Fly Tying Instructor Program Launched

Last fall, the FTG Board of Governors began developing a program to help fly tying instructors enhance their teaching skills by providing resources aimed at improving the quality, consistency, and accuracy of fly tying instruction. A Program Planning Committee was formed, including Al Ritt, Jim Borst, Gene Barrington, Rick Flink, Hal Gordon, and chaired by Dutch Baughman. The committee was tasked with the goal of creating a program to support instructors in becoming better at teaching fly tying.

Key benefits of the program include:

- Improving the accuracy, consistency, and uniformity of fly tying instruction.

- Providing resources accessible to the entire fly tying community.

- Encouraging increased FFI and FTG membership.

The Fly Tying Group will offer two online introductory classes for the Fly Tying Instructor Program on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time via Zoom. Registration for these sessions will open in February. Additionally, a series of three online classes for those seeking to become a FTG Endorsed Fly Tying Instructor will begin on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The Planning Committee has gone above and beyond their original charge by creating a program that is not only a robust educational resource for instructors but also a benefit to all fly tiers in the community. The program’s focus is not on mastering fly patterns but on teaching others how to tie flies with accuracy, consistency, and skill.

Since December the Committee has completed several tasks to accomplish the goal set forward.  Activities undertaken since that time include:

- Met at least once a month, often twice.

- Surveyed a broad range of fly tying instructors to gather feedback and shape the program.

- Presented the program to the FTG Board of Governors and the Council Fly Tying Directors twice.

- Consulted with prominent fly tying instructors to seek their feedback.

- Conducted beta instructor evaluation sessions.

- Presented the program to the FFI Board of Directors which approved the Fly Tying Instructor Program.

- A Fly Tying Instructor Program workshop was held at the recent FTG Rendezvous.

The newly approved Fly Tying Instructor Program is a significant resource for the entire fly tying community. It offers a clear path to the Fly Tying Instructor Evaluation and is now available on the FFI website under the Get Involved menu item.

You’ll find three key documents including:

1. The FTG Fly Tying Resource Manual

2. The FTG Fly Tying Instructor Evaluation Guide

3. The FTG Fly Tying Glossary

Click here to access the documents

These resources provide comprehensive educational support for fly tiers and instructors alike. The Evaluation Guide is the main reference for those pursuing the Fly Tying Instructor Evaluation.  Instructors registering for the evaluation will have the opportunity to work with a mentor in preparation for their session.

The evaluation process consists of seven tasks, and successful candidates will become FTG Endorsed Fly Tying Instructors. In recognition of their achievement, they will receive a framed certificate, an exclusive patch, and a personalized name badge.

The Fly Tying Instructor Program marks a significant step forward in improving the standards of fly tying instruction and supporting the next generation of skilled fly tying instructors.

If you have questions pertaining to the FTG Fly Tying Instructor Program, please contact Jack Gillis at gillis2011@gmail.com, or Dutch Baughman at dutch.baughman@gmail.com.