Fly Tying - 2024 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

Trey Toifel Fairhope, AL	Flies by ACO was created to bring unique and custom saltwater flies to those desiring to chase new memories created at the end of a fly line! Our aim is to provide the highest quality saltwater flies that hold up to the toughest of battles in the salt marshes, coastal beaches, Caribbean flats, and other locations that hold our beloved gamefish. With over 20 years of fly tying, fishing and travel experience, our flies are made to attract the fish not the angler. We bring created patterns to our clients that help give you the advantage by using top quality hooks, threads, resins, and other materials so there is one less thing on the list you'll need to worry about. For us, fly fishing is a way of life, a constant pursuit of simplicity, focus, and personal fulfillment. Our mission is to bring awareness to the sport of Saltwater Fly Fishing through creative fly tying ideas and continuously pursuing the act of leaving our fisheries better than how we found them.
Roger Smith Jayess, MS	After a career as Music Educator, I returned to my childhood passion of warm water fly fishing. Of course, with my double dose of ACD this led to fly tying, rod building, material collection... you know the story! Even though I occasionally get the opportunity to fish the White River for coldwater trout, my fishing is mainly the small lakes and private ponds around my home in central Mississippi. The flies that I tie are the flies that I use for bluegill, and occasional crappie and bass.
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.
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.
Gary Pheabus Cantonment, FL	I have 30 years of tying experience. I specialize in zonker dubbing loops.
Patricia Pezza Maggie Valley, NC	I was born & raised in Rhode Island I first learned to tie back in 2016 at the Field & Stream in Asheville. I got interested in it because I got tired of spending so much money in flies and them landing in the trees just as soon as I got on the water. The first fly I tied was a Mickey Finn. My first vice was an Orvis and I quickly learned that if I was going to tie lots of flies this vice had to go back to the store. I then purchased a Nor-Vise, which was much steadier and more productive but that didn't stop me from getting another vice; the Peak vise. I use both frequently depending on what I'm doing ir ehere I'm going. My Peak vise I use for travel because my Nor-vise sits on a marble base & is pretty heavy to lug around. I have learned many patterns over the years and I like to be versatile in my tying. I don't necessarily have my own patterns but I do experiment when I can. I attend tying shows in Branson, MO , Mountain Home, AR and local tying events such as the Maggie Valley Fly Festival. I'm also a member of FFI. You can find me on Instagram @Flytyingtrou65.
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.
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.
Jay Hyer Gulfport, MS	I started teaching fly fishing in 1971 with a 4-6 week class I created entitled Introduction to Fly Fishing in Southern California. There was not much FF instruction back then available to the general public.I gave this class periodically until 1989 for the Cities of Los Angeles and Burbank Parks and Recreation, Los Angeles Schools and Junior College Districts, University of California campuses, The U.S. Navy and Air Force Recreation departments and numerous clubs, tackle shops and private organizations. I like to do demos at either basic tying or intro to casting. I retired to the Gulf Coast 5 years ago and have remained active through my clubs. I intend to tie foam dragonflies on safety pins to wear as jewelry and give away to the ladies visiting my table.
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.
Bill de Castro Gretna, LA	I’m a fly tier with over 35 years at the vise, having tied at numerous events during that time. I’ve served both as Past Vice President and Past President of New Orleans Fly Fishers Club.
Kenneth Breaux Dequincy, LA
Troy Basso Chapel Hill, TN	In 1992, I discovered the art of fly tying, a craft that would become not just a hobby but a second adventure. By 1998, I took the leap and launched my career as a professional fly tyer, crafting intricate patterns that have found their way into the hearts of fellow anglers. Today, my creations are proudly marketed by Catch Fly Fishing, a testament to the quality and innovation embedded in each fly. Guiding fellow fly fishermen became a natural extension of my love for the sport. In 2006, I embraced the opportunity to share my knowledge, skills, and passion with others, guiding them through the nuances of fly fishing and helping them forge their own connections with the great outdoors. At some point in my journey, I started another adventure as an outdoor writer. I got published first in 1998 and since have been published worldwide on a myriad of outdoor topics. I have been published in the following fine publications: Southeastern Fly Fishing, FUR FISH GAME, Game & Fish, Mossy Oak, On the Fly magazine, Mid-west outdoors, Tennessee Valley Outdoors, and more.
Kevin Andry Baton Rouge, LA	Kevin Andry (Musicdoc or just plain old “Doc”), has a Ph.D. in music education, thus the name, Musicdoc. Although he has been fishing since he was a young boy, his passion for fly fishing began around 2006, when one of his “band dads” showed up to pick his daughter up from after school band practice with a couple of kayak racks on his car. When asked where he fishes with the kayaks in south Louisiana, the gentleman said, “Anywhere I want to.” A couple of fly rods later and a handful of Clouser minnows that he tied at a local club meeting, and Doc was hooked. Since then, he has caught hundreds of fish on creations he has tied himself. While Doc ties all kinds of flies to target bluegill to bass, speckled trout, redfish, and even bonefish, his specialty has been is deer hair bugs. Kevin is a recent recipient of the FFI Gulf Coast Council’s Lifetime Excellence in Fly Tying Award. When he isn’t fishing or tying, Doc enjoys spending time with his wife of 40 years, Lisa, his two children, and his four beautiful grandchildren.