ORRINGTON – It’s winter. What if a person’s thoughts turn to a warm-weather pastime – fly-fishing?

The Penobscot Fly Fishers and Bangor Parks and Recreation Department will satisfy that out-of-season urge with an eight-week beginner’s fly-tying class, to be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. starting Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Community Center on Main Street in Bangor, what was the old Bangor Armory.

“It’s the sixth year doing [the class],” said Joe Bertolaccini, charter member and a director of the club. The purpose of the class, and one of the major purposes of the club, he said, is “to get people interested in fly-fishing, expose them to fly-tying.”

Members of the Penobscot Fly Fishers club also work to promote the conservation of fishery resources, fly-fishing through education, volunteer services, and good personal conduct in fishing.

The cost is $20 in advance or $25 the first night of the class.

Materials and equipment will be provided, but participants are invited to bring their own equipment.

This isn’t the only class offered to interested fishers, Bertolaccini said.

“There will be a fly-fishing clinic in April and a course in the spring for children,” he added.

The group offers the class in the winter for a few reasons.

“It gives you something to do in winter. It helps you get psyched for fishing. It’s an interesting endeavor, to pass the time while you can’t fish,” said Bertolaccini.

“Some might get stuff for Christmas,” he pointed out, and welcome an opportunity to use equipment and materials they received for the holidays.

During the course, individuals will become familiar with fly-fishing equipment, such as a vise to hold the hook while tying a fly to it.

In addition, they learn about a bobbin, which holds the thread while a fly is being tied, and a bodkin, which is a fine needle used to apply head cement to the fly when the final several knots are tied.

Bertolaccini said that fly-fishing attracts the sporting people.

Because the fishing supply of many species is a limited resource, the latest concept is one of catch and release – so others can catch.

“If the fish are caught properly on small hooks, it makes it easier to release the fish – versus bait, which fish may swallow and make it more difficult to release safely,” Bertolaccini said.

“Fly-fishers generally use lighter tackle, so there is more fun, [more] playing out of the fish,” he said.

The idea of fly-casting is something that appeals to some.

“It takes practice to fly-cast well,” said Bertolaccini. “It’s a satisfying thing to be able to do when you can do it.”

The veteran fly tier said he began fly-fishing while he was in grammar school

“I recall being on vacation with the family. My uncle has a fly rod he fished with. I started catching sunfish on the fly rod,” Bertolaccini said.

“The next year, I used the fly rod. I got a fly-tying kit. I kept getting more and more interested in it.”

The class is a first step into the world of fly-fishing.

Fishing season begins, “generally, April 1, or when the ice is out,” said Bertolaccini.

To preregister or to obtain more information, contact Joe Bertolaccini at 825-3622 or at brewerberts@aol.com.