Hats off to Tony and Tiefest Folks

[Shortylong01]

I just want to go on record to say that Tony "OneMoreCast" is the man... I had the pleasure of attending Tiefest yesterday, and had one of the best days in a LONG time. FREE event where flyfishing folks just mingled, learned and showed their stuff... Incredible... :clapping2::clapping2: Made me glad and proud to be part of this sport, and to get away for a bit from all the..... well you know ....

Had the pleasure of seeing the "old guard" passion mixing with the young energy. Just an awesome sight to see young kids flinging line... All smiles all around.

I know Tony will say "No big deal" planning Tiefest...BUT IT IS A BIG DEAL... It takes tons of time and energy and love for the sport.

Thank you Tony... I owe ya man...

[kiko13]

That was a GREAT event...shortens the learning cycle for new folks to the sport. The day went by waaaaaaay too fast!

This was a treat!!

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/9328/imgp0223sk7.jpg

The guy will be 83 in a couple of weeks and he could put the fly anywhere he wanted. I have seen casting demonstrations in the past...none like what I saw him do!

Ernie

[Salmo trutta]

I was going to start a thread myself but was worried I might write too much. Well... here it comes.

It was awesome. The whole event. I felt almost dizzy at times and didn't get to try the rods I wanted but I gained some valuable information as it was a networking paradise. Not only for the love of fly fishing and harcore destinations filled with hopes of future fish porn with me as the main character but I even did some valuable "business" networking that doesn't actually have anything to do with "Fly fishing" but actual work. Weird. To say there were some knowledgable guys there is an understatement.

But there were also a group of guys that were just like myself, well everyone was in away but these guys rocked. The MAFA guys were top knotch, a fun group of guys who share an intense passion. THey all think like fish, drink like fish, probably were fish in an earlier life. I forgot names and got confused with another Salmo trutta guy from some other board but at least I went out for a little while afterwards with the group to clear things up over dinner and a few drinks. I want to be just like you guys when I grow up.

What was the name of the band who did the sound track for that 20 minute fishing clip? The music was awesome and not to look down at the video either, it was top knotch also.

For the guy who's fishing the Nanjameoy in late April with Jeff L. on Kayaks.... I am all about heading to Tarpon_Ville with a mother ship (my 22' bay boat) and some kayaks to sneak in on some unsuspecting quarry.

To the younger guy in Harrisonburg.... musky on the fly, I'm all about it. That little Lake sounds perfect.

To the Erie, Pa charter captain.... I'll be looking you up to hunt some steel and muskie on the fly too. I want to hear all about your trip to the Allegany. Best of luck and thanks so much for the other access options. YOu guys are at ground zero of steelhead alley, a true fishermens paradise.

To everyone else, especially Tony, thanks so much for inspiring some day dreams of fish porn in the dead of winter.

Tight lines everyone.

[ctb]

Outstanding event. OMC deserves alot of credit for assembling the talent and finding the perfect venue.

[djones]

Each of these events have been outstanding, but Tony somehow manages to set the bar higher every year. I don't know how much room for improvement he's leaving himself. Lefty alone is worth coming our to see because there just isn't anyone else like him. I agree, Kiko, that while there many good casting instructors that given great demonstrations, no one does it like Lefty.

Thank you, Tony, for organizing a great day for many people. You are a very talented man.

[BYRD]

As a true newbie the event was a great investment of time. I saw how flies wre made and what materials to use. I got the pleasure of seeing on of the best in the business do a demo. I am still in awe of his demonstration. Particulary the part where he threw the back cast vertical.

I had a great one on one casting lesson with Tony and in 5 minutes we made me so much a better caster that it was ridiculuos.

Tony thanks for putting on the event and working with me on casting. I was n the yard this moring using that tree.;-)

Fishsalmon thanks for the invite and ride up, I had a great time.

[fishsalmon]

It was a great day. Thank you Tony for showing me how you tie your siliclones. Had a great chat with Dave S. Had the honor of having Lefty sign my copy of his book. I forget the name of the gentleman that help me with my cast - you are the instructor that was smoking a pipe. Had a great one-on-one with Brad on tying Crease Flies. And so much more. Thank you all that showed me the numerous different flies you make - especially the folks from PA. And Byrd thank you for the company on the long drive up and back.

[brad regan 01]

thanks so much tony for the event and hooking us up with casting lessons with lefty....you the man and thanks for the flies.

[Fat Tire]

I was going to start a thread myself but was worried I might write too much. Well... here it comes.

It was awesome. The whole event. I felt almost dizzy at times and didn't get to try the rods I wanted but I gained some valuable information as it was a networking paradise. Not only for the love of fly fishing and harcore destinations filled with hopes of future fish porn with me as the main character but I even did some valuable "business" networking that doesn't actually have anything to do with "Fly fishing" but actual work. Weird. To say there were some knowledgable guys there is an understatement.

But there were also a group of guys that were just like myself, well everyone was in away but these guys rocked. The MAFA guys were top knotch, a fun group of guys who share an intense passion. THey all think like fish, drink like fish, probably were fish in an earlier life. I forgot names and got confused with another Salmo trutta guy from some other board but at least I went out for a little while afterwards with the group to clear things up over dinner and a few drinks. I want to be just like you guys when I grow up.

What was the name of the band who did the sound track for that 20 minute fishing clip? The music was awesome and not to look down at the video either, it was top knotch also.

For the guy who's fishing the Nanjameoy in late April with Jeff L. on Kayaks.... I am all about heading to Tarpon_Ville with a mother ship (my 22' bay boat) and some kayaks to sneak in on some unsuspecting quarry.

To the younger guy in Harrisonburg.... musky on the fly, I'm all about it. That little Lake sounds perfect.

To the Erie, Pa charter captain.... I'll be looking you up to hunt some steel and muskie on the fly too. I want to hear all about your trip to the Allegany. Best of luck and thanks so much for the other access options. YOu guys are at ground zero of steelhead alley, a true fishermens paradise.

To everyone else, especially Tony, thanks so much for inspiring some day dreams of fish porn in the dead of winter.

Tight lines everyone.

First of all..thank you Tony...damn fine time. Loved every minute of it. Can't wait for next year.

Salmo..It was also nice meeting you. We were pretty burned out from the night before. Sorry for not being the most sociable. I just got back to NC and it feels good to be home. The "Annies" crew from friday night just about sunk my boat. wow.
The music from the Destinations video can be found on RA's website. Fishwithra.com: Beattie Outdoor Productions:Music (http://www.fishwithra.com/music.html)

Let me know if you want to get into some reds and albies.

fat tire

[Bill Michelinie]

Tony my friend, you have done it again - only bigger, badder, and better!!:clap:

Thank you so much and thank you for allowing the Saltwater Fly Danglers of Dela-where? to have our booth there. It is great exposure for us and we signed up a few new members.

What a pleasure to see Lefty there doing his schtick and especially helping those kids learn to cast. I saw you helping some kids, too, and it warms my heart.:thumbup:

A fine job my man!:chugbeer::clapping2::clap::clapping2:

[Sharpefly]

Tony and all the that came out. Again from the guys from Erie we had a great time and talked about the Fest for 6 hr on the drive back home. Was great to meet a lot of the people I see on this site. Now I can put a face with your handles. Hope we can see some of you up here for the Steelies. We hope we helped out with info from our fishery. Hope thgis goes off next year we would love to come back. Jim

[TimeFlies]

Awesome event!!! Thanks for all the extra effort. It was nice seeing some of the new guys I've met over the last several months. Hopefully many more to come.

[bluto]

Well done Tony and crew!

great catching up with old friends.

[dpost2]

Not much left to say - it was great! I'm not sure how you folks feel about name tags, but name tags would have made it easier to meet up face-to-face with some of the screen names we see all year. I probably bumped into a lot of you and didn't even know it.

[OneMoreCast]

I'm glad everyone had a good time..
I needed a few hours to recover before I hopped on the internet..
The amount of kids there was amazing. There are too many people to thank and I tried to do most of that in person anyway..
To all the pro's that came from near and far... Lefty, Bop Pop, Steve F, Steve S, Brad and Alex Buzzi, the guys from Pa.. Fat Tire and Natural Fly from NC... Getty and Joe Cap from St Croix, Bill from Sage, Steve from TFO, my MAFA brutha's, Mr Couch and Son, my chapter of CCA, Brian and Sarah... you guys are the best.. Harry for always giving a great presentation.. I'm fortunate to count you as a good friend Harry.. George aka Tieoneon.. all the hard work you put into it getting our company and Gloomis there.. thanks my friend.. I couldn't have done it without you.. Jim.. thanks for making the shirts..
Thanks to the Delaware Club... you are ALWAYS welcome.. you guys are the best.
Thanks to Evening Rise and WCO for bringing all the goodies for people to buy...
All the reporters from all those papers... Washington Post, Examiner, Sun.. you name it..
fyi... it's real real hard to follow Lefty as a casting instructor.. takes cast iron doodads.. now do it with a reporter on the ground taking pictures of you... ooooofa!!


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh99/MidAtlanticFlyAnglers/DPP_0019.jpg

Thanks to the Yacht Club for letting us invade their peace...
Thanks to Ed Luccione who is always there to help me when I need it.. He's the guy that takes none of the credit and does so much of the work.
Thanks most of all to my one friend who shall remain nameless and donated about $1200 worth of his personal fly rods to two of the wounded vets from Project healing waters.. He lost many friends in Vietnam.. and wanted to give something to the new generation coming back from the current conflict. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.. you know who you are my friend and in this day and age of holding people to standards and always being disappointed.. well.. thanks for always exceeding my expectations.. and then some.
Like I said.. there is really too much to type.. but thank you all.
Every year... when I'm about to lose my mind.. when the 100th person asks me where the bathroom is and someone complains about the color of the carpet.. I look around and see all my friends.. meeting new friends.. and then all the kids.. getting lessons from Bob, Steve, Lefty.. talking to their hero's... stuff I never had a chance to do..

And about 1/4th of the room looks like this..


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh99/MidAtlanticFlyAnglers/DPP_0006.jpg



and I walk outside and see this...


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh99/MidAtlanticFlyAnglers/DPP_0082.jpg






I suddenly remember why I do it..
Please come next year if you didn't make it this year.. You learn something about yourself.. and the sport we all love.

[Shortylong01]

I'll second the name tags ... I missed so many people I wanted to meet and say hi to...

Tony: Next year... A Department of Name tags... (Does this mean I volunteer ?)

P.S. More great Tiefest porn on Brians site...

[Sleeves]

Tony - thanks for the casting lessons. It was good to meet you, and I had a blast. Can't wait 'til next year!

[dpost2]

Shorty,
I'll volunteer to share name tag duty with you. That way we'll get to meet everyone.

[silverfish]

Tony!

I really don't know how you do it, but every year you come up with something even better! You know how Bob & I feel about Tiefest, and how it is the one time and place that we look forward to attending all year. Your last photo tells it all man, in a way I could never express.

Again I want to thank you and all the great had-working MAFA guys (the sweatshirt is awesome!), for all the effort and enthusiasm you put into this event, which is why it is so special, and for making me feel so welcome. The work you are doing is so important to the preservation of the Bay, and to be in such a setting with that beautiful bay right out the door brought it all home for me.
I would also like to thank the very kind folks from the Yacht Club, and all of the people, who came by to say hello, exchange ideas, talk flies, and renew friendships from years past. Unfortunately, I only get to see most of you just this one time, and it is always a pleasure to be able to meet and talk with you again.

Congratulations on another wonderful show, I can't wait till next year.

Best Regards,
Steve Silverio

[OneMoreCast]

Steve... let it be known.. Ken Tidy got Lefty to the event at WCO many years ago..
The first time I took a chance....and got a hall for the event... and was sweating bullets.. praying that someone might actually show up..
What was that? 4 years ago? maybe more?
You and Brad Buzzi stepped in and gave me a chance. You brought professionalism to a grassroots thing.. you gave it a spark. No matter where this thing goes, you and Brad have been there since day one. I've always tried to show you guys the respect you deserve.. us Italians have a way of not forgetting who helped us when we needed it.
So... thanks Steve.... when you look around and see that event.. understand that you have and will continue to leave your mark on it bud. It's something special because of people like you.
Thanks Steve.. talk to you soon.

[Ken Tidy]

If you could see the back of Tony's head, you will see that that smile goes all the way around!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m109/KPT03/TieFest%202008/TieFest2008-0153-KenTidyPhoto.jpg

At age 83 Left has move that Michael Jordan whishes he had

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m109/KPT03/TieFest%202008/TieFest2008-0140-KenTidyPhoto.jpg

And Lefty can sure draw a crowd!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m109/KPT03/TieFest%202008/TieFest2008-0100-KenTidyPhoto.jpg

[Ken Tidy]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m109/KPT03/TieFest%202008/TieFest2008-0013-KenTidyPhoto.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m109/KPT03/TieFest%202008/TieFest2008-0026-KenTidyPhoto.jpg

[OneMoreCast]

Not many times you get to become friends with your childhood hero Ken. Even less... are the times when they turn out to be so much more than you could ever imagine. I'm a lucky man to be surrounded by so many people that teach me how to be a better person.

[jnicklason]

Here is another perspective.
Relatively speaking, I have been tying for far less time than most if not all of the guys who were there. I got in touch with Tony a couple of months ago and asked him if he would let me tie at the event. After some bugging, he agreed to meet with me and have a look at some of the stuff I had done, I guess to see if I was up to snuff. After meeting me he invited me to tie. I knew he didn't have to, but he did, saying "Hey, its all about sharing information and getting new people into the sport". Needless to say, I was very grateful and excited. As the day of the event neared, my anxiety rose steadily as I realized that everything I was good at doing had been pioneered by someone who would be there that day.
Long story short, I spent the first 2 hours walking around like a kid in a candy store. Here is me nervously showing a surf candy to Bob Popovic. Here is me holding my breath, showing a small bunker pattern to Steve Farrar, knowing that the stuff I tied it with had his name on the package! And without exception, everyone was so complimentary and gracious, just normal guys doing what they loved to do. And I even sold a dozen or so flies to boot.
So a thousand thanks to Tony, the engine that made this thing go, for giving me the opportunity to really get my feet wet. There was some serious magic in that room for everyone. The only problem you have now Tony is that I'll be bugging you again in about 10 months or so! Hope you will have me back.

Regards to all,

Jeff Nicklason

[SteveFarrar]

Tony,

Another top knotch event - super job! I was glad to be a part of it again this year. Sorry that Bob and I had to bail a bit early - BUT all turned out well with our friend and we were all back in Jersey late that night after having him checked out.

Thanks again for hosting what I consider to be one of the very best fly fishing & tying events/shows of the year.

Steve Farrar

[nicksflyshop]

Tony,
Had a great time at Tiefest!
Thanks for the invite!
It's great to participate in such a great "grassroots" event.
It was really nice to see everyone, especially Lefty and Bob Popovics who both have
been at the shop. It was nice of them to attend!
We appreciate the business that the attendee's did with us at Tiefest.
For those who were impressed with the Polar Pony Flies from Steve Silverio, Check out
our site for more information on Polar Pony Tail and Mane.

:yes:

Best Regards,
Nick DelleDonne
The Evening Rise Fly Fishing Outfitters
The Evening Rise Fly Fishing Outfitters Home Page (http://www.theeveningrise.com)
1953 Fruitville Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717)509-3636

[Bill Couch]

Damn fine job Tony! Enjoyed the event very much.:thumbup:

[OneMoreCast]

Tony,

Another top knotch event - super job! I was glad to be a part of it again this year. Sorry that Bob and I had to bail a bit early - BUT all turned out well with our friend and we were all back in Jersey late that night after having him checked out.

Thanks again for hosting what I consider to be one of the very best fly fishing & tying events/shows of the year.

Steve Farrar

Steve.. that's the best news we got all night.
I was talking with your friend outside for a while. Best wishes to him and thanks for all you do Steve. It's appreciated.

[flies only]

tony was nice to meet ya. finally putting names to faces is really cool..

[Capt Harry]

I think I'm still recovering!:helpsmilie:
Tony, truly awesome event man. I'm already jonesing for next year.:D
Later, Harry

[Porkchunker]

I had to fly to LA for the week and just now getting back to read so many TF threads.

Tony...thank you for such a great event. I learn so much just standing in front of a pro who is tying a fly. Techniques and materials I've never thought of. And to actually see Lefty in person was a real treat.

It is going to be hard to top this event next year...but I'm sure you will manage.

Dave

aka

[CRegalis]

This was my second TieFest and I surely enjoyed it. Its so easy when you know so many great folks to begin with, and there are so many more to be met!

Tony- Great Job!

Bill C. Always glad to see you.

Jeff N. Sorry I didn't meet you. I think you had a white spun deer hair slider with pink and white ostrich herl that I'd sure like to see a picture of!

Dave P. - Name tags are a great idea!

Everyone- hope to see you on the beach! :goodluck2: