FS2004: the Official Announcement

A Happy New Year wish to one and all; and herewith, the official
announcement for the 2004 edition of the annual ROFF Fly Swap.

No undertaking of this swap should go forward, however, without first
acknowledging the contributions of its swapmeister emeritus, Frank Church.
Frank has selfishly put in a lot of his time over the years and deserves a
well-earned respite from the hordes of boxes, bags, and disposable cups
undoubtedly awaiting this humble successor. Thanks Frank. I'll get you for
this. g

It has become abundantly apparent that while many swappers think nothing of
tying scores of flies, it does tend to become a bit tedious for most after
the first few dozen. The rules of this swap, therefore, will not require
any tier to produce more than 30 flies. At the same time, there is the
consideration to allow unlimited participation to all who wish inclusion.
So be it. There will be no limit to the number of participants. If you
can take it, so can I. This will make it necessary to break up the swap
into several groups, the number of which to be determined by the number of
participants and the tying limit of 30 flies.

On with the details.

Sign up period: January 1, 2004 through January 14, 2004. Two weeks ought
to be enough time for you to make up your mind. If there is any chance you
will not complete your commitment, please don't sign up.

Number of flies to be tied: 30 max. If the number of tiers exceeds 30, the
swap will be split into two groups. If participation goes past 60, three
groups will be created. Etc. I will juggle the fly totals, group splits,
and participant numbers as the signup progresses.

Completion and submission date: February 20, 2004. All flies should be in
my hands by that date. That gives you 4 weeks to tie and another week or so
for shipping. Piece o' cake.

Can you sign up for more than one fly or more than one group? Sure, why
not. If you wish to receive a complete set of swap flies (i.e. all flies
from all groups), you are more than welcome to tie 30 or 60 or however many
flies you wish. I will not require anyone to tie more than 30; but if you
are willing to extend your participation beyond that maximum, please make
note of that in your signup.

Tags: Please securely attach a tag to each fly indicating your name and the
name of the fly. More than that is no necessary. Too large a tag can make
packaging and sorting somewhat of a problem in some instances. I'd also
recommend avoiding tied-on tags that can tangle together in transit.

Return packaging: All fly sets submitted should include a return package
that is already addressed and containing the correct postage. Second to
sorting flies, addressing and affixing postage to packages is the most
time-consuming task for the swapmeister, IME.

Extra flies and extra postage: Please don't. It's a fine gesture and one
that has been much appreciated in the past, but it isn't necessary. If you
wish to include and designate and extra fly or two for a good cause, that's
fine; but please, nothing for the swapmeister.

Swapmeister's address:
Joe Fleischman
P.O. Box 42272
Towson, MD 21284
(Note that this address may change in the near future. It is near my
previous employer but not terribly near my home.)

Swapmeister's email:


I even set up a website for the swap info. (amazing what you'll do when you
're not burdened by time-consuming obligations like a job.) Check out:
http://home.att.net/~fleischman/FS2004.htm

I am hoping for another outstanding swap in the Frank Church tradition.
Although I am not Frank (and do not receive sympathy backrubs from
streamside masseuses), I'll do my best to carry on in his fine example.
Gentlemen, man (and woman) your vises.

Ye swapmeister II,
Joe Fleischman