At the vise

"Articles and Stories"

A collection of How-to's Articles & Stories written by

Capt. Dave Sutton

Here are a few patterns that you might not have seen around in the usual places. Some of these I have developed here in So. Florida.
Some are a mix of several other well known patterns, and some are just a bit of a change on a widely known fly. But that is how new patterns are discovered and given their own names. Some of these patterns are for the areas up north. All the way up to Maine. I like to experiment with different patterns to keep the interest and fun levels up, so my time at the bench doesn't get boring. I really enjoy trying to come up with new stuff. It's quite a challenge.

Well, here's my bench. It's gotten too small really fast, but I intend to just build some tables around it to let me spread out on. If you have a new pattern, and want to tell everybody else, send it in to me and I will put it up on this page. It's great fun to share a new pattern that really works.

Tarpon Assortment

You'll see a lot of different styles of tying from me because I have read so many different authors. The book that I would recommend to begin tying with is,
Saltwater Fly Tying
By Frank Wentink

It's very simple, clear and practical approach to the few basic flies that
you need for a good foundation.

Then move right on to the Bible...The study guide.. the encyclopedia of books,

Saltwater Fly Patterns
By Lefty Kreh

This book is the list of practically all the best and proven patterns being used. But every day there are a couple of guy's, like us, that make up a new look. We tie in a couple of something extra's, a little red, some of this, four strands of that, and sometimes they work !!!! This is how new patterns are developed. It takes time in the field .. testing and fishing these new inventions, but that's why so many people are tying. So. Keep it up, and let me know how your doing.
Q & A will be my pleasure. E-Mail me
I'm not an authority on tying, just someone who loves it. Check out these pages for some stories and some How-to's

"Back When It Was Cold" My Roots Page

"A Glades Moment" A Story

"Lil Red" How-to Fly Patterns

"Squid Pattern" How-to Fly Patterns

"Big Red Surprise" How-to Fly Patterns

"DJ Tarpon Fly" How-to Fly Patterns

"Brown Crab" How-to Fly Patterns

"Fall Winds" Story and Fishing Report

"Mercury Award" Mercury Award winners story

" Stiffy " Story about the best push pole on the market ......

"ICAST Good Business" Fishing show in Las Vegas

"Willy Roberts Revisited" Rebirth of an long time classic flats boat.