I am also going to try something new on my blog. I have been tying flies for about (35) years now. I have taught many fly tying classes and have appeared as a guest tyer at past FFF conclaves and Regional Expos.
Now, I am not trying to offend anyone or toot my own horn. I am simply attempting to imply that I have had many trials and tribulations at the vise and lots of experience with various tying materials. That being said, I will assure you that my concept in fly tying is different than a lot of folks. I don't tie Dry Flies for Trout, but, Foam Spiders and the like for Bluegill and an occasional Largemouth Bass. I do tie Nymphs and Streamers and Leeches for Warm Water species and also for Trout. I don't tie "cute" flies, although, my wife disagrees with me. What I do tie, primarily, are buggy, effective, easy to tie patterns that don't take much time or talent. They do catch fish! If I lose one that is no big deal. I just grab another and get after those fishies! I don't buy expensive hackle for Dry Flies, and really, not even for the popular Wooly Bugger type flies much anymore. The price of good hackle just scares me when I look at it now. I am a senior citizen living on a fixed budget, so maintaining my costs are critical. Anyway, all of this blabbering to let you know that I have decided to post some of my current work at the vise on my blog. You will note at the top of the left hand sidebar a picture of a current fly under the title of "FROM MY VISE".
This will be where I will select a certain pattern and have as good a picture as I could get of the pattern when completed. If you happen to see one that you like leave a comment for me over on my "From My Vise" page. You can go to the link for the page just under the blog header and see which patterns I have posted there. If anyone needs further information or is interested in tying instructions let me know and I will see what I can do for you. I am not a person who shoots video, but, I can send along a materials list and tying instructions if that would be handy for you.
Thanks for letting me share some fly tying with you all!
Mel I look forward to you sharing your experience and wisdom with us from the vice. Take care and tight lines sir.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend, for your comment. Hope to share as I go along here something that will benefit all of my readers. I have lots of experiences and considerable knowledge if I can just remember where I put it!
DeleteMel, good to read your blog. No dry flies?????Is that not anti-American? Just kidding! I too have been tying flies for 30+ years or should I say I try tying flies. My pattern sometime work to perfection and sometimes, well lets say not so perfect. But just to catch a fish on your own tied fly, well I guess it doesn't get much better than that.
ReplyDeleteWell, Cousin, it is great to see you stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. They are always welcome here. I don't know about that Anti-American thing, though. I don't tie Dry flies, but, I have purchased enough over time to whet my appetite for feeding fish on the surface. Nothing about fly fishing is ever perfect. Wouldn't be any fun if it was always easy. Yup, catching a fish on your own fly is a whole new perspective on things.
DeleteI used to hardly fish the flies I tied because I had no confidence in them. Now it's the other way around. 90% of the time I'm fishing flies I have tied. The one thing about tying that beats buying is you can create EXACTLY what you want. Sometimes you just can't find what you want even if you did want to buy it. Your only choice is to tie it.
ReplyDeleteKevin, thanks for chiming in on fly tying. If you are going to bother to tie flies, you might as well fish them. Most of us are too critical of appearance of our flies when we first start out. Fish are not that picky! If your flies catch fish don't worry about what someone else might say or think. After all the fish are the judge!
DeleteMel, SOME FLIES catch FISH, some FLIES CATCH FISHERMEN!!! SOMETIMES they CATCH BOTH!!!!!! My FAVORITE FLY is the ONE in my VICE, and the ONE on the END OF MY LINE!!!!!!! YOU GO BUDDY!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHello, Greg, welcome to my blog and thanks for leaving a comment. They are always welcome here! I think your comment is a really good one. Great approach to fly tying and fly fishing. Alas, the best fish I ever caught will be the next one I catch.
DeleteToday is the day.
ReplyDeleteKeeping my fingers crossed, Mark. Have a good time with the trout!
DeleteMel, you are truly classy guy. I thought you were kidding about being a fly tyer...I guess not.
ReplyDeleteHoward, I am always one to be kidding around..........................
DeleteBut, classy guy, I don't know about that.
That is some big shoes to fill.
If you ever run out of flies, I have a few Raggedy Andy's for you!
Mel
ReplyDeleteI have got to learn this fly tying thing, I envy all you guys--thanks for sharing
Bill, it is my pleasure to share with all my readers. Fly Tying is just as addicting as fly fishing. From what I know of you, via your blog, I believe that you would be a fine fly tyer. I say that because you have the "Passion" for fly fishing and I think it would just carry over to fly tying. BTW, even the River Damsel has started tying her own bugs. Let me know if I can help push you off the edge in any manner.
DeleteGreat post, Mel. I appreciate the simpleness you utilize in your flies. I like that.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing that is great about fly fishing is as anglers, we can make the sport as simple or complicated as we like. We all start off pretty basic, some of us take it to complicated levels and stay there, and some of us revert back to the basics. I'd like to think I keep things simple. It sure doesn't look simple (or minimalist) when I hit the water, though.
I like the thought of using rubber spiders on trout. I have not tried this. I will be sure to this season.
Thanks, Dave, for the comment and visit. It is very interesting how a fly fisher can be whole hog and go as far as they want with the sport, while others recognize the simplicity of it and choose to challenge themselves in that manner. You know, why would not a trout inhale rubber spiders? They hit rubber legged hopper patterns like crazy. Keep it simple!
DeleteMel! Nice addition and I look forward to see your buggy flies! I look forward to the new blog addition. We will have to swap some patterns. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Al. I have always been a guy who didn't think he tied flies to perfection, but, to catch fish. I would rather tie my own and get skunked than to purchase a fly anymore these days. Except, maybe for a dry fly, now and then. Give me a shout sometime and we will swap a few!
DeleteI could not agree more....the buggier the better! When you are catching it is great when you are catching on your own flies...priceless! Send me your mailing address on the noconympher@gmail.com and I would love to send ya some of the nymphs I tie and Ill even send some warm water excuses for flies but the bass on the tooth love them....
DeleteHey, Al, I would be glad to share a few with you. I hope you know what you are getting into. If you like "buggy", I can handle that. Will send an email along shortly.
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