Competition Updates

These are the most recent competitions Mark has participated in. For a list of all of his awards please visit his Bio on the Meet the Guides menu.

PA Fly Tying Championship

This year Mark placed second in the Pro Division at the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held at the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

FTF Tying Competition

Mark placed First in Wet Emergers, Second in Nymph and Third in Most Creative in FTF tying competition.

news & events

Dunbar Sportsmens Club Tying Classes

Mark will again be instructing in the yearly fly tying classes sponsored by Dunbar Sportsmen's Club house. Three levels of instruction are available each night - Beginner, Novice and Intermediate. Each class runs one hour long. Take 1 class or as many as you need any week that fits your schedule. Simply sign up a few minutes before the start of the class/classes the night you attend.

Date: Every Monday Feb. 6 - March 12, 2012

Time: Beginner - 5:00; Novice - 6:00; Intermediate - 7:00

Location: Dunbar Sportmen's Club

Cost: $5.00 per class per night for beginner - novice and intermediate $6.00
For more information contact Mark at mark@defranksflies.com or call 724-317-8582


Maryland's Felt Sole ban

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is banning felt soles in Maryland waters beginning March 22, 2011 to protect and preserve native wildlife and habitats.
The new regulations are an effort by the state to combat didymo, an invasive form of algae which thrives in cold flowing waters such as trout streams. Once didymo takes hold, it can bloom into infestations of enormous numbers resulting in a yellow-brown mass that may dominate sections of a river. Over time, dramatic changes in stream biology are probable, and the thick mats of algae make fishing virtually impossible. DNR biologists found didymo in Gunpowder Falls in 2008 and responded with educational efforts, adding wader wash stations at popular access points on the river.
In 2011, a didymo bloom occurred in the Savage River. Didymo is not a human health risk, but the dense mats of algae may negatively impact bottom dwellers such as crayfish, mayflies and stoneflies.
Maryland is encouraging anglers and stream lovers to remove all debris and water from their boats, clothes and gear before leaving a stream. In addition to the new regulations, the state is providing anglers with wader wash stations to clean their boots and gear before heading to another body of water. According to MD DNR, officers will initially issue a warning and an information card to anyone wearing felt-soled boots or waders.
For additional information on didymo, the felt ban and how to resole your boots/waders with the new rubber compounds, visit http://dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/pdfs/felt_sole_faq.pdf

Our Show Schedule

Fly Fishing Show 2012

Dates: 1/27-29/2012
Garden State Convention Center
50 Atrium Drive
Somerset, NJ 08873

Website

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show 2012

Dates: 2/4-12/2012
Farm Show Complex
2300 N. Cameron St.
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9443
Website

2012 Kentuckiana Fly Fishing Show

Dates:TBA
Fern Valley Inn and Conference Center
2715 Fern Valley Road
Louisville, KY
Website

Cabin Fever 2012

Dates: TBA
Four Points By Sheraton-Pittsburgh North
910 Sheraton Drive Mars, PA 16046

Website