Bill Jewett — The Fly Tying Santa — tying flies

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Tying Flies.
Changing Lives.

Master Fly Tier · U.S. Navy Veteran · Educator · Speaker · Community Servant. Where fly fishing meets hope, healing, and community.

The Story

Meet Bill Jewett,
"The Fly Tying Santa"

Bill and Tina Jewett are both U.S. Navy Veteran's, Bill is a Master Fly Tier, educator, and nonprofit leader with a gift that goes far beyond tying flies — he inspires people. Known throughout the fly-fishing community as "The Fly Tying Santa," Bill has dedicated his life to sharing the art, healing power, and joy of fly tying with veterans, youth, cancer survivors, and anyone who needs hope.

Together with his wife Tina, they founded The Fly Tying Santa, LLC — a purpose-driven business that combines fly tying and fly fishing, education, public speaking, and charitable outreach into something truly rare: a force for good that also catches fish.

Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, their work spans fly-fishing clubs, schools, veteran programs, and national charity events — with a mission to improve lives through the art of fly tying and the sport of fly fishing.

"Most fly tiers sell flies. Few teach. Very few inspire. Bill does all three."
🎖️

Service

Giving back to veterans, youth, cancer survivors, and underserved communities.

📚

Education

Teaching the next generation of anglers and fly tiers.

🌿

Conservation

Protecting fisheries and aquatic resources for future generations.

💙

Healing

Promoting the therapeutic benefits of fly tying and fly fishing.

What We Offer

Services & Programs

From a single custom fly to a full speaking engagement, every service Bill and Tina offer carries the same commitment — heart, craft, and purpose.

Custom Hand-Tied Flies

Every fly is hand-tied to order by a Master Fly Tier. Freshwater, saltwater, guide series, competition, collector, and framed display flies available.

  • Trout, Bass & Panfish Flies
  • Redfish, Striper & Tarpon
  • Carp & Musky Flies
  • Collector & Display Flies
Order Custom Flies

Fly Tying Classes

From first-timer to advanced tyer — group and private instruction available in-person. Learn the tools, materials, and techniques that catch real fish.

  • Beginner: Tools & Basics
  • Intermediate: Nymphs, Dries & Streamers
  • Advanced: Saltwater & Realistic Flies
  • Private & Group Sessions
Inquire About Classes

Public Speaking

Inspiring talks for corporate events, veteran organizations, schools, conservation groups, and community gatherings. Bill's story moves audiences.

  • "Fly Tying Saved My Life"
  • "Fly Fishing as Therapy"
  • "Leadership Through Service"
  • "Building Communities Through Fly Fishing"
Book a Speaking Date

Therapeutic Programs

Structured fly-tying programs designed to help veterans, cancer survivors, youth in foster care, and individuals with PTSD find peace through the craft.

  • Project Healing Waters Partner
  • Casting for Recovery
  • The Mayfly Project
  • Boy Scouts & Schools
Partner with Us

Community Impact

Where Fly Fishing Meets Hope

A percentage of every sale and engagement goes directly to organizations serving those who need it most. This isn't charity — it's purpose.

100,000Flies tied for charitable causes
1,000+New fly tiers taught
10,000+People inspired through speaking

Communities We Serve

🎖️Veterans & PTSD Recovery
👶Foster Children & Youth
🎗️Cancer Survivors
People with Disabilities
🌱Youth Conservation
🏫Schools & Scouting

Proud Partners & Organizations

Project Healing WatersCasting for RecoveryThe Mayfly ProjectSouthern Fly Tyers GuildCarolina Fly Fishing ClubPatterson SchoolVA ProgramsBoy Scouts of AmericaCasting for HopeTrout UnlimitedFly Fishers International
Tie For A Cause™

Bill's signature charity fly-tying event model — already established across the Southeast through clubs, schools, and organizations — with a goal to expand nationally. Sponsorships available from $100–$10,000 per event.

Sponsor an Event

Voices of the Vise

Stories From Those I've Taught

The real measure of this work isn't the flies — it's the people. Here's what students, veterans, and community members say about their time at the vise.

"After three tours overseas, I came home lost. Bill's fly-tying class gave me something I hadn't felt in years — peace. Sitting at that vise, my hands finally stopped shaking. He didn't just teach me to tie flies; he helped me tie my life back together."

Sgt. David R. (Ret.)

U.S. Marine Corps · Project Healing Waters

"Bill is not only a skilled and talented artisan, but a true ambassador for the craft. His passion and expertise are unmatched."

David Everheart

Jacobs Fork Fly Tying

"Bill is a deeply dedicated and passionate fly tyer and teacher who shares his love of tying with the next generation. Tirelessly coordinating the fly tying community for events and education, all while displaying a degree of mastery when it comes to the traditional art."

Rob Aitken

General Manager - Maggie Valley Fly Shop

"Bill has consistently demonstrated both expertise and passion in his work. he provided instruction at the Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival and Outdoor Show in 2024 and 2025, and 2026 further strengthening the club’s presence within the broader fly-fishing community."

Steve Patterson Sr.

Father Figure to Santa

"Bills strong leadership skills lead the club, emphasizing on fly tying and casting skills. Along with that he was the Organizer and Instructor – “Tie-A-Thon” and “Tie for a Cause Saturdays”, Director of Fly Tying – Maggie Valley Fly Fishing & Outdoor Show, Director of Fly Tying – FFI Southeastern Council, to just name a few. He is a very accomplished fly tier and able to teach from beginners to advanced tiers."

James Mackey

Project Healing Waters and Carolina Fly Fishing Club

"I have been associated with Bill for over 5 years and have benefited greatly from his willingness to volunteer and teach fly tying techniques over that time. I have helped organize and attended many events and classes where Bill either lead the group or played a major role in meetings. Bill has helped Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing in the classroom and participated in the making of a fly tying video for training purposes. His knowledge, technique, and teaching skills have been constantly improving. He is a valued member and asset to our organization and the local fishing community in the greater Charlotte area, and the Western NC area. Thank you,"

Joseph Parente

Program Lead PHW. Charlotte NC

The Fly Tying Santa demonstrating fly tying at the vise
▶ Watch a Tie

Watch & Follow

Tying Demos &
Entertaining Videos

From step-by-step fly-tying tutorials to behind-the-vise stories and the occasional fishing misadventure — follow along as Bill shares the craft, the humor, and the heart of The Fly Tying Santa. New videos drop regularly, so hit follow and never miss a tie.

Subscribe on YouTube for full tying demonstrations, or catch the short clips on TikTok & Instagram.

Get In Touch

Let's Make
Something Happen

Whether you need a dozen custom trout flies, want Bill to speak at your next event, or are interested in partnering for a therapeutic program — send a message and Bill or Tina will reply personally.

🪝

Custom Fly Orders

Freshwater, saltwater, collector, display flies — all hand-tied to order.

🎤

Speaking Engagements

Available for corporate events, veteran groups, schools, conservation orgs.

🤝

Therapeutic Programs

Partner with us to bring fly tying to veterans, youth, or cancer survivors.

📅

Tie For A Cause™ Events

Sponsor or host a charity fly-tying event in your community.

📍 Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina

Serving the Southeast and available nationwide for speaking and events.

Send a Message

Your message goes directly to Bill & Tina's inbox.

🎣 The Fly Tying Santa, LLC

Kannapolis, North Carolina · Tina & Bill Jewett

© 2026 The Fly Tying Santa, LLC. All rights reserved. · "Tying Flies, Changing Lives."

base44
Edit with Base44