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tctrout

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Posts posted by tctrout

  1. Posted · Report reply

    Now that the summer is officially here, let's talk favorite dry flies to tie and fish. In this video, I share my "go to" patterns, with the CDC Flying Ant leading off the list. Did I miss any of your favorites??

    Tim

    Video: 

     

     

  2. Posted · Report reply

    The 2022 Fly Tyers Reunion is around the corner, taking place April 28! It's an honor to tie at this event and I'm excited we're able to return...ON MY BIRTHDAY! Details below.
    ***
    *Location - Highlands Sporting Clays Lodge (by 7 Springs)
    *Time - 6:00 - 9:00 pm
    *Cost - $5 (raffle at 8:30)
    ***
    Tiers attending include:
    Thomas E. Baltz
    Tim Cammisa
    Scott Loughner
    Braden Miller
    Shane Hawryliak
    Shawn Holsinger
    Bob Mead
    Joe Jackson
    Randy Buchanon
    Greg Heffner
    Bob Patlen
    Joe Messinger
    Jodi Messinger
    Chuck Furimsky
    ***
    Please see the attached press release for details and I hope to see you at the event! Also, this article was recently shared: https://www.dailyamerican.com/story/news/local/2022/04/12/fly-tyers-reunion-returns-to-seven-spring-in-2022/65349033007/

    Fly Tyer's Reunion 2022 Press Release pic.png

  3. Posted · Report reply

    Hi all! Landon Mayer joined me and shared a few tips to stay organized with fly tying. These included using a baseball card binder to store hooks and bead containers for beads (obviously!). A few more were shared in the video, and I'd love to know if you have any additional organization ideas you'd be willing to share from your tying bench.

    Thanks!

     

     

  4. Posted · Report reply

    On 1/7/2022 at 5:29 PM, Poopdeck said:

    First, great podcast on emergers with Tom Rosenbauer on December 10. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot from it.  Let’s see, I don’t have a 500 dollar vise, I have 3 vises that I have paid 30 bucks for all three. Actually only bought 2 the 3rd was inherited but 3 for30 sounds better then 2.  I don’t have a tension bobbin, a thread splitter or a social media platform. I consider a whip finisher a must. Not because it’s difficult since it’s really just a snell knot that any worm fisherman worth his salt can tie, but because the thread frays on my hand and I don’t want to use hand softener. 

    Thanks for the kind words re: the podcast! Tom and I recorded another one this week on fly tying...it was another fun one. 

  5. Posted · Report reply

    Thanks for all of the great thoughts and suggestions. In all fairness, the class that I teach involves 6 patterns, all with various techniques built in. I also posted this question on some Facebook groups, as it's fun to hear others' thoughts and ideas. The Zebra Midge came up a lot, though in a size #14. 

    As mentioned in my video, the key is finding out the water type most frequently fished, then heading in that direction. Though doesn't a Squirmy Wormy catch fish in most!?! 😉

    Tim

  6. Posted · Report reply

    As I know many of you have been tying as long (or longer!) than me, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one: What fly do you recommend for a beginning tier? 

    Over 30 years ago, that fly for me was the Olive Woolly Bugger. There were a few techniques, it looked cool, I had no idea what the fly represented, and most importantly, IT CAUGHT FISH! Fast forward to 2022, and the fly that I share with new tiers is the Mop. Wow, have things changed! To me, getting a new tier to catch a fish on a fly they tied all but seals the deal, then it's off to the races to learn new patterns.

    Below is a video I put together on this topic, but even without watching, I'd love to hear some patterns you recommend. 

    Tim

     

     

  7. Posted · Report reply

    So I decided to take a look at fly tying and a side not often taken...things you DON'T need. In my video, I list 5 things I don't need (keyword: Need), including a whip finishing tool. I use it for about 5% of my patterns, instead opting for a hand whip finish with head cement or super glue.

    After watching the video, I'd love to hear your thoughts, and more importantly, your 5 things that you don't need.

    Tim

     

  8. Posted · Report reply

    7 hours ago, chugbug27 said:

    @ttroutt, great video. Your enthusiasm is pitch perfect. For me personally...

    30 years ago I started tying flies so I wouldn't have to keep buying hare's ear nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, and the other basic patterns I was buying a lot of and losing too frequently as a relatively new fly fisher. I did catch trout using them, and it was a plus, but ultimately I found myself buying flies again and putting the relatively inexpensive tying stuff in storage. Many, many years later after my perceived work and family responsibilities stopped overwhelming my fly fishing time, I started emerging as a more dedicated fly fisher, and along with that came a desire to get back into tying my own flies.

    The real joy of fly tying to me has been part of the joy of what @SilverCreek is getting at -- as a part of understanding and taking part in what's going on in the river between the trout and the bugs they eat. (And that's touched on in your video.) Another part of that joy for me has been watching and learning from the many excellent fly tying videos (including yours) and from the fly tying forums that are now so readily available, and seeing my own skills and knowledge improve. Another part is getting to know the history, and also getting to know the people who are into fishing and fly fishing and fly tying who have deep roots in it, in all different directions, and getting to feel a modest part of that.

    As for the money spent, I spend more than I should but less than I could, and I have more tools and materials than I want but I still have a hard time parting with any of them unless I'm giving them to someone else who might have a better use for them. The time spent is far more precious than the money spent, and I spend a lot more time on it than money.

     

    8 hours ago, Sandan said:

    Excellent video as usual @tctrout.  I'm not sure if I agree with all your reasons and/or the order of them but is fly tying worth it?  The catching fish on a fly you created waxes and wanes. When it's a pattern I've copied it's not that big a deal, when it's something I've customized for a specific situation its a great feeling. either way when I lose a 3 fly rig I'm not that bummed cause I'll tie more. . Yes, tying flies is most definitely worth it.  If I wanted to save money I wouldn't have any hobbies at all.  I don't begrudge myself spending on materials. Can't remember the last time I went to the fly shop when I actually stuck to the list of "what I needed" without getting one or two "what I wanted"

    I think I fall more into @Mark Knapp reasons though it seems he doesn't know the "right" members of the opposite sex. 

    I appreciate the kind words from both of you. Here's another fun fact: I was hoping this video would speak to those who are thinking about getting into fly tying! Instead, it has really resonated with those who tie. I knew that the majority would answer that tying is worth it (if not, why continue?). But I was really curious to see how we valued that "worth" differently...and there have been a few twists in there from this group.

    Sandan - It's all right if our thoughts don't mirror each other; the beauty of fly tying and fly fishing is that we can each take our own path. I sincerely hoped other valued tying for reasons different than mine (well, to catch a fish on a fly you tied yourself is super cool, especially that first time). Oh, btw I lost a couple two-fly rigs today on steelhead...back to the bench soon!

    Chugbug27 - The enthusiasm is real and easy to generate when I'm talking about fly fishing. It's a goal to help lessen the learning curve for others when it comes to fly fishing and tying, and my videos have given me that outlet. Glad to know we've been tying for about the same amount of time...I'm up to 32 years!

    Tim

  9. Posted · Report reply

    4 hours ago, upnorthtier said:

    First thing I enjoy watching your videos Tim, keep up the good work. Can I save money tying? for me no, i have an addictive personality,  I'm one of those guys that likes having a bit of everything. So much more out there that I need to get ha, never ending. You can make it as cheap or expensive as one likes. Is it worth it? yes. its good for the mind and soul, keeps me out of trouble, watching the tube, etc. One of the most memorable things for me is hearing fishing story's of friends catching fish using a fly I tied, I just love that.

    Appreciate the kind words. This video was a fun one to make, though I've reflected further since it was filmed. I also want to add that nearly everything else fades away when I tie...but I allow for my creativity to kick in. Plus when I've at the vise, I bring myself back to specific situations on the water and work through them with the flies I'm tying. It's tough to imagine fly fishing without this component, thus it has truly strengthened my connection to the outdoors.

    Tim

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Hi all, and for others that were there, we can agree that it was a fun show packed full of all sorts of tiers! Re: attendance, I can tell you that it was about average for the Symposium. Saturday was a packed day, and new this year was a fly tying contest that was won by a tier around 12 years old...doesn't get better than that! There were a number of tiers that came in from other countries, plus we got to see David Klausmeyer (editor of Fly Tyer magazine) present that Fly Tyer of the Year Award to Barry Ord Clarke at the Saturday Banquet.

    Tim

  14. Posted · Report reply

    I'm sure that very few in this forum have even heard of a Squirmy (HA!), but here's a variation I came across and wanted to share. It's a technique I prefer to use in larger sizes and have had good success with it. The technique isn't foolproof, as the dental bands lashed onto the hook will eventually fail, but overall, the pattern has more longevity than the traditional tie...plus allows for a quick change of color when on the water!

    TC

     

     

  16. Posted · Report reply

    11 hours ago, niveker said:

    Thanks for the info, both @tctrout and @flytire.   If I was  a bit closer, I would probably make an effort to go.   I'd like to see Joe Messenger tie one of his dad's frogs, live.  

    No worries, and I understand. It's a bit of a drive for me...nowhere near as far as my flight to Denver for that show! 😉

    Btw, Joe (and his son Jodi) are both incredible tiers and fly fishers. I've had a chance to tie and fish with them a few times, and it's been an honor every time. To watch them tie the frogs is something I treasure. When the frog comes off of Joe's vise, it looks just as relevant (and fishy!) as it must have YEARS ago! He also ties at the Fly Tiers Reunion, held at 7 Springs in PA, an event that is traditionally held in March/April. Follow them on Facebook because it's a smaller show and many miss out: https://www.facebook.com/flytyingsymposium

  17. Posted · Report reply

    This is the Symposium's 30th Anniversary (technically, it would have been last year, but that show was cancelled), so I'm looking forward to it. I will be a featured tier and presenter, plus be tying at my station. I'm also teaching a private fly tying class on Sunday.

    Tiers that will be there include: Dave Whitlock, Landon Mayer, Barry Ord Clarke, Devin Olsen, Son Tao, Tom Baltz, Brad Buzzi, the Demuths, Aaron Jasper, Tim Flagler, Joe Messinger, Marc Petijean, Jake Villwock, and too many more to list. 

    Hope to see many of you there!

    Tim

    I put together a YouTube video for the Symposium: 

     

  19. Posted · Report reply

    Thanks for sharing, @McFlyLures! This style of pattern has produced some of my largest fish over the last few years. Deciding to jump into the articulated streamer game was not an easy choice...more of a mental block. Once I did, GAME CHANGER (pun intended). I tend to use EP brushes for many of mine, as they save a ton of time, are resilient, and add a touch of weight while still allowing an easy cast.

    Tim

  22. Posted · Report reply

    Tying flies is so much fun, but requires a few essential tools.  One of the most critical is a vise, and in this video review, we examine the Stonfo Elite.  This vise is manufactured by an Italian company and offers tiers lots of options, including height, angle, and tension adjustments.  Throughout the video, I share my thoughts about this high-quality tool, plus give you a close-up view of the components.  A favorite section is when I showcase the vise holding a range of hooks...even a #32!  

    Do you have a "vise vice" too?!?

    Tim

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRusDhpqrjs&t=277s

  23. Posted · Report reply

    My latest YouTube video is of the Cahill Frenchie, a fly that TRIES to cross that magic line from jig nymph to emerger! smil3dbd4e398ff7b.gif Aside from showing the tying steps, I talk about ways to fish this pattern in the video, plus take time to explain the design behind the fly.

    Hope all is well!

    Tim

     

     

  24. Posted · Report reply

    For those who've traveled to visit one of the Fly Fishing Shows in the past, you can comment on the sheer amount of information and vendors. If you've never attended, definitely consider, and the next one is in Edison, New Jersey, January 24, 25, & 26.

     

    I'm honored to announce that I'm a featured presenter, tier, and teaching a private fly tying class. Find me on tier's row when I'm not presenting, and to learn more about this year's fun and celebrities, watch the video I put together (down below).

     

    Tim

     

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