Ed Ward, innovator, creative, and fly fishing icon. When it comes to Spey fishing, Ed Ward has contributed in a myriad of ways when it comes to the design and application of fly lines, heads, and flies. The Knot-a-Fly is creative and simple, so simple, he doesn’t even have to speak during the instruction. It not only shows us a simple yet effective fly pattern but also leads the way for us to be creative in our own fly tying designs. So, check out the video from OPSKAGIT.com. Be creative, try something out of the ordinary, and let us know how it went. Because come on, one of the greatest satisfactions of fly fishing is catching a fish on a fly you designed and tied.
Would not be something I would enjoy catching a fish on at all. Has to be the hook, use of thread, and dress the hook with materials creating a fly I would accept. I did use a tarpon fly stripped for silvers in AK while guiding up there that was all tailing material off the back of the hook, (ie) marabou, flashabou, hackle tips, and then collared at the back with a schlappen feather, and then the entire rest of the hook shank a bright thread. That was our go-to silver fly stripped near the surface.
Two thumbs up for thinking outside the box! I think it looks interesting, and simple. Maybe it’s just me, but if I can cast it out there and a fish takes it, I really don’t see myself thinking “Geez, reeling this fish in just isn’t nearly as fun as when I’m using a traditional fly.” lol
Hello Jere, We know the Knot-a-Fly is one of those setups that will get a reaction from people so we are not surprised about your thoughts. Ed is an innovator to the end and we are never surprised about what comes from his mind and his hands. He is an artist as much as he is a fisherman and with that his passion shows through his ideas in some pretty wild ways sometimes. Thanks for your reply and we are glad you are reading what we are putting down.
Thanks Collin, Ed is one of the best about thinking outside the box! He has come up with some epic ideas or been a part of a group efforts to innovate, for a long time. Take care and we appreciate your thoughts. Also, we are stoked that you are reading our blog…