Master the Stonefly: Fly Tying Tips from Brian of TiesFlies

With : _tiesflies_

I caught up with Brian from tiesflies, the guy behind some seriously impressive fly-tying content on Instagram. We talked about how he got into fly fishing, his go-to fly patterns, and his plans to take TheFlySmith brand to the next level. Enjoy hearing about his journey and the art of fly tying

How did you first get into fly fishing, Brian? Was it love at first cast or something that grew over time?

I first got into fly fishing in August of 2022. My neighbor Vince took me fly fishing for bluegill, and we caught so many that I was instantly intrigued and wanted to learn more about the sport.

Your fly-tying skills are next-level, and your Instagram showcases some true works of art. What inspired you to start tying your own flies?

My neighbor kept talking about a fly called the "Sneaky Pete", which has been discontinued.. He said if that fly still existed, we would be catching more fish, so I set out to tie my own.

Brian, with over 600,000 followers, you’ve built an incredible community around fly tying. What’s been the most rewarding part of sharing your passion online?

The most rewarding part about sharing my passion online is being able to teach, and having people tell me that they've learned from me.

Tying realistic-looking stoneflies can be a challenge for many tiers. What are your top tips for nailing the details and making them come to life?

When tying stoneflies, it's important to understand how to manipulate a biot. I find using turkey biots are a little better, as they are thinner and more supple. Frank Brassard has an excellent video on shaping the legs with a heated bodkin. 

What’s your go-to fly pattern, and why does it hold a special place in your fly box?

My go to pattern is my Swimulator. It's a super easy fly to tie, and I've caught my pb several times with it. It catches everything from bluegill to redfish, just by changing the size and color. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in fly fishing or fly tying?

If you're just starting out with fly fishing and/ or tying, I highly suggest learning entomology, and studying other aquatic life forms. Once you have that figured out, realize that the rod is way more important than the reel, and the line is just as important as both. Once you get into tying, stay away from cheap bargain kits, as they are oftentimes filled with junk.

Brian, where do you see tiesflies headed in the future? Are there any big projects or goals on the horizon for you?

As far as tiesflies goes, that's just a simple social media name. But for TheFlySmith, I plan on taking my brand to the next level with better tools and materials than what's currently available on the market.