Why Tie??

[Wave Loudly]

Ok, it's late, I just finished a session at the bench. Tied a few for the swap, worked on some jus to hone my skills and a couple that were my wife's brain children. While I was at it, I was thinking about why I started, then started wondering why ohters got into it... Then thought it might make for an interesting discussion here, so, I ask, Why??? (Why did you start? Why do you stick with it? Why would you suggest that someone else start? Why is it addictive?)

I'm addicted to tying flies, and I don't fly fish (YET), so I'm sold, why are you?

[driftwoodcowboy1]

I see it as an art. It gives you the time to concentrate on something that to others seems so simple yet you know can become whatever you make it. I haven't really started tying yet. I just got my vice and materials. But watching and learning has already got me hooked, and the pay off is the memories made while doing something you love to do and a tight line.

[CapeMayRay]

It completes the process. We fly fish because we like to feel the strike of the fish. Making something from scratch that fools the fish, feeds our ego and sense of excitement. Anyone can buy a plug or use a fly made by someone else. Making your own makes it that much more special.

Once you learn a few basics, it is really easy. Saltwater that is. Don't know if I would like working on those very small flies that the fresh water guys make.

With saltwater, your very first flies, no matter how bad you think they are, they will work. Once you catch on a fly you make you will be hooked. I still buy some flies here and there, if I see one I really like. Then I make some like it.

I have not tried the bare hook yet, but have caught bass on flies that only had a few strands of deer hair left, to the point that a bare hook might work.

It is addictive. Don't know if it is cheaper as we tend to buy enought tying materials to make a life time of flies.

[fishsalmon]

I have been tieing for two years and only started fishing this last fall. It was a progression from tieing bucktails for spin fishing. I have never fished a fly i did not tie. This fly swap will be the first flies that I try that I did not tie myself. I like the satisfaction of fishing something I have made. I pour lead for jigs and paint and tie them myself.
I am building my own fifteen foot skiff and then i plan to building a rod. Got the itch to do the whole deal myself - well except braiding a horse hair fishing line.

[pmcgeanflynoc]

I'm also new to tying. I startdr after taking a trip to Florida trying some flyfishing and then decided i would try it myself. Next thing I know i bought a vice and matierials and started to tie. Ever since then i have been hooked on fly tying. I have never used any other flies than the ones I tie. Maybe thats why I don't catch as many fish.

[sandyharley]

I guess I'm going to show my age here but, when I started fly fishing on the SC coast i could not find salt water fly's so, If wanted to fish the salt I had to learn to tie them .

[Wave Loudly]

Thanks for the replies folks!!

Tying has introduced me to some of the most interesting people, present company included!!

Swapping is fun, even though I haven't swapped many flies. I have sent some of my bird's feathers "down under", and resulted in some incredible "display" and fishing flies. (Kind of cool to know that my "kid's feathers" were made into art and flies that caught some fish below the planet's belt.

fishsalmon, we have to hook up when the weather turns favorable, I think you fish near my practice pond.

Sandy, I figured you started tying while you were waithing for the waters to reside with Noah, I just can't figure out how you got him to drop you off in SC while there was still such a mess in the bottom of that ark... LOL

Thanks again folks, so good to find some people that understand that just tying a fly can be as much fun as fishing it...

[driftwoodcowboy1]

WL, he was standing on the bow yelling at Noah to get him a little closer!

[Wave Loudly]

WL, he was standing on the bow yelling at Noah to get him a little closer!

LMAO, Yep, I think you're right! I also think that the time he spent on the ark explains why he can shovel it so well....

[Dave Sikorski]

I got the urge to tie one day when sitting in a snow goose pit. I got to looking at a few feathers, and decided one would work on a hook.

That first fly didn't pan out as expected, neither did the first 100. A few years later here I am.

It sure isn't about saving money...at least not my operation. Damn if it isn't a great feeling to catch something on a fly you've tied though.

-D