SWEducation Fly Expo – Saturday, March 20, 2027

A focused learning event with classroom time, hands-on experiences, and outdoor demonstrations for dedicated saltwater fly anglers.

This full-day forum at the Knights of Columbus in Middletown, RI, sharpens the saltwater fly fishing approach for striped bass, false albacore, tautog, and other Northeast gamefish. The program blends clear instruction with practical work on knots, leaders, casting, and fly choice. Anglers build skills around tides, structure, and local patterns while refining species-specific tactics that matter on the New England coast. New anglers gain a solid foundation, and experienced fishermen tighten up the small details that improve time on the water. The day also brings together a community of fly anglers who share ideas and learn from one another.

• Date: Saturday, March 20, 2027
• Location: Knights of Columbus, 7 Valley Rd, Middletown, RI 02842
• Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (registration and coffee at 8:30 AM)
• Cost: $100

Key Features

• Full-day program running 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Variety of teaching methods including classroom sessions, panels, demos, and hands-on workshops
• Focused saltwater fly tactics for striped bass, false albacore, tautog, and other species
• Blend of strategy, water reading, casting instruction, and practical rigging
• Opportunities for direct Q&A with experienced New England fly anglers
• Community-driven learning environment with sponsor support and raffle

Forum Schedule

• Opening Session – Welcome remarks, sponsor shoutouts, and panelist introductions
• Strategy Before Tactics – Habits of successful saltwater fly anglers
• The Last 40 Feet: Presentation Is Everything – Understanding baitfish, critters, calories, fly design, and fishing the water column
• Tackle and Tactics – Estuaries and inlets, with alternative species focus on weakfish
• Saltwater Fly Casting Demo 
• Lunch Break – Food trucks on site
• Tackle and Tactics – Boulder fields and points with tautog focus
• Tackle and Tactics – Northeast flats fishing
• Tackle and Tactics – Hardtail focus: rigging, fly selection, and alternative species including bluefin
• Ask Me Anything Workshops – Knots, leader construction and design, wind-resistant and delicate leader builds, setting the drag, and sharpening hooks hands-on with experts
• Protect What You Love – Conservation and ethics, proper fish handling and release techniques, ASGA update, and ASGA raffle

Schedule subject to change. Faculty will be announced here as they are confirmed.

Why We Like It

This forum brings New England saltwater fly fishing into clear focus with instruction that is practical and easy to apply. You get real-time instruction on rigs, knots, casting, and patterns, along with thoughtful discussion from anglers who fish this coast hard. It is a great way to build confidence, get excited about the season ahead, and connect with a dedicated fly fishing community.

Details

• Tickets are non-refundable but transferable; email us if you need to pass yours to another angler.
• Your order confirmation is your ticket. Check in at registration from 8:30 AM.
• Attending more than one SWEducation Expo this winter? Ask about multi-expo pricing.
• See the full winter lineup on our Events calendar.