This fly needs a name

When I’ve told longtime fishing clients and friends that I’ve lately taken up the passion of fly tying, some have said, “What took you so long?” Well, I figure new passions are good at any age, so I saved some up.  Now, I try to spend an hour or two every day at this new ‘vise’ of mine. I have just one requirement: every time I attempt a new pattern, I must learn something new. Last Thursday night, I spent a frustrating while trying to spin deer hair. With tips and tricks from my brother and others, I finally got it by Friday night. I have to say, the feeling of seeing it happen correctly was remarkably similar to the feeling of hooking a nice fish.
The fly pictured here has no name, but needs one. It is my version of a pattern tied by a teenager in Nova Scotia, where I fish for Atlantic Salmon in October. I had it on when I caught a twenty-plus pounder last fall. Welcome all ideas for a name!
In other news, a highlight of spring so far was speaking to the Concord, NH chapter of Trout Unlimited at the Concord Courtyard Marriot. Big thanks to Richard Kingston, and to guiding colleague, Angus Boezman. Also to Maurice Beliveau, author of “The ABCs of Fly Tying” 85 pages, $9.95 Stackpole Books (2002). It has helped enormously because of his incredible artwork and instruction.
I’m off to Fort Kent, ME next week to speak at the Author’s Conference there, a wonderful idea that puts various authors together in order to inspire high school-age students to explore their own flare for writing.
Happy Easter everyone!