Hand Tied Flies
 |
 Rogue Front Pocket Specialty Wallet Mens Leather Unique  US $40.00
|
8 Reasons Why You As A New To Fly Fisherman Should Join A Club
I still remember watching my dad up to his waist in a rushing Colorado stream casting flies for trout. I was too young for that kind of fishing (although at the age of six I had caught a trout off the bridge in front of our home, using a spinning reel and a worm).
It fascinated me to watch the glistening line whipping repeatedly back and forth over his head as he sought to get enough distance to put the fly where he wanted it.
The memory of the heavy strikes and the subsequent fights with lunker trout (that we ate that night) drove me to fly fishing later in life, but I took it up with certain amount of trepidation.
I have to admit I was somewhat intimidated. Fly fishing took a lot of skill, I thought. More that I felt I had.
JUST A LITTLE MORE SKILL?
Arguably, fly fishing takes just a little more skill, or "know-how", as my dad might put it, than other forms of fishing.
Matching up your equipment is just the beginning, learning to cast takes practice, not just to get familiar with how the reel works as it spools off line, but to gain the dexterity to place the fly where it needs to go -- to drop it right in front of a lunker you suspect is lying in a pool behind that big rock.
Then comes fly tying -- not really necessary -- but a skill that puts you miles ahead of the fisherman that buys flies off the shelf, who can't "match the flies to hatch", or create them "on the spot".
More skill than you or I possess, you may ask? No, not necessarily. Not if you find and associate with the right people, those who already possess the skills, and are more than willing to impart them to you.
A SOLITARY SPORT?
At first glance, fly fishing seems a solitary sport. While you might see more than one fly fisherman wading in a stream or a lake, they appear to be pretty isolated from one another, not exactly like a bunch of golf buddies pulling a cart and shooting above par.
The fact is that that individual fly fisherman probably has a lot of "back-up" contacts and friends; you just can't see them because they're all part of the club he belongs to.
He as acquired many of his skills by associating with other people.
WHY JOIN A CLUB?
In our busy schedules, clubs take time away from other things we probably should be doing. In many cases, clubs are time wasters, put together by people who have an obsession with following "Robert's Rules of Order".
Fly fishing clubs, however, are close to a necessary item on the fisherman's menu -- that is if he also wants to include fish on that same menu.
There are many reasons for joining a club. By associating with enthusiastic fellow fisherman at a higher (and lower) experience level than your own, you can
-- discover more about your equipment.
-- learn how to choose rods, reels, line, and gear.
-- hone your basic skills. Get tips about such things casting, fly selections and determining "where the fish are" in a variety of environmental situations.
-- learn how make equipment. Maybe you'd like to make your own fly rod from a blank or discover what equipment and materials you need to tie flies.
-- uncover the best places to go to catch fish. Fly fishermen will divulge these things to friends they respect.
-- plan trips and vacations. A fishing trip is not a trip unless you take people you like and are as enthusiastic as you are.
-- help those less experienced. It's always good to impart what you know. It's said that a teacher best learns his own craft by teaching others.
-- experience the camaraderie that comes with getting together with like minded enthusiasts.
TYPES OF CLUBS
Fly fishing clubs can be national, regional, local, or ones that are strictly internet based. Many cater to beginners or focus on fly tying or other techniques.
Three notable National Clubs are
-- Federation of Fly Fishers
-- International Women Fly Fishers
-- Trout Unlimited
These clubs are dedicated to education and preservation of cold water species and habitats, and are great for educational opportunities.
Regional and local fly fishing clubs such as those indigenous to your state or city may provide a little more of the camaraderie you're looking for, as well as information that you can apply to waters you'll find where you live.
Internet clubs may be fun to join as well. You can post to forums and get tips by internet messenger or email.
Clubs you can find in your city or neighborhood may be the best for getting the kind of "hands on" experience you're looking for. Check with your local bait and tackle shops for information on what's available, and if you can't find one, start one. Those same bait and tackle shops will jump at the chance of posting fliers for you and recommending their customers.
NO LONGER ALONE
Each type of club caters to a different need, and you might find it beneficial to join more than one. By doing so, you'll find you're not alone.
Even if you're out in the stream by yourself, you're surrounded by your friends in the club. When you see that fish rise, when it slams into your fly, your ears will ring with their enthusiastic support --
"Now, don't horse him in, give him his head!"
"Keep your line tight."
"Okay, now he's tired, you can start bringing him in."
"Keep your rod tip up."
And finally,
"ALL RIGHT, NICE ONE! HOW BIG IS HE? I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT"
No, with your new-found club friends, you're definitely no longer alone.
About the Author
John Young is a writer and editor who lives in Southern California. He has launched a number of ezines, including "Fly Fishing Like The Pros" at
http://www.fly.fishinglikethepros.com
and a new online guide at
http://www.fly.fishinglikethepros.com/FishingLikeThePros
|
|
Hand-tied Bonefish Selection Fishing Flies $91.45 Enjoy a fun and relaxing day of fishing with these detailed, bonefish fishing flies. This selection of flies features 36 hand-tied flies providing you with a unique assortment.Design: BonefishIncludes 36 hand-tied fliesMaterials: Synthetic materials, beads, wire, metal hooksDimensions: 6 inches high x 3.5 inches wide x 1 inches deepModel: bn-02 |
|
|
Hand-tied Crab Selection Fishing Flies $71.7 Enjoy a fun and relaxing day of fishing with these detailed, crab fishing flies. This selection of flies features 12 hand-tied flies providing you with a unique assortment.Design: CrabsIncludes 12 hand-tied fliesMaterials: Feathers, synthetic materials, beads, wire, metal hooksDimensions: 6 inches high x 3.5 inches wide x 1 inches deepModel: CRB-01 |
|
|
The Freestone Selection Fishing Flies $89.34 Enjoy a fun and relaxing day of fishing with an assortment of new fishing fliesFishing gear assortment is perfect for both the beginner and the seasoned fishermanFishing hook kit comes with 36 fliesPerfect for small streams and larger running watersPro shop-quality fishing hooks are made of high-grade materials and chemically sharpenedHand-picked by the prosHooks are hand-tied in Sri Lanka and Thailand |
|
|
Hand-tied bouquet $79.95 An informal hand-tied bouquet of mixed flowers for a friend. |
|
|
Rustico OD003 Handmade Leather Book of Flies $26.91 Our handmade leather Book of Flies is a stylish and brilliant way to store and organize your flies whether you are putting them away for the season or spending time on the river It is well known that the key to success in fly fishing is PRESENTATION. The Book of Flies not only keeps all your flies tidy and organized but the custom leather cover will make your Book of Flies the envy of your fishing buddies. The Book of Flies is designed to hold up to 20 of your best tied flies. It is handcrafted with durable top grain cowhide leather and a felt lined interior where you can secure you favorite flies. The Book of Flies has a convenient leather wrap closure and when open displays all your flies so you can make a quick and easy choice. Customize your Book of Flies with your choice of leather selected from the drop down menu above. With this product we also offer the option to personalize the Book of Flies with your name or create it as a personalized gift for the fisherman in your life Engravings are done using Garamond font and placed in the bottom right hand corner of the cover. Rustico s leather products are handmade and designed for those who appreciate highquality and fine craftsmenship. Material: Leather. Color: Black buckskin burgundy dark brown saddle. Size: 6 x 3 . |
|
|
Silverlake Freshwater Flies 55 pack $32.14 You ll be pulling fish from water in no time with this excellent assorted set of hand tied flies and streamers. With 55 of today s most popular patterns and styles you re sure to find one that works for any given situation. Expand your fly and streamer collection exponentially with this great set.Features include:Assortment of today s popular patterns and stylesDurable tackle box includedTackle box dimensions: 9 x 5 x 1.25 inchesHand tiedIncludes retail packaging |
|
|
SilverLake Freshwater Fishing Flies (Pack of 25) $29.46 You'll be pulling fish from water in no time with this excellent assorted set of hand tied flies and streamers. With 25 of today's most popular patterns and styles, you're sure to find one that works for any given situation. Assortment of today's popular patterns and stylesPocket sized durable tackle box includedClear plastic caseHand tiedTackle box dimensions: 3.125 inches long x 4.625 inches wide x 1 inch deep |
|
|
Small Mouth Bass and Panfish Fishing Flies $114.27 Enjoy a fun and relaxing day of fishing with an assortment of new fishing fliesFishing gear assortment is perfect for both the beginner and the seasoned fishermanFishing hook kit comes with 48 piecesPro shop-quality fishing hooks are made of high-grade materials and chemically sharpenedGreat for all freshwater speciesHand-picked by the prosHooks are hand-tied in Sri Lanka and Thailand |
|
|
Silverlake Freshwater Flies/Streamers 25 pack $23.48 You ll be pulling fish from water in no time with this excellent assorted set of hand tied flies and streamers. With 25 of today s most popular patterns and styles you re sure to find one that works for any given situation. Expand your fly and streamer collection exponentially with this great set.Features include:Assortment of today s popular patterns and stylesPocket sized durable tackle box includedTackle box dimensions: 3.125x 4.625 x 1 inchesHand tiedIncludes retail packaging |
|
|
Hand-tied bouquet of mixed flowers $74.95 A hand tied bouquet of blue iris, fuchsia carnations, purple larkspur, statice and Misty Blue limonium with moluccella accents. |
|
|
All Around Trout Selection 48 Flies $76.87 Whatever they're biting you'll be prepared with this All Around Trout Selection 48 Flies. Hand tied Chemically sharpened hooks Top performing patterns for trout through the world The Wired Nymphs are the number one selling fly worldwide Packed in a handy pocket sized polypropylene box for excellent clarity and maximum durability Selection contains 6 Adams Parachutes 6 Blue Wing Olive Dries 6 Tan Elk Caddis 6 Gold Bead Prince Nymphs 6 Pheasant Tail Nymphs 6 Copper Wired Nymphs 6 Green Wired Nymphs 6 Gold Bead Black Wolly Buggers 1 Reusable plastic fly box |
|
|
Man's Hand With String Tied Around Index Finger $24.99 H. Armstrong Roberts Man's Hand With String Tied Around Index Finger - Photographic Print |
|
|
Hand Tied Alstromeria - JustFlowers.com $74.99 These vivacious blossoms are an animated way of communicating how you feel, even from far away. |
|
|
Tastefully Tied $1.31 Tie the knot in style! This bold invitation features the phrase 'we're tying the knot' in a hand drawn font on the left side. Coordinating reception, respond, informal/thank you cards, envelope seals and envelope lining are available. |
|
|
Dave's Hopper Fishing Flies (Set of 12) $30.52 Sharpen your fishing skills with Dave's Hopper fliesFishing flies have chemically sharpened hooks with pro shop qualityFlies are sure to be a star performer in your fishing gearTied on Daiichi hooksSet of 12 flies |
|
|
Tan Parachute Hopper Fishing Flies (Set of 12) $31.15 Sharpen your fishing skills with tan Parachute Hopper fliesFishing flies have chemically sharpened hooks with pro shop qualityFLies are sure to be a star performer in your fishing gearTied on Daiichi hooksSet of 12 flies |
