Our second feature is Ryan Halkirt, who makes his home in Northern New Jersey. We wanted to know how fly tying first set its hooks in him.
“I got into it in the spring of 2016 with a $25 vise from the local fly shop, and from there it exploded,” he explains. “I began fly tying because I wanted to catch fish on my own flies. It is an aspect of the sport everyone should try. Fly fishing is more than just fishing.
When asked if he has any go-to patterns, he points to “Catskill dry style flies.” Why? “Because I often fish the Catskill rivers many of these patterns originated from. And these flies still work great to this day.”
Like many fly tyers, Ryan insists his practice is “definitely a hobby,” although he occasionally sells custom flies upon request from fellow fishermen.
The Art of Tying is always curious about a fly tyer’s advice for beginners. “Take your time,” he advises, “and start easy with scuds, pheasant tails, or hare’s ear nymphs. Gain some confidence with these flies and move on to more detailed flies eventually. Also, start cheap, for it is a hobby you’re unsure how much you’ll enjoy or use. There’s no need to go out and buy the most expensive vise on the market, because the same flies can be tied on a $25 vise or a $450 one.
Expensive vises just make things easier in the long run and can last a lifetime.”
What does Ryan enjoy most about his time spent tying? “The fun part of fly tying,” he says, “is that you can be creative. I enjoy trying different patterns on the water.” The “good part,” he suggests, is that every effort tis a lesson learned, so “you’ll never be wrong. Continue always to learn, whether it’s fly tying or fly fishing, and be versatile.
Does Ryan have any favorite species to pursue? Definitely. “I’m a trout-bum,” he declares, “and always have been. Growing up, I would beg my mother to allow me to take days off from school to go out fishing with my father. These are fond memories I still enjoy looking back upon.”
Like every fly tyer, Ryan is eager to thank those who have inspired him and passed along their techniques, wisdom, and tips for the best gear. “So many have helped me along the way, suggesting things such as Cortland Line, the best tippet on the market. Ultra Premium 5x fluorocarbon top secret gets the job done. Give it a shot if you have not already. You will be impressed.”
What are Ryan’s goals for the future? “Continuing to better myself,” he says, “and challenge myself to tie better, cleaner flies. I’m always learning, on and off the water, and at the tying bench. Things I continue to work on and improve are ‘double-slip quill mallard wings.’ They get the best of me plenty of times,” he laughs. “And also marrying mallard wings for wets, and eventually dry flies.”
We asked Ryan what gear he prefers, and he told us his “9ft 6wt Sage X with a Galvan Torque reel” is his trusty companion. “I like to be versatile on the water for any type of fishing the weather throws at me. Weather, in most cases, dictates what I will be using, whether it be dries, steamers, or nymphs. I’m a dry fly guy, so I’m always looking for risers. With this setup, I can do it all with great pleasure and enjoyment on most of my local waters.” And enjoyment, of course, is the name of the game.