PUTZING AROUND OUTDOORS
Tying Time - Helping Others
Editor’s note: To keep track of Jerry’s classes and what he is doing and where, to see his photos and read some of his other writings, including his book, “Tales of The Peshtigo Putzer,” check out his website: www.jerrykiesowoc.com.
It is becoming a very interesting spring. Much better than last year. Last year we were catching steelhead in March, with 80 degree temperatures. Of course, the run only lasted a week or two, so come April it was done. Well ... not completely, but that was last year.
Right now, as this is being written, we have temps in the mid 30’s, piles of snow, and a rain/snow mix falling. They say this will turn into all rain, followed by more snow. Now that is more like the springs I remember and am used to. (If I sound excited, I’m not, but it is better, for me, than 80 degrees in March.)
So how do I putz around outdoors with weather like this? Lots of ways, but one thing I do this time of the year, no matter what the weather, is introduce people to fly tying.
This time of the year is tying time.
I did this at TroutFest, the end of February, at the annual Trout Unlimited, Central Wisconsin Chapter, event at Fin ‘N Feather, in Winneconne. And, recently, at the Journal Sentinel Sports Show. Of course, I am not the only one doing this. There are many, many tiers who volunteer their time to demonstrate the art of fly tying.
These are the flies we showed individuals how to tie at the sports show.
On these occasions, we tie and talk with individuals. If they have the desire, we give them step-by-step help tying their own fly. It’s great fun. We have marvelous conversations, and meet interesting people of all ages. One of the “students” that tied his first-ever-fly was all of six years old. Many of the “conversationalists” were retired.
One of the things I look forward to each year when we get together, is sharing new patterns we designed ourselves. Another Jerry, this one is from Fond du Lac, showed me his new crappie/walleye fly. He has a new “creation” or two every year. (We all do.) It is a simple tie, and, with one minor modification, I will see if steelhead like it in a few weeks.
Bob Hasse instructs two gentlemen on the fundamentals of tying.
He also created a little green bug made from pieces of a mop for bluegills and smallmouth bass, and was very proud of how he makes large bass poppers, using foam ear plugs for heads. He paints them with fingernail polish. (We are a very frugal group - and we share.)
Naturally, I tie for myself. This is the time of year when I look at my messed up fly boxes, straighten them out, and replenish them. Well ... that is only partially true. Often I am tying because I need to. That means, when I look in my box the night before I am going fishing and find that a fly I plan on using in the morning is not there, then I tie a few. Some of us tie best under pressure. (Not really.)
These are of some of the flies students will tie in the author’s tying class.
Past years I have always conducted tying classes at Riveredge Nature Center, Newburg. For some reason, the interest has waned, so this year I am offering the class, but only if we get at least three people who want it. We will work with them on the schedule.
Perhaps one reason for the lack of interest is the cost: $55.00 for non-members, $50.00 for members, plus the student must have his/her own tools and thread, but I supply all the materials. The class also differs from most other classes because it is a nine hour class - three, three hour sessions.
We begin by tying a simple hackle fly and progress from there: learning how to use all the tools and materials as we go. Every pattern is a proven fish taker. (Aren’t they all?)
Anyway, tying is one way I enjoy putzing as spring becomes a reality. Just thought you’d like to know.
Until next time, keep a good thought!
Jerry