Hello,9
I sat down and in 2 hours, I tied 3 flies!!!
Usually, 3 flies would take me 10-12 minutes. However, this was something special. As I live in NH and have a great opportunity to pursue stocked Atlantic Salmon nearby, I have begun my journey into <gasp> (bling bling) salmon flies.
I have tied salmon flies before, but usually chartreuse zonkers and wound marabou flies that fish nicely but nothing special.
But last night, I tied a Cosseboom, a Reduced Dusty Miller (woodduck flanks), and a chartreuse matuka. Each of the flies, I used a tag, a tip, a but, two body colors, and oval tinsel. Used high gloss for the head.
I wanted to put extra effort into them as I will be giving my brother-in-law a selection of a dozen for his Christmas present.
Guess what - I am off to the fly shop to look for some squirrel tails, bronze mallard, salmon quality ostrich, etc.
When I think I have enough materials, I go and do something like this.
I guess within a year I will be buying Florican Bustard, Macaw, and I will be marrying wings; especially when I get my spey hackle from the Whiting swap.
There are so many types of patterns and pattern creations possible, it is really a satisfying tie.
Any advice from others that have been where I am?? I definitely want to focus on fishable flies, but something more than the reduced hairwings. Full dress - I need a raise to be able to afford....
Chris Chapman
