"Whether it’s camaraderie, creativity, art—or simply a device to catch more fish people are passionate about tying flies for a lot of different reasons. For me, it’s all those reasons and more. Tying is an important part of my daily routine. And teaching others the art of fly tying is one of my favorite activities." -Drew Chicone
Drew Chicone here.
I'm a Fly Designer, Tying Instructor, and creator of Salty Fly Tying.
My passion is developing and tying saltwater flies, and I help fly tiers of any skill level learn how to develop and improve their own fly patterns.
Not only do they learn to tie better flies, but best of all they catch more fish!
A frustration of mine is trying to learn a new pattern or tying technique without clear illustrations or instructions. I subscribe to all kinds of fly tying magazines and have quite a few fly tying books, and I can’t tell you how many times I wish there was one more photo or I could have zoomed in on a picture. I think that most of us would appreciate more than 5 or 6 1-inch photos to thoroughly explain how to get from point A to point Z. That is one of the main reasons for the ultra close up shots and hi res photography, and excessive number of photos used to illuminate the ideas and techniques found in my eBooks and Blog.
My goal for this site is to create a vehicle for sharing ideas on saltwater pattern development as well as a clear, easy to follow educational resource for tyers of all skill levels. There is no shortage of "How To's" available out there, but they all seem to focus on learning to tie a particular fly for a particular fishing situation. I want to dive much deeper than "how to tie this pattern or that pattern." My focus is really directed toward developing new saltwater fly patterns, and learning how to correct or improve the flies that just don't seem to act right in the water.
The aim is to teach fly tiers how to effectively mimic the shape, size, color, and specific movements of saltwater prey items and learn which materials will best achieve these characteristics. Knowing how to select the right fly tying materials and learning proper tying techniques is key to creating productive saltwater - and freshwater - flies.
New - Top Saltwater Flies
These three gorgeous volumes comprise more than 900 eye-popping color pages. In large, clear, step-by-step photos with easy-to-follow instructions on how to tie the very latest in the most effective flies for bonefish, tarpon and permit.
New - Redfish Flies 2
The patterns outlined in this book have been fine-tuned and rigorously tested on countless grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Tying and stocking your box with this proven assortment of flies will ensure you have the ammunition needed to coax even the most refined redfish, and the insight provided in the interviews of the contributing guides and tying gurus will help you understand what factors need to be considered to create your own productive redfish flies.
Insights from saltwater fly tiers and guru’s including: Flip Pallot, Capt. Steve Bailey, Capt. Codty Pierce, and Jon Cave.
Redfish Flies 2 is a 177-page paperback illustrated with ultra-hi resolution images.
Free Fly Tying eBook!
After teaching fly tying for several years, I have come to the realization that feathers cause more confusion and frustration than any other material for both beginning fly tiers and seasoned pros alike, Yours Truly included. For that reason I created this 100% free eBook to help you along the way.
Learn With Drew, For Free!
The Salty Fly Tying Chronicle is a Free monthly newsletter, with the goal of sharing new or unique materials, techniques and patterns that I come across each month.
Subscribe now to have it sent to you free, every month!
Salty Fly Tying Blog
Visit the Salty Fly Tying Blog for Free Fly Tying Patterns, Tips, Tricks, Tutorials, Product Reviews and much more!