Alright... I'll crawl out from under my rock. I didn't want to keep coming back and saying you're so right Paul. Since we do that so often but I guess I'll add my thoughts. Paul sounded so much like an echo of one of my mentors. These contests that judge fly tyers are very subjective and sometimes political so I know a lot of very talented tyers shy away from them. I have a friend here that mentored me in my saltwater flies that I put up on Hans site. His flies are fantastic but you will never see him in contests,shows or clubs. He just doesn't like that kind of thing. I think he burned out on them long before I met him. He even designed a small travel vise that was on the market back when I first started tying flies. I'm fortunate enough to have one. When you start burying yourself in these organizations it is a big drain on your own tying time and fishing. I have been invited to join a contest and I decided to pass. It was probably a combination of lack of confidence and being uncomfortable with the political aspect I see in some of them. It just may be that the judges have a different perspective on flies than I like. I still very much prefer a classic salmon fly as opposed to the artistic or wall decorations we see the tyers tying now. I love the classic character of the older style of flies. That's why I've stuck to Charlie Chute and Ron Alcott for my salmon fly lessons. Who knows maybe as my tying improves my perspective will grow also. I do think there are many talented tyers out there that we will never see unless we happen to cross paths with one at a fly shop or stream. Just my thoughts. Deb
www.uftri.org www.linesend.com
