Tying with Kids...Round 2

Tying up a storm...A beautiful sight

I was beginning to question my rationale.  I had only just returned from a two week trip abroad and the tying clinic was on Saturday!  "Stay calm," I thought.  With all arrangements seemingly in place, maybe my anxiety was unwarranted.  But I get this way when I host events.  I want to ensure each and every participant finds value in what we are offering, especially with a tying clinic.

This was the 2nd annual Kids Tying clinic, and I was excited to have nine children signed up to participate.  Tim Bjork and Jason Burt were kind enough to join as Tuesday Tyer expert instructors, and Nick Lowery from the Capital Journal joined to share his love for the sport.  Of course, many parents stuck around as well and really helped out.

After some careful reflection, all of the Tuesday Tyers who participated had so many positive things to say about the students in this year's class.  To the four first-year students: your determination and excitement fueled the fire within all of us.  Trying something new can be difficult, but you showed no signs of distress or discomfort.  The immediate skill at the vice was also a surprise to us.  Some of the flies produced by these first time tyers rival those that come from all of our vises, and I'd be willing to bet that they will catch just as many fish (which is a lot)  : )

To the returning students: we have officially dubbed you all "rogue tyers".  This was so fun to see from our perspective, because as a fly tyer, experimentation is a part of learning.  After that first fly, you were ready and willing to try some new patterns.  My constant requests for questions were only met with, "nope, we're good" replies.  Fur and feathers were flying everywhere as you were swapping fish stories and pattern advice.  If you ever wondered what the Tuesday Tyers crew does during the winter time, all you needed to do was look to that table of kids.  That's basically it...  Again, the skill and excitement shown at the vice brought us all a lot of joy.


So from all of the Tuesday Tyers, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in this fun event.  We could not have done it without some great sponsors and local businesses who helped out a bunch.  Please check them out when you have some time, and support fly fishing in South Dakota.  Their logos are listed below.  

We hope to continue this tradition next spring, hopefully making it more beneficial for all in attendance.  Until that time, please make a commitment to get your children out with a fly rod.  Whether in the backyard or off the dock, practice will help build confidence, and that will help them catch more fish.  Getting out on the water wouldn't hurt either, so get out and enjoy some parent sibling time!   Have a great summer!  

Nothin to it but to DO IT!

Here mousey, mousey...

Mousing has been around for a while.  I equate it, in a way, to carp fishing.  A lot of people have been doing it for a long time, just not the people who write or make videos about their excursions.  I've wanted to tie on a mouse pattern for some time now.  Daydreaming of a big largemouth or rainbow crashing the surface for a swimming rodent makes me salivate.  At the tying vise, however, my hesitancy would kick in and I would opt for a pattern I'm more comfortable with.  I was fearful that I could not tie a mouse pattern.  Even with only myself at the table, I feared a blow to my ego and potentially to my tying.

And then I received something that turned everything around.  A gift from my uncle.   Flies he had found when cleaning out my grandfather's things after he had passed away.  There were two of them, large, gaudy, obnoxious.  Thick clumps of deer hair tied on with what looked to be butchers yarn.  Thick white yarn holding on one large, long clump of deer hair.  One of the things I am sure to tell kids who are just starting out with tying is, "there are two types of flies...flies that fish like, and flies that fisherman like".  That is something I had forgotten while tying lately.  Everything has been precise and aesthetically pleasing to me.   I began developing the mentality that beautiful flies will catch fish.

I'm fairly certain that my grandpa didn't tie, so those flies my uncle gave to me must have been tied by his brother, uncle Donny.  They weren't pretty or neat in any way.  But I'm confident they would catch a fish.  My confidence was riding high.  "I can tie a little old mouse pattern," I though.  Turns out, I could.  It was not only easy, it was ascetically pleasing and realistic.  I did work hard to make it that way, but if it hadn't turned out like that, I wouldn't have minded.  They will be tested this weekend in locations where hungry bass and trout call home.  Heck, maybe I'll even try out the flies that inspired my work.  My confidence is riding high.

If you have considered tying a patter that you think will kill it on your local water, but are hesitant to take the jump, I only say this.  You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.  If you never attempt to tie a patter, you never will.  Get busy tyin when you don't feel like tryin...

Walker's Cay Chronicles

Here is a great resource for anyone interested in watching some old episodes of Walker's Cay Chronicles.  Great storytelling, genuine enthusiasm for the sport and for nature, and some awesome fish.  No Rock 'n' Roll, heavy metal hero shots required!  Enjoy...

http://hellsbayboatworks.com/media-pages/media-walkers-cay-chronicles-1

Fly fishing Misconceptions

Stock dam largie on an articulated worm

"You can't fly fish in Pierre...Can you?"  

"Don't you have to go to the hills to fly fish?"  

"I didn't know you could catch bass and walleye on a fly rod."  

"Isn't fly fishing just for trout?"

When I first got into fly-fishing, I thought much the same about this great sport.  Of course, I loved catching trout, and fly fishing is a very effective way to do that.  But I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I would be hammering huge white/smallmouth/largemouth bass, northern pike, carp, walleye, buffalo, gar, catfish, chinook salmon, crappie, bluegill, perch and yes...rainbow trout, all from the finest state capital in the country, and all on the fly.

I participated in the free kids fishing weekend at Downs Marina this past weekend by doing fly tying demonstrations for all the kids after they got off the water.  A great event for kids in the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area.  I was encouraged by all the great questions asked by kids interested in what I was doing and the flies I have tied.  "What fly is hardest to tie?" "What is your favorite fur to use?" "What is your favorite fish to catch on a fly?"  "What can you catch with this fly?"  It was really great to chat with kids about the effectiveness of fly fishing and how it relates to the type of fishing they've grown to love.

The parents, on the other hand, were shocked to see me at such an event.  The questions at the start of this post were prevalent.  But that's ok!  It was great to chat with people interested in the sport of fly fishing.  Even better, it was awesome to dispel some prevailing myths in my home city.  My favorite bit of dialog came soon after I had finished tying a murdich minnow:

Interested Pierre resident:  So do you just tip that with a minnow then?
Me:  Nope, this, by itself, is the minnow
Resident:  And they eat that??  (his reaction was priceless)

I'm not surprised by the responses.  It's not a big thing in South Dakota.  Especially in one of the Walleye meccas where a white bass is considered a nuisance to many and carp are considered "ugly" and "slimy".  I welcome the chance to tell people about what I do, why I do it, and how I believe it will likely be the next big thing in South Dakota fishing adventures.

I also believe spreading knowledge will help advance the sport as a whole.  Engaging young people is paramount, but any opportunity to inform adults about the benefits of fly fishing need to be cherished.  I made a lot of progress with the general public this past weekend.  I look forward to future conversations about this "next big thing" in South Dakota fishing.  

Fly Tying Tuesday: Nail polish a DIY tool

"Don't look at me! I'm hideous!"  #pinkie : )

There are times when inspiration hits me and I just have to hit the vise to tie a very particular pattern.  More often, I'll run across a patter in a magazine or catalog that I'd like to try tying.  Such was the case last night when I ran across a recipe for "the pinkie" in Fly Tyer Magazine along with an anecdote detailing its effectiveness on wild brown and rainbow trout.

The Pinkie is typically tied on a streamer hook and is all pink.  Pink marabou tail, pink chenille body, pink hackle and pink bead head.  With no streamer hooks immediately on hand and with me being to lazy to venture to the garage for the proper materials, I thought I would see how this would look in more of a nymph look.  I also didn't have any pink bead heads, as I've never used them before.  Still determined to give this a shot, I ran to my wife's box of nail polish, found the perfect color and began to paint my masterpiece. I was pumped.

Turns out, nail polish takes much more time to dry than an anxious fly tyer has to wait, so I began tying in hopes of avoiding a mess.  Short story long, it didn't work out as well as I had hoped.  Heck, I'd eat the bug if I had a chance, but it's just not as pretty as I'd like it to be.  Moral of the story, paint 'em before you tie 'em.  This is a great options for those of us who have more black, copper and silver beads than we know what to do with and are looking to try something new.  Get a few beads painted up ahead of time and give them plenty of time to dry.  Add some sally hanson's hard as nails to make them extra durable.  It's also easy to paint them on the hook, just hold off on your tying until you know they're dry.

The Brown Fly

My mom got me some cool magazines from across the pond for an unexpected xmas gift.  It's been fun to read about different flies, unique techniques and hear insider tips from guides in other countries.  I came across a recipe for a classic Salmon fly called the "Brown Fly" in Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Magazine.  This fly originated in Ireland and Scotland, becoming popular on dark windy days on slower runs.  It is a pattern by William Blacker (1850) and has gone through a number of transformations since then.

While chasing the big rainbows that move into the marina in the winter/spring months, I've heard stories from other fisherman who have experienced success.  One story from my neighbor quickly came to mind when reading about this fly.  He recalls fishing the marina with a "big brown fly with wings" and doing very well with the big rainbows and fall salmon.  Dark, windy days are commonplace in Pierre (especially so far this year), so I tied up a variation of the Brown Fly to try on the next gloomy day.  My wife thinks it should be called the Cardinal.   I don't know about that.  I just think it'll catch fish...

Of the "Brown Fly" variety.  Pumped to try it. 

Fly Tying Tuesday: The Kreelex

Last weekend was so much fun for me.  It only accounted for three fish (and almost a few other monsters) and was thanks, in large part, to The Kreelex.  The Kreelex is a fly composed of all flash and is almost irresistible to trout.  I've tied this pattern in silver and gold for rainbows, but gold and copper work well for brownies.  Tie some of these up and go hammer some early season trout.  Great pattern in the winter as well.  Double peace!

Tying Tuesday Result: The Zebra Midge

This year's Tuesday Tyer sessions have been more of an opportunity for me to take in some fun stories and tell some of my own.  I would be lucky to tie two flies in the three hour session.  This past tuesday was different.  While stories were still prevalent, I hunkered down to get some flies tied.  Zebra midges and big streamers were on the menu.  Check out the tying video for the Zebra Midge below.  A quick and easy pattern that will produce throughout the year.

When I first started fly fishing, I couldn't believe some of the tiny patterns featured in fly shop bins.  "How the heck does thread catch fish?" I thought.  Well, when I finally had an opportunity to see these bugs in my seine net, I had a better understanding as to why these patterns work so well.  Next time you're fishing in spring or fall, or are in the middle of a midge hatch, do a quick seine to see the larva present.  You'll see why small and easy is the way to go.  Enjoy the video!

Fly Tying video 101

I'm definitely a novice when it comes to fly-tying videos and tutorials.  I love the hobby, I tie effective fly patters, but it turns out I've been doing it all wrong!!  Hank Paterson shows how a real fly tying video should be made.

Fly Tying Tuesday: DIY Rubber Legs

Various sizes and diameters inside as well

The insides of my old bungee cord

As a novice fly-tyer (and very frugal individual), I often struggle to justify spending $4.00 for a pack of rubber legs.  I know, it's not that bad.  But if you are purchasing a number of colors along with many other tying material required, that can be a pretty big expense as a newbie.  For that reason, I've been searching for ways to "cheat the system" while getting fly-tying materials for little or nothing.  That is why I was so pumped to stumble upon a great source for rubber legs while cleaning out the garage last weekend.  

I use bungee cords all of the time.  Whether I'm strapping down the boat cover, securing camping supplies on the trailer, or filling a tube-less tire, bungee cords are convenient, cheap and readily available.  The elastic material of a bungee cord is usually made of natural or synthetic rubber strands bound together by a fabric covering (we're not talking about the thick black cords here).  These strands are in large number, extensible (great stretch factor), durable and exist in varying diameters within a single bungee.

Extraction was relatively easy.  I was in my Spouse Approved Location (SAL) to remove the nylon cover.  This was a messy process with a knife.  I'd use an exacto next time around.  While I've yet to utilize these while tying, I can't wait to explore the possibilities.  I'll be dying them next week and using them in some articulated streamer patters I'm tying for the Bighorn River in April.  I'd be interested to hear if these have worked for you in the past, or if there are some other ways you've "cheated the fly-tying system" to create effective patters with unconventional materials.  My unconventional list of materials is growing all the time.  I'll post it when it gets large enough so we can all compare notes.  What is your favorite?

Fly Tying Tuesday on Wednesday: The Marabou Clouser

I wanted to post this yesterday, but did not get to it.  Hanging out with the little ones was just too fun!  Anyway, this is my favorite pattern for spring white bass, smallies, northern pike, walleye (yes walleye!), crappie and largemouth.  You can use it all year in cold water, warm water, even saltwater!  Presentation is key with the marabou clouser, and is very species and condition dependent.  Smallies typically like a more erratic retrieve, whereas whitey-fords and eyes will prefer a slow strip and stop approach in the spring.  A few things to note when planning to tie a clouser:

• I do not, typically, make wraps on the marabou behind the eyes.  I like the fact that it "flares out" in the water, and makes it move even when standing still.  Many strikes come when this fly is not even moving.  I have, however, tied it like that and have still caught fish.  Whatever you prefer.  
• Mix it up!  I love the fact that you can mix and match materials to improve this fly's catchability given specific fishing conditions.  Try craft fur or superhair instead of bucktail, a soft hackle collar behind the real eyes, or maybe a sharpie to bar the marabou.  
• Tie it sparsely and don't worry too much about being as neat as possible.  Again, the fish like it thin and they are not going to critique your tying skills before they munch on it.  
• My favorite color combinations include chartreuse/white(spring), blue/white(spring & fall), white/white (summer).  Other colors would work too, so tie up some orange, pinks, black/browns, etc.  

Enjoy the video!

Tying the San Juan Worm

This is one of my favorite nymphing patterns of all time.  It catches fish all year and is an easy tie.  I'll be using it next week when I head out to Rapid City to attend the Fly Fishing Film Tour.  Give this fly a shot next time you have a few deeper holding fish who seem to be dieting.  A nice big "worm" will likely be the thing that brings them to eat...and to hand.

Fly Tying Tuesday: Equipment Makes a Difference

Tying tools ready to create

If you are new to fly tying, I have a very important message for all of you:  QUALITY FLY TYING TOOLS MATTER!

Just as a master woodworker will use only the best products to produce his masterpieces, or the most popular home builder will utilize the highest quality materials; the quality of your fly tying tools and equipment will be in direct correlation to the ease and efficiency at which your patters are created.  I'm not going to list "the best" tying products and materials because that is a very subjective argument.  I like what I like because it is the right fit for my tying style.  Some tyers may have a much better experience with a particular vise or bobbin because it fits their style a bit better than it would another fly-tyer.  Diligent research, experimentation, and an objective, critical review of your experience will be the best way to determine what tools may be the best fit for you and the patters you are interested in tying.

If you have yet to dive into fly-tying, or have recently picked up the "hobby", I don't want to deter you from purchasing those products you have had your eyes on, or give the impression that the goods you've recently purchased are not up to par.  I'm just speaking from personal experience.

If I would have had access to quality fly-tying gear and materials, I would have been enamored with this pastime many years ago.  I began fly-tying in college.  We found an old NOLL fly-tying kit at my grandfather's house.  Included were various tying materials (feathers, furs, etc.), threads, ribbing materials, floss, hackle pliers and an instruction manual.  As a college student, with an increasing interest in fly fishing, this was the perfect find.

"IT'S FUN!"

"IT'S EASY!"

"TIE YOUR OWN!"

Little did I know, bobbins really make the fly-tying process work well.  This kit, on the other hand, guides you  to a finished fly by hand and hackle pliers.  A very difficult task for an impatient college kid.  I didn't do the research, I didn't put more effort into it, I gave up.  

Five year's later, I find the same kit in my crawl space.  This time, I do some research.  Dave Cammiss' site "Learn Fly Tying" was a major reason I stuck with it the second time around.  I still hadn't learned my lesson, however, and purchased the cheapest products I could find.  Frugal by nature, I thought, "A vise is a vise".  I know so much better now.  I realize that bobbins, vises, threads, scissors, materials, lighting and head cements (among everything else) are not created equal!  My second chance at tying was spent wrestling with a cheap vise, breaking thread (from the poor bobbin quality) and spending extra, unnecessary effort to tie simple patters.  This inefficient use of time taught me another valuable lesson in tying, and it will definitely not be the last.  

If you love to fly-fish, are committed to the art of tying your own flies, and want to get off to a head start;  be diligent in the purchase of your tying products and materials.  Your flies will be better (and easier to tie) because of it.  

Tuesday Tyers back in action!

The Tuesday Tyers meet every Tuesday during the winter months to tie flies, drink tea, eat cookies and give honest, accurate personal anecdotes of man triumphing over mother nature : ).  This is my third season tying with the group, and I've never been a part of something for which I get so excited to participate in.  No photo of the group right now, but they are all world class fisherman with reputations that speak for themselves.  I've learned a lot from this group of guys, and will continue to learn as we tie and fish together.  If you are not participating in (or hosting) a tying session, I highly recommend it!