Re: [VFB] Why I Fly Fishing/Tie Flies?

[Jeff Frye]

I don't have a classic story like Del where Bagger Vance hands me a magic 5-iron. 2 1/2 years ago I was going to a conference in Vail, CO and decided that the family would enjoy the mountains in July. I planned to take a spin rod and on a whim called a buddy who fly fishes and asked to use his loaner rod. A quick casting lesson on the lawn and he sends me on my way. My son and I stop in a fly shop near Avon to get a license, map of the Eagle River and some suggested flies. Had no idea what we were doing but at on point had a rainbow come shooting through the water to hit my caddis fly. Freaked me out. Didn't hook the fish, but hooked me. I had generally kept my fishing to a couple futile outings at a local lake until that point. Next thing I know I'm in a store spending money like a drunken sailor on shore leave. Swore that I would never tie my own. That lasted about 3 months. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about fly fishing. Never could say that about golf. And I played 100 rounds in 1995. This is the only thing that truly relaxes me.

Deborah Duran wrote:

Guys and Gals-
I was just curious as to what it was that got you interested in flyfishing
and tying flies. I overheard some guys joking at the show I went to
yesterday. One gentleman said that fly tying was just arts and crafts for
guys. I thought that was funny.
I have always loved needlepoint and making miniature crafts. I remember
when I lived in Vermont I wandered into an outdoor outfitter shop in an old
mill building. I saw a guy tying flies in between customers. That really
left an impression on me and I remembered that day. When my husband decided
he wanted to teach our oldest son to fish, and after I had been dragged in
to store after store looking at fishin lures, I mentioned that day to him.
At Christmas time under the tree was my first fly tying kit. Of course for
his birthday shortly after he bought his first fly rod. I never realized
how addicting it could be or how much fun I would have. For my birthday
this year I bought my first rod. I can now outlast my poor husband in any
flyfishing/tying store or show.
I would be interested in hearing some of your stories.
Deb



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