Fly Tying - 2025 Gulf Coast Classic fly fishing festival

The Classic will showcase some of the top fly tiers across the Gulf Coast region as well as nationally-recognized tiers from across the country. You can sit and watch from dozens of experienced tiers with a wide variety of patterns used for everything from coldwater mountain trout to saltwater species.

Here is the list of committed tiers, with their bios (to be updated routinely):

Featured Fly Tiers

Yusuf Al-Ansari Pensacola, FL	My love of fly fishing started with a trip to the Blue Ridge mountains nearly three years ago. Although trout was my primary target, I didn’t manage to catch any only a small creek chub. Feeling my line go tight and wrangling in this tiny fish on an even smaller fly made me completely obsessed with figuring out different ways to catch various species on the fly rod. Since then, I’ve completely immersed myself in the craft of tying flies for species like panfish, bass, trout and finally saltwater patterns. Fly fishing and fly tying has truly changed the way I think about the natural world and angling as a whole. It has become my goal to inspire people to obtain a broader understanding of fly fishing and erase the notion that fly fishing is just for trout. As I always like to say, “if it swims you can probably catch it on a fly rod.”
Peggy Brenner Citrus Spring, FL	Peggy Brenner resides in Florida, close to some of the best saltwater and freshwater fly fishing. She has been tying for several decades now; her specialty being flies that fish well. She started with the basic trout and saltwater fly patterns, progressing to Classic Maine Streamers with Mike Martinek, Jr. at United Fly Tyers and now Classic Salmon flies with a one-year apprenticeship through the New Hampshire Council for the Arts; Traditional Arts Program. Retired, Peggy had her second apprenticeship through the same program for a year to pass on the skills. She was awarded the Dick Nelson Teaching Award by FFI. She ties flies for a select group of customers, as well as giving instruction with a focus on ladies and children’s classes, presentations, and demonstrations around the country for shops and clubs. Peggy was a featured fly tyer as part of the “A Graceful Rise” exhibit, which featured women of the past, present, and future that were influential to the world of fly fishing, at the American Fly-Fishing Museum. Peggy is a Board member of the FFI Fly Tying Group and past Fly-Tying Chair of the FFI Expo, past President of International Women’s Fly Fishers and advisor to United Fly Tyers. Peggy is also a member of several pro-staff teams including Whiting Farms, Partridge of Redditch, Regal and several others. She mostly enjoys fly fishing with her husband Jerry and they both like to share the sport with others.
Mack Bryson Leesburg, GA	Mack Bryson of Leesburg, GA, learned how to fly fish and tie flies at a young age, from mentors Mr. Bob Maricich and Blane Chocklett. Mack is owner of Southeastern Flyworks and creates masterpieces with conventional materials, as well as some personal ones, for bass, tarpon, redfish and other predatory species.
John & Katie Demuth Kingsport, TN	We are Katie and John Demuth and are from East Tennessee. Our home waters are the South Holston and Watauga rivers as well as the small mountain streams of the Great Smoky Mountains. We have been educating new and experienced fly tyers primarily on Instagram and at fly fishing shows across the world for the past 5 years. Our show, "Whip Finish Wednesday" has been popular on Instagram and we have decided to offer this learning experience and fun atmosphere on YouTube! Our goal is to teach the art of fly tying and fly fishing by focusing on the techniques and methods of building beautiful and durable flies that will catch fish. Tying flies is all about the details!
Chris Harris Marietta, GA	Chris embarked on his journey into the world of fly fishing in 1992 after being inspired by the film "A River Runs Through It." Over the past 33 years, he has become an avid fly fisherman, mastering both freshwater and saltwater species. His dedication to the craft led him to start tying flies in 1993, a passion he has pursued for 32 years, tying both freshwater and saltwater flies. In the mid-90s, Chris began sharing his expertise by teaching fly tying for Trout Unlimited (TU). His commitment to the fly fishing community continued to grow, and for the past six years, he has been privileged to mentor veterans through Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) Atlanta, both in person and online. The opportunity to teach this craft to veterans has been incredibly rewarding for him. Chris has had the honor of assisting many with tying their first fly and seeing them apply their new skills in the annual Fly-Tying Competition and on rivers. Chris enjoys fishing in his home waters of North Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as saltwater fishing from the coast of South Carolina to the Florida Keys. His extensive experience and passion for fly fishing and tying have made him a respected mentor and cherished member of the fly-fishing community.
Joe Jackson Martinsville, IN	Avid fly angler Joe Jackson is a prolific fly tyer best known for his artistic masterpieces with deer hair, including his Baby Yoda, Hummingbird, Cardinal, and T-Rex. An Army vet, Jackson was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; after being medically retired with 14 years of service, Jackson discovered fly tying through Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, where he found more therapeutic relief than he did in the therapist’s chair. Joe began tying flies in November 2016; by May 2017 his unique style had already garnered attention at an annual Project Healing Waters fly-tying event. Jackson tied in public for the first time at the International Fly-Tying Symposium in November 2017; meanwhile, his quirky art flies were creating a buzz on social media.
Darin Lee Opelousas, LA	Darin is a coastal scientist and accomplished fly angler and fly tier. He fishes for just about everything that swims, but loves chasing redfish and spotted seatrout in the marsh, crappie in lakes and bayous, and spotted bass in creeks and streams. As Vice-President of Acadiana Fly Rodders, he directs the club's fly tying programs. While his favorite flies reflect his fishing habits, his repertoire of ties includes any variety of streamers and bug imitations.
Steve Maldonado Evergreen, CO	A Colorado native who grew up in walking distance of the Arkansas River, Steve is a nationally recognized fly designer that has patterns with Umpqua Feather Merchants, a recognized speaker on fishing streamers as well as a world class flycaster. Steve has put-on fly-tying presentations and teaching demos all over the USA. His simple system approach to fishing streamers with his on the river tuning and applications, tips and techniques are second to none. Steve starter River Rat Fly Design a few years ago which offers his customer streamers for anything from golden dorado, peacock bass to trout. Steve has fished over the country with saltwater being his true love and tarpon being on top of his list. He is the southern Rockies pro for Scientific covering Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. He is also on staff with Semperfli, Regal, Fishpond, Lamson Waterworks, Nature Spirit, Ahrex Hooks, Anadromous Fly Company, Lid Rig, Solarez, Ultimate Rod Case, Costa Sunglasses and so on. Steve has always found it fun and rewarding to share his patterns and techniques with people he is tying for and sharing his knowledge of fly fishing with all comers. I've had articles Published in Fly Fishermans Destinations Magazine and Loop Magazine about my Golden Dorado Streamer the Jungle Junkie.
Preston McQueen Cary, NC	I grew up fishing on the Tennessee river on our farm with my brothers every chance we got. Mom would have to ring a big bell to get us to come eat. I’ve been Fly fishing and tying flies for about 20 years, mostly large flies for Largemouth bass. In addition, I really like the saltwater species we have in the local NC coast: Trout, Redfish, Cobia and traveling for LA Bull Reds, and FL/CubaTarpon. My flies range from Clouser minnows to large EP type flies tied with material and brushes plus poppers too. I’ve tyed at my local club and others in NC and TN. In addition to tying and fly fishing, I designed and hand-build my line of FlyHub tying accessories. Be sure to stop by my table to say high, talk tying and fly fishing.
Truman Nicholson Mountain Rest, SC	Truman's love for fishing with his dad began in the upper Savannah River system. Inspired by Flip Pallot on Walker’s Cay Chronicles in the early 90s, he took up flyfishing and tying over 35 years ago. He primarily fishes for trout in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina but also enjoys targeting Bartram’s bass in the warmer months and exploring Western states. While focused on tying trout flies, Truman continually seeks new techniques and challenges in fly tying. Follow Truman on Instagram @truman_flyfishing .
Lance Renoux Lafayette, LA	I'm from Lafayette, LA, and currently reside in southeast Louisiana. I have lived in Arkansas and Oregon where I worked on my Masters in biology and developed my fly fishing and fly tying skills. This background in biology has aided me in my tying, where I incorporate old school patterns with new techniques and materials. My focus in fly fishing and tying is saltwater, tying for all species.
Allen Rupp New York, NY	Allen Rupp is a passionate fly tyer and angler with an incredible 35-year journey in the world of fly fishing. Throughout the years, Allen has honed his skills, dedicating countless hours to perfecting the art of tying flies. His creations have proven their effectiveness by enticing fish from various corners of the globe. From the pristine waters of Africa and Belize, to the breathtaking landscapes of Chile, Mexico, Portugal, and the Seychelles, Allen's flies have been trusted companions for anglers. These meticulously crafted flies have seduced species far and wide, leaving no doubt about their unwavering appeal. However, Allen is not solely confined to the tying bench. Despite his mastery of the fly tying art, he always manages to find time for his true passion: fishing. Each year, he embarks on thrilling adventures, seeking out the exhilaration of battling with various fish species. Whether it's the powerful strikes of Bass, the finesse required for Panfish, the explosive strikes of Stripers and Snook, or the delicate presentations needed for Trout, Allen embraces the challenges and joys of fly fishing with open arms. With an unmatched wealth of experience and an unyielding love for the sport, Allen continues to push boundaries, constantly exploring new fishing grounds, and sharing his expertise with fellow enthusiasts. His dedication to the art of fly tying and the pursuit of fish is an inspiration to both seasoned anglers and novices alike.
Jeff Rowley Amarillo, TX	I was born and raised in the Texas Panhandle. Growing up, I spent a lot of my time in the Rocky Mountains where my family had a cabin. My love for fly fishing and fly tying began there. At age 12 I was gifted a fly tying kit, learning mostly from books and instructional manuals. I spend time fishing in Colorado, New Mexico, & Texas mostly. The majority of that time is targeting trout in the Rocky Mountains. I love saltwater fishing on the Texas coast too. I'm always looking for new places to fish!
David Rogers Prairieville, LA	I grew up amidst the tranquil waters of southern Louisiana, casting lines since childhood. In my youth, I favored traditional tackle, but since the late 90s, I've been exclusively devoted to fly fishing. My primary haunts are the saltwater marshes of Louisiana and Alabama's tidal river systems, though I frequently venture to both cold and warmwater fisheries. One of my greatest pleasures is angling in the pristine, clear waters of Louisiana and Mississippi's free-flowing creeks and rivers.
Ron Foreman Lake Charles, LA	Ron is a member and current Treasurer of the Contraband Fly Casters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is a member and supporter of the FFI, and a member of their Fly Tying Group. Ron has also served on the Gulf Coast Council as a former Treasurer and Fly Tying Chair.. Ron has been involved in fly fishing since his high school days. He grew up fishing small streams and creeks in Louisiana. He is an avid bass fisherman having fished numerous lakes throughout the midsouth. After moving to the Lake Charles area, he began saltwater fishing. His passion now is fly fishing for reds, specks, and flounder. Also, Ron takes trips to cold water fisheries to try for rainbow and brown trout. He is a Sowbug tyer, and has tied at other fly fishing shows throughout the south. Ron enjoys tying flies and teaching a newcomer to tie. Ron is always looking for ways to promote fly fishing, fly tying, his local club, the GCC, and FFI.