The Crosby Arboretum in Picayune will host a youth fly-tying workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. today. Local fly-fisherman and former Picayune Item Editor Will Sullivan will demonstrate how to make functional and inexpensive flies out of a number of items.

“The class is set up to make use of household items,” said Crosby Arboretum Director Patricia Drackett, adding that the flies are easy for youth to use to catch fish and can be made without breaking the bank.

Drackett said nail polish, rubber bands and parts of flip-flops are just a few examples of the things that would be used to make lures in the workshop.

In fly-fishing, flies are hand-tied to resemble something a fish would normally eat in order to provoke the fish into biting at the line. Since the fly weighs so little, the casting techniques are very different than other types of fishing. Demonstrations on proper fly-fishing form are provided at the Arboretum’s Wildlife Day, which takes place in March.

Drackett said today’s fly-tying workshop is full, but visitors are welcome to stop by and observe the class. She added that there will be other opportunities to attend a fly-tying workshop in the future.

All materials and equipment are provided at the workshop. The entry fee is $2 for arboretum members and $4 for non-members. The class is recommended for kids between the ages of 9-14, and a parent or guardian must be present in order to supervise.

The Crosby Arboretum is located at 370 Ridge Road in Picayune. For more information, visit their website at www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.