It's funny how some things happen the same day in subsequent years. It's almost like an anniversary. Sometimes it's like celebrating a birthday, or going to a party, or even getting something in the mail on the same day a year later. Facebook is good at reminding me what I was doing on the exact day in years past.
Yesterday my Facebook memory brought me back to January 6, 2024. I had received a package from Squimpish Flies after being chosen as part of their "Pro Team". I don't know how "Pro" I really am but I am thankful and grateful to be a part. I like their products, I like them, and I like the results I get when tying Squimpish Hair to a hook and getting fish to be fooled by what I create.
So yesterday my mail carrier made it through the snow and delivered this years swag, that would be January 6th, 2025. In the package were two large brushes which will give me what I need to practice up at the vice before The Fly Fishing Show in a few weeks. Last year I came up with a fly I call a "Four Turn Brush Fly", HERE. It's a simple tie in theory but does take some practice to get it done right. It literally is four turns, two turns in the back, and two turns in the front with Dave Nelson's Dubbing Brushes.
Bob Popovics always said tying flies is done to solve a problem. My problem is I suck at tying with bucktail and Beast Fleyes are my kryptonite. These "Four Turns" give me the ability to tie larger 6-8 inch flies which I use to mimic herring or bunker. I do tie other larger flies with Squimpish Hair, and they are easy, durable, and have brought me great success.
When I see the flies that other tyers come up with I always feel a little less. Like a child amongst adults. But the truth is it's not how my flies measure up against the others, but if they get the job done when I need them to. A lot of the flies out there are truly works of art and mine sitting side by side would only make me feel inadequate. But their flies do what, where, and when as they need them. I need to realize that my flies can and do serve me well. When I'm standing chest deep in a river, making countless casts, and tricking those fish, then it's my flies I need at that moment. I need to remember I tie for myself, and for my fish.