Fly Tying
An original bait fish pattern, the Homewrecker.
Certified Adaptive Fly Fishing Practitioners are required to pass a performance evaluation of our ability to teach a dozen different fly patterns. Texas Parks & Wildlife Angler Educators with the fly fishing specialization are observed teaching live fly tying courses for TPWD using their curriculum prior to certification.
I have actively taught fly tying classes and private lessons since 2005 for Missouri State University, Bass Pro Shops, the US Army, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Missouri Department of Conservation, Springfield Independent School District, numerous fly shops across the country, and been a teaching and demonstration fly tier for the Federation of Fly Fishers and The Sowbug Roundup multiple times. I specialize in the use of assistive and adaptive devices for fly tiers with special needs, including the Adaptive Fly Fishing Institute's proprietary Loftin Adaptive Tying Arm.1
My "signature fly" the Blue Bayou, an inshore saltwater pattern.
I do not take a lot of orders for flies due to limited amounts of time and my bilateral cervical radiculopathy (neuropathy in both arms and neck pain). When I do, I need at least a week per dozen flies to deliver. I can only tie about a half dozen flies per day without pain. But my saltwater patterns in particular are becoming pretty popular. Feel free to contact me if you can live with my time requirements.
One of my many fly tying classes for the US Army at Bass Pro Shops.
I am available to teach private lessons, classes, and conduct tying demonstrations. Contact me for scheduling, rates, and details.
Notes:
1. Loftin Adaptive Tying ArmTM - This adaptive device was commissioned by AFFI, Inc. under my direction and developed by Jeff W. Loftin, AFFP. It allows for the complete range of fly tying activities to be performed flawlessly with one hand, or offers significant increases in dexterity and precision for tiers with impaired function of one or both hands. The device is made entirely from materials which can be auto-claved for sterilization, has no rough edges or sharp points, and easily adapts to virtually any commercially available fly tying vise. It is incredibly simple to use, easy to set up and maintain, and is fairly simple to manufacture DIY. Engineered schematics will be available soon from the Adaptive Fly Fishing Institute in multiple electronic formats for a very nominal fee. (Loftin Adaptive Tying Arm is a trademark of the Adaptive Fly Fishing Institute, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas. All Rights Reserved.)