Tip # 27 – Start Making Your Own Flies and Lures
If you are like me, you go through your fair share of lures. Many lures such as Rapalas and Wally Divers cost what seems to be a fortune, especially when you lose them after only a few fishing trips, or worse yet, just a few casts. Something that can save you a few bucks, become a great hobby, and that will fill the void during the off season is learning how to make your own lures and flies.
A great resource for making your own crankbaits is Sport Fishing BC. They’ve done a great job of laying out the instructions on how to go about making your own crankbait lures. Everything from the materials and tools you’ll need are presented in an easy to understand fashion. They’ve also got some handy tips to make things easier!
For most fly fishermen, tying flies is an integral part of their chosen angling method. The Fly Tyers Almanac is a great resource for tying your own fly patterns. Step by step instructions, hints and tying tips as well as fishing notes are also found on the Fly Tyers almanac. Also included on the site are pictures of real bugs to allow you to tie up your flies to match as closely as possible the flies you are trying to imitate.
Do you ever fly ties?
I used to tie all my flies for fly fishing, until I had a heart attack that kept me off the water for over 4 years. I thought I was a goner and didn’t have the energy to do anything, especially tie flies for a hobby I may never get to enjoy again.
But I have gained enough strength in the past year that I have been able to get out again. It was like being in heaven.
I am excited about tying again and have purchased an extra desk for my office so I can just turn around, tie a fly or two and then turn around and write on my blog about it.
Some day I would like to learn how to make my own plastic bait for fishing pickerel(like your pike in Ontario) here.
Good to hear that you managed a healthy recovery James! I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have fly fishing in my life!