Yes, I really tied one on! Not the first time I've tied one on, but it could just as well have been it's been such a long time. It's been more than 20 years since I tied one on! And I did it twice today!
My first flies in more than 20 years! After many months of saying I should, would, could, I did.
I tied one sparkle dun or compara dun and one green scud.
Rick was so patient, encouraging and a great teacher.
I've watched him tie flies for 34 years and I used to tie, so it was like riding a bike. I just need to get the feel for the thread, spinning the fur, dubbing, and especially proportion.
And I'd like to get a magnifier so I can see these tiny fake bugs the size of rice! Just think how good I'd be if I could actually see what I'm doing!
Oh, I know I need lots of practice to be anywhere near as good as Rick is, but he says with practice I can be a good fly tyer.
Lord knows we have enough tying materials for both of us to last a lifetime!
We love watching for different varieties of song birds where ever we go. The bright yellow and black American Goldfinch are abundant here in Montana. One morning there were 3 hanging around the motorhome side-view mirrors. When we're fishing we see them streaking across the river from one bank to the other.
This is an interesting and informative website. I'm going to dive into it more to learn about attracting and photographing birds. I loved the links they provide to the bird songs. Enjoy.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/id
Rick created this wooden fly tying bench this past winter. It’s made of maple and very sturdy.
He used to keep all these tying tools and supplies in a shallow box and he’d have to set everything up before starting to tie. Now everything stays put and the whole tying bench fits into an overhead cabinet in the motorhome. Actually, it usually stays out on the dinner table while we're camped on the river so he can tie flies whenever he wants to.
(Rick has a lot more tying materials and he brings along another box or two to hold the extra materials and hooks.)
Everything stays organized and he’s ready to tie flies at a moments notice.
I'm very thankful that Rick ties all our flies. Buying flies can be expensive. And besides, he's able to immediately 'match the hatch' and tie whatever bugs we see on the river.
I haven't tied flies myself in more than 10 years, but I'd like to start again. It is very satisfying to be able to catch a fish on a fly you've tied yourself.
Writing and photography copyright Rick & Mic GoneFishin © 2007-2010 unless otherwise indicated. You may not copy or otherwise reproduce any of this material without prior written permission. All rights reserved.
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