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One of the aspects of fly tying most troubling to beginners is learning
how to look at a fly from the inside out. Multi-dimensional flies can be
stunning to look at and great to fish with, but too many people find it
difficult to view a fly in layers, so they never try to tackle these types
of flies. Too bad, they don't know the feeling of accomplishment they
could enjoy if they would just try to progress to multi-dimensional flies.
The concept of seeing a fly in layers isn't really new. Guys like Franz
Pott and George Grant used it in many of their patterns. They experimented
with multi-layered under-bodies and over-wraps of monofilament in many
of their patterns with great success from the fisherman's standpoint. What
they didn't do was use this method to create more realistic flies, but instead
continued with impressionistic flies with woven hair hackles. The fish loved
their flies, and the fishermen loved the results so much they often paid
high prices to fish those woven creations.
With the advent of clear and semi-clear vinyl and plastic lace materials, the
idea of multi-layered flies took on a new dimension that wasn't readily
available in the days of Franz and George. Fly bodies could be created
with multiple layers then over-wrapped with a clear layer of lace or vinyl
to give them a realistic translucent look that other tying methods couldn't
create. The effect is pleasing to the human eye and the eye of the fish as
well. It also produces more durable bodies than other methods.
Although I don't consider all multi-layered flies to be advanced patterns,
some patterns require a type of attention to detail and mastery of material
placement skills that just aren't present in the eyes and hands of beginners
and most intermediate level tyers. This fly is not an exception. If you don't
get the body dimensions right or don't place the materials in the right
position, the fly won't look right and probably won't fish as well as a
fly tied with the right proportions.
However, don't let that scare you away from trying something new. This
pattern is just the type of skill building exercise you need to advance in
your fly tying studies. Few people hit home runs their first time up to the
plate; but with practice and dedication, they can become good ball players
if they want to. You can master difficult patterns and skills if you're
willing to work at it and practice.
I promise I won't stay on multi-layered flies forever; but I think learning
to tie flies in layers is worth lingering for a short while on this subject.
This pattern is part of that exercise.
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