fly tying

Fly tying is a craft that cloaks a fish hook in fur and feathers to imitate an insect or small baitfish. Used by fly fishermen rather than natural bait, flies are tough enough to remain on the hook during the arduous aerial gymnastics of casting.

Man has imitated natural fish food with feathers since the Greek and Roman empires - and their use of artificial lures evolved into much of the hardware used by fishermen today.

During the British colonial expansion, and its far flung colonies, many rare and endangered species lent their plumage for Salmon fishing in the British Isles. Once thought as the most noble of fish, it was assumed that salmon fed on butterflies while spawning in the rivers of Ireland, Scotland, and the British mainland.

While we know better today, it explains why a fly-tyer should never be left alone with your parrot.

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Latest blogosphere posts tagged “fly tying”

• Cal Bird’s Modified distribution wrap, for Monty Montana

  
  Singlebarbed — Authority: 425
  In last Monday’s post we described the distribution wrap , a method to make feathers that were oversized act as hackle on smaller hooks. That post described how a single segment of even flank feather could be spun around the shank as hackle. One of the more popular flies that Cal originated was the Bird’s Nest, ...
  5 hours ago

• What Flies to tie first?

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  What kind of flies should i try to tie first? I got a tool kit today for christmas. Tomoro i might go get materials. What kind of materials and hooks should i get? Thanks all merry christmas!!!
  2 days ago

• The Underground Wishes You a Merry Christmas (and Wonders Why a Fly Tyer Can’t Wrap Presents)

  
  The Trout Underground Fly Fishing Blog — Authority: 128
  You’d think a guy who regularly ties flies on hooks so small you need an scanning electron microscope to whip finish them would have no problems wrapping Christmas gifts. And naturally, if you thought that, you’d think wrong. I wrap gifts like like General Motors senses the mood of the marketplace, and that sad ...
  3 days ago

• Fly Tying Classes

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  East Jersey TU will be starting the winter session of fly tying classes on Tuesday January 5th. The classes are part of the Paramus Community School and cost $70 for 10 weeks of classes. Classes are from 7-10 pm each Tuesday. Both beginner and intermediate classes will be held. For the beginner we supply all ...
  4 days ago

• Reed Curry’s New Book!

  
  Tennessee Valley Angler — Authority: 99
  My friend Reed Curry recently sent me a copy of his new book entitled The New Scientific Angling: Trout and Ultraviolet Vision . I simply can’t say enough good things about the book, and I’m not saying that just because I consider Reed a friend. Upon getting your hands on a copy, the first thing you’ll notice ...
  5 days ago

• Super EZ Beatle

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  Here is a beatle that works very, very, well. I have caught many fish on this little bastard...I call it my personal WMD..... It is eazy as pie to tie and only takes about 5 mins. Here is the recipe.. I will call this my Xmass gift to the folks on NEFF .....It really works like a mother in summer... HOOK... ...
  5 days ago

• Nice Video Rick……….

  
  Aroostook Flyers & Tyers — Authority: 124
  
  5 days ago

• In the rare case when “inmate” coffee is an asset

  
  Singlebarbed — Authority: 425
  It was a cup of coffee that fixed my issues with upland birds and waterfowl feathers. Cal Bird had a taste for strong brew and the shop’s pot was always bubbling .. I was usually the first person at the shop and figured that if one of those neatly trimmed Styrofoam cups made the brownish “ick” we drank ...
  1 week ago

• Iso

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  This is an ISO pattern that I developed myself. Its a compilation of ISO patterns that I have seen over the years taking the best qualities of each design and incorporating them into one. This is the one nymph pattern that I always have on the end of my leader; either as the point fly or anchor. I never leave home ...
  1 week ago

• Take me to the Candy Shop

  
  Up'North Maine Fly Castings — Authority: 123
  - Muskie Fishing in northern Maine has taken off in a BIG way. In recent years toothy monsters upwards of 40 inches have become commonplace on the Saint John River and it’s tributaries, creating what is shaping up to be a world class muskie fishery right in my backyard.While trout and salmon have always been [...]
  1 week ago

• snowed in & tying

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  After a few hours of deer hunting(nothing moving) came home to tye a bit. What are you all tying on this snowy day lets see some pics. Sorry for the double attachment i screwed up. Attachment 3534 Attachment 3535 Attachment 3536 Attached Thumbnails      
  1 week ago

• "Quashnet"

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  A streamer I created and named for this fine "Salter" stream. Hook, Martinek Rangeley Streamer Body, Red Silk Tag and Rib, Flat Silver Tinsel Belly, White Bucktail Throat, Red Hackle Wing, Red, Pale Green Saddle Hackle Shoulder, Pheasant Jungle Cock - Brk Trt
  1 week ago

• head cement

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  Ive been using sally hansens double duty base and top coat( the stuff women use for their fingers) it works great and looks great.Hopefully it holds up in the water. Give it a try its fairly cheap and Im sure you all will like it.
  1 week ago

• Size Matters…

  
  Fly Fishing in South Wales — Authority: 122
  Santa seems to have delivered a little early this year, what with a nice package waiting for me as I got in from work on Monday night. Inside was a selection of materials and flies very generously sent by the small-fly-genius that is Mr Andy Baird of Small Fly Funk . Andy is an addict when it comes to fishing and ...
  1 week ago

• The Maple-Andra

  
  Up'North Maine Fly Castings — Authority: 123
  Ok, so the name needs work.Today I sat down and busted out a dozen flies for an upcoming fly swap with some of the fellas on The Streamer List. I originally signed up with the intent of tying the Dr. Burke. However, frustration with wings and an unexpected shortage of jungle cock eyes landed me [...]
  1 week ago

• Merry Chrstmas

  
  Aroostook Flyers & Tyers — Authority: 124
  Photo from fOTOGLIF 8 days ’til christmas
  1 week ago

• Ask About Flyfishing: Internet Radio

  
  Aroostook Flyers & Tyers — Authority: 124
  Tonight’s show - How to Get a Grand Slam in the Salt Earl Waters has achieved over 300 grand slams in the salt for his clients and himself so he knows his stuff. Find out from Earl how to land a tarpon, permit and bonefish all in one day. Go to his ‘ASK’ page using the link below and ask him a question… ...
  1 week ago

• Prawns

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  Heres two prawn type flies I tied. Hopefully Ill get to swing them for atlantics this year. Attachment 3526 Attachment 3527 Attached Thumbnails    
  1 week ago

• It’s a Carrie Christmas!

  
  Up'North Maine Fly Castings — Authority: 123
  Twitter has become a valuable tool for me on Up’North. What started as an interesting networking hobby with a few fly fishing buddies has turned into an active part of my daily routine. From news reports to industry gossip, Twitter keeps me informed, and in turn, allows me to keep YOU informed. Take this eBay [...]
  1 week ago

• Lady Beaverkill Fan Wing

  
  North Eastern Fly Fishing Forums — Authority: 143
  I picked up some fan wing feathers from Joe at Dettie flys so I decided to tie one up!!! here it is!! hope you enjoy:)
  1 week ago

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