I've Drawn a Blank

I feel like I need to tie some flies, but every time I sit down at the bench, I draw a blank. I’ll get some hooks and materials out, then nothing. I feel a need to tie something simple yet exotic but nothing comes to mind. I would try to invent something, but every time I do that they turn out like a 3 legged rhino with a giraffe’s neck. They always wind up in the trash. Anyone here ever fall into that same funk? And, if so, how did you get out of it?
Target; River Rainbows w/dry fly.
Thanks Ahead,

I like the Amy’s Ant when I am going exotic. What a monstrosity.

http://www.charliesflyboxinc.com/flybox/details.cfm?parentID=165

Yep, do something with foam…

Addendum…foam and John’s FEB’s

Joe,

Not too long ago we were visiting about the Hornberg … I still have some Jungle Cock if you need it. Call me.

I’m still interested. For sure. I’ll try to call tomorrow after work.
Thanks Joel

joe

email me your addy and ill send you some cool materials that will get you out of your funk for sure!

chris

I like making the funk go away with the “pink lady” or the “Bob Slee Special” (found in Old Flies…)
'bout three each of “small” and “large” usually do the trick, and I get to use some ginger hackles-which usually don’t really produce here in the PHX.

If that doesn’t work I like to re-invent the wooly-bugger in various non-essential colors.

Thanks Chris,
I’ve sent you a PM. Somehow I managed to loose your email addy.

I always fall into that zone. Then I fall asleep.

You could tie me four dozen olive D-buggers, or a hundred glo-bugs, apricot supreme, on #14 2457s. Gonna need those this fall.

Those things don’t catch fish! Dadgum streamer fishermen… :wink:

How about a challenge? This crayfish, in the shape of a fly. Color, features, etc.

joe,

your anti-funk package is on the way. enjoy!

You can always start out the session with a couple of parachute Adams flies. Then you can expand by trying some Krystal Flash ribbing, changing the hackle, etc until you have Something Else Entirely by the end of the session.

Ed

Fly Tying, the Angers Art is one of my favorite fly tying sites on the internet ( after FAOL that is!).

Washington State College Public Television have three seasons of 27 minute television shows, about tying fly patterns. There are usually three patterns to a show, and all the materials and steps are presented in a very easy and understandable dialog.

I highly recommend this site, for inspiration, and clear instructions that any fly tyer (no matter their level of skill) can achieve fishable flies. ~Parnelli :slight_smile:

I have sometimes had a good time tying after a picture of some “thing”.
Find a picture of caddis larva, in the case or emerging and try to immitate it.

It’s fun when you come up with your own fly, you can think about it for days, it takes you weeks to finish the initial fly and months/years to make it perfect.

When I come up with something like this (not often) I’m a happier man :slight_smile:

Hi Joe,

I think we all fall into the funk of non-tying from time to time. I will sometimes go for a couple of months without tying a fly because of work, honey-do’s, or just lack of inspiration. When I want to get the creative juices flowing again, my solution is to go to my library and look thourgh my books for something that I haven’t tied before that looks new, promising and fish-pleasing. The Public Library or some heavy brousing at Barnes and Nobel also helps this process. I’ve given up on trying to invent the new killer fly and pretty much stick with established patterns. Try a new book, I think it will help! 8T :slight_smile: BTW: right now I’m getting ready to try some Copper Johns which I’ve never tied before.

Or just tye the simplest, easiest pattern that you have done many times.
Just to get you started and your fingers in action :slight_smile:

Thorarinn.

Steve,

Regarding “Fly Tying, The Angler’s Art”…It’s not uncommon to see LeRoy Hyatt or Carolyn Sells tying at local fishing shows. They are both great tiers and a lot of fun to watch. Best Regards.

Thanks Parn,
I’ve had "Fly Tying the Angler’s Art saved to my favorites for some time now. I’ve watched Leroy tie in person, and have talked with him. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to tips for tying. And his prowess is every bit as good as it appears on that program.
Thanks buddy,

If you are sitting at the fly tying bench drawing a blank but feel the need to make something maybe you need to take that blank and make yourself a new flyrod…