Fly fishermen bid Bill farewell
Bill was an active member, having joined some 20 years ago, and served as chairman from 2007 to 2010.
The South Coast Fly Anglers Club bid a sad farewell to past chairman and long term member Bill Derman and his wife Sharon, at a braai hosted by chairman John New. Both will be missed as they move to Pretoria to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Bill was an active member, having joined some 20 years ago, and served as chairman from 2007 to 2010. A presentation was made to Bill by John, on behalf of the members, who thanked him for his many years contributing to the club, and for his friendship and camaraderie.
Meanwhile, the monthly meeting was held on May 26 and Neil Scott, yet again, was judged to have tied the best salt water fly (slinky fibre bait fish) and the fresh water fly (flash back nymph) for the month. Neil is an accomplished fly tyer and willing teacher, and has previously been a regular participant with the Durban Fly Tyers Club, placing among the winners on frequent occasions.
In fact, the author overheard a comment made to Neil by a Durban based member of that club along the lines of “Neil, we haven’t seen you for some time but it’s nice for some other guys to win the prizes for a change”.
Strange as it may seem to the uninitiated, not all fly fishermen tie flies and not all fly tyers are fly fishermen. In fact, fly tying is big business with championships held up to international level. Tying flies is a creative and artistic outlet on its own enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities and personal circumstances.
The most complex flies are probably traditional salmon flies which are works of pure art and each fly can take up to two full days to create, more commonly ending up framed for display and auctioned or sold, rather than being munched by an unappreciative fish.
Anyone interested in attending one of the monthly SCFA fly tying sessions will be welcome – you may just get caught up in this magical hobby, never mind the fishing. Contact club chairman John New on 078 2034549 or Dick Plaistowe on 082 4538618.
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