For many fisherman, winter’s cold means it is time to put away the gear until next season. For nearly a dozen fly fishermen from the Forbes Trail chapter of Trout Unlimited, however, winter is the perfect time to get together, share a meal and spend a few hours each week tying flies for the upcoming season.

The group meets each Thursday at the Tin Lizzy in Youngstown until fishing season kicks back up towards the end of March.

Seated around various tables sit men and their vices. Tackle and Tupperware boxes are filled with materials ranging from a groundhog tail, to pheasant wings, hooks, beads, and threads of different colors. The idea is to create an imitation of different insects like a caddis fly or mayfly — and realistic enough for a fish to eat it.

“We welcome people of all skills to come tie with us,” said member Drew Banas. “We have beginners and experienced tyers, and we just want to help ensure that this skill is passed down to the next generation.”

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