I've been doing a lot of tying and even more watching and following as well. One thing about today and anything that is anything to us is the realization that technology can be beneficial. Technology has done fly tying well. There are a ton of tutorials out there from some of the best tyers around the world. They are willing and eager to share their knowledge and skill with the rest of us.
As you know there are the big guns, the OG's, the originators and innovators who designed and developed the original patterns. Where would fly tying be today without, and I am sure I am leaving some out, Popovic's, Kreh, Clouser, Gartside, and Tabory (of Snake Fly fame)?
Over the years these orginal patterns have morphed into similair patterns, often without a true nod to the originators, that have become popular among tyers. Yes, things do evolve, from the patterns to the materials, like Squimpish, to the techniques. One could even say there are tyers out there who tie a better "Whatever" than the originator.
For me, and for the saltwater flies that I use, I have grown to admire and try to emulate things I have learned from locals like Farrar, Taylor, Stryker, and Warshauer. From outside the area we have seen tyers like Chocklet and Whalley rise in both popularity and talent. There's also Calcevechia and Cordiero who have developed a line of striped bass flies. A quick Google search and you can find a video of them tying up their specialities.
Again, that partial list is no slight to anyone I have missed, and in no disrespect to anyone else. When I see Ekelund tie, or get a handful of flies from Phiefer, see what Buzzi has at his show table, or see how effective Peterson's Ugly Ass Fly is, or see Devlin's big flies (in which he credits Sedotti) one can see there is a ton of local talent and innovation out there. And in regards to innovation, how could I forget Matson.
Over the last few years as technology has expanded our borders I have seen crazy talent from overseas. From Harvey to Van Wyk to someone I have just found, Paul Monaghan. His flies are beautiful, easily tied (to him), and are fish catchers. His videos are great, and I love his regular guy approach at the vice. He has a great dry sense of humor. You can see one of his videos below or find his You Tube channel HERE.
One thing is for sure some of todays fly tyers are pure artists. They spend a lot of time at the vice and a lot of time on each fly. Some of those Beast Fleye's take 1-2 hours apiece, and that is why they command upwards of $50 each. Between the cost of materials and the tyers time it's only fair, esepcially if they are doing it to make a living or side hussle.
For the rest of us mortals fly tying is a means to an end. Making bait to go fishing. While the goal is to catch fish, sometimes, it really does matter what you tie on at the end of your leader. Flies that foul or swim wrong, although even those can catch fish, usually don't produce. Color, profile, size all matters, and then there's the presentation thing.
If you have some time do some Google searches of the names I posted above. Again, most have tutorials out there and are eager to share. In the end you still have to sit down and tie and get it done!