As more and more people discover the joys of fly fishing, they discover that not only do they become addicted to casting to rising fish on a river or stream, they also become addicted to tying flies - the "bait" that they use in order to entice the fish.
Fly tying is an ancient practice and dates back centuries. Not only do we know that Izaak Walton would tie bits of feather and wool to a hook in order to try to imitate a natural food of a fish, there is evidence that the ancient Macedonians would tie bits or red dyed wool onto a hook in order to try to copy the insects that the trout of their country would eat for food.
Today, it seems fly tying can be really complicated or simple. Many fly tiers will spend hours on one fly, attempting to perfect their bait and make it appear as much as possible like the life that fish will prey upon. Other fly tiers have just as much success with flies that take only minutes to create and use the same traditional materials that Izaak Walton would have used - feather, fur and wool. Holding the materials all together is thread.
One of the wonderful aspects of fly tying is that it gives the fly angler something to do during those cold winter months when fly fishing is not possible. Some anglers end up enjoying tying flies more than the time they spend on the river trying to catch fish!
Fly tying does not require a lot of equipment and initially, is not expensive. The basic tools required to make your own flies (and fill up your fly box for next season's fishing) is a vice, thread bobbin, bodkin and sharp scissors. Other tools can be helpful and you'll want to get more as you learn more, but for now, you really don't need a lot.
Don't feel overwhelmed or intimidated by those who have been fly tying for years. Even the simplest of patterns (and imperfectly tied imitations) can and will catch fish.
If you're still wondering if you should try fly fishing, don't feel intimidated! It's a wonderful sport and you can learn about a variety of fly fishing techniques. We'll see you out on the river soon?
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