Peter,
Yes, I also flyfish
Most of my trips last year involved fly fishing, and a recent trip to the bay with 4 others a few weeks ago was a strictly a fly fishing trip. This year, unless I am chasing bass offshore, I plan for all of my trips to be fly fishing orientated.
It's funny about Mel. I tried to contact him about a month ago and Fanny responded to my E-Mail and told me he was not going to be back from Patagonia until March or April. I contacted him about getting some group lessons in Northern California (which is about 10 hours by car from where I live), but she said he's not giving group lessons anymore, but he would be glad to do a private lesson with a few people. I have never met him in person but only know of him from his reputation and videos. I'm curious, How are you going to get some lessons with him? I dunno know if you know who Jack Dennis is, but I spent a day with him last month with a fly fishing club and had a great time. He was a really knowledgeable and very nice guy.
Take Care,
Perry