MORGANTOWN — It’s that time of year where people start to get antsy from being cooped up inside, waiting for the weather to break. Sportsman’s Emporium hosted its Cabin Fever gathering Saturday to look toward the spring days ahead.
Owner Brent Cayton said this is the fourth year hosting the event. He said it got to the point where people just expected it to happen and started asking about.
“It’s a good thing. First of all, everybody’s been stuck inside all winter and they’re starting to get the itch when you get a few sunny days to get outside and do things,” he said.
The day had a turkey call seminar, euro-nymphing presentation and fly tying and casting demonstrations. Cayton said people are starting to gear up for fly fishing. Joe Messinger, a well-known, master fly-fisher was there talking about fly fishing and different types of ties used in the sport.
Messinger has patents on ties that are still being produced after 60 years, said Cayton. Fly fishing differs from regular fishing in that it’s meant to mimic something that happens in nature. There are many different types of flies, and more technique involved fly fishing as well. Messinger showed different ties — including some that looked like frogs, which he’s known for.
“We sell kayaks. We’ve got a lot of people that get into kayak fishing. They’re starting to get out there,” said Cayton.
He said it’s the store’s way of showing their products, but also an opportunity to display their customer appreciation. Food and prizes were also available. The main prize Saturday was a fly rod.
“That’s what we’re trying to do, encourage people to get outside,” he said.
