2018 Lefty Kreh’s Tie Fest ‘bigger, better’.

The 2018 version of Lefty Kreh’s Tie Fest, scheduled for Feb. 24-25 in Annapolis, is expanding both in length and content with a number of workshop sessions in addition to tying and casting demonstrations.

“With these changes Lefty Kreh’s Tie Fest, now in its 18th year, is establishing itself as the premiere fly fishing event in the Mid-Atlantic,” said Tony Friedrich, event director. “We are bring more legends of the sport and practical information to local anglers. At the same time Tie Fest will maintain its unique feature where any attendee can walk up to luminaries and have a conversation.”

Admission will be $10 each for of the two days or $15 for both days. Anglers 16 and under and active military personnel will be admitted free. The event will cover three floors in the Lowes Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Street, Annapolis. Among the changes will be a greatly expanded list of workshops where attendees can learn from some of the best fly tyers along the East Coast. There will be fees for some of these sessions while others will be free. Presenters include:

Blane Choklett who has built a reputation as a cutting-edge fly innovator and tyer and serves as a fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchangts. He will demonstrate the gummy minnow and the game changer, an articulated fly he created.

Pat Cohen, a resident of New York, is called “a magician with deer hair” and demonstrates tying up and down the East Coast. He is a member of the pro staff for 10 fishing companies, including EP Flies and Partridge of Redditch Hooks.

Among other fly tyers will be Steve Silverio, Brad Buzzi, Bob Popovics, Richard Stolis and many more.

Jerry Kustich, co-founder of Sweetgrass Rods which specializes in bamboo fly rods, will discuss the advantages of bamboo rods and what goes into making them. He formerly worked for Winston Rods and lectures on fly rods throughout the country.

Internationally-recognized Bob Clouser will run fly casting demonstrations both days, and attendees will be able to test a number of fly rods provided by event vendors, including Shore Tackle and Custom Rods and Sweetgrass Rods, among others.

A number of no-charge seminars will be offered both days focusing on local fishing areas and techniques that lead to success. Among these will be Joe Bruce on snakeheads and Kevin Josenhans and Chris Karwacki on fishing Tangier Sound.

Tie Fest will include displays from numerous fly shops in the Chesapeake Bay area, local fishing guides, and angling organizations. Attendees will be able to purchase supplies and discuss fishing strategies with these vendors.

Source: www.thefishingwire.com.