Beer Tie Night in Arlington

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.  John 21:3

The fact is that sometime you go fishing and you catch nothing.  It happened to Peter and his friends and it happens to us as well.  So what is a guy, or gal, to do if Jesus doesn't come and help you out?  Well, if it is the second Monday of the month, you can always head to Whitlow's on Wilson Bar & Grill in the Clarendon Community in Arlington at 7 PM for the Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders' Beer Tie. (Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders' events)

Club officers, Dan Davala and Dalton Terrell, welcome tyers

The Beer Tie concept is simple.  Get together.  Drink beer and eat 1/2 priced burgers and tie some flies...or drink beer, eat a burger and watch other people tie flies.

Dan Davala started the Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders in 2009.  Dan is the fishing manager at Orvis's Clarendon Boulevard store and is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Master Casting Instructor.  The Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders is a charter club of the Federation of Fly Fishers.  The club started the Beer Tie in 2011 and they have already had to change locations once due to the large number of people who attend.

a large table was set up to provide tyers with some instruction

There was a good mix of people, from a 6 year old to seniors.  I was also pleased to see several women.  I spoke with one couple who was there with their two young sons - one 6 and the other 9.  The 9 year old loves to tie and his little brother is just starting.  I'm not sure I had that patience at that age.  In fact, I know I didn't.

Dan was joined at the Beer Tie with his very pregnant wife, Melody, who is also club treasurer.  (It looks like Melody will miss the next session.)  I also met Dalton Terrell, the club secretary and web master.  It is a very welcoming crowd.

Casey Peltier ties with a 9-year-old friend

Once her 9-year-old friend left her table, I sat down and had a nice visit with Casey Peltier.  Casey is a member of Casting for Recovery's Mid-Atlantic Program Planning and Outreach Committee (Casting for Recovery).  Her and her husband took up fly fishing later in life and along with that, fly tying.  Casey probably had the most elaborate fly tying set up and she was producing some very nice flies.  I know that I would certainly need supplemental lighting and magnification if start tying at Whitlow's.  Casey was very generous with her time and I noticed that the seat at her table was almost always occupied.

In short, the Beer Tie is a great idea and was a nice way to spend a Monday night, and I did win a book on kayak fishing in the raffle.  You can bring your own vise and materials or use one of the extra vices that Dan brings.  Even if you don't tie, the Beer Tie is a great venue to swap fishing stories with other fly fishermen and women.  The food and beer is a nice added extra.  Second Mondays of the month at Whitlow's, 7 PM until around 9 PM or so.  I know I'll be back in August.