Fly tying goes hand in hand with fly-fishing, I think.
Even if one doesn’t continue to tie flies, as they may have at least tried it and possibly failed, and now obtain their flies from the local fly-shop or a tying buddy. One thing I know for sure, you need flies to fly-fish. Where you ultimately get them is up to you.
Let’s go over the anatomy of the common dry fly. Most important is the hook. Metal; bronze, most likely. The tail is usually a good stiff hackle or deer hair. Body is fur dubbing, stripped peacock herl, and the list goes on. To float the fly, a few turns of rooster hackle or CDC feathers (the waterproof feathers from a duck's butt), splayed deer hair, and on and on. Last would be the wings. Most common, especially if tying the Catskill Classics, would be Wood Duck. So, there you have the makings of the dry fly.
In recent years collecting flies has become a serious hobby. Some might call it a way to put money into something that will most likely increase in value. Example: about five years ago I purchased a collectible fly from a famous old-timer from Montana. At the time I paid $35.00 for this boxed and carded fly. Today the fly would sell for $75-95. I can bet that when this Montana tier passes, it will almost instantly go up in value again. As with the stock market, some have started putting their money into snatching up big collections or limited box sets from famous tiers, knowing that the money they have invested will double or triple in time, and better yet, these collections will bring them the joy of owning fly-fishing relics from years gone by.
One very important thing about collectible flies is AUTHENTICATION! Make sure you only deal with honest, highly-recommended dealers of such collectibles, for there are some very unsavory dealers out there. These few dishonest people give honest dealers a black eye, so to speak. The best way to start collecting is to do your research. With the Internet, there is no excuse to not look into reputable dealers or other sources of fly-fishing collectibles. You will also want to have a fly or fly-fishing related item authenticated. There are a handful of people who specialize in fly-fishing authentications but the one that I am most confident with is Roscoe, NY’s Dave Catizone. Dave does authentications for the Catskill fly-fishing museum as well as private collectors. I have had the chance to watch him do his thing and I can honestly say he is more than a very observant guy. His attention to detail in studying these items is something that I have never witnessed before' and his stamp of approval is all I would need on a fly or a bamboo rod. He has done his homework in the history of the Catskills rich angling past, as well as the present.
My best advice before starting a collection is to start with today’s professional tiers. Go to the many popular fly-tying shows around the country. There you can meet the tiers face-to-face; there is no doubting the authentication of a fly that way. Most tiers will sell a fly for a reasonable price and even include a signed business card. However, when dealing with deceased historic tier’s flies, one must do their research and ask around at the fly-tying shows they attend. People in the business will more than likely give good contacts and steer one clear of the bad ones. Collecting fly-fishing items is a very pleasing and joyful hobby, but it can also be very financially rewarding too.
Happy collecting!
Brad Wilson has been tying flies for over ten years and has been tying realistic flies for just over two years. He owns Wilson’s Artful Fly, specializing in custom made, domed displays of his flies.
Hatches Magazine Subscription
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The Premiere issue is ready for shipping & the Fall 2008 issue will be available September 1st.
Hatches Magazine Subscription
Price: $6.95 for each issue
The Premiere issue is ready for shipping & the Fall 2008 issue will be available September 1st.
