Gee, I just make a fly that looks like what I want. I imitate bugs, not patterns.
Must be nice. Is that how you invented the Woolly Bugger, or use of CDC?
That’s I wondered about combination in the OP. i usually look around for pattern one sheets and then for SBS. Videos are good for overview for me, and I may find one if I am stuck on something
Mike
I replied videos and explained my reasons. I took the question to mean you could only chose one medium. If you can choose all, I’ll go with “all”.
Along with Hans and Byron I’d go with both. My emphasis is on techniques not patterns. Learning to tie patterns means you can tie patterns. Learning fly tying techniques means you can go much further and be creative. Some techniques are very difficult to convey effectively in photos and written words, I know I’ve tried. Recently I have acquired the facility to make video so have started having a go.
Cheers,
A.
My preference is step-by-step with an emphasis on technique. Videos can be hit or miss. The better videos I have found are by AK Best and Al Beatty that come to mind, but certainly there are others.
+1. Exactly my thought.
It would seem the ideal thing when a book of patterns is to put together a book of step by steps and include a DVD inside the jacket cover. Who says you cannot have it all? There are several guys who show up here from time to time who should consider doing that.
For the most part, I prefer a one-page handout (pdf preferred with high quality fly pic, recipe and tying instructions). Usually, I print a hard copy for my notebook. The SBSs are really good if it’s a new fly or one with a unique method/tying sequence and I enjoy watching some videos. I do find the SBSs and videos invaluable for teaching my local club’s fly tying group. Skill levels vary so I like send out the fly recipe and links for the group prior to the monthly get together.