TO THE MEMBERSHIP

Gary Grant

In This Issue

I wish to start with a thank you to all those that contributed to the success of this issue. When the Salmon Flyer was first brought to life in August 1989 in Livingston Montana, it was with the understanding that the membership would provide articles to keep it going. I have received articles from several members since August and it is very pleasing to see how folks are willing to help ensure the success of this publication. Currently, I have a few articles left over for the January issue. But, I still need at least two more. So please keep those articles coming. I received several photographs of flies, so I do not need any more until April 1999.

The articles that comprise this issue are very unique. They are also articles that can stimulate a considerable amount of thought. John Betts provided a superb article on tying without a vise. John's discusses several areas in fly tying that are perhaps, taken for granted or neglected by tyers today. Charlie Chute wrote a superb article on a tool he has developed to aid in tying on the married wing. If you re-visit the April issue from this year and couple that instruction with the instruction provided by Charlie, your married wings will improve. Chris Helm provided an in-depth analysis of several of the threads on the market today and how they could be used to improve your tying. As you will notice when you read these articles the authors' opinion on technique, threads, and materials differ and are insightful.

While some folks have written superb articles and others have provided several wonderful photographs, Steve Schweitzer is contributing in a slightly different manner. Steve has offered to the Salmon Flyer one of his beautiful fly boxes for each upcoming issue to be given away to a lucky member that provides an article for publication in the Flyer. Steve's offer is that he will provide one fly box an issue provided at least four full length articles are provided to the Flyer for that issue. We will draw at random a name from the four that provided an article. Basically, if you submit a full length article (at least 3 pages single spaced) you will have a 1-in-4 chance of winning one of these beautiful fly boxes. One fly box will be given away per issue, provided there are four articles for that issue. If you wish to see the quality of these boxes please visit Steve's website.

Changing the subject, just a trifle. The Atlantic salmon fly symposium held during the Federation of Fly Fishers International Fly Fishing Show in Idaho Falls was a huge success. Well over 150 folks attended the demonstrations presented by over 15 different salmon fly tyers. I would like to thank all the folks that helped ensure the success of the event. The Federation of Fly Fishers also, wishes to extend a very well done and hardy Thank You to each of the contributors.

The event was so successful, that the Federation of Fly Fishers would like to sponsor another symposium in the future. Just when and where is up to all of us. There have been many suggestions for a time and place. Suggestions have included, August of 2000 in Livingston MT in connection with the International Fly Fishing Show, November 1999 in either, Denver CO. or Boston MA. And a final choice of, April 2000 in either Denver Co. or Boston MA. The event would be for two days and include workshops and tying demonstrations, along with a vendor show. The format would basically be similar to the Federation International Fly Fishing Shows. But, it would be entirely about the Atlantic salmon fly, and related activities. If you have any ideas or would like to see the symposium in one location or another, or during a specific time of the year, please drop me a line, or e-mail. I would appreciate your response before the end of the year so 1 could let folks know in the January issue of the Flyer.

As a final note, please forward your dues for next year to Marvin Nolte at your earliest. This will ensure that you receive the first issue in a timely manner.