Denny,
Congrats to you! Now being able to tie only what you want to tie must be an exhilarating feeling, and one I take a bit for granted. To be locked into tying things I must, as opposed to the things I want would take a lot of the joy out of it for me.
That's why I admire those who can crank out thousands and thousands of similar flies in a season, then turn around and do it again next year. It would drive me away in a hurry.
Ladies and gentlemen, I think we have our first candidate for "poster child."
Cheers!
Monte
Subject: Re: [VFB] Candidates for FOFF to date- more
Would like to add something that I experienced last week. I have two grandsons that are 10 and 8. I started both of these boys out when they reached 5 years of age. Both of them can and do cast as good as most adults. Because they live some distance from me, the tying is something they do only when visiting. We are working on it. When their mother asked them for me, what would you like grandpa to send you for Christmas? Both said they would like for me to tie them some flys, not the ones that are for sale (suppose they had been told when we were off for a day of fishing that they could not get into ordered flys) but the kind he ties for himself and fishes. Interesting thread possible here. So last week I did not get much tying in, only 3 dozen for the boys as I was cutting my winters supply of firewood. Yes a bit late this year but my orders are all filled and sent off with a cancellation of my commercial tying contract. What a wonderful feeling to be able to tie only the flys I want. My tying area takes up the majority of my front room. Being an old single guy and the dog does not mind the mess, I live tying. My New Years resolution is to try and teach myself to tie the purdy flys. I raise the exotic birds so supply of different kinds of feathers is not a problem and like with the genetic Roosters, I am sure I can select a feather here and there from brood roosters, all in the pretense of "quality control". Added Grey Jungle Fowl to the Ranch again last year. Maybe some day I will again have some for sale. As I read all the requirements to be a candidate, I get the feeling someone has been watching my life. I qualify for all of them. I have even been accused of being an expert on tread patterns on road kill. I can not pass a road kill without checking it out, no matter the traffic. I am very thankful to be able to call all of you on this list my friends. Oh yes, I even get to go fishing now and then. Hopefully more now that I no longer have to tie! I tie because it has been a part of my life for over 60 years. Still learning. Merry Christmas to all and have a safe Holiday. Denny
Conranch Hackle
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Dennis Conrad
509-999-7472
www.Conranch.com
