Having been in this game for a lot of years now I am amused at some of the complaints I hear. Those of you who started FF in the 60’s, or even the 70’s know what I mean. I actually got going with serious FF about 1958, but was introduced and drug along from 1952 or so. So, when I hear complaints about some graphite rods being too slow I think back to the first glass fly rods that were “state of the art” and the fastest things we would ever see. Try fishing for a day with one of the old "Test drive an Oldsmobile and get a genuine bamboo three section fly rod with spare tip, cloth bag and case for free" and see how you appreciate what you have, no matter how slow and "heavy". Scientific Anglers came out with their floating fly lines, big squat high floating creations that everyone swooned over. A light fly reel with a drag, the Pfleuger Medalist 1495, made in America with cheap interchangeable spools. I once landed a 145+ pound Tarpon on a 1498…try that sometime and you will REALLY appreciate a drag system and exposed rim. Tapered Leaders have come along in my lifetime, but then again so has color TV (channel changers??). Waders, vests, fly boxes, various types of tapers and floating/sinking fly lines, polarized glasses. Aren’t we a lucky lot??? We no longer have to sweat or freeze in the old rubber waders…laughter…just remembering when Seal-Dri’s were the rage!!!! Froze my rear off on a couple of duck ponds on Grizzley Island in those, for sure!
Then we go to fly tying. Just the advancements in hackle are absolutely inspiring to me. In just the last twenty years so many changes, some great advances in synthetics, and overall improvements in hooks, thread, and general availability of materials. How many fly shops were there in the 60's?
From an old hand some advice. When the newer members of our great fraternity have complaints about the equipment they are forced to utilize, just go to some really old fishing books and magazines and thumb through them. Back in the 60’s and 70’s I would have killed for the “cheap” equipment available today. But while you’re researching, forget about finding fly fishing magazines way back then, none came out until the very late 60’s (I think) when Fly Fisherman was introduced. There may have been some others, but they weren’t advertised and not readily available to all of us.
That said and done, I’d like to hear from you folks as to what you consider to be amazing creations that have affected your fly fishing the most and/or what you expect to see in the future.
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