Tying Flies - Do you Fly Fish and want to Tie Your Own

There was a time when I considered myself an avid fly fisherman, but still felt that I was missing out on one key aspect of the sport - tying flies. I spend a ton of time fishing and I also paint and draw fly fishing related artworks. It was nearing Christmas a long time ago when my fly tying hobby took hold. My brother was aware of my passion for fly fishing and I must have mentioned the concept of staring to tie flies to him at some point because Christmas morning I unwrapped a gift that has changed my life.

As I removed the wrapping paper from the gift I found a fly tying kit that included the vice and all of the tools required for tying. The best gift was still to come. Tucked inside of the carrying case for the vice there was a gift card that stated I was enrolled in fly tying classes at the local fly shop. I could not wait to start the classes.

Upon arrival at the fly shop I was introduced to a retired dentist who taught 5 of us how to tie. I truly enjoyed the class and have been applying the methods I learned t the flies I tie ever since.

If you are interested in learning to tie your own flies make sure to check out your local fly shop or sporting goods store. They will offer beginner classes where you do not need to bring a thing. This method is a great introduction to fly tying because you will be able to check out all of the vices and tools the shop has prior to investing any money into your own. These days there are many options when it comes to the vice you choose and being able to test drive a few prior to buying is a great option.

I am going to writing an article that displays the basic fly tying tools and their uses in the near future. Let me know your thoughts.

Jon Waske
DryFlyWaters.com
The Official Art Studio of Jonathon A. Waske
All artwork and photos by Jon Waske

Fly to Fish / Fly and Fish a "Traveling Guide"

I spend much of my time on the home front Michigan fishing waters for which I can simply throw my fly fishing gear into my car. These types of trips are the easiest to plan. There are no limitations to the items brought. I am lucky enough to take one or two trips per year to a remote location. These trips always involve flying to fish. Fly and Fish involves an entirely different set of planning requirements. These are the main tips I have developed based on my many Fly to Fish / Fly and Fish trips.

1. Packable rod and reel kit: The first and foremost item needed on your fishing trip is your rod and reel. Fly to Fish trips require you to have the ability to fish. The most important item involved in fishing is your Rod & Reel.

2. Fly to Fish Clothes: I am a strong believer of convertible pant and shorts for Fly to Fish trips. I does not matter to me if you buy them at Walmart or Orvis. I think the basic concept is great. You can wear one pair of convertibles as shorts or pants for days if need be. I also recommend wearing a vented fishing button down collared shirt. If you lose your luggage you could easily get by in a decent restaurant wearing a Columbia or sage fishing shirt with khaki convertible pants. I also recommend a pair of shoes or boots that could double as wading boots if you can not fit yours in the carry on.

3. Carry On Bag: When I am going to Florida for a beach vacation I place basic items in my carry on that I could not live without. This includes a swimsuit, t-shirt and underwear. When I am flying to Western Wisconsin I place items I can not replace for a Fly and Fish trip. If there is room these items include my breathable waders, bug spray, fishing glasses, my favorite hat, my fishing license and any additional item that could net be easily and cheaply replaced if your additional luggage is lost.

4. Local Information: Prior to flying to a fishing destination I take the time to find out where the local Meijer, Walmart or Kmart is located. My reasoning for this effort serves two main purposes. First, these stores often sell local fishing licenses. Second, if you lose your luggage you can easily replace any item of general clothing for a fraction of the cost you would pay at a sporting goods store. You need to plan for the worst, not a whole new Top of the line fishing ensemble.

There you have my top 4 tips for Fly to Fish / Fly and Fish trips. Make sure to plan ahead and focus on your fishing needs when packing your carry on bag and deciding what to wear on the plane.

Jon Waske

DryFlyWaters.com

All Art & Photos are created by ME!

Sierra Trading Post Wooly Bugger Fly Sale

I love to fly fish more than almost anything......almost. I also paint and draw sporting art and enjoy tying my own flies too. There are times when I am in a pinch for time and need to have a dozen flies or so of a certain pattern and the first place I visit to check out deals is Sierra Trading Post. They are a closeout store like TJ Maxx or Marshalls that specializes in nothing but outdoor gear. A sportsmans dream come true. The title leads to a great deal on a dozen wooly buggers offered today.

In addition to the general close-outs they have a section of their website called the bargain barn. You will find amazing deals on all kinds of sporting goods - ESPECIALLY FLY FISHING ITEMS. A few years back I came across their site and found 4 models of SIMMS vests for under $50. I ended up buying one for my two brothers, my dad and myself. I also have a spare fishing vest stashed away from that day. It was too good to pass up.

Take some time to check out their site. Let me know what you think.

Jon Waske

DryFlyWaters.com

All Art & Photos created by the Author.

Cabelas Packable Rod - Great Deal Now

I spend a ton of time on the road for my work. Outside of being and avid fly fishing artist I do maintain a 9-5 job. During my initial days of fly fishing I would carry my full size fly rod case in my truck in the hopes of hitting the stream on the way home. This was a great way to plan for unexpected rivers and roadside lakes. However, the 4 1/2 foot rod case took up a ton of room in my vehicle. I stumbled upon the Cabela's Stowaway 5-Piece/Three Forks Fly Combo with Line a few years ago and have never carried my 2 piece rods again.

The Cabelas rod itself is a cannon that will help you cut through wind and deliver your fly to those hard to reach places. On the other hand I have used the combo to fish dries to rising browns in Northern Michigan who were not easily fooled. The kits come with the rod, a basic reel, fly line, backing and a leader. Add flies and water and you are good to go.

As a matter of fact I have converted to almost exclusively purchasing packable rods in combo kits. I now own a total of 3. The combo packages are on sale at this time for $135 to $150. You will not be disappointed.

I hope you take advantage of the deal being offered today.

Trout Art - Fly Fishing Artist

Trout Art is definately one of my favorite subjects. As an avid fly fisherman who also loves to paint and draw I have explored the world of Trout Art. I think that each type of sportfish represents certain things to the specfic anglers that pursure them. I know for me trout have become a lifelong pursuit. Along with the fishing pursuit I have made it one of my favorite hobbies to create trout art that will last long after I am gone.

I live and fish in the state of Michigan. I have spent more time fishing for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, panfish and pike because of the abundant streams, rivers and lakes that hold these fish. Even with all of my time spent not fishing for trout - it is still one of my favorite subjects to draw, paint and photograph.

I can remember the first brook trout I caught when I was younger. I was on a tiny stream when I felt that definitive tug. The brookie could not have been more than 4 inches in length, but was one of the most important things I have ever held. I remember thinking that the fall colors displayed on the body of the fish should not be found in these waters. He looked to be more of a tropical fish tha one at the surface of a suburban stream.

It was from that point on that Trout Art became one of my favorite subjects. I started out by drawing simple pictures of rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout. It was not log until I began applying the watercolor technique to my trout art. The first paintings I completed were crude but I still loved them.

In the recent years I have started to paint and draw multiple types of trout art. I do profile paintings and drawings that look more like an old book used to identify the distinguishing marks of each species. I also started a collection of charcoal art works that are mainly fishing trout art works. These are one of the most challenging works of art I have ever done. The third type of trout artwork I am starting to complete are representations of fish when they were caught. Some are of the trout on the rocks or in the anglers hand just prior to release.

I am planning on working up some watercolor paintings of different fish based on the results of my survey on this blog. So if you think another fish should be the next on my list let me know through e-mail or by voting in my poll.

JW

http://dryflywaters.com/

The Official Art Studio of Jonathon A. Waske

All images in my blogs are original works of art by ME!

Fly Fishing for Trout - 5 Top Tips for a Beginner

1. If you have never cast a fly rod before, or only fooled around with a friends, then take an afternoon and visit a local field or your back yard and try to simply master the feel of the cast. A fly cast is not a powerful action, but instead a precise technique which once acquired seems quite efforless. To cast a fly far does not take strength. It instead takes timing and a feel for the entire flow of the cast. So take the time to hit a wide open area with a few targets and cast a fly with the hook snapped off to avoid catching any watchers or local pets.




2. I truly beleive that a novice angler to the sport of fly fishing should start their fishing by casting on a still pod or small lake to panfish in order to master the obsession they are working on creating. I think the willingness of the bluegill or pumkinseed to oblige you in hitting a dryfly no matter what the presentation looks like to them is a wonderful opprtunity to perfect your casting methods without being discouraged by a lack of action.




3. Once you have your timing down on your cast and the set of the hook from catching willing panish take to a local stram where you have the ability to makeshort and precise casts. At thi time one needs to work on accuracy and timing. Pay attenion to the water prior to even making your way near the bank. Do you see any bugs in the air or on the foliage? Is there anything moving near the surface and do you see any fish rising? If the answer is yes to any of these questions try to catch one of the suspected flies and look for smething in your arsenal of flies that closely resembles the critter. Remember - it does not have to be an exact match. Your entomological knowledge will come later in your trip to obsession.




4. After you have picked a potential fly, tie it on and approch softly and from downstream of where you beleie fish to be. Try not to make noise and keep a low proile. You have to remember that fish are prime targets for birds and other overhead predators so you need to stay low and as silent as posible.




5. If you find a steady rising trout and happen to flop a splashing puddle ofline over his head just mark the spot and move away for a while fishing another possible holding area. You will be surprised by how quickly a slightly spooked fish will sometimes start feeding again once rested.

I hope my breif assessment of how to start slowly in fly fishing will lead to many succesful days in a park casting, fiching for bluegill on a pond and catching the trophy 23" brown in your dreams.

JW
http://dryflywaters.com/
The Official Art Studio of
Jonathon A. Waske
All images in my blogs are original works of art by ME!

The Best Fly Fishing Patterns of all Time

I have had an ongoing debate over the years with my family and friends who are amongst our fellow fly fishers, as to which fly fishing patterns are the best of all time. This discussion when in the company of seasoned anglers and novices alike leads down a long and winding road. It is similar to a discussion of the best band ever in which categories and requirements start to dominate the discussion in place of the true question. What are the best 3 fly fishing patterns ever developed.

I spend most of my time fly fishing on rivers and streams. However, there are many days that I am only able to hit a local pond or small lake so I do fish for cold water and warm water fish every year. This does not include saltwater patterns because I do not do much saltwater fly fishing. Having put my terms to print it is my opinion that the three best fly fishing patterns / flies are:

1. Adams Dry Fly


2. Clouser Minnow


3. Pheasant Tail Nymph

I will not go into detail concerning the specifics of tying these pattern as each of them require a separate page worth of instructions. I will state that there is an underlying similarity between all three fly patterns. The common thread that binds these three flies is that they DO NOT mimic any particular food source. They instead effectively represent almost all of the food available to any species of trout, bass or pan fish you might encounter.

I think that one could have a very successful day, if not an entire season, if the fly boxes carried in your vest were stocked solely with varying sizes and colors of these three patterns.

Let me know your favorite fly patterns and the reason it should have made my short list.

JW

http://dryflywaters.com/

The Official Art Studio of

Jonathon A. Waske

All images on my blog are original works of art by ME!

Fly Fishing Art Works - An Artists Opinion

I am an avid artist who has developed into a Fly Fishing Artist due to my obsession with both hobbies. I truly love the sport of Fly Fishing and have always enjoyed painting and drawing. This is my take on the world of Fishing Art and more specifically, Fly Fishing Art. You can see one of my works below.








"Brown on Rocks" by Jonathon A. Waske - Watercolor Painting
I believe that in the world of fly fishing art beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether the art work is an exact replication or an expressionistic rendering is irrelevant when it comes to the quality of the work. A perfect example of this point came to light when my wife proclaimed that a work I had completed years ago was her favorite of anything I had painted or dawn. In my opinion it was a crude and easily rendered piece. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

In addition to this point I think it is important to obtain a wide range of artistic styles within your collection. I think it can be viewed as a wardrobe for your home or cabin. You would not purchase the exact same shirt in twenty colors and call it a successful shopping spree so why do so with your art collection.

Please take my advice and keep an open mind to the quality of artwork available to the fly fishing public. It is my experience that I truly love both realistic and expressionistic art works. They both have their place in our wonderful sport.
JW

http://dryflywaters.com/

The Official Art Studio of
Jonathon A. Waske

Fly Fishing Outfitters - A Review of My Favorites

I have been an avid fly fisherman and fly fishing artist for years. Throughout that time I have made multiple purchases from many of the popular fly fishing outfitters and some of the not so well known. I have kept track of my purchasing experiences and have decided to publish this article to share my experiences.

The major fly fishing outfitters many purchase their items from include stores like Orvis, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop and Gander Mountian. I have opted to include another store I will call "your local fly shop". This is a fly fishing outfitter store that sells anything and everything fly fishing. The following is my take on these stores:

Orvis: Orvis has a wide variety of products that represent a way of life. This is expressed in everything from the clothes to the fly fishing items. They have top quality products in a wide assortment of price ranges. I think Orvis is great place for the seasoned fly fisherman.

Bass Pro: It has been my experience that Bass Pro caters more to the general fisherman than the fly fisherman. Their store carries limited amounts of fly fishing equipment and supplies. They are like a Home Depot for sportsmen. A great place to spend time and money when you have both.

Cabelas: If Bass Pro is like Home Depot then Cabelas is like Lowes. I actually prefer to shop for my fly fishing equipment and supplies at Cabelas over Bass Pro. I find that their Cabelas brand items are of the highest quality. I purchased a packable fly rod outfit from Cabelas years ago. Now there are over 7 packable rod outfits owned by those within my circle of fly fishing friends.

Gander Mountain: I have found that Gander Mountain is a great spot to stop in on your way to a fly fishing destination if you need to pick up a few odds and ends. It is not a store you would visit to purchase you first fly fishing outfit and seek advice on the entire sport.

Local Fly Shop: These types of stores might not have the best deals on all of the supplies, but they do contain the most valuable product on the market - KNOWLEDGE. I would suggest visiting your local fly shop and being honest about your experience level and seek their advice on your purchases. Many of the shop employees will share their experiences in hopes that you will become a loyal customer. This type of store is the clear WINNER!!

In summary it is my opinion that all of the retailers you can purchase fly fishing items have their place in our sport, but the Locally Owned Fly Shop is where this sport was borne and where it will continue to live.

JW

http://dryflywaters.com/
The Official Art Studio of
Jonathon A. Waske