troutguy 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 My sister bought me a Noll kit from Al Cohen's Sports in Monticello, NY for my eighth birthday. I am almost sixty-three so fifty five years, continuous. My Grandfather was friends with some famous Catskill tyers. I used to hang out and soak everything in when I was in Livingston Manor or Roscoe. My Grandparents lived on the Willowemoc. Funny JSzymczyk, you are so correct. George Herter was showing people how to tie jointed streamers in his 1950 and 60's writing. It wasn't original then either. They had jointed devil bugs. I think I remember you tying a nice devil bug for a swap once. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RCFetter 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 In the early 90s I inherited a vise and a nice collection of tying tools. I put the vise on the bookcase and the tools in a tackle box. Three years ago I opened the tackle box and started tying. On another fly fishing forum, someone living about an hr away with 40 yrs of experience offered help. That "made all the difference." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moshup 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 A span of over 40 years but like probably most on here I did not tie all those with school,career and family. I would say I've tied 25 of those years. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redietz 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 51 years, I think. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bulb 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 2 years Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retrocarp 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 Off and on for ... a few decades. I honestly can't say how or when I started. My memory's always been less than perfect, and this is just one example. I remember trying it as a kid with an aluminum sheet metal vice that came in a kit ... but I don't remember how old I was at the time. I also know that I don't tie flies. I wrap stuff around hooks and fish with it. Compared to some of the tiers on here, what I fish with can NOT be called "flies". Don't sell yourself short Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 Retro ... don't worry about me! My ego needs no massaging. I consider myself a fly fisherman who ties to go fishing. Yes, Virginia, one CAN save money tying one's own flies. Unlike Stabgnid ... I DO fly fish, and often. Before this long stay in a hotel, I could count on my fingers (no toes needed) the number of flies I'd tied just for the sake of tying them. Now, I think I'll need to take my shoes off ... but as soon as I am home, I'll go back to tying what I fish with. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheCream 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 Less than 10. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rstaight 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 Not completely sure, but I have been tying about 17 years. Started out to "save" money. LOL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
essequamvideri 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 I started out as a closet tyer. Literally. One Christmas my brother was given a tying kit. It sat in his closet for a couple of years so I started out hiding in his closet tying from his kit. I was 13. So I've been at it for over 40 years. Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Beatty 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 Hi Group, Al has been a commercial tier for 60+ years and Gretchen a few years less (she doesn't want to give away her age <G>). Take care & ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FKROW 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 Mine is 65+ years, not continuously, time out for U.S. Navy and intense college degrees. Started in grammar school, maintain enjoyment for learning and experimenting with patterns. This site is always entertaining for exchange of information and new ideas. Regards, FK Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
islander727 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 Around 20. I don't want to know how much I've spent in that span... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam Saarinen 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 5years december just gone, i'm a newbie! Flyfishing for MUCH longer! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brodrash 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2017 Im up to about 6..... months that is! Adam thinks he is a newb? pffst Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites