We say it all the time, but one thing we really like about our fisheries is that our fish aren’t overly picky when it comes to specific fly patterns or imitations. That affords us the opportunity to be really creative at the vise, resulting in some truly unique patterns, and having a whole lot of fun in the process.
How much fun you might ask? Today, long time Alaska West family member, Ed Novinsky, put together a great post on getting creative at the vise.. One that we think highlights just how ‘non-picky’ some of our fish really are.
Thanks Ed!
The “Skullpin”
Maybe it was the music, 0r maybe it was just time to put the lid on the head cement.. Whatever it was, it was time for something different. With silver salmon on the mind, I had tied my umpteenth pink Bunny Leech for my upcoming trip to Alaska West and my boxes were filled with the typical patterns, all of which I knew would catch fish. I got to thinking, why not tie something a little different, something of my own design, something fun?
There amidst the detritus of a tying session was a jig hook, a red stinger next to it, green wire, pink marabou, Krystal Flash, and a weird skull shaped bead. A few twists of thread and a couple of lagers later the “Skullpin” took form. Weird? Absolutely, but I liked it and here’s the best part.. It caught fish! Believe it.
Take a look at the most traditional Atlantic Salmon Flies and their unbelievable combinations of colors and feathers and you have got to wonder what those anglers had hidden in their creels to come up with those patterns. We all remember our first fish caught on a fly, and we all remember our first fish caught on a fly we tied ourselves.
Therefore, the next time you are at the bench, why not have some fun and tie something of your own design? All of the ‘standard’ patterns had to come from somewhere. Maybe your fly will be the next Royal Coachman!
Thanks for the tip! It is actually nice to try out something new.