If you are like me and fly fishing continues to throw up more questions than answers (part of the essence of the sport) then tying your own flies is a natural progression. We've all seen that big brown trout under the willow, lazily taking something off the top. He refuses everything you throw at him (including the odd rock!) You leave without the trout, but with specimens of insects found on the water. You also have your memory of how those bugs sat on the water - and you can visualise the pattern that would do the trick next time! Even though you don’t have a scrap of gear yet, you are already a fly sculptor, for it all begins in the mind.
It’s time to take it from head to hand; otherwise, even while you are at work, or having dinner with guests, that big bugger under the willow will be permanently on your mind.
Some opt for the 'easy' way out and employ someone else to create their fly for them.
But for others, fly fishing is about experiencing it all, from creating the fly to making the cast. Through experience comes understanding. If you truly wish to understand more about fly fishing then tying will make you more observant! Having confidence adds immeasurably to fly fishing success, so understanding that the fly you've selected is made correctly and will behave correctly, is a real bonus.
The art of fly tying encompasses insect life cycles, light refraction, colour, movement, and more.
Definitely a 'vice' worth having!
