I was thinking at work today (for y’all that know me, that’s a scary thing huh?) and felt the need to post. I have been fly fishing for two and a half years, and seriously tying for about two. In those two years, I have learned an incredible amount on this website reading articles and posts. There is SO much that I’ve picked up that it’s absolutely amazing. I live in central Kansas, about as far from wild trout as a person can get.
The most humbling thing that came to my mind today was the fact that in my quest for knowledge, I can come on this board and ask even the most basic of questions and get not only answers but explainations and real-life experiences to help answer those questions. That means a lot to me, and I want you all to know that! I’ve met some AWESOME folks from this website, and call some good personal friends now.
So THANK YOU to everyone who makes this site what it is, and who have made me into a better fly fisher and fly tyer than I probably ought to be! Keep up the encouragement and support.
There’s one other really nice thing about this process of information exchange on FAOL. Pretty soon the people who have been asking the questions, like Zac, are answering others’ questions, sharing new discoveries and helping the brand new tyers. And Deanna, it is a wonderful web site. Thank you. 8T
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Zac, it’s been a pleasure to include you in my swaps, as well. it is really neat how FAOL has enriched our lives, and how every member makes a difference to the others.
I just love the posts where someone has asked a question that’s important to them and rather than get after the person for asking such a thing members here will give pertinent info as well as directing the questioner to links of past discussions right here on FAOL. There is a wealth of knowledge already stored here as well as what every BB member has to share. Nothing but great stuff and a hearty “THANKS”!
Amen Kid,
I was a serious fly fisherman in the early 80’s, built my 8’ glass 6wt, etc etc, but I got away from it as it seemed too much hassle, like smoking a pipe. Then last spring I was reborn in the sport after a trip to the famed Snake in Wyo, and man have things changed! My old heavy glass rod has been replaced with a 3wt Albright graphite (i realize some will say graphite is a step back) and so many new innovations that makes life and fishing easier. The loop to loop, furled leaders (I used to tie my own tapered leaders as the knotless kind was so $$), and not to mention, more places to fish around here, thanks to TU and others who recognized the need to clean up and enhance our streams. And most of the stuff I have learned right here.
Often times I will see a post and think “man, thats why I love this site”. Is there some way to copy and paste these? I realize I could do it to a word processer but I use multiple computers. For example, JohnScotts response to matching the hatch (try a streamer), great idea! Or the post about if you could buy any rod…I had never heard of Hexagraph. Or tying the Bitteroot Worm and TCTK, first flies I have tied in 30 years. Or the post using pom poms and super glue for egg patterns, anybody can tie those. There have been bunches of stuff that has enhanced my experience, maybe someone could post a blog or thread where we can copy gems we’ve found.
It really is life-enriching. I think of fly fishing and fly tying as art. There’s so much creativity that can be used, and beautiful things to be made and experienced. When I sit at a vise, the hook is my canvas and the possibilities really are endless.
My first time in the chat room, I didn’t even know what an Adams was… Now I look back and kinda laugh at how innocently ignorant I was!
Thanks Deanna.
Casey, I still smile when I see that BRIGHT pink fly in my fly swap collection!
I have been fly fishing, and fly tying now for the second year. I have learned a tremendous amount from this website, and have had a lot of help personally as well. I learn more here I think than anywhere over all on fly tying. The wealth of info that is shared here is just mind boggling. Thank you all so much. I agree with the original poster on that. However I would of tied whether or not this board was around. I just wish I had started SOONER…lol. I started tying when I was 48. Better late than never is my motto.
Having been a fly fisherman for less than a year, and a fly tier for a little more than a month, I, too, would like to thank everyone here. I’ve not asked any questions in this realm yet, but I know if I do run into an issue, I’ll come here first. My gratitude to everyone here runs very deep.
My wife, on the other hand, doesn’t share my feelings, especially considering all the inspiration I get from this site, which, in turn, deepens my addiction, erm, I mean love of this sport.
QK, could not agree more! I visit here ofter and enjoy it most of the time. FAOL reminds me of Family. I visit another site in regards to firearms, the similarities are very definite. Good people talking and working toward common goals. Can’t beat that with an ugly stick. Family type help and support is great here. We help and support each other when things are rough. I enjoy the friendship, humor and comradirie here, always something to smile about, someone will make you laugh. Lots of FAOLers working to ‘‘Pay it forward.’’ Y’all take care, John.
