Fly Tying Vises - Need a new vise?

In The Vise - thoughts on fishing, medicine, and my life: Need a new vise?: "...... as my abilities became more refined, I started to look for an upgrade. I researched several vises in the $100 - $200 price range, and found a great review .... "

Great perspective on fly tying vises. Worth a read and checking out the research.

Fly Fishing & Fly Tying News

Want a Great Fly Fishing Expo? Starts Jan. 12, 2006

Daily Bag Limit�Blog Archive � International Sportsmen�s Expo: "THE INTERNATIONAL SPORTSMEN�S EXPO will kick off their Western Tour at the San Mateo County Expo Center in San Mateo, CA, from Jan 12 to 16. In addition to a huge sportfishing show, a huge hunting show, a huge travel show, the San Mateo ISE hosts the largest fly fishing expo west of the Mississippi River.
Highlights include an expanded lineup of sponsors and manufacturers, a casting competition, Spey casting demonstrations, the California Fly Fishing Theater, a fly fishing round table, fly tying demonstrations and Lefty Kreh, fly-fishing�s most-revered celebrity. For more information call 1-800-545-6100."

Tom Remington.

Thanks for clueing into such good info, Tom. I'll pass the word along, just in case there are some last-minute fly fishers who can attend. Sounds like a dream!

Fly Fishing & Fly Tying News
M. A. Louise

Matt is an Enthusiastic Young Fly Fisher Who Maximizes The Great Enthusiasm to "Hand Down "To the Next Generation of Fly Fishers .. This Is Special ..

In The Vise - thoughts on fishing, medicine, and my life: Winter: "Winter
I don't mind the winter months - not like some people, who dread the coming of the snow and the short days. I think I would be lost without the cadence of seasons to mark the flow of time. For a flyfisher, the winter can be a time of renewal, both physically and mentally. For me, it's a time to restock my fly boxes with the fruits of my vise. It's also a time to reflect on the fish that were caught, those that were not, and those that probably laughed at my sloppy skills. I do fish occasionally in the winter, but I strongly desire some sort of demarcation to mark the end of one season and the beginning of the next. In years past, before there were year-round open fishing areas on the more popular rivers, fishing ended September 30th and didn't begin again until April 1st. Now, we can enjoy our sport year round (which I appreciate - the summer glory is all to brief), but part of me still likes to be able to set one season in the past and look forward to the next.
I've found a great website that produces podcasts of flyfishing discussions. They are called Fly Fish Radio, and they produce some great sessions. They are mainly focused on Western angling, but it's still good stuff. For those unfamiliar with podcasts, it is essentially a downloadable radio program that you can listen to at your convenience. I've found it to be great background listening for my fly tying sessions. Give them a try.
posted by Matt @ 10:27 PM
Location:
Northeast
I'm a 28 year old married medical student who loves to fly fish and tie my own flies. I decided to start this blog to detail some of the patterns I'm tieing over the winter of 2005-2006. ..."

An amazing perspective from a young and enthusiastic fly fisher. Such optimism. Keep up the blogging, Matt.
SPECIAL -
Try more of Matt's entries for crystal clear help with flies.

For an even more special treat, read Matt's post where he introduces his new fishing buddy... with enthusiasm like Matt has, what's your bet how long it will take Matt to introduce one-week old Domenic to the sport of fly fishing?

Fly Fishing & Fly Tying News

M. A. Louise

Winter Blues While Waiting For Next Fly Fishing Season? - Not So ... Winter Sharpens This Fly Fisher's Enthusiasm!

In The Vise - thoughts on fishing, medicine, and my life: Winter: "Saturday, January 07, 2006
Winter
I don't mind the winter months - not like some people, who dread the coming of the snow and the short days. I think I would be lost without the cadence of seasons to mark the flow of time. For a flyfisher, the winter can be a time of renewal, both physically and mentally. For me, it's a time to restock my fly boxes with the fruits of my vise. It's also a time to reflect on the fish that were caught, those that were not, and those that probably laughed at my sloppy skills. I do fish occasionally in the winter, but I strongly desire some sort of demarcation to mark the end of one season and the beginning of the next. In years past, before there were year-round open fishing areas on the more popular rivers, fishing ended September 30th and didn't begin again until April 1st. Now, we can enjoy our sport year round (which I appreciate - the summer glory is all to brief), but part of me still likes to be able to set one season in the past and look forward to the next. "

A true enthusiast with an unbelievable philosophy on fly fishing! All of the year is equally precious in the life cycle of fly fishing. The winter pause seems to sharpen his enthusiasm! ... a worthy role model...

If You Live To Fish, You Must Check Rene' Harrop on ALL of These - PMDS, Spinners, Duns, Nymphs and Emergers ...

Pondering PMDs, by Rene Harrop: "Rene' Harrop

The Master's thoughts on techniques and tactics for these small ghosts of seasons past.

PMDs | Spinners | Duns | Nymphs | Emergers


Winter creeps into the high Rockies like a pale ghost who will linger for months to haunt the souls of those who live to fish. Through gray days that can seem endless to a confined fisherman, its frosted breath whispers a chill reminder that snow, measured in yards and not inches, is the price paid for rivers abundant with large trout and healthy insect populations.


For anglers and trout, PMDs signal another season in full swing on Idaho's Henry's Fork. The dependable hatches, rising fish, and tight lines of a winter daydream become reality.

For a snowbound fly tier, the annual ritual of restocking for the next season involves far more than simply filling depleted fly boxes. Each intimate creation is a functional translation of observation and experience, each vacancy a record of encounter. Together, they comprise a chronicle of events that measures previous success and provides guidance for future effort.
As each fly takes shape, an image of the actual insect comes into the consciousness and sparks a pondering of its value within the tier's experience. It is here that conclusions are drawn and philosophies formed that will determine how you choose to imitate that particular insect and the techniques with which you fish that imitation. Like summer, they seem to arrive on the warm June winds that signal the arrival of another season. From that point, until autumn snows dust the continental spine, they will make a daily appearance at some location on the river I call home, the Henry's Fork. In the late 1960s they were coined Pale Morning Duns by the notable angling team of Doug Swisher and Carl Richards, but n"


Rene' Harrop has really capture the imagination and stirred the "fisher" in your soul. Give a read. You'll be glad you did ...

Autumn Fly Fishing Worth Experiencing - Lived and Written by a Dedicated Fisher

Blue-winged Olives: "



Rene' Harrop

Page 1 | Page 2


Fall is Bonnie's favorite season and Baetis is her favorite hatch. It is during this time of complete freedom on the water and independence from her husband that she almost always lands her best fish of the year. Her crowning achievement as an angler occurred in mid-October when she stalked, fooled, and landed a 23-inch hen on 6X and a #22 Baetis dry fly. Equally impressive was that she got the job done with a half dozen spectators coaching from the observation deck at the upper boundary of Harriman State Park. Although visibly marked by years of surviving in the wild, the great fish was strong, healthy, and close to six pounds.


Despite late-season low water conditions and their small size, Baetis reliably attract large trout to feed on the surface.

Western Baetis range in size from #18 to #24. They live in most waters and hatch for much of the year. However, in the cooler months they begin to dominate the action, and eventually they become the main game. With midges as the lone exception, Baetis represent the only hatching activity when the days become short and low temperatures prohibit other insects from emerging. With little or no competition for attention, Baetis attract trout growing urgently aggressive before the lean days of winter.


Baetis dun.

Fish migrate to winter habitat when water levels begin to recede. These are usually areas where greater depth provides comfort and security. Feeding areas are frequently different, but always close by. Larger trout have a tendency to feed in surprisingly shallow water. Venturing into such hazardous territory is risky for the fish and they won't tolerate careless wading or errant casts.

Baetis CDC
Hackled Quill

Hook: #18-22 Tiemco 100"


Well done, Rene' Harrop - This is an article worth reading - it makes you feel like you are right there, and makes you long for next autumn so you can go back and experience it all over again. It makes autumn a season to anxiously await. Go finish what Rene' has to say ...

Scotties Flies - Some Great Designs - Check It Out

Scotties Flies.: "Covering all areas from TOOWOOMBA down to the SNOWIES.
ALSO, NOW COVERING PARTS of THE USA, CANADA and HOLLAND.
There are 3 qualified instructors, on this site in the TWEED HEADS and the BRISBANE areas of Australia . We can answer all your questions and give you the hints that we have picked up from over forty years + flytying and fishing for every species of fish you could ever want. We also have a couple of very experienced
fly tiers and fly fishers reporting from the USA and CANADA.
'Larry Gibbs', is our manager over in the US of A. Larry, looks after all the members, who live in that part of the world. He is a delegate for the F.F.F. in his area. He ties extrordinary flies, and also has time to do all the graphics on both web pages.
If you fish in 'Canada', ' Romeo Rancourt ', is the man on the spot !!. 'Romeo', keeps us informed of what's happening in CANADA. His own site, The Fly Fishing Bug, (see below), is well worth visiting, and or joining !!!!
Age doesn't matter as long as you are keen to learn or you are experienced.Just remember this site is ' G ' rated so keep it clean.
You can get my other site on http://groups.msn.com/ScottiesCustomFlies and by the way ' HAVE a NICE DAY '/
Allthough similar it gives more of the reports of fishing areas. It also has more pictures of flies we tie and the recipes to tie them.
Why not send your photos along for us all to see !!! Remember we all had to start somewhere !!
If you are interested in fly swaps let us know, also let us know where you live and there maybe another member living near you.Who could join up and be a fishing partner. Its up to you.!!!
This is easily accomplished with CSS. Remember that the site is for everyones enjoyment so have a go!!!"


It is always interesting to check out somebody else's flies. Well done, Scotty.

Great News - Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp Includes Fly Fishing Training - In Oklahoma

Oklahoma Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp Main Page: "Oklahoma's award winning Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp exists to increase the awareness of forest and wildlife resources in Oklahoma's youth. The camp provides youth with an opportunity to learn about the natural environment and to explore a variety of careers in forestry, wildlife, recreation, and related natural resource fields.

While enjoying the out-of-doors, campers will explore natural resource management and the issues affecting these resources through a series of hands-on outdoor education programs given by professional natural resource managers. These programs include wildlife management, forest management, stream ecology, urban forestry, and multiple resource management. After a day of exploring the management of our natural resources, campers will enjoy entertaining and informative evening programs such as Camp Fires, Art in Nature, Outdoor Adventure Games, Wildlife Biographies, and Outdoor Safety. Of course there is also lots of time for swimming, boating, hiking, tubing, outdoor photography, flyfishing, volleyball, basketball, sporting clays, and making new friends from all over the state.

The camp is located at group camp #2 in Beaver's Bend State Park near Broken Bow, Oklahoma in the heart of the Kiamichi Mountains. The camp facilities include air conditioned bunk houses, an air conditioned dining hall, hot water showers, basketball and volleyball courts, and an open air amphitheater. The camp's A-frame cabins are tucked away in a pine-hardwood forest filled with wildlife and surrounded by the cold crystal waters of the Lower Mountain Fork River, Oklahoma's premier trout stream."


I'm glad to see that 13-16 year olds are being given a chance to appreciate Fly Fishing. I'm sure some of these young people will find more rewards than "fish" in the experience.

And Why Do YOU Fly Fish? Think About It The Next Time You Are Out ...

flyfishing montana - tightline outfitters: "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasion for hope.
John Buchan
Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they after.
H. D. Thoreau
Man can learn a lot from fishing - when the fish are biting no problem in the world is big enough to be remembered.
Estache Deschamps "

These sayings really say it all ... timeless

Numazu Densen OJT: I introduce my homemade flies.

Numazu Densen OJT: I introduce my homemade flies.: "Thursday, July 21, 2005
I introduce my homemade flies.
This time, I introduce my homemade flies. From I started fly fishing, I have thought I want to try tying own flies some day. So, I bought tying gears little by little,�.tying book, tying vise, bird�s wing, color threads, �etc. Some of all things, tying vise, bird�s wing were little expensive. Actually, if I tried to tie, it was really fan. If I couldn�t make good, I want to make it better, next time. If I could make good, I want to make more,�.Anyway, I�m really fan. And I�m really happy when I can get trout by own make flies. But, I'm sorry. I cann't take their photos good."


Great Flies! Lots of credit to you, as you learn about a fascinating sport and practise your English at the same time! Fly fishing is truly international! Everybody from around the world can appreciate the flies you tie and the skill you are learning. Keep up the good work!

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