Fly Swap

[petegas]

Given the fly tying get together is this weekend (wont be able to make it, back home for the holiday), i thought i would see if there is any interest in a fly swap......i would be happy to organize it, maybe keep it to a dozen people so we're tying tons of flies, and as far as themes, any fresh water fly you choose.
thoughts?

[fessiewig]

What fly tying event are you talking about. If it's the one in Sanbornton (sp?), that's not until next weekend. The Saturday after Thanksgiving.

[petegas]

If it's the one in Sanbornton (sp?), that's not until next weekend. The Saturday after Thanksgiving.
my apologies, still wont be able to make it,
nevertheless, the offer to organize a swap still stands.....

[Vermonter]

I'd be interested in participating in a swap. I put in a lot of time and became an adequate nymph fisherman over this past season, so a nymph swap would interest me most. I'd be curious to see what other folks use.

Bob

[Birddogtwo]

Sure I'm interested in a swap. I hosted one last year on Upland Journal and it was fun. Thanks for offering to host Petegas.
Dave

[flytire]

I'd be interested

What is a Fly Swap?

A Ton of Fun! A Fly Swap is kind of like a Christmas cookie exchange. Participants each choose a fly to tie and tie one for every other tyer. The flies are then exchanged so everyone has a selection of various flies.

Swaps are opportunities for fly tyers around the world to exchange their creations and share techniques with other tyers. Each swap has a 'Theme' defining which types of flies will be tied and the swaps are run by swapmasters.

Participating in a fly swap will help you make new friends and new fishing partners as well as improve the sport of fly fishing around the globe.

How do I join a Fly Swap?

The first thing you need to do is register for the swap.

How many flies will I tie?

Each swap has a Maximum Tyers limit - from 6 to 50 participants. You will tie 1 fly for every participant, including yourself. You will receive 1 fly from every other tyer in the swap.

Where do I send my flies?

All flies are sent to the swap master. He will compile the return fly collections, and mail them back. Please make sure you supply a return envelope with adequate return postage to ensure that you receive your flies.

How should I package my flies?

Ship them in an appropriately sized crush-proof container. This container will be returned to you filled with flies from the other tyers. Remember some flies may be larger than yours, so make sure your container is adequate. Plastic flyboxes are good, as well as VCR tape holders, 'Altoids' boxes, or travel soap holders.

Place your filled box of flies in a self-addressed padded return envelope - do not seal the return envelope! Make sure that you include adequate return postage. It is best to NOT afix the postage but to include it inside the padded envelope. Place your return package in a larger envelope, address it and mail it before the deadline.

International tyers must be aware of local import/export regulations.

Some Tips for Swaps

It's a good idea to print out the Swap Rules and Frequent Questions since they contain important information like deadline dates and shipping instructions.

We realize that life doesn't always go as planned and you may find that you can not complete a swap. Please let us know right away rather than kidding yourself that you will find time 'next week'. We may have stand-by tyers waiting to join and the swap can go on without you - you can always join the next one!

Complete your flies early - don't wait for the deadline. A fly swap is a team event and others are counting on you.

If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask the SwapMaster! He's here to help and answer any questions you may have.

[Birddogtwo]

Wow Norm that was a great overview of swaps. All the important info with none of the "Fluff".

Petegas Do you have a time frame in mind? Sorry you can't make next Sat but if your plans change come on over. Looks like @ 11 tyers which is just about right without getting crowded.
I'm at work right now and it's slow so I have plenty of time to do my 1 fingered typist thing.

[petegas]

Thanks for the explination of swaps, norm!


Petegas Do you have a time frame in mind?
i guess i really dont have a timeframe in mind, i was looking to guage the interest, im really swamped with work right now (who isnt?) so im thinking mid january as the 'due date' for flies.......comments/suggestions gladly accepted on this one, guys.......

[fessiewig]

Here are a few of suggestions:

1. Perhaps it would be best to "run" the swaps out of the "Tying" forum. They seem to be related.

2. It seems to me swaps should be limited to 12 people. If it gets too big some of the people who signed up early may not want to tie for 25, 30 or more people. A dozen seems reasonable.

3. Perhaps it would be a good idea if we take the "rules" posted by flytire and post them as a "sticky" on the top of the tying page.

4. Anyone can start a swap, but they will be responsible to run it.

Wadda ya think?

[Birddogtwo]

Fessie
It all sounds more than reasonable to me. 12 is a good number. Petegas you may want to extend to mid Feb as with the holidays fast approaching January will be here before you know it

[petegas]

all those rules sound great Fessie, i'll start another 'official' thread for the 1st FFinNH swap soon, if you could also "sticky" that one when it's up that would be great.

birddog- Feb does sound better.........

[flytire]

Why not start a category for "Swaps" and run it from there.

[fessiewig]

We're trying not to have too many different forums, and a swap relates very well to the tying forum. Right now we're working on adding a forum for buy, sell, & trade and didn't want things to get out of hand.

[BirdFish]

I'll participate in a swap.
Dave