There are those times in the late evening say after nine when I'll sit at my tying desk. I first rummage through my sparse music collection and select some Tony Bennett or Kenny G. I'll have a cup of Nantucket and a book close by. I'll pick up the thread that is already laying there from a previous session, no need to change color for the belief is it all works at one time. I also have at hand a plastic box with lots of hackle remnants. These are short segments of feathers that I just don't have it in me to throw away so they get put into the box. Usually I can find enough life on them to produces a fly or two so what the hell why not.
So on this evening some brown dubbing and some cream hackle along with some bleached grizzly and the distinct voice of Mr. Bennett I put a few potential fooler's together.
Beautiful ties, Alan. How have those hooks been working out?
ReplyDeletemike
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I am quite happy with them. They hook and hold.
Back in the day Alan, we listened to "Anthony DeBenedetto" on 45's with the big center holes. Remember those? Sounds like you tie more flies than you could possibly use. Its an addiction, like buying or making fly rods. I suffer from it , as well.
ReplyDeleteJohn Donik
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John I do remember the 45's. I liked Bennett back in the late 50's but really got into his music when I was in the Army in the mid 60's. Addiction-passion whatever we may call it it is part of a fly fishers DNA.
Alan, I just don't know how you tie those little bitty flies. I have trouble seeing them let alone tying one. An artist you are.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I do at times have an issue two when tying them and that is tired eyes. Those flies pictured are 14's and that is the smallest size that is comfortable for me to tie on.
Alan
ReplyDeleteYou've got my attention with those barbless hooks----got to give them a try, with the exact flies you've tied there.
Tony Bennett, Kenny G and Frank are three of my favorites. No one can come close to these guys now days. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill those barbless hooks are great. I have been using several brands in the last few years. Three great choices there when it comes to fine music.
What a great place to tie flies along with listening to great tunes. My fly tying zone is in the basement and I like it plenty. It is a mess and I may clean it up some day, but then again maybe not.
ReplyDeleteSam
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Sam messy fly tying decks are a part of it. I think the most untidy one I ever saw was Fran Betters. As far as cleaning them up or not is when you do clean them you forget where everything is. Leave well enough buddy.
incredible "man cave" - hate that expression but it fits.
ReplyDeletemost excellent.
Anonymous
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Yes sir others have referred to it as such, and some even said worse...imagine that.
Another great post Allen. One of my favorite fall activities is tying flys while listening to the football game on radio. I totally relate to your remnants box. I too have a tough time discarding any bits that have "potential use" which poses another problem, organizing those bits in a manner in which they aren't forgotten and ready for use. When it comes to creating flies my organization skills aren't stellar. I really like your set-up.
ReplyDeleteMatt Harding
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Matt I also love listening to baseball on the radio. I feel good radio people can put you right in the seats with their calls. I have a shoe box full of little boxes full of remnants, a nightmare. The setup work well for me. The new light really helped me.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteAnother post of beauty and grace! We all recognize what a talented tier and fisher you are and we are greater for it! Please keep creating these tiny works of art! They are spectacular!
It is good to see your tying desk from a broader prospective (further back in the room)! Messy you say? I can't see it!
From Ohio,
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug messy is a kind word. I have plastic shoe boxes that are a nightmare. I think perhaps during a winter snowstorm I just might tackle the mess and finally put some order to it. I pricked some bluegills the other day, such fun.
Hello Alan, beautiful and pleasant place you have, I like it, I also have a place that I call "my corner", where I snuggle with my hobby of the fly tying. Sometimes I also draw pictures of them. Hug.
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando it is those places like "my corner" that offer a place to think and to just be in a calm state of mind.
If you could take a picture of your drawings and email them to me I would love to see them.
ho my friend no I don't drawing very well, I only pratice drawing in my free time, I only do freehand pencil sketches on common sheets of cardboard.... but, that all rigth I will be sending you some drawings that I have made for you to observe.
DeleteGive me your email adress please...
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