Invariably someone asks me, “what’s the hardest thing in fly tying?” Most expect me to mention the multiple hours it takes to complete a fully dressed salmon fly, or a knotted leg attempt at realism – involving lots of glue and much effort, but those are simply mechanical tasks and may be time consuming, but [...]

Many would say that nothing in fly fishing is more addictive, the lure of the surface fly and the visual take. Most would insist that no component of fly tying is more expensive, as the surface fly and accompanying visuals come at a horrific price. A novice stands in front of the abyss, the friends [...]

As we mentioned in Parts 1 & 2, the measure of true fly beauty is held by fish not humans. Unfortunately only averaging  9 days afield your flies are viewed most by people, and suffering their continual criticisms can make a fly tyer resign himself to please both anglers and quarry. … and in the doing, [...]

Us semi-pro eBay reel collectors are occasional victims of unchecked avarice – greed mostly. The pictures omit the missing screw, the bent rim, and the seller that’s hoping you won’t notice an unsightly wobble or loose spool. That’s because we’ve got visions of Sugarplums dancing – the missing 3 1/4″ Hardy Princess Multiplier that we’ve [...]

About five dollars worth of Mohair is enough to make you the next Picasso. It’s cheap, blends well, and available in a blizzard of colors. Making custom dubbing is easy when your mistakes aren’t costly – enabling you to take those risks that end in great reward.

This is the weekend where you remember Opening Day is only a scant 14 days away. Tomorrow “Momma” is going to wonder why you’re mowing the lawn without her having to ask six times, why you’re suddenly attentive, and why that squeaking laundry room door suddenly claims your undivided attention. She’ll remember as soon as your behavior [...]

In Part 2 of the series, I find the physics and timing of a one hand rod are of little help. The slap of the water has to be timed and positioned, and throws even an experienced caster into utter confusion. I have a better feel for Spey casting and focus on the Snake Roll and Snap T casts.

Buying old tackle off of eBay can be a hellish addiction. Nothing can prepare you for seeing fine old tackle in need of adoption. I spent four months learning the lessons of the electronic marketplace; its heartbeat, foibles, and the feeding patterns of its many predators. Perhaps some of the lessons I learned can assist you in getting a couple of good deals or filling is some basic need, just watch your billfold and try to avoid the addiction.

Anglers in a pack can be a lot of fun, with today’s urban fisheries and too many fishermen after too few fish, it’s time to brush up on your social skills and learn how not to be the boorish lout that everyone talks about. Miss Manners won’t touch this so it’s up to me to tell you which is the soup spoon and which the salad fork.

Fly tiers have it a bit easier come Spring, all those rainy days allows us to address holes in the fly box – we always wait till the last minute, but the theory of “winter tying” is sound. The rest of you will procrastinate as well, but that initial outlay of cash for flies each [...]