Organizers have announced that the 2016 Florida Fly Fishing Expo will be at The Plantation on Crystal River on Florida’s West Central coast.
The annual event, which showcases new fly fishing gear and skill instruction, will be held Nov. 4-5.
Nationally-recognized fly fishing and fly tying professionals will lead hands-on sessions for fly fishers at all levels, organizers said. The stars include tarpon tournament winner Andy Mill, Jon Cave of the Jon B. Cave Complete Fly Fishing School, and innovative fly-tier and trophy guide Blane Chocklett.
“The Fly Fishing Expo is the only event of its kind in Florida and we welcome fly fishers at all levels of interest throughout Florida, our neighboring states, and across the country to join us in Crystal River in November, “ said Tom Gadacz, president of the Florida Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers.
“The Plantation on Crystal River is an expansive hotel and conference facility that is perfect for all of the new gear and boat displays and also for our casting and tying classes on the water and in the meeting rooms,” said Gadacz. The 2014 Fly Fishing Expo was also held at The Plantation on Crystal River.
Gadacz said the 2016 Florida Fly Fishing Expo will feature hands-on clinics, demonstrations and workshops for beginning to advanced fly fishers. The Fly Fishing Expo will also feature resource-awareness exhibits and indoor and outdoor and displays of the newest fly rods, reels, lines, clothing, kayaks, flats boats and more.
Tarpon fly fisher Andy Mill of Boca Raton, Florida, also well known also for his alpine skiing medals in the Olympics, has won more tarpon tournaments than any other fly fisher. He authored the best-selling book, A Passion for Tarpon, in which he shares his insights about catching the silver king.
Jon Cave started and is the lead instructor of the Jon B. Cave Complete Fly Fishing School in Oviedo, Florida. He shares techniques for gaining fly casting distance and accuracy, building leaders, and techniques for catching big gamefish in fresh and salt water.
Blane Chocklett of Blue Ridge,Virginia is well known for his fly-tying techniques and for creating innovative flies that have caught trophy muskies, smallmouth bass, brown trout, and striped bass. In addition to his guiding and fly tying credentials, Chocklett owns and manages a full-service retail shop in Roanoke, Blue Ridge Fly Fishers, and is a member of the Renzetti Vises pro-tying team.
Admission to the family-friendly expo is $25 which includes admission on both days including the pizza reception on Friday evening. Admission is free for those 16 and younger when accompanied by an adult.
By: Bill AuCoin, AuCoin & Associates, Inc.
