Nothing epitomizies fly fishing more than the fly itself. It is a combination of art, skill and innovation. There are several reasons to tie your own flies as opposed to buying them commercially.
- Of all the patterns that exist, in all the possible colors, only a very tiny fraction are sold commercially.
- Tying flies helps keep you connected to fly fishing even when you can’t fish.
- Tying flies CAN save money. In fact, it can save a lot IF you’re disciplined about it.
- And last, but probably the best reason… there is nothing as gratifying as catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself.
FFI Fly Tying Group
The Fly Tying Group of Fly Fishers International (FFI) is dedicated to the preservation, enhancement and support of the art of fly tying as a historic element of the fly fishing experience. Archiving historic documents, development of educational and instructional materials, teaching and demonstrating the use of materials and tying techniques are fundamental to perpetuating the art of fly tying.
The Fly Tying Group publishes a quarterly newsletter, Tying Times, that shares information among the community regarding skills, and informs them of current activities. A Fly Tying Skills Awards Program has been implemented to encourage and assist members to improve and expand their fly tying skills. The group also continues to develop informational resources for sharing with FFI Clubs, Councils and members for use in their fly tying sessions and events.
Link to the Tying Times newsletter
FFI Video Library
One of the most popular FFI resources is their online Video Library. Here are hundreds of videos featuring some of the world’s best tiers demonstrating their favorite fly patterns. You can search by Category, sub-category, or fly name.
GCC Tying Resources
The Gulf Coast Council Fly Tying Committee is dedicated to the promotion of fly tying in our region. We are blessed to be home to some of the nation’s top fly tiers, many of whom are willing to share their knowledge and skills with our member clubs. We also have loaner equipment for use at workshops and other special events.
For any questions regarding GCC Tying Resources and Programs, please contact our Tying Chair, Fred Hannie.
GCC Native Flies Database (NFD)
Fly anglers have long requested a database of flies that are most effective in our northern Gulf Coast and inland waters, both fresh and salt. Many are flies created by members of the Gulf Coast Council. We call these our “Native Flies”.
The GCC Native Flies Database, a.k.a, “NFD”, provides the name of the fly, originator, primary target species, a description including brief history or fishing techniques, materials and instructions. Videos of the fly being tied can be imbedded into the page. Readers can search for specific flies based on any keyword, including a material name, type of hook, originator name, etc.
Link to the Native Flies Database
To submit a pattern, please download the following PDF form. Fill it in via Adobe Acrobat Reader and save. Email the completed document to flies@gulfcoastcouncilffi.org. Optionally, you can simply send an email with all the information in the body of the email.
Link to the Native Flies submission form
Please be aware of the following restrictions:
- Only two (2) submissions per month per person.
- All submissions will be taken, but priority will be given to GCC members (Louisiana, Mississippi, south Alabama, northwest Florida). Others will be backlogged.
- Only flies proven to be effective in regional fresh and salt waters will be approved.
- Final approval lies with the Tying Committee. Submittors may be asked to make corrections, submit proof of use in regional waters, etc., before final decision is made.
We strongly encourage tiers to also submit also to the FFI Tying Video Library, if that fly is not already listed.
