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Ron, RW here
I think you are talking about tying flies just for the fly's sake. Many answers here refer to answers a professional would want in a fly...proportions, speed, how good they would look on Hans Weilenman's site, etc.
Let's take a different tack. I tie flies for fun and to catch fish. I tie at shows, yes, but not for show. If people like em, that's just a bonus. I tie for myself. I take my time. We can't all be professional tyers, and there isn't much money in it anyway. I tie for the mere enjoyment of it and my first consideration is always.."will the trout eat it", not "will somebody buy it". Plus, I tie a good tight fly... better description...my flies don't come apart after the first fish or three.
So I'll give you my answer in 3 parts.
1. If the fish are your first consideration, tie flies that will catch the kind of fish you fish for. Proportions, yes, but remember this...fish don't check the flies they eat with micrometers.
2. Use good quality materials.
3. Do the best you can. Enjoy yourself. Most of us ain't in this game for the money.
Later, RW
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"We fish for pleasure; I for mine, you for yours." -James Leisenring on fishing the wet fly-
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1)Use your imagination
2)Keep it simple
Doug
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RonMT,
I gave your question, which as this thread to date shows clearly is interpreted in a variety of ways, a bit more thought.
While I stand by my original posting, I will offer the following as an addition:
The single most important thing about flytying I have learnt is that when we start in this endeavor we are all by necessity and definition "takers". The thing to learn is that as our experience grows we also should take on the obligation to "give back" to those who follow, to pass on enthusiasm and the knowledge we have picked up ourselves.
Flytiers have never had it so good as we have it today in materials and information available, and this forum is but one manifestation of the latter.
I am interested to read what your own response/answers will be.
Cheers,
Hans W
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=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier
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1) Thread is the most important fly tying material. Know how to use it.
2) You are not a photocopier; make each fly your own.
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I'm a bit of a klutz, so for me the most important things to learn about fly tying is, there's a point on the hook and it'll get'cha! Second is, K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid).
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There's almost nothin' wrong with the first lie, it's the weight of all the others holdin' it up that gets ya'! - Tim
[This message has been edited by MOturkE (edited 01 October 2005).]
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1. Dont pressure yourself, tie what is comfortable at any given time in your learning curb, otherwise the fun is lost and it becomes a chore. Not everyone can tie everything some operations may not suit you but you still may produce an acceptable outcome.
2. Your not the judge the fish is, cause something doesn't look right to you doesn't mean the fish won't slam it.
3. Just a note, some of the best things i have discovered about tying were not by design but by accident, its kind of like walking down the road, and picking up a 20 dollar bill, LOL. You'll make some of the best discoveries by sticking with it and flirting **BIG GRIN** with your tools and materials.
later
MIke
[This message has been edited by Newfoundlander (edited 01 October 2005).]
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Now remember this has to do with tying the fly nothing elase. It is important to remember this as we can get off the subject with ease. So far I see a few that I agree with. Less see more thought's. Were is Allen I thought he wouild be in on this one LOL. Must be fishing http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/wink.gif Ron
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One more thought, as this is the biggest of all to me, as it relates to tying in general.
Get Organized, nothing angers me more than not being able to put my hands on the stuff I need.
later
MIke
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1) Learn all you can
2) Apply the knowledge you learn to the best of your ability.
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Born to fish, forced to work.
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1. find a good vise, one that suits your hands
2. believe that you can tie any flie.