Post by dpiscator on Mar 27, 2009 9:22:03 GMT -4
I know the fishing season never ends for some of the lucky few western US folk, but I can’t say enough how excited I am for my season to begin in just four short days (NY trout season... I fish both NY and PA). The anticipation is something comparable to Christmas for me, only instead of spending money on gifts for family and friends, I’m spending it on fly tying materials, leaders, and tippet. I have officially entered panic mode, and it feels great. Naturally, streamers are the hot item at my fly tying bench. Wood Specials, Grey ghost variations and giant white wulffs have accumulated in my fly box, as well as a few custom nymph patterns. I’ve done my homework this season more than ever, and I can proudly say I’m prepared for anything the rivers and creeks throws my way.
I learned a considerable amount of tricks and techniques at the vice from tying masters Mike Martinek and David Klausmeyer during the L.L.Bean Fishing Expo. Tie off your thread often, select a vice that best suits you, and make use of your mother’s nail polish (sorry mom!). My classic streamers are nowhere near the quality I hope they might become, but I’m sure Martinek would be proud with my progress. Frustrating as it might be, I’m still trying to figure out where the money saving aspect of fly tying seems to have gone. Twenty five dollars for a cape here and a cape there has the potential to turn into a ton of flies, but lost time can be more costly than lost money when your paying off bills, mortages, and putting 2 boys through private school. Still, Fly Tying is a hobby I’m proud I picked up, and one that I’m sure I’ll continue well past the days I can cast a line. There is something simple and peaceful about this complex form of art, and I won’t even pretend that I have it all figured out. What I do know is that the satisfaction I get from completing a clean looking fly is something that can’t be understood unless you’ve actually done it. While I still consider fly fishing my favorite hobby, I can certainly see how some of the best fly tyers in the world might not even be fishing anymore. What makes it even more exciting is that my DEFINING moment in tying has yet to arrive. Everyone tells me catching your first HUGE over 20 + fish on a personal creation is a feeling like no other, so I’m sure you’ll get a huge article when that day comes.
DP
www.jjsjigs.com
I learned a considerable amount of tricks and techniques at the vice from tying masters Mike Martinek and David Klausmeyer during the L.L.Bean Fishing Expo. Tie off your thread often, select a vice that best suits you, and make use of your mother’s nail polish (sorry mom!). My classic streamers are nowhere near the quality I hope they might become, but I’m sure Martinek would be proud with my progress. Frustrating as it might be, I’m still trying to figure out where the money saving aspect of fly tying seems to have gone. Twenty five dollars for a cape here and a cape there has the potential to turn into a ton of flies, but lost time can be more costly than lost money when your paying off bills, mortages, and putting 2 boys through private school. Still, Fly Tying is a hobby I’m proud I picked up, and one that I’m sure I’ll continue well past the days I can cast a line. There is something simple and peaceful about this complex form of art, and I won’t even pretend that I have it all figured out. What I do know is that the satisfaction I get from completing a clean looking fly is something that can’t be understood unless you’ve actually done it. While I still consider fly fishing my favorite hobby, I can certainly see how some of the best fly tyers in the world might not even be fishing anymore. What makes it even more exciting is that my DEFINING moment in tying has yet to arrive. Everyone tells me catching your first HUGE over 20 + fish on a personal creation is a feeling like no other, so I’m sure you’ll get a huge article when that day comes.
DP
www.jjsjigs.com