I am thrilled to announce that I have been invited to attend the BFFI 2025 this coming February at the Stafford Showground. I’ll to be tying at the Sharp and Gentles fly-tying stand, alongside a few talented tiers from the club. Together, we will be showcasing Clydestyle flies: a tradition I hold dear.
This is an event I am eagerly anticipating. In preparation, our weekly club nights have been dedicated to tying Clyde flies, drawing inspiration from Bert Sharp’s famous red book. These evenings help hone our tying and also deepen our appreciation for this style of fly-tying.
In addition to tying the classic, small Clydestyle fishing flies, I’ve been experimenting with a selection of oversized patterns on larger hooks. These display flies, with their detail and exaggerated proportions, are designed to catch the eye and spark curiosity among visitors at the show.
Here are a few examples of the oversized patterns I’ve been working on: