L.L.Bean catalogs from then and now. The weekend will, I hope, show a similar age spread.

Are you looking for the 2014 info? Click here!

In case you were looking for an excuse to talk fly fishing, here’s three more: Lefty Kreh, Steve Rajeff, and Kelly Galloup. If you need more, check your pulse. Here you have a trout expert, a world class caster, and one of the world’s most celebrated fly fishermen.

Based out of the mothership L.L.Bean store in Freeport (which, in addition to being a store, is the most visited tourst destination in the state of Maine), this weekend boasts a number of attractions. Some highlights include:

– Casting Demonstration with World Champion Caster Steve Rajeff;

– A number of presentations by Lefty, on topics such as casting tips, salt water tips, and stories about fishing around the world (sure to be as funny as it is informative);

– Fly tying demonstrations by Edward “Muzzy” Muzeroll, Don Bastian, Dave Klausmeyer, and Sam Keney;

– Sam Kenney, the 14-year-old casting wunderkind, will be on hand to show you why he’s better than you’ll ever be at casting;

– Kathy Scott and rodmaker David Van Burgel will be there to sign books and discuss furled leaders and cane rod making;

– And G. Loomis, Shimano, St. Croix, Sage or Scientific Angler will be there with all their latest and greatest gear.

The festivities kick off on Friday March 15th at 7pm and go through Sunday. You can find a .pdf of the complete weekend’s listings here on the L.L.Bean website.

The weekend also advertises up to 50% discounts on “in-store fishing gear closeouts.” Now, I don’t know what that includes or what is left, but it does give you an excuse to can trade in that ugly sweater your aunt gave you this year for Christmas for some new equipment.

Can’t make the trip all the way to Freeport? While that’s too bad, there are some limited fishing related events at stores around New England this weekend. You can check out the event listings page here.

When it all gets a little tiring, head down to Gritty McDuff’s brew pub for a few rounds on the back porch or at the long tables inside. The beer is great, the food’s good, and won’t have to talk fishing any more — unless, of course, everyone else has the same idea. I, for one, will see you there.