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Make Your Own Fly Reel Workshop in Concord NH February 11, 2012
CONCORD, N.H. — An opportunity to make your own fly reel and help New Hampshire’s Trout in the Classroom program is returning Saturday, February 11, 2012, at the Shaker Road School in Concord. The second annual Reelsmithing Workshop, led by Michael Hackney of the Eclectic Angler, is being hosted by the Basil Woods Jr. Chapter and the New Hampshire Trout Unlimited Council. The workshop starts at 9:00 a.m. and runs to early afternoon.
The fee for the reel-making workshop is $130, with $50 of that going to support New Hampshire’s Trout in the Classroom projects. The program is limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration is required and can be done on-line at the Eclectic Angler’s website: http://www.eclecticangler.com/NH-TU-Workshop-2012.
This workshop would make a great project for you and any budding fisherman in your household to work on. This year’s participants will build one of Michael’s newest, and very sharp-looking reels. The 3-inch diameter reel will feature a click drag system, hold 90 feet of 4-weight fly line, and handle 25 yards of backing. Participants will receive a “Ported Aluminum Reel” kit and walk out with a functioning reel.
You don’t need to have any metalworking experience to take the workshop — just a desire to make a fly reel and willingness to use a little elbow grease and get a little dirty. All necessary tools are provided. Everyone at last year’s event completed their reel at the workshop — but some did the final polishing and personal touches at home.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Trout in the Classroom program, part of its Watershed Education Program, allows students to raise Eastern brook trout in their classrooms and release them into the watershed. Fish and Game supplies the fish eggs and guidance, and Trout Unlimited chapters help out with donations of chillers and tank supplies. More than one thousand New Hampshire schoolchildren learn about aquatic ecosystems through this inspiring, hands-on program each year. Find out more at www.wildnh.com/Education/watershed_ed.html.
