"The Reel Deal - A Primer for Practical Reelsmithing"

[eclecticguy]

I've been invited to give a one hour seminar on reelsmithing at The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum's Art of the Angler Show in Danbury, Ct. on November 15th and 16th. The time has not been set yet (there may be more than one session depending on interest). Here is the description for the seminar:

The Reel Deal - A Primer for Practical Reelsmithing by Michael Hackney

In this one hour seminar, Michael will show prospective reelsmiths how they can build functional and attractive brass fly fishing reels using simple hand tools and an electric drill! Attendees will get an overview of the materials and tools used, as well as Michael's proven reelsmithing techniques and reel design. Each attendee will leave armed with knowledge, materials and tools lists, and a full-scale set of reel drawings and templates.

Instructor Bio: Michael Hackney has been an avid fly fisherman for nearly 3 decades. He builds custom graphite, bamboo, and wood-strip fly rods and graphite Tenkara rods. Michael also manufacturers handmade lines from horse hair, silk, and synthetic fibers, forges hooks, and ties flies. Michael is completing a book on reel building, "The Reelsmith's Primer", to be published by The Whitefish Press and launched The Reelsmithing Forum, an online community dedicated to reelsmithing.

I think there is going to be a small fee to attend, more details will follow.

Cheers,
Michael

[jturick]

Any details on the show? Sounds interesting. So wheres the pics of your woodstrip rods? And have you worked out flyline making out of synthetics?

[eclecticguy]

Hey John, I'll post info on the show in November as it I get it. The show is being put together by the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. Their monthly newsletter has the details:

November 15 & 16, The CFFCM Arts of the Angler Show, Danbury CT. This CFFCM off site event has gained in support and attendance over the past three years. This year it will be held at the Ethan Allen Inn, just off I-84 Exit 4 in Danbury CT. This year we are changing the format to a ‘table show’ making it more affordable for vendors, paying for only table space they use, versus floor space. Once again we will feature a fine group of fly fishing vendors availing the finest fly fishing tackle, accessories, tying supplies, and collectibles. For the second time, we will host our Fly Fishing Book Exchange and add fly tackle and accessories to the silent auction table. If you are looking to clear your attic, base- ment, garage, and spare room...now’s the time to start. Classic Fly Fisherman, Bob Selb, will be on hand to provide identification and appraisals. Two new seminars will be added: Hand making a fly reel with Michael Hackney and Mounting Flies with Ted Patlen; both programs will require a fee and participants leave with either a reel or mounted flies. A live auction is currently planned. If you have a donation or consignment item, please call for information. Ven- dor space is still available. If you belong to a club or organization who wants to get involved and participate, please in- quire at the CFFCM office, 845-439-4810.

I really need to take some time off and photograph some of my wood rods! I have been so busy working on reels and the book these last few months. I have also been working on line making. I have made several 90' silk lines and I am getting ready to make a line from a synthetic fiber. But, I really want to get the book polished off first!

cheers,
Michael

[eclecticguy]

Ok, the show schedule has been set. I will be offering two 1 hour seminars on Saturday, November 14 from 10-11 AM and Sunday November 15 from 1–2 PM. Details can be found here.

Regards,
Michael