With regards to fly tying and fishing, I have done both since I was 9-years-old. Even with my rather limited math skills, I believe that translates to 40 years experience. Although I do fish and tie nymphs, my true passion is for dry fly-fishing, especially of the very small variety. Favorite hatches involve fishing baetis, midges, and tricos. I look upon fly-tying as a continually evolving process with new materials and new twists on old ties and methods emerging all of the time. My philosophy as a fly-tier is that tying is really a way of problem-solving. I spend a great deal of time on streams and lakes with much time being spent simply as an observer of entomology and nature. I try to come up with patterns that fit different situations, try to be innovative in the creation of flies to solve different problems, and I also try to learn from other individuals in order to be a better tier and fisherman.
While I certainly would not consider myself a famous tier or fly fisherman, I have been demonstrating fly-tying at expos (including the tremendous East Idaho Expo), fly club meetings, for community groups, and in shops for about the last eight years. Some of my flies have also been featured in Fly Fish America, and I am currently a member of Whiting's Pro Team. Also, I am currently producing a line of dry fly and emerger patterns that will be marketed by Riverborn Flies in 2010.
Over the years, I have been helped by many people to improve my skills as a tier and fly fisherman, and to those folks I owe a great debt of gratitude. I truly love this sport and as I grow to be a mature member of the fly tying and fishing community, it is one of my goals to pass on a little of the knowledge I have accumulated over the years.
This is a great drake pattern. HD Video