Episode 1
When I appear at fly-fishing and vintage tackle shows, many of the questions I’m asked fall into several, distinct categories. So, I’ve put together this ongoing video magazine that will not only answer many of your queries, but also show you some of the materials, tips and tricks that I’m more than happy to recommend. Welcome to my ‘STUFF’! In this first episode, I mess with materials, tempt you with an old tying tool, fashion a two-feather fly, view and review vices, and consider some curious collectables… Enjoy!
Episode 2
Welcome to episode two of my ‘Stuff’, and thankyou for all your kind words about episode one. This time I’ve been folding feathers, diddling with dubbing, plundering paintbrushes and valuing vices. There’s a ‘Buzzy Bug’, an ‘All Purpose Spinner’ and a DIY Feather Folder…Enjoy!
Episode 3
At last! …I hear you cry….. ‘STUFF’ 3! In this enthralling episode we tantalize you with a Taser Bug…Humour you with history…Tie the One Fly winner and reveal my vintage tackle! Enjoy!
Episode 4
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better…Stuff 4! In this four-part extravaganza we bring you ready-made wings and bodies plus a simple Sedge pattern. In the book section we recommend how to Catch’Em and collect ‘em and in the third part I advise on how to dress a Fish Skull! Finally, I’ll show you some old angling gadgets that are making record prices in the auction rooms. Enjoy!
Episode 5
Hello ‘Stuffers’! Here it is…new for 2014…’STUFF 5’! In this cocktail of delights, we start with our film of the British Fly Fair International. I’ll then recommend some handy aids to fly tying and explain why I called my new fly ‘Bob’. Next I’ll describe how the ‘hair of the dog’ can help your fishing, and finally I’ll introduce you to my ‘Supa-Dupa-Pupa’!… Enjoy…
Episode 6
Hello again ‘Stuffers’… In a constant search to bring you items of superlative quality, this episode begins with that master of the vice and bobbin Ian McKenzie, tying his Parachute Emerger. Next I take you to the world of vintage tackle and introduce you to some early British lures that are making ridiculously high prices in the auction rooms.In part three I’ll recommend two books that I consider essential reading for any keen flytier. I’ll also show you a couple of new fly tying kits.Finally I’ll tie a new Mayfly Emerger pattern based on my signature fly ‘The Bullet’… Enjoy!
Episode 7
To celebrate the end of our second year of ‘Stuff’ we present a positive plethora of fly tying delights! First I will show you how to tie the ‘Rubber Bullet’. It’s a fly the fish were taking ‘off the top’ even on those cold autumn mornings! Then Ian McKenzie returns with a classic Richard Walker pattern and I demonstrate an American Caddis Larva that my cameraman continues to refer to as ‘a maggot’! Cheek! Finally we look at the UK’s most popular fly and make a bigger, bolder version to tempt those big winter Rainbows! Enjoy!
Episode 8
Welcome back Stuffers…here it is…all new Stuff 8 ! I say ‘all new’…what we’ve done is to ‘refresh’ the concept! The music and graphics have been updated and many other delights await your approval. For example, we have some clips from one of the UK’s top TV fishing shows, a magazine and book recommendation, and instructions on how to tie the deadly ‘Quick Tie’ Mayfly. Finally my references to the delights of ‘Beaver’ have caused quite a stir, so I’m proud to present a worldwide first…The Beaver Fly! Enjoy!
Episode 9
Welcome to ‘Stuff 9’! Yet another plethora of delights that begs the question…Where else can you learn to tie one of the trickiest Mayfly patterns on the planet or discover the secrets of the ‘Diving Daddy’? Where will you find the Carp fly that has accounted for nearly 200 Carp including thirty-seven 20lb fish and one at 30lb!? Also, have you got an old lure that could be worth more than £4,000? It’s all in ‘Stuff 9’, including clips from that great, but now sadly missed, TV show ‘Tight Lines’. Check it out!
Episode 10
Hello Stuffers! Brimming with Christmas cheer we bring you:
Episode 10, the final ‘Stuff’ ‘extravaganza!
Be stunned when you see my ‘Flash Bugger’ in action! Intrigue your sense of history with a fly pattern that’s over 200 years old! Watch me tie the fly that will get you out of trouble on a blank day. It’s my ‘Wyoming (West Sussex) Half Back’! Finally, damp with festive merriment, we suggest Christmas presents for the angler in your family.
Yes…it’s our Christmas Special and if you’re wondering if Santa makes an appearance…
You bet he does!
Well I hope you enjoyed the shows. Here are a few contacts for all my favourite ‘Stuff, but please always try your local fly-tying supplier first. If we don’t use ‘em, we’ll lose ‘em!
(Check out the stockists)
