Let’s face it: We’ve become all too comfortable sitting in front of our laptop in our sweatpants. Even prior to the pandemic, YouTube and other streaming options have spoiled us. Whether it be business meetings, online classes, or fly tying demonstrations, our commitment level has become commensurate with the quality of our Bluetooth headset.

Tim Cammisa tying at The Fly Fishing Show in Edison, NJ.

Snap out of it, people. Don’t get sucked into this dystopian cyber-reality. Power down your screen, put on a pair of chinos, and get out with other real people. Someone tying flies, and a few dozen other interested anglers, for example.

“Why?” you may ask. “I can pause online videos. And they’re free. And, as you mentioned, sweatpants.”

Listen. I am not discounting the value of all of those. They have their times and places. But there is something (somethings, actually) that come with a live fly tying demonstration.

More detail. All the quality fly tying videos are short, sweet, and to the point. That is what you need if you’re trying to keep an online audience interested. We’re a finger-tap away from watching a cat video if you’re not as engaging as said cat. No banter. No anecdotes. No tangents. Live, however, a presenter is able to weave more into their demonstration. For a number of reasons (making connections, giving context to technique, entertainment, etc.) the audience is better for it.

Tim Flagler does a live tying demonstration at the Fly Tier’s Reunion, an annual event held in Pennsylvania.

Greatest hits. Some of the bigger tying channels have hundreds of videos. What rises to the top is the result of algorithms and/or chance. A real, live person at a fishing event or a conservation chapter is going to give you something that he knows you’ll benefit from immediately. The patterns, techniques, and explanations are going to be his A-grade stuff.

Custom fit. Any fly tyer worth her salt is going to be able to read the room. You can tie a wooly bugger for beginners, and you can tie a wooly bugger for experts. It all comes down to the language. Online you get one-size-fits-most. A pro will assess her audience and adjust her explanations and presentation on the fly; slowing down if need be or adding flourishes to give seasoned tyers something new.

Questions and answers. With all of the technological advancements we’ve made in recent years, the interactive aspect of most platforms is still lacking. In person, you can engage in dialogue. Something obscure or confusing might not become clear, regardless of how many times you stop and rewind a video.

Community formation. Not to get anthropological or touchy-feely, but we weren’t meant for little pixelated Zoom boxes. We were meant to sit next to one another, make eye contact with one another, and tie flies with one another (that last one is a bit derivative, I know). There are some benefits to getting out and attending a fly tying demonstration that transcend learning a new pattern.

Once more, I am not advocating that you purge your YouTube subscriptions (Tim wouldn’t publish this here if that was what I was doing!). Supplement your weekly tying time in front of your tablet with seasonal trips to fly tying events or fishing shows. Your flies and you will be better for it. …and if you’re brave enough, you can still wear sweatpants when you go out.

*****

Matthew Lourdeau of “Casting Across” brings a fresh perspective to the world of fly fishing.

Read more of his work here: Casting Across