Remodeling the workshop has forced me to take a good hard look at how much tying material I collected over the past 25 years.
I’ve got more than I could use in a few lifetimes.
So, sometime in the next several week the stock pile is getting thinned.
I know there is alot of fur and hair and maybe some hackles/thread
I’ll probably try to sell some just because.
I was always taught to “do a good turn daily” so I’m looking to donate a bunch of it to some deserving causes. I’m thinking if there is someone out there working with returning vets. who could use it. or if you are working with youth(boy Scouts 4H Boys club etc.) any other worthy cause.
PM me if you have need/addresses.
Both Gemrod and flyfishfairwx work with vets. I suggest that you send PMs to both of them offering some share of your inventory. They do not seem to log on all that regularly, so some patience might be necessary, but I know both of them would appreciate anything you can send along to help the folks they help.
This is a good thing you are doing. Hopefully it will inspire others to cull their surplus materials and contribute them to worthy causes, whether it is the vets, local schools with fly tying programs, the scouts, whatever.
Thanks for what you are doing. I can assure you that your generosity will come back to you a thousandfold !!
I have a friend who does a flytying class i at the school that he works at. Alot of these kids have never even seen a fly. If you want let me know and I can give you his contact info…
I am into Project Healing Waters and Fly Fishing for Vets in Georgia - www.flyfishingforvets.com - Last week we taught wounded vets at the Veteran’s hospital how to tie a wooly bugger. Anything you want to share would be greatly appreciated. - thanks Mike
Well, I’ve gotten an overwhelming response to this post.
I just heard from my Regional PHW person and they would be happy to get some material.
There have been so many requests that I don’t think I have that much stuff.
I have contacted several of the posters and will honor their requests also.
Thanks for all the ideas. I probably shouldn’t be the one smiling but i’ve got grin from ear to ear and a tear in my eye. The thought of some Vet smiling at the fly he just tied using some stuff I gave makes me a happy camper. It’s the least I can do for those who served.
Sounds like at least a thousandfold to me. Been there, done that. Wishing I had some surplus inventory, but mine still isn’t built up from last years giveaway.
Here’s hoping some folks follow your lead and share the giving and the getting.
Not only does the vet get to look at the fly he tied…he gets lessons on rigging his rod, casting lessons, and here anyway…gets taken to a private pond not open to the public and he catches big trout on the fly he tied! The thrill on their face when they actually rig a rod by themselves, , cast…and actually catch a a fighting splashing rod bending trout on a fly THAT THEY TIED…is worth it. Doesn’t get any better than that.
Last session we did KIDS of vets…some still overseas. Those wonderful kids turned out to be young marines…and presented the parade of colors at out annual banquet. it’s all good man. For real…how sweet it is.