I'll take one from column A and two from column B. Since I fish most of the flies I tie, part of the reason for tying is to impress (or fool) the fish. Also, I tie to improve my skills, which leads, sometimes, to a feeling off self satisfaction. There are times when I feel particularly meticulous and only my best effort will do and other times when good enough is okay. I admit there have been times when I've tied a particularly tricky or difficult pattern so well that I'll pack it around in a film container in my pocket in case I run into some of my fly fishing friends in town, so I can do the old, "Hey, check this out!", routine. Some of them now cross the street to avoid me.
My guess is that for most of us on the list, it will be a combination of the reasons you cited. There may be a few people who tie only as a craft or hobby, ie., they don't fish and tie flies as someone would create a piece of art. As with any other endeavour, then, part of the challenge is to outdo yourself and improve in your skills. I'm leavng strictly commercial tyers out, though I don't know anyone who ties commercially who doesn't also fish.
This should be an interesting thread, Hans, thanks for posting it. It'll be fun to see other list member's takes on it. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.
-John
Hans Weilenmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
On 20 Dec 2002 at 4:27, Bob Haering wrote:
> When you do this on your smaller flys, you can omit the wings
> altogether. I do this and have to notice any difference in catch
> rates. The largest fly that I do this on is a #14 Hendrickson.
Bob,
Please do not read this comment as personally directed to you, I
mean it as a question to the full list. I just used your email as a
starting point.
(Fair warning: I like robust, frank and open discussions where I
sometimes will adopt a polarized stance. Sometimes this stance
mirrors my own view, other times quite the opposite. Not giving away
just yet which of the two it is this time)
Ok, here is premise of the day:
***
Tiers who play down the importance of wings on smaller size flies
are generally the same tiers who struggle with incorporating wings
on small size flies. The argument of "the fish don't care" is a cop-out.
***
I am sure we can conduct this discussion in a mature, non-
inflammatory manner, right? The aim is for all of us to walk away
with a better understanding of tying techniques, and relative
importances.
Do we tie for fish only? Tie for self satisfaction? Tie to impress
others? Any or all of these?
Cheers,
Hans
wearing flame-proof armor
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