A use for the pitt and stem

Looking for a little fly tying inspiration? New materials can often spur new ideas. Most of the time these new materials are synthetic but here's one that's not - the quill. It's not new but it could be under utilized. Try playing around next time you sit down with the materials that most often get thrown away, like feather quills and aftershaft. Try making dubbing from the leftover clippings. Blend what might seem bizarre. Let me know what you create.

Tim Borski

Tim Borski is a respected fly designer and talented artist. He has a unique style of art making. He does not limit his work to paper or canvas. Canoes and buoys are also his painting "ground". If you haven't seen his work check out tborskiart.com. This representation of a permit is called - Fish Eye. Look for it on a Patagonia organic cotton t-shirt coming this July.

What's in a name?

Tubular "masks" are standard gear now for the sun. These fabric tubes are really the evolution of the bandanna. There are several manufacturers that currently market styles made of material with some level of rated sun protection. I've got one product in development and I'm looking for a name. The fabric pictured offers 15 UPF protection. Do you have a product name suggestion?

Missing the Point

Here's a piece I created from an old, weathered, paper airplane. I flattened it out, scanned it and altered the colors and shapes digitally. I call it - Missing the Point.

Sticky rubber soles

Sticky rubber soles on wading boots are on the rise in popularity. The benefits include good traction on most surfaces, minimal water weight gain, lower potential for spreading stream born disease and optional "screw in" capability. I've been wearing sticky rubber boots for a few years now and can attest to the merits, especially in the salt or where snow is involved. Felt gets caked with snow in seconds and rubber doesn't. Here's a shot of a stud "screw in" pattern that I've used for slippery situations. The studs shown are 6 X 3/8" sheet metal screws. It's critical that you determine what length screw works best on your particular boot, otherwise the screw point may penetrate the insole. It's amazing how good the grip is and how few studs are really required with this method. When you're done with the studs, unscrew them and you can barely tell they were there. What are your experiences with sticky rubber soles?

Opening day

As a kid I recall the intense anticipation of the beginning of trout season. It marked the real start of the new year. New line, snelled hooks, split shot and worms were all aspects of my early ceremonial preparation. Nothing would dissuade me from getting out on the water. School, muddy runoff, rain and cold were easily disregarded because of the strength of my imagination and desire. True primeval instincts were at work. What finned treasure was under that bridge, culvert or around the next bend? What was lurking under the water for me to discover? Opening day is coming and it's time to wander way upstream. Photo by Rene Braun.

Climbing to success

Ladders have been used by fly fisherman for some time now. One of the first articles I saw where they were employed happened to be about fishing the Monomoy flats. This picture is from Pyramid Lake. Ladders provide an obvious advantage that any guide with a poling platform will attest to - you can see better from up high. I have yet to add a ladder to my fly fishing gear but have sometimes wished one would magically appear. Have you tried climbing to success?

Rod holders

Many jackets, vests, packs and stripping baskets offer rod holding features. In many cases these features are concealed so as not to be a distraction. Even with this feature at my disposal I find I rarely use it. What are your thoughts on rod holding features? Photo by Rene Braun.

One fly

Over the seasons you develop flies that you rely on. You tie them on before you hit the water, without seeing any signs. You probe and test with these flies. Here's one of mine for the local salt. I originally called it Stevie's Wonder but someone told me that name was taken. For now I call it 50 50, after the pretty even split between natural and synthetic materials.

A Walk to the Pool

This landscape shows a friend (Henry Barber) walking across a salt marsh to access a tidal estuary. I call this piece - A Walk to the Pool.

Interest must be grown

I think back to my own mentors of fly fishing and there was one adult who helped open the door more than the others. Without one adult investing time in kids like me, I don't believe I would be an entusiast of fly fishing today. Take the time. Invest in our youth. Interest must be grown.

Dragonfly

I created this collage from a doodle i did while at a sales meeting a couple of years ago. It's called - Dragonfly.

My Art

This piece is a view of a section of a large striper's head.

My Art

I will be posting a series of Art pieces in the upcoming months. The title of the webshow is called "My Work". If you want more information about my Art or the "works" please let me know. This piece is a shot of a striped bass lying on the sand next to the fly rod. I do this for measuring purposes. The fish was released right after I took the picture. I took this image and altered it to the way you see it with some basic electronic tools. The image can be printed and signed or transferred to other medium. limited screen prints are such an option. Express your thoughts.

Crab pattern

Here's a fly that I've developed for catching stripers. If you haven't tried crab patterns for these fish you are missing out on a secret. Tying instructions available upon request.