As I perused one of the many catalogs that clutter my mailbox this time of year; I couldn't help but notice how many have pages and pages, (32 in one!); of flies for sale. It made me wonder who is buying all of those flies at $2 a pop? Is it because imported flies equal good profit margins or more people buy flies than I assume?

One of the first questions I get asked by the uninitiated when I mention fly fishing is: "do you tie your own flies" to which I answer, "of course, doesn't everybody?" As most of us did, I didn't tie in the beginning but I soon realized that it was necessary to me and a whole lot of fun too.

Although maybe if I still could buy flies for $.80; I wouldn't 'cause I ain't savin' no money!

In any case, I tie 99% of the flies I use and only buy poppers because they are too much trouble in my book to tie myself. I am excluding local flies I may buy when visiting a local fly shop since they are usually souvenirs or tying guides; not fishing flies.

So what's your percentage of buy versus tie...

...and why?