The Holidays Are Over, Show Season Has Started.

After a very busy family holiday, we are back to work. January finds me at the start of the show season. Jan 9th and 10th Ill be at the Virginia Wine and Fly Fishing Festival as the tying representative for February 14th, I will be at the 36th Annual Rapidan Chapter of Trout Unlimited Fly Fishing Show. (the best little show in the east) March will see me heading to the South Eastern Trout Unlimited Rendezvous in Black Mountain NC. In April I plan to be At the Earth Day Celebration in Fredericksburg Virginia. In May I will travel to Thomas West Virginia for the Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival May 30th and 31st. Finally on July 20th I will be tying flies at Insectival 2026, Solomons MD.

Shew That's a lot of Flies.

If you have not already done so, stop By @attainableflys on you tube and subscribe. I have a lot of how to videos as well. you can also click the instruction links on this site and they will take you to my you tube page.

I was recently asked where i get my materials? The short answer is I order them, I buy them at shows and, local fly shops. Here is the problem most tiers run into. Where do I get Quality materials? What Happens is Much of the materials are tactile. you have to see and touch them to know if they are what you want or need. Just because you ordered a bird pelt online does not mean that that belt will be what you want. many pro tiers have their favorite sources and will even Buy direct from hunters if the pelt is worthy. Other wise They rely on the show networks and local shops to allow them to touch and feel. What do you look for? Its subjective. First off how clean is the pelt. if it looks like it has prepped by someone's cat, you might not want that pelt. The hides should look clean and be free of eggs and vermin. The pelt should be full and mostly symmetrical. The feathers should be consistent in size progression and should bear little damage.

Always buy from a dependable dealer. Once you find a good dealer, keep them. Don't Buy on Price alone. Good feathers are not cheap. That does not mean you don't shop for the best price. Know the country of origin. Many Inexpensive Pelts come from countries such as India. There they are just cranking out product and many times it is inferior. as an example I buy Gallo de Leon Feathers from a trusted sight in Spain. Dont be afraid to ask fellow tiers. One of my favorite vendors Is Fiber Flies Dubbing. he makes his own alpaca dubbing for sale. his products are superior. and he only lives 10 minutes from my house.

Well to quote a song "My bags are packed I'm ready to go" today I'm heading to The VA wine and fly fishing show. Ill Post pictures as I can. Unstill Then share this blog and go to my Youtube page and subscribe,

Michael