The 2004 International Fly Tying Symposium was held November 20 &21 at the Doubletree Hotel in Somerset, New Jersey. In my opinion, it's simply The Greatest Show On Earth. Over 100 of the worlds best fly dressers are there to share their secretes with you. A number of them are premier Salmon Tyers. The crowd ranges from the experienced veterans who tie flawless salmon flies to people just starting their odyssey. I'm there as a vendor with Bill Keough. A number of my friends show up Friday afternoon to set up their displays and begin the festive weekend early. Paul Rossman and Roger Plourde have continued a tradition by setting up a smoked salmon and beer get together in the second level lobby Friday evening.. I'm sorry to say I missed it due to Bill Keough arriving late and we had to set up our booth. I did have a chance to get together with a few friends later in the evening. Below is a picture from left to right of Bill Keough, Tony Smith,Don Colman, Charlie Chute and Gordon Chesney:



This was well into an impromptu gathering in Bill's and my room where we shared materials, lies and some wonderful Scotch. The bottle of Scotch, compliments of Don Colman, is visible in the lower right corner of the picture above is probably the third oldest of the group pictured. The bottle of Buchanan's "De Luxe" was given to Don By the President of Buchanan's back in the 1960s. It was beyond description.

Saturday brought the show regardless of my physical state brought on by the evening before. It' always a cornucopia of friends made throughout my years in attendance. There are always new acquaintances to make as well. Below is a picture I think I'll call Backs of the Future.



They are, Tony Smith, Anton Rist and Edwin Rist clustered around Charlie Chute. After seeing the flies these young guys have produced Charlie declared them as "The Future of Salmon Fly Tying". High but well deserved praise from the master himself.

Charlie not only shares his knowledge but with youngsters but with the advanced and the grizzly veterans alike. Proof is in the picture below.



Gordeaux Chesney and Don Colman concentrate intently as Charlie Chute demonstrates the tips, tricks and skills sometimes referred to as the secrets of tying. The thing is Charlie has no secrets. He does have many friends and admirers though. Not the least of which is Bill Keough. If you look at the backdrop curtain in the second picture above you will see two posters Bill made and gave to Charlie. Both showing pictures of the flies Charlie sent to Bill for this project. Bill told Charlie a funny story about one of his barn cats that was playing hockey with Charlie's "Evangeline" after he had taken it out of its protective case. Some of us thought it to be funny, although I don't think Charlie was that amused. Pictured below are my two very dear friends Charlie and Bill.