PARIS — The Mollyockett Chapter of Trout Unlimited has announced that renowned Maine fly fisher, Rod McGarry, will be speaking on Thursday, Feb. 21, in the basement hall of the First Congregational Church in South Paris, which is on Route 117, just south of Market Square.

McGarry has gathered some of the skills, techniques, tackle and strategies that a recreational angler can learn from competitive fly fishing. In a fast-paced, high audience participation workshop he will share many of the ways one can take some small steps forward. McGarry is a Registered Professional Maine Guide, a board certified master fly casting instructor and the staff instructor for L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools.

He has been fly fishing for trout in Maine for 49 years and is well aware that fly fishing calls for some understanding about tackle, equipment, flies, water, clothes and conditions. Two years ago he was given the Harger Award by the Federation of Fly Fishers for his noteworthy contributions to fly fishing through his instruction and education. McGarry shares this honor with such fly fishing luminaries as Lefty Kreh and Dave Whitlock.

Rod has said, “I like to take folks down that more winding path that leads to learning how to fly fish. My job is to help them achieve success by their own standards, not mine.”

Preceding the talk at 7 p.m. will be a fly tying demonstration at 6 given by Mollyockett Chapter members. This meeting is open to the public. In addition, a raffle will be held to benefit the chapter’s efforts to construct a veterans’ fishing pier at the Songo Locks in Naples to help wounded warriors have access to one of Southern Maine’s premier fishing spots. For more information call Lee at 743-9808.