Eric's Luddite Challenge

All about flies Fly Tying
1

I’ve complained about the over-reliance on full rotary vises and other tools for so long now, I’ve decided to put my money where my mouth is. I’m announcing a contest, Eric’s Luddite Challenge. The idea is to tie any fly you’d like, using no vise, holding the hook in your fingers only. Send it to me by July 1st, and if I like it best, you’ll win a pair of Dr. Slick Razor scissors. I’ll put up pics of several entries here as well. How am I, you ask, qualified to judge your creation? 'Cause I’m putting up the prize, that’s how. This is meant to be a purely fun little deal, and I will do my best to consider each fly on its own merits. You’re honor bound to not have your fly ever touch a vise. C.Y.A. glues have been declared a performance enhancing substance, and their use will result in a three game suspension. Hey, my wife had been after me to give up one of my vices, and now I have! Send your entry to:
Eric Austin
224 Rutherford Ave.
Delaware, Ohio 43015

Here’s a link to one I did with no vise. I did use a bobbin though. [url=http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/McPherson%20for%20Spey.jpg:d9af9]http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/McPherson%20for%20Spey.jpg[/url:d9af9]

[This message has been edited by eaustin (edited 19 April 2005).]

[This message has been edited by eaustin (edited 19 April 2005).]

2

DITTO what Castwell says. Awesome fly I am green with envy. It gives new meaning to Hand Made. Jax

3

Hi guys, Isn’t it true that Lee Wulff used to frequently tie without a vise?

4

Sorry, wasn’t trying to intimidate, just trying to show the possibilities. I’m not in the contest, and to be honest, that fly is much easier than it seems. It’s got a great big hook for one thing. Hope everyone will give it a shot, it’s frustrating at first, but gets easier. I tied two wets warming up for the full dress fly, and realized it wasn’t as tough as it first seemed, and went for it. I think you’ll be amazed at what you can do with very little.
Eric

5

okay.

I’m willing to give it a shot.

6

I’ve tied a couple of flies with my 180-degree inline-rotary finger vise and they looked nothing like Eric’s. Beautiful fly Eric. I’ve watched Harry Lemire tie some gorgeous flies without a vise as well.

Jay

7

Heck, with my arthritis half the time the fingers won’t work well enough to put the crazy hook in the vise much less use them as a vise.

Mike

There is no greater fan of flyfishing than the worm.

Patrick McManus

8

Mike, I think I’m GETTING arthritis from tying without a vise. I’ve been doing a couple of wets a night trying to “keep my hand in”, and my whole left arm, hand, and shoulder are killing me now. Got to get back to the vise for awhile I think.
Eric

9

Eric here is my size #16 reversedparachute BWO emerger

It took about 15 minutes, the hardest part was applying the dubbing. No vise was used - teeth only, no scissors; yes I have been warned before!

Ingredients size 16 partridge Klinkhamer hook;cree hackle fibres for tails, Pearsalls Antique gold silk,Not waxed; Dazi hare’s ear for abdo… Roy’s fur mix for thorax, grizzly saddle and invisible mending thread for ribbing and hackle loop.

I will move on to the more complex stuff now.

all good fun
Roy

[This message has been edited by RoyChristie (edited 29 April 2005).]

10

Roy’s fly is amazing! I’ve got a Green Weenie from Ken Igo (the inventor), along with 2 other flies, John Mundinger’s done a parachute and Dave Wood has a wet fly with married wings and tail, the Kineo. Also got a cool fly from Don Newton, who has had his tetanus booster updated after jabbing himself with the hook so much. Don, same here, but being a Luddite I can’t rely on modern medicine. Going to sweat it out. So cast off your modern conveniences and fancy schmantzy tools, and join us. Maybe you’ll win a fancy schmantzy tool! Send your entry too:
Eric Austin
224 Rutherford Ave.
Delaware, Ohio

11

Thanks, Eric, tho’ I’m still intimidated by that salmon fly too

;?}
Roy

12

I’ve poked myself enough whith hooks in the fingers fishing to also do it tying. lol