The Bench
The Peculiar Life of the Fly Tyer and Angler
I keep a note on my iPhone filled with fly fishing tidbits—everything from the diameters of Maxima Clear to shopping lists and fly patterns I need to try. Nestled among...
Whiting Farms Grading System
Whiting Farms uses an Olympic grading system for their dry fly capes and saddles, primarily from genetic lines of birds developed for tying flies. The grading system reflects consistency and quantity, not...
The Mosquito Dry | An Overlooked Summer Fare
By Guest Blogger - Clint Bova Mosquito larvae exist wherever there is standing water, and their hatch rates are staggering. From May through October, these insects are prolific across most...
My Journey into Fly Tying: From Fuzzy Fur Balls to Feathers That Fish
By John Swezey, Guest Blogger I started fly tying three years ago. Sick of these extended cold spells, just staring out the window, I needed something to keep busy and...
The Cutting Edge: A Fly Tyer's Guide to Scissors
When it comes to fly tying, few tools are as essential and underrated as scissors. Every fly tyer, whether beginner or pro, knows the frustration of dull blades or poorly...
The Thread of It All: Understanding Fly Tying and Thread Denier
Fly tying is a unique blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and deep knowledge of aquatic entomology. At the heart of our craft lies one simple but critical material: the thread. It...
Stonfo Steeltech Bobbin Review
Son Tao reviews the new Stonfo Steeltech Bobbin. This bobbin has amazing micro adjustments to achieve the exact thread tension that you prefer. It is a fantastic bobbin that is a great addition to any fly tyer's desk.
Choosing A Fly Tying Vise
Fly tying is an art, and every artist needs the right tools. Selecting your first fly tying vise is a pivotal step, as it will shape your experience and success in this rewarding craft. Here's a guide to help you navigate the key factors, features, and price points to consider when buying your first vise.
The Ultimate Guide to the Crackleback
The Crackleback pattern has its roots in the Ozark region of Missouri, where it was initially designed by Ed Story, a prominent figure in Midwestern fly fishing circles. Story, a Missouri-based fly tier and founder of Feather-Craft Fly Fishing, was known for his contributions to fly design and his commitment to creating simple but effective patterns. He developed the Crackleback in the 1960s to mimic a wide range of insects, especially in trout streams around the Ozarks.
