August 17th Chapter Meeting - Swap Meet

Brag. Barter. Buy.

I read an article recently in The Drake about the 7 types of people you meet in fish camp (or was it the fly shop… either way, it was a good article). One of those personas, “The Gear Queer”, would love this months meeting…

On Tuesday August the 17th Alamo Fly Fishers will hold its 2nd Annual Swap Meet. It’s kind of like Show & Tell. But at this Show & Tell there are no teachers, you can lie about what you did or didn’t do with the item you are showing - without reprimand – and afterwards you can trade your item for somebody else’s item or for cold hard cash.

Last years event was quite a success. If I remember correctly, there were 4 tables with flies alone; that doesn’t count the other tables with rods, reel, maps, etc. And, although unplanned, the set up generated a significant amount of commerce. A multitude of people were buying and selling flies, and a few rods traded hands.

Flies & Fly Boxes
There are several AFF Members with significant tying talent. Others, like me, are less than gifted, but give it our best every Tuesday night. Either way, AFF members could probably fill a storage unit with fly boxes. So bring what you have – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Rods & Reels
I need a 12 weight. And a 3 weight. Don’t have those? Well then bring that spare 5 weight reel you never use, because it’s sure to catch someone else’s eye. Or maybe you have a fetish for bamboo? Glass? I know others who do, too, and I bet they bring theirs.

Miscellaneous
I’m also in the market for a technical poling skiff. Maybe somebody else is looking for a kayak. And who amongst us hasn’t fallen
for a marketing gimmick and bought the shiniest new gadget on the market? Books, maps, paintings, you get the picture.

Tying Tables
While all of the bragging & bartering is going on, we will also have a table set up for some of our better tiers to show us what they can do. There seems to be a lot of new members interested in tying, and this is a great opportunity to watch and learn.

We look forward to seeing you Tuesday August the 17th at the Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church. Bring your gear. Bring your flies. And maybe a little cash, too.