Sunday, July 13, 2014

Talent Indeed. A Young Fly Tyer

I would like to focus on a local young fly tyer from Rocky Hill, Connecticut. His name is Justin and he is an exceptional talented tyer. He seems to have found a passion for tying Rangeley style streamer flies. These are pretty complex and difficult streamers to tie and he seems to have mastered it. What's most remarkable is he's only 15 years old. His dad told me he has been tying since he was 7.

Justins dad sent me a photo of 3 Rangeley streamers that Justin tied. These are a series of "Patriotic Streamers". Two of the patterns are Carrie Stevens originated, and one is a pattern created by Leslie Hilyard one of the authors of the book "Carrie Stevens maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies"


These are streamers tied by Justin. The top fly is called "General MacArthur"....the next fly is "America"...and the bottom fly is "Victory". The flies are tied on Mustad 94720 #4 hooks which seem to work beautifully with the classic feather wings.

I'm very excited to see youth finding fly tying rewarding. And to see Justin's interest and work on these classic Rangeley streamers gives me hope that these flies will continue to grace a fly tyers vise. Well done Justin.


22 comments:

  1. Wow..are those super looking streamers..It's so nice to hear about young people having an interest in any aspect of fly fishing..we need to replace the cranky, old baas-tids with new blood..

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    Replies
    1. penbayman,
      Thanks.
      I'm sure they will in time Mike.

      Delete
  2. Good news, to find talented youth involved with fly-fishing and fly-tying. It gives us hope.

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    Replies
    1. rivertoprambles,
      Thanks.
      Walt we need these fellows. I hope he stays with it.

      Delete
  3. Alan
    A rare find in a 15 yr. old tying streamers--thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      Bill I suspect there are more out there. It's nice to know of one so close to home.

      Delete
  4. What beautiful ties. They show a lot of talent.

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  5. Great ties and glad the younger generation are preserving the history!

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    Replies
    1. LQN,
      Thanks.
      I agree Long. Like the traditions of the Catskills, the special flies and tyers must live on.

      Delete
  6. Awesome to see a youngster taking up this passion, and gorgeous flies for sure!

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    Replies
    1. Hibernation,
      Thanks.
      Will I hope he stays with it. Wonderful streamer tyer.

      Delete
  7. Absolutely beautiful Justin. I like the way you used color. Exceptional!

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    Replies
    1. Howard,
      Thanks.
      The colors are indeed crisp.

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  8. Extraordinary. What a neat thing for a kid to find a passion like this! Beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Curry,
      Thanks.
      It certainly is Mike.

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  9. Great looking flies, Justin.... I didnt know Victory was a Hilyard fly, I thought it was a Stevens original....learn something new everyday.

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    Replies
    1. Eunan,
      Thanks.
      In the Hilyard book it gives credit for "Victory" to Leslie.

      Delete
  10. As a young guy the same age as Justin, its good to see other young people fly fishing and tying. Nice post.

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    Replies
    1. thejumpingtrout,
      Thanks.
      Welcome. It's good to see that your interests are the same. We need you young fellows.

      Delete