Interesting thread. But what's the point of tying faster? Do you really need a dozen flies when 3 or 4 might last you for months, if not years?
As a beginner, I used to lose more flies to nearby bushes and trees, avoidable underwater snags or just plain popping off than I ever did to fish. I could go through a dozen flies in an afternoon. Now I rarely lose a fly. A single fly, fished regularly, might last weeks or even months. (I actually think some of these 'veteran' flies outperform unused, virgin ones.)
If you aspire to being a production fly tyer, then obviously speed is the name of the game. But realistically, how many of us are ever gonna sell our flies? Plus, if one of the secrets to tying faster is having materials pre-prepared before actually tying them on a hook, how much time does that take?
Instead, I look at fly tying first as an inexpensive and entertaining way to keep myself in flies that I actually need and to try out new and innovative patterns not available elsewhere. Since I don't go through dozens of flies, I don't need to tie up a lifetime supply each session.
Second, tying is relaxing for me, so why speed it up?
Finally, it's a creative outlet, a form of artistic expression. Again, why rush through it?
I've already got literally thousands of flies. If I stopped tying today, I could probably fish the rest of my life with just the ones I've got.
My 3� worth.
Kent Lufkin
I am hoping to get advice on how to speed up my fly tying. I have been tying my own flies for about four years. I recently began tying for a couple of friends and noticed how long it takes me to get through a dozen. Does anyone have basic suggestions or tips?
Thanks, Brian
