Fly Tyers
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Out of curiosity, for those who practice fly tying, what amount of time passed after starting to flyfish before you decided to begin this new challenge? Were there any immediate regrets? I’m just wondering if there is any normal progression of events/knowledge related to this topic.
Steven
I started about a year after I started fly fishing. I don’t think I ever had many regrets, but I do think my expectations were a bit high as fly tying is really a skill that takes a lot of time to master. For a time I was very obsessed with getting the fly just right and would always walk away from the vise a little depressed because I was progressing so slow. I think the most important thing would be to focus in on patterns you like to fish and that produce well for the type of fishing you like to do. For me fly tying becomes very rewarding when I catch fish on the flies that I have made. I don’t think I will ever be a great fly tyer because many of the tyers I admire are artists and I never see myself quite getting to their level, but I don’t make flies to make them beautiful (although i can turn out some nice ones these days).
People may disagree with me, but I think getting into tying to save money on flies is a bit of mistake. Every tyer I know is always buying this and that and it all seems to ad up very fast. Perhaps its because I always prefere to go to the fly shop so I can see what I am buying and to talk fishing. I think that is worth a little of a premium.
-LH
I don’t remember exactly when I started to tie. I think I got serious about it when I started fishing tailwaters and simply couldn’t find the flies I needed to immitate the specific hatches I was encountering. I had a fishing partner who is an excellent tyer who taught me most of what I know. If you get into it, I would strongly encourage you to seek out a knowledgeable tyer or take a class that so many shops offer now. A good tyer can speed up the learning curve quite a bit and take some of the frustration out of it.
I started tying pretty quickly and I don’t have any regrets but do keep in mind that you probably won’t save any money.
I really appreciate all of the advice. I have entertained the idea of fly tying as a new hobby for several months, but am still wondering if, at this stage in learning to flyfish, my time and money would be better served towards other gear (i.e. heavier/lighter weight rods/reels, specialized fly lines, etc.). I definately agree with all of your comments on the economics of fly tying. I am certainly not naive enough to believe that tying as a means for saving money would apply in my case. Presumably, like most of you, I am too much of a gear lover to realize any amount of profit margin.
Carter,
Thanks for your offer. I will definately contact you in the next several weeks. As for tying “non-trout” flies, if I do get into the hobby the vast majority of my interest will be geared towards streamers and other warm water creations (as most of my fishing time is spent in this area).
Steven
I like your thinking, Steven!
There is so much to learn and if you have the need, to buy, just to fly fish effectively that you might do well to hold off.
I had no desire to tie until 12-15 years ago. First off, just learning how to fly fish properly, with the time allowed between work and family, limited my free time. Besides, I had it made for a while with my wife tying what I thought I needed! The birth of kids wrecked that great set up!
Everyone is different but if I had it to do all over again I’m pretty sure I would do the same. By learning more about what flies I needed before getting into tying must have saved me some bucks in wasted material.Sounds good and I can show you how to tie most of the primary nymphs and stuff for Arkansas trout waters, but yeah I mostly do streamers and stuff for warm and saltwaters.
Fly tying doesn’t have to be expensive to start out with, it might snowball quickly but you can get up and going for a relatively minimal amount of $$$.
Carter,
Something I forgot to ask earlier, do you ever attend any of the Arkansas Fly Fishers meetings? They typically convene every third Monday of the month at Whole Hog Cafe which, coincidently, is about a mile from where I live. I have read that they occasionaly have fly tying instruction and discussions.
Steven
No Steven, I’ve never seemed to gain much from the whole club thing; but then I’ve never been to one of that particular group’s meetings so perhaps I’m just being stubborn.
I started tying flies before I started flyfishing. The gentlemen who taught me the sport made sure I knew how to tie flies, before they would take me flyfishing. They taught me when I was twelve, and it was at least 4 months of teaching to tie, before I got to fish. I would have to say that having learned at such a young age, and having tied commercially for a bit, it is a cost savings compared to purchasing flies. (This is mainly true because I can amoritze the cost of all my tools equipment over many years 😉 )
Even if it does cost more, the depth that the ability to tie your own flies brings to your experience of flyfishing is completely worth it.
Case in point– as a young spin fisherman I would drool over new lures that would be advertised in fishing rags, and have to wait until the local tackle store had them available.
But the very day I learn of a ‘new’ fly pattern- I can go home and tie some up. The very day I need to modify a fly based on streamside input- I can tie up a new fly- heck- I can even sometimes tie up a needed fly at my car along side the stream if I bring my kit.
And one of the great things about tying- others are always willing to help out– unlike a secret spot, there is no secret fly that someone would be unwilling to share with you.
I have taught many to tie and there is no better feeling than sharing that gift with someone.So no regrets whatsoever- and progession of tying is— buying more stuff.
Dan
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