The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Tying time with lord of the flies
The Scottish Game Fair is renowned for its have-a-go activities, whether shooting, fishing or gundog challenges. Ahead of this year’s event, Gayle enjoys a fly tying session
When I turn up on the banks of the River Tay for a fly tying session, I don’t expect a masterclass on the differences between “black boobies” and “mufflers”. But since many fishing flies and the materials used to make them have been landed with weird and wonderful names, there’s no getting round it.
“We’ll use some jungle cock capes for this section of the fly,” declares Alberto Laidlaw.
“They’re the feathers of male jungle fowl and they’re very brightly coloured, so they’re ideal for attracting salmon.”
Alberto, from Blanefield, north of Glasgow, is my instructor for the afternoon.
With more than 40 years’ experience of fishing all over the world and teaching fly tying, he will be among the experts offering casting clinics, demos and competitions at this year’s Scottish Game Fair, which runs at Scone Palace from June 30 to July 2.
I don’t have much of a clue about angling but I’m mesmerised by the vast array of colours, materials and objects used to make these dinky death traps.
Many people follow traditional fly patterns, using a mix of feathers, fur, synthetic materials, silks, beads and hooks, while others make their own unique designs, using materials they’ve found.
It’s a tricky and intricate process, although Alberto makes it look easy.
Once he’s set up his fly tying vice on a picnic bench on the Murthly beat on the Tay he proceeds to make a trout fly in three minutes. A salmon fly takes a bit longer.
“A trout fly can be made using a single feather while a salmon fly might require up to 20 different materials, “he explains.
“Brown trout flies tend to be muted colours as they imitate nature. You can cast brightly coloured lures for rainbow trout as they’ll have a go at anything, even cigarettes.
“You want to imitate the differing stages of flies that fish are feeding on – matching the hatch – so you might use nymph which imitates the larvae stage, or you might go for a dry fly, if the fly is on the water’s surface.”
Salmon are much more difficult to attract as they don’t feed in fresh water, Alberto explains.
“Salmon flies are like wee jewels – often all the colours of the rainbow, with bright oranges and shiny tinsels,” he adds.
It’s my turn to have a go and under his watchful eye, I add some feathers and a bit of sparkly Christmas tinsel to the tail of a salmon fly.
“The secret is using a minimum number of thread wraps,” Alberto advises.
To him, fishing is not all about the catch. “If you lose a fish it’s frustrating but then again, you can’t lose something you never had,” he laughs.
“Salmon fishing is about the process and the environment – about the casting, knowing the river and getting the fly to swim in the correct manner.
“And lunch is a big part of it, as is enjoying the craic.”
Alberto admits it can be cheaper to buy flies online but it’s not nearly as satisfying as when one of his homemade jobs hits the spot.
Rick Dunkerley, fishing co-ordinator for the Game Fair, agrees. He created his very own fly, which he named “muffler” because it looked like a lady’s accessory.
“I found this feather boa in a haberdasher and thought it was perfect,” he beams. “It’s helped me catch a lot of fish.”
Rick advocates fly tying as much for its therapeutic benefits as for the sport.
“It’s a great excuse to get together over a beer and a toastie and recall stories in the winter months,” he says.
Fly tying session over, Alberto gives me a mini casting lesson on the Tay. After a few duff swings of the rod I crack it and I can well imagine getting into this big style.
My advice? Get along to the Game Fair and team up with Alberto for some expert guidance. You might get hooked.