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And now for something entirely different!
We are still sorting through all the neat and interesting information from the
Denver International Fly Tackle Dealer Show. Being the pack-rats that we are, it
will probably be next year before we get through it all.
This particular item is really special
and that's why I've chosen to talk about
it here instead of in the "Product
Reviews". We visited with Kathy from
Washington State University's video
production department at the show.
There was a fly-tying video running on
the monitor, one in the series by Dave
Engerbretson and LeRoy Hyatt and
produced by KWSU Media for the Public
Broadcasting Network.
Yes, we see fly fishing shows on television, (some of which are awful - and
another story) but not many on fly tying. When something is really well done, it
deserves more than a passing pat on the back. There are other flying tying videos
on the market, none of them are (in my opinion) of the quality that your favorite
PBS station would carry. These programs are part of what has become an on-going
series. For more on the making of this series, check out this week's
Fly of the
Week Special Feature for Dave Engerbretson's article.
One especially neat thing about the tapes is the "good old boy" manner in
which they are presented. This is just like having your uncle or grandfather (maybe
dad) talk you though tying. There is no hype, no "I'm a great guru and you're
stupid" b.s. It's just a couple of real guys, both extremely talented and friendly,
talking and explaining how and why certain techniques work. They are not selling
anything - except the art of fly tying.
Each tape runs about 90 minutes, and has three actual programs on it. (Being
PBS there are no commercials!) There are four videos now available of
the PBS shows, plus an additional video on tying techniques. If I had to
chose just one, (what a choice) it would be the Tying
Techniques. All of the basic fly patterns, wet, dry, streamers, and bait imitations
are covered, with tying tips for handling different materials.
We found we could select a slow motion setting on the tape player control and
see each hand movement in precise detail ... and of course, you can do a full stop if
you are tying with them and need to catch up.
The official name for the series is Fly Tying, The Angler's Art. Tape 1 has
program #101: tying of Royal Wulff, Mickey Finn, Partridge & Orange; Program
#102 has Elk Hair Caddis, Hyatt Caddis, Goddard Caddis; #103 has Woolly Worm,
Black Woolly Bugger, and Montana Stone. This is all on one tape.
Tape 2 has program #104: Renegade, Picket Pin, and Skunk; #105: Spruce,
Fall Caddis, and Brassie Nymph; and, #106: Dave's Hopper, Black Ant, and
Beetle.
Tape 3 has program #107: Stimulator, Bombler, Ugly Rudamus; #108: T.D.C.
Nymph, Blue Wing Olive Parachute, and Poly-wing Spinner; #109: Muskrat
Nymph, Casual Dress Nymph, and Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph.
Finally, Tape 4 has #110: Damsel Nymph, Adams, and Humpy; #111: Fall
Favorite, Pillow, and Bloody Muddler; #112: Griffith's Gnat, Pheasant Tail
Nymph, Western Bee: and, #113: Purple Peril, Western Green Wienie, and Scud.
If you were lucky enough to have the series shown on your local PBS station,
you may have missed one of the segments ... so the listing above lets you know
what the whole series contained. Or if you are involved with a tying group, here is a
wonderful opportunity to learn 9 good flies from a very small investment by
purchasing just one of the series. (Obviously, having the whole series is the best
idea since sliced bread!)
The cost of the tapes is very reasonable. Each of the actual program tapes is
just $22.95 plus $3.95 shipping and handling. The Fly Tying Techniques video is
$28.95 plus $3.95 shipping and handling.
Get your credit card out and call: 1-800-883-0124 to order one or all! You will
not be disappointed!
This may have come off as a crass commercial for these videos. If so, so be it.
My goal was to compliment two fine gentlemen for taking the time and effort to fill
a vacuum in the evolution of fly fishing. The loss of a tradition in passing down fly
fishing and fly tying from father to son.
As our society evolves sometimes gaps occur - Dave Engerbretson and LeRoy
Hyatt have filled a large gap. Thank you, guys! ~ The LadyFisher
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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