Fishing Forum

So, about 2 years ago, I had to move my fly tying stuff out of my reloading room while we were moving things around. I put it in the downstairs bedroom thinking that I'd pull it back out in a couple of days.

Fast-forward 2 years. I finally got it back out.... and I can't tie a dang thing. It's like I'm all thumbs, and they're all facing different directions. It took me about 10 tries before I could tie a Pheasant Tail nymph that looked anything like it was supposed to. And that was a size 10. I tried a 16 earlier and there was no way that was going to work. [crazy]

Before I put it away, I had tied at least a couple of flies every week just too keep in practice. I could easily tie down to size 20s. Not now. The eyes getting old aren't helping, but even with my "old guy" glasses on, it was difficult.

The moral: Tie a couple of flies each week, even if you don't need them. It beats the heck out of trying to re-learn.

Matt
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And, get yourself a good bright light and a magnifying glass. I can't tie without the magnifier, glasses or no glasses. While I still can't quite see the smaller hooks like when I was 20, its close when the light and magnification are right.
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Funny, I experienced the same thing. I quit tying a few years ago. Being to busy and all. I had a large surplus trout of flies, and would buy the standard $.99 patters from Sportsmans Warehouse when needed. Lately I've been fishing for wipers, and bass. Buying those flies will break the bank. So I got out the old vise and bobbin, and went to work. Told myself I'm going to tie 2 flies a night. Wow... those first flies I turned out were a mess. I ended up cutting all the material of the hook, and starting over. 4 day's later I have 1 fly.
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