Chris Reeves, Surrey UK. Stanic instructor.
I began fly tying purely to fill my own boxes and am a dedicated fly angler pursuing all species that eat a fly, my latest catch was a 3lb Bream from the Basingstoke Canal on a size 10 orange Goldhead meant for Perch. My favourite species are Grayling and Jack Crevalle.
I have been tying flies for about 20 years now, first getting serious about it when I was asked to tie 48 dozen Black Bear salmon doubles for Fulling Mill to complete a rush order. Since then I have tied at shows in Holland, the United States and of course the British Fly fair. I also have a small list of regular clients for whom I tie special orders.
I enjoy tying what others call “fishing flies”. These are quick, simple and effective flies that fish eat. They don’t take hours to tie or include loads of exotic materials. Anyone can tie my flies. They are tied in all sizes and types from size 6/0 Tarpon and Saltwater flies to size 22 dries, nymphs and buzzers. I undertake commissions and once supplied 23 large frames of flies for a client to completely cover one wall of his living room.
I tie some flies for display and enter most of the competitions in the UK and abroad with variable success.
I have been a police officer for 31 years and am due to retire soon. I hope to augment my pension with a little guiding in the UK and abroad, giving fly tying lessons and supplying my clients.
I am a member of both Surrey and London branches of the fly dressers guild and recommend any new tier to join their local branch of the Guild where they will find like minded people who are only to happy to pass on their experiences as fly dressers and fishermen.
Chris has kindly offered his undoubted skills to the Fly Tying Clinic this year, come and get all your questions answered - The BFFI Team
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