam Root, and David Lambroughton are among a few who will be contributing. As always, fly-casting and fly-tying demonstrations and instruction are always a great part of the IFFF Show. Admission is $25 and kids under 16 are FREE. On-line registration will open AUG 25 and close OCT 18. To attend the banquet you MUST register on-line. For up to date info on programs, workshops, fly-tying, casting instruction/ certification, vendor coordination, auction/ raffles, press/ advertising, social media, and general registration, see the on-line IFFF Expo resource. Here’s a map to the IGFA Museum.
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Flycycle: Fly-Tying Material Exchange

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A not-for-profit re-purposing program created

to exchange surplus fly-tying material

Fly Mastery has received an amount of comments from readers regarding the excess of fly-tying materials at the bench. An excess in relative terms I suppose – not enough to sell, but enough trade or donate to other fly-tying enthusiasts. After some thought, an exchange program came to mind – a program based on donations. Time and time again I’ll see garage sales or ads on Craig’s List showing boxes of fly-tying materials that never seem to sell. Either fly-tying enthusiasts don’t make it around to garage sales or the person selling on Craig’s won’t sell individual pieces from the lot of materials.

How do we fix this? Our solution may just offer everyone the right type and right amount of materials at the right time. If you’re like me, I’ve needed small amounts of odd colors or materials from time to time, but don’t want to go buy a full package of each. As you know, this stuff really starts to add up. It seems like each package costs $3.29, $5.49, $7.95, etc. Looking back at the cost of your inventory will not only shock you, but give your spouse a coronary.

Treehouse Rules

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[list_item]1) Donate any fly-tying materials or tools you no longer need or use.[/list_item]
[list_item]2) Leave a request for materials or tools needed.[/list_item]
[list_item]3) Include your Name and Shipping Address.[/list_item]
[list_item]4) Fly Mastery will send any materials included in your wish list as they come available.[/list_item]
[list_item]5) Leave a comment below on how the exchange worked for you.[/list_item]
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Fly-tying material donations can be mailed to:
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[list_item]CAPT JD HESS[/list_item]
[list_item]10350 N VANCOUVER WAY[/list_item]
[list_item]PORTLAND, OR 97217[/list_item]
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Use Flycycle as a way to experiment with new fly patterns. Create flies you never thought you could – join our Flycycle program!

As always, feel free to leave your thoughts/ comments below. By collaborating, we may be able to refine this re-purposing program and really make a difference for everyone’s bottom line.

Florida License-Free Fishing Days

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Many of you may have been waiting for a perfect time to get out and try your hand at fly-fishing. Well, the state of Florida offers several days each year where all of you can fish license-free. In other words, the state of Florida has given you free days to fish without a recreational fishing license. This applies to residents and non-residents. All other rules (e.g. seasons, bag, and size limits) apply. See the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on-line resource for more information.

Saltwater

Florida already allows saltwater fishing (without a license) for shoreline areas which are accessible without the use of a boat or other means. For 2015, you will be able to fish all applicable saltwater by any means of access on the following days:

  • First Saturday and Sunday in June
  • First Saturday in September
  • Saturday following Thanksgiving

This saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g. crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.). In addition, Snook and Spiny Lobster permits are not required.

Freshwater

For 2015, you will be able to fish all applicable freshwater on the following days:

  • First Saturday and Sunday in April
  • Second Saturday and Sunday in June

For detailed information on Florida license-free fishing, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on-line.

Don’t forget, Fly Mastery is interested in hearing about your time out on the water! Tell us where you fished and what you were landing – take lots of photos. Fly-fishing is amazing, enjoy!

2015 Monthly Fly Giveaway for March!

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Subscribe to our Newsletter and be eligible to win each month!


Monthly, we give away free flies to those currently subscribed to our Newsletter! A winner is chosen each month at random from our subscription base. Each winner is announced on or before the seventh (7th) day following each Promotion Period. Subscribing is easy – see right hand side of this post to sign up!

Win one free fly by being a current subscriber to our Newsletter! *

Win two free flies by also “liking” our Facebook page! *

Win three free flies by also being a current follower on Twitter! *

Participants must currently be meeting the above Eligibility Requirements at 11:59PM on the last day of each month (the “Promotion Period”) to be eligible to win.

Winner to be announced on or before APR 7, 2015

* See official rules for details.

Eligible flies for this promotion include our Crazy Charlie: Chartreuse & Peacock, Crystal Minnow: Chartreuse, and Bendback Deceiver: Chartreuse – see below.

2015 Monthly Fly Giveaway for February!

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Subscribe to our Newsletter and be eligible to win each month!


Monthly, we give away free flies to those currently subscribed to our Newsletter! A winner is chosen each month at random from our subscription base. Each winner is announced on or before the seventh (7th) day following each Promotion Period. Subscribing is easy – see right hand side of this post to sign up!

Win one free fly by being a current subscriber to our Newsletter! *

Win two free flies by also “liking” our Facebook page! *

Win three free flies by also being a current follower on Twitter! *

Participants must currently be meeting the above Eligibility Requirements at 11:59PM on the last day of each month (the “Promotion Period”) to be eligible to win.

Winner to be announced on or before MAR 7, 2015

* See official rules for details.

Eligible flies for this promotion include our Headdress Scampi, Sandy Scampi, and Flaming Shrimp – see below.

2015 Monthly Fly Giveaway for January!

Posted on by
1

Subscribe to our Newsletter and be eligible to win each month!


Monthly, we give away free flies to those currently subscribed to our Newsletter! A winner is chosen each month at random from our subscription base. Each winner is announced on or before the seventh (7th) day following each Promotion Period. Subscribing is easy – see right hand side of this post to sign up!

Win one free fly by being a current subscriber to our Newsletter! *

Win two free flies by also “liking” our Facebook page! *

Win three free flies by also being a current follower on Twitter! *

Participants must currently be meeting the above Eligibility Requirements at 11:59PM on the last day of each month (the “Promotion Period”) to be eligible to win.

Winner to be announced on or before FEB 7, 2015

* See official rules for details.

Eligible flies for this promotion include our Bonefish Clouser in Pale Orange, Caribbean Candy, and Keylime Crust – see below.

Florida Saltwater License-Free Fishing Day

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Many of you may have been waiting for a perfect time to get out and try your hand at fly fishing. Well, tomorrow is November 29th, a day which the state of Florida has given us a free day to fish without a recreational saltwater fishing license. This applies to residents and non-residents.

Florida already allows saltwater fishing (without a license) for shoreline areas which are accessible without the use of a boat or other means. On November 29, you will be able to fish all applicable saltwater by any means of access.

This saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g. crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.). In addition, Snook and Spiny Lobster permits are not required.

For detailed information on Florida license-free fishing, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on-line.

Veterans Day 2014

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We at Fly Mastery would like to share our appreciation for those who currently serve, or have served, in the US Military. Without your service, our freedom would slowly disappear.

It is evident, the US government has its challenges. As I’m sure we all know, the functionality of our government and its list of priorities really needs and overhaul. Fighting not to digress…and staying on topic, our government doesn’t step up enough when providing care for those wounded or disabled during their service. Fly Mastery would like to help level the playing field a bit.

If you are a protected Veteran and are challenged with getting started with fly fishing, we would like to help. Please, comment or reply today and share your story. We will look into our donated inventory and come up with any gear we have to get you going.

For those who may want to donate, please contact us for further details on how donations can be picked up, or mailed.

From those of us at Fly Mastery, thank you Veterans for the impact you’ve made, serving our country and maintaining our freedom.

Veterans, if you are looking for a new fishing license or would like to expand your fishing license, Veterans get a break. Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission web site for an all inclusive Military Gold Sportsman’s License.