CAROLINE WAGNER-FREY
Outdoor Adventure Supervisor
To talk about what fly tying is, first we have to start with what fly fishing is. Fly fishing is a type of angling, or fishing, that uses lures made out of feathers, fur, and other light weight materials in order to attract the attention of a fish. Flies mimic natural critters that fish are fond of eating such as larvae, insects, minnows, mice, frogs, you name it! We can track fly tying back to when evidence first shows humans using feathers to imitate insects while fishing in Macedonia, in the 1st or 2nd century BC.
Fly tying is a wonderful art that dually functions as a sport, making it perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, or enjoys staying in to craft. Fly fishermen and fisherwomen need flies to fish, so fly tying is a crucial part of the activity, and provides the foundation for fly fishing.
The art of fly tying is heavily influenced by the study of insects, or entomology. The fish are used to the insects that are native to that area. If you mimic an insect that the fish have never seen before, it can make them less likely to bite on your fly. The beauty of fly tying is that depth you can dive into when it comes to learning every facet of the art. It can be as simple as learning a few patterns, or it can lead you into a passion for learning every aspect of the ecosystem you are fishing in.
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure offers fly tying routinely at Walnut Woods and Scioto Grove Metro Park. All equipment, materials, patterns, and instruction is provided at these programs designed for beginners.
Are you ready to get hooked on fly fishing? Check out Outdoor Adventure for programs later in the year.
