Constructing flies

Following up on a request from Sebastian, the creator of the „Fly Gallery” regarding the principles I follow in fly tying, I would like to share in a very general way my own observations related to the art of tying artificial flies.

                 Probably the most important issue in flytying, of course, after gathering the basic tools, materials and mastering the basic skills, is creativity, the ability to look up to nature and certainly that „something” we have from God J, called talent (everyone has some greater or lesser talents). I make no secret of the fact that from my earliest years I showed a flair for the visual arts, and this helps me a lot, not only in matters related to flytying.

With fifty J's on my neck, I have some experience in looking at various aspects of the art of fly fishing, and I mean rubbing up against the sport of fishing, which undoubtedly showed me, among other things, what is important in terms of lure selection and presentation in the fishery. Before I started going to competitions, I simply peeped at nature, assisted, of course, by literature, which in the days of my childhood was quite poor and quite difficult to access - especially since I had no mentor in the family or among friends. Practically the only thing left was the Fishing News with beautiful drawings and descriptions of classic fly patterns by Mr. Jacek Brodowski, whom I salute. Nota bene we once had the opportunity to meet at the Autumn Grayling of the San, we are still acquaintances to this day, although mainly on social media.

               Paradoxically, starting to compete, I was not too far behind at all, in fact, looking back, some commonly used patterns already existed in my boxes, as very similar and very effective until now. It is very often the case that nowadays artificial flies get a „second life” thanks to the results and marketing associated with the fly sport, this has always been the case since I can remember. I, however, encourage you first of all to start with the classics, master the so-called general patterns as the islanders call them, and then start peeping at nature and, above all, learn at least a little about the nature of our invertebrates in the first place, their development cycles and try to apply their behavior in fishing practice. It is worth paying attention to the proportions of the design corresponding to the prototypes, the choice of materials, which do not have to be at all corporate (I often use haberdashery materials, which are significantly cheaper, and often come in a greater variety of colors and textures. It is also good to have a hunter friend;-) - it's important that they have the qualities we care about. It's a good idea to make yourself preparations with the insects you are interested in, so that you can preview the appearance of a particular insect if necessary.

                What I have observed, although this is changing for the better thanks to such promoters as Mr. Stanislaw Cios, whom I also salute, is taking „shortcuts” in the pursuit of angling success. Such an approach often leaves embarrassing educational gaps, which, when confronted with reality, at some point can unpleasantly surprise us. I always try to follow the rule that if I don't know how to make a given thing according to fltier patterns, I peep at nature - adding elements in the constructions that work reasonably well (I'm thinking here primarily of nymphs, which are probably the most widely used artificial flies in the current era). It's always a good idea to add some design element that will shine in the water and add life to the lure. A similar issue is dry flies, which is where my fly fishing really began. Back in the days when I started my fly fishing adventure, it didn't take any special combinations to catch grayling in „my” San River, and it was on dry flies, which at that time were the easiest for me to use. It is my opinion that the beginning of the adventure of fly fishing should start with dry flies, which is a method that forces you to master casting techniques, which significantly help in the further development of practical skills already on the water. I must admit that I was very fortunate that I grew up practically on the river itself, which, due to its characteristics, natural diversity over the course of the calendar year, as well as depending on the section where we fish - is a very varied fishery (often very demanding). Today, the San, unfortunately, is no longer the same river as 30 years ago, but we can still be pleasantly surprised. I hope that in the not-too-distant future I will have the opportunity to present my flies, their techniques and other practical aspects of fly fishing in a more real way on my Youtube channel, where I already invite you in advance.

Greetings and see you somewhere on the water.

Piotr Chybiło