Fly Tying Class
If you've been listening to the podcast for a while you will know that I started fly fishing this past summer, so it is only natural that I start to tie my own flies. I actually bought a lot of the fly tying tools last summer but I never got around to actually using them or learning to tie. Between work and spending time in the outdoors, I just never got motivated to learning, so I figured that it was finally time to learn.
For $10 (each class) my "local" fly shop is offering fly tying classes over the next 6-8 weeks. I say "local" because it is still a 1 hr 15min drive but it is well worth it. This is the same shop that I attended their casting class with Dusty Wismuth last summer. It is a small shop but they are really friendly and helpful and I like supporting them when I can.
My First Fly
Being the first week for the classes they taught us to tie the Clouser Minnow. It is a fairly easy fly to tie and I had a great time. The class lasted 2 hours and was a lot of fun. Like anything else, you gotta get the muscle memory down because you are teaching your hands and arm musclesto do some new movements. During the class I was able to tie 2 flies, the first they did a step by step instruction and the 2nd they left us to tie on our own and they helped us when necessary.
I'd like to say that I did not make any mistakes but I would be lying. I had a two times where I needed to unwind the thread but overall I am pretty happy with my results. Next week's class I'll be learning to tie the ubiquitous Wooly Bugger. That is number one fly that I used last summer and cannot wait!
If you have never learned to fly fish or tie your own flies, I highly encourage you to learn this year. I have fished for 30 years but fly fishing is so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Also, fly tying is a great activity to teach your kids. We pretty much had everyone represented at the class with 6 students: retired men, a lady, middle age and a young pre-teen; so basically it is an all around family activity.
So to all your fly tyers out there, what kind of storage container do you use to store your hackle, thread and other fly tying supplies?? Leave a comment or post on facebook.
For $10 (each class) my "local" fly shop is offering fly tying classes over the next 6-8 weeks. I say "local" because it is still a 1 hr 15min drive but it is well worth it. This is the same shop that I attended their casting class with Dusty Wismuth last summer. It is a small shop but they are really friendly and helpful and I like supporting them when I can.
My First Fly
Being the first week for the classes they taught us to tie the Clouser Minnow. It is a fairly easy fly to tie and I had a great time. The class lasted 2 hours and was a lot of fun. Like anything else, you gotta get the muscle memory down because you are teaching your hands and arm musclesto do some new movements. During the class I was able to tie 2 flies, the first they did a step by step instruction and the 2nd they left us to tie on our own and they helped us when necessary.
I'd like to say that I did not make any mistakes but I would be lying. I had a two times where I needed to unwind the thread but overall I am pretty happy with my results. Next week's class I'll be learning to tie the ubiquitous Wooly Bugger. That is number one fly that I used last summer and cannot wait!
If you have never learned to fly fish or tie your own flies, I highly encourage you to learn this year. I have fished for 30 years but fly fishing is so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Also, fly tying is a great activity to teach your kids. We pretty much had everyone represented at the class with 6 students: retired men, a lady, middle age and a young pre-teen; so basically it is an all around family activity.
So to all your fly tyers out there, what kind of storage container do you use to store your hackle, thread and other fly tying supplies?? Leave a comment or post on facebook.
Posted by The Outdoor Podcast at 1/14/2012 8:02 PM 
Categories: Flyfishing
Tags: Fly tying class Learning to Tie Flies Fly Tying Kelly's White Fly Shop
Categories: Flyfishing
Tags: Fly tying class Learning to Tie Flies Fly Tying Kelly's White Fly Shop
Craig,
I bought several different types of plastic storage shelves at Walmart. To start I'd recommend buying one of the 3 drawer ones that sit on your desk or shelf. Here's a link to a 5 drawer one. I couldn't find the 3 drawer ones on their website. They sell for much less.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-5-Drawer-Mini-Desktop-Organizer-White-Set-of-4/15442449
Jack
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Ahh, very nice. I'll have to check them out.
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Fly fishing is something I've always wanted to learn to do, but have never taken the time to. Tying flies seems like a nice, relaxing and almost therapeutic way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Nice job on your first two!
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