Denis, don't doubt that at all; undoubtably patterns do get better with time, even if the underlying concept isn't new.
For example, someone mentioned the Klinkhammer, one of my favourite flies for rivers. However, it's not the "pattern" that makes this an extraordinary fly, it was the bending of the hook to put the abdomen below the surface that made it great. I stated this in my ten great innovations; ie shaping the hook to achieve the desired presentation. Harry mentioned Rene Harrop; without being snippy, what innovation is he responsible for that I would find in the flies in my boxes? Perhaps I'm being too strict in my assessment of what is a true innovation. In my view, a significant influence on fly-tying must show up in virtually everyone's boxes. For example, I doubt there are many fly-fishers who don't have at least one parachute pattern. Does anyone think I'm opinionated?!!? Please, no need to fill my inbox with "YES". Cheers, Paul -- Paul Marriner Outdoor Writing & Photography. Member OWAA & OWC. Author of Stillwater Fly Fishing - Tools & Tactics (CD), Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies, Miramichi River Journal, Ausable River Journal, and Atlantic Salmon.
