I’m new to fly fishing and even newer to tying. Today I hooked and landed my 1st steelhead on a fly(Is an egg imitation considered a fly?), that I tied myself. Although it was an egg imitation (easy to tie)I couldn’t be happier. I had a small assortment of nymphs that I tied for the 1 day trip, the fish didnt seem to think they were as good as I did. I hope I didn’t post this in the wrong place.
My usually supportive wife(who doesn’t fish) didn’t think it should be a big deal.
your first fish on a fly you tied yourself is definately a big deal. i remember mine. prolly the ugliest CDC style caddis ive ever seen before or since. but 1 fish liked it, and that was all i cared about.
never forget that feeling. it is what will keep you trying harder to tie better.
Now it’s time to retire that fly. Put it up someplace and don’t use it again. Start yourself up a “Hall of Fame” and even make some sort of display out of it.
Mike
There is no greater fan of flyfishing than the worm.
Congratulations on your victory. I would imagine that both you and the fish were hooked at the same. The fish probably got off easy. You, on the other hand, are hooked for life (if you’re lucky). I agree with the other posts–retire the fly, errh egg as the case may be. Grins and high fives all the way around. 8T
You had better learn to be a happy camper. You only get one try at this campground and it’s a real short camping season.
If you think your hooked now, wait until your first fish on one of your flies on a rod you built! At that point, there is truely no hope that you’ll ever be the same again!
Caongrats!
Swamp
On those occasions when I manage to catch a fish which is memorable, I photograph it , retire the fly and frame the fly and photo.
I cut my own matts so it is no big deal to cut a matt with one big window for the photo and a smaller window for the fly. The fly is usually tied to the back matt with 4X tippet which runs over the hook and through two small needle holes in the backing matt.
Any good frame shop could do this for you and probably even improve on it.
AgMD
Thanks to all for the kind remarks. In my haste I didn’t mention that I also released the fish. Great ideas on how to keep that memory of the fly and fish on the wall. Although I don’t have have a picture(dang it!) to matte with the fly, I’m thinking of starting a “Wall of Fame”. Thats if I ever tie another fly that catches a fish. At this time rod building is out of the question I definately have my hands full trying to tie. I’ll never say never again, because at one time in my youth I said “I,ll never fly fish, it’s too expensive and too hard”.With buying tying materials and a drive to get as good as I can, I was kinda right in my mind. But, and there is always a BUT, I am soooo happy that I was kinda wrong! Flyfishing is awesome!! Someday the rod will come and I think it will be bamboo.
“C”,
You may not have a picture to hang on the wall, but where that picture resides, nothing will be able to remove it!
Congrats and welcome to the addiction…
…lee s.
Good job. Steelhead are a wonderful fish and the first one is always the greatest.
Ive got the week off and plan to hit the water pretty hard for them myself.
My first fish of the year was a 2 year fish I caught last week that had the most amazing colors to it. The kicker was in all the spring fishing madness I managed to wheedle myself a good spot completely alone on a small trib that runs through a deep shale ravine.
Keep flailing away at those waters bud. Youll not find a more rewarding and technical fish in my opinion.
FC, I think it was a big deal, and that you have a right to be proud. It sounds like you are really enjoying the whole experience and have a humble attitude and respect for the sport. I don’t know why the wife didn’t appreciate the accomplishment and your enthusiasm for what is a healthy pastime. Considering some guys go to a bar, racetrack or mistress to entertain themselves, I think she could be a bit more supportive! There are no steelhead around my area, but I read and watch shows about them with much interest…someday… Congrats on your catch (and release), Tight Lines, Jim
Backbeach,
I hope I didn’t get the wrong message across.My wife is supportive, its just that SHE lacked enthusiasm.I appreciate your post, and I agree with the scenarios. I just don’t want this to sound like i’m bashing.
Old Geezer,
Nice try, but you know I can’t post that! None of the above.
These fish need all the help they can get. I don’t know where Bliss is but maybe we can get hooked up sometime. I could use a mentor(or just someone to fish with) for steelies and salmon.
