In the last Flyer, Jack Madden wrote an interesting article that got me thinking about what really distinguishes the great tyers from the rest of the pack. Jack presented an excellent tactic of analyzing each component as it is applied and instructed the tyer on how to put himself in someone else's shoes to critique his efforts as a means of achieving excellence. I would like to build on this theme and suggest that it is discipline rather than skill that is characteristic of the tyers who produce the flies that are worthy of display and recognition.

Many would argue that skill, either natural or developed from endless hours at the vice, is the reason certain tyers create outstanding flies. I, however, am convinced that discipline produces excellence. Most tyers possess the necessary skills, but either do not seek a high quality level, do not know what excellence looks like, or simply do not apply discipline to their effort. If you do not seek excellence, I am not sure that replicating the creations of Kelson, Wright, Traherne and others should be your hobby unless it is your intention to fish these patterns.

If you do not know what excellence looks like, I encourage you to do one or more of the following. Invest in some flies from the very best tyers and use their creations as models. Having a selection of flies not only provides a model to examine and match, but also provides a challenge and an inspiration for what you, too, can achieve. You could also put your ego aside and have your flies critiqued by someone who is not bashful about being honest. This approach has personally helped me more than any other, and I owe a debt of gratitude to Tom Juracek.

Although limited in number, there are tapes available from Wayne Luallen and Tom Juracek which provide outstanding and diverse instruction, even though the visual portion may be limited. My last suggestion is to read, especially the Flyer. Books, however, may present a mixed message and Judith Dunham's The Atlantic Salmon Fly is a prime example. It contains many pictures of outstanding flies but there are numerous patterns that have so many flaws that they better represent what not to do.

For those who have not applied a strict discipline to their tying, there is a business concept called "total quality management" (TQM) that embodies one simple principle which, if applied to your tying, will help to dramatically enhance the quality of your flies. The principle states that you stop the process if a quality problem occurs. You do not continue the process and add more material and labor only to reject the product in the end. Why continue if the tinsel or silk in your tag is not tight, smooth and tapered, your tail veiling is not properly centered, or your body hackle is not flush against the ribbing? How many times have we tied the fly that was so close to outstanding only to regret not having made the necessary corrections along the way? The answer is "lack of discipline".

I have written specifications for myself for each component of the specific styles, (i.e. dee strip wing, spey built wing) to establish a discipline, to force me to ask if that butt or tail or veiling meets the standard that the spec defines. This approach may be too formal for a hobby that should provide relaxation and separation from the real world, but for me the satisfaction of mastering the skill and the pride of accomplishment are major reasons for participation in this challenging pastime. After all, it is not the fish we are trying to impress with these creations, but ourselves and our fellows.