What a great time me and my flyfishing/fly tying friend, Peter Koga had tying flies at the Somerset Flyfishing show this past weekend. I worked the show tying for Tuffleye and helping out in booth with owners, Ashley and her dad, Ned Lunt. Jason Taylor, Peter Koga, and the master, Bob Popovics all dropped in and tied flies at our booth during the three day event.
For me, originally from Brooklyn, it always feels like a high school reunion when I come back east to the Somerset show in particular. Having the opportunity to see so many talented east coast friends in one place, always blows me away. This show in my opinion is the best of the best. I am always humbled by so many great fly tiers there, too many to name and I always come away inspired, like a kid in a candy store. It’s a great place to shop for prime fly tying materials as well. Chuck and Ben Furimsky do a nice job organizing this event. I hear next year it will not be in Somerset, there will be a new location to be announced.
This year’s show was well attended with packed aisles, we even had a cameo appearance by Donald Jr. and his secret service as they strolled down each aisle chatting with all the vendors and fly fisherman. Highlights of the show for me was sitting with Bob Pop and just watching him tie and dinner with old friends Lily Renzetti, Ned Lunt, Ashley Armbruster, Peter Koga and hearing Bob Clouser tell us some of the most hilarious fishing stories, I haven’t laughed or cried that hard in a while.
If any of you have not tried the Tuffleye brand of products and have any questions, please forward them to me and I will do my best to help answer you. Tuffleye in my opinion is the best light cured acrylic on the market using non UV, visible blue light. Its a safe product that has been used in the dental profession for over sixty years. Bob Popovics turned me on to this when it first hit the market and I haven’t used drop of epoxy since. Visit the Wet-A-Hook technologies website here!
Check out this cool VIDEO by my friend Capt. Ray Stachelek
Al Q and Howler Bros / Costa Sunglasses poster child, Oliver White.
My man man and fly tying mentor, Bob Popovics.
Long line, Mark Sedotti, Al Q and the greatest tournament caster of all time, Steve Rajeff at the G Loomis booth.
Squid fly tied by Al Q with a Tuffleye/Popovics squid foil using flex, a soft flexible cured acrylic
Bob Popovics and Ned Lunt of Tuffleye
Old friend, John McMurray of One More Cast, popped by to say hello! John got fifty stitches in his lip from a surfing accident but it didn’t affect his smile. LOL
These two young fellas just needed a hug. Nothing I can say that can reflect how much admiration I have for these two guys…
Peter Laurelli, one of my favorite fly fishing film makers. Check out Peter in the new “Running the Coast ” video by Jamie Howard.
Jonny King, one of the best fly tyers on the planet. Always good to check-in and hang with Jonny…
Two of the finest people and fly tiers, Jason Taylor and David Nelson hanging at the Tuffleye booth.
After dinner, group shot in the hotel lobby. Scott Stryker and Lily Renzetti far left. Scott is one hell of a fly tyer…
Pat Cohen at his booth. Pat is one talented dude. It was fun hanging with him this year.
Bob Popovics demonstrating a flex candy in th e Tuffleye booth.
Bob Popovics tying the Beast! Worth the price of admission for sure!
Bob Popovics tying the Beast! Worth the price of admission for sure!
Ashley Armbruster, my buddy and the Queen of Tuffleye.
flies, sand & surf 
David Nelson…David Lincoln Nelson?
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He is out of upstate NY, amazing fly tyer…
Al,
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so happy. You look like you are really in your element. I’m glad you had such a good time.
Friday, I had my first post-op visit since my total knee replacement on Jan. 6. A physician’s assistance had me walk about six feet, bend my knee and looked at the wound. Then he said “you’re fine. Keep doing what you’re doing and come back in two years.” When I looked surprised, he said that if I ever thought that I needed to talk to Dr. Yun, I could make an appointment and come in. That means that the 4-5 min of the pre-op visit may be the only time I will ever see him. Strange new world.
Jerry
Jerry: Dr. Yun is a great surgeon but I believe he is really a robot, he has terrible bedside manner…Good luck with your recovery, let me know you need anything?