In a letter to Mr. Wayne Luallen, I asked what basic materials were needed by a neophyte to begin dressing classic featherwing Atlantic Salmon Flies. He generously responded with a very detailed inventory of feathers, flosses, tinsels and furs. In concluding the list, he offered the following advice: "That's a lot of feathers and a lot of money, so be sure you really want to get into this!!"

I appreciate Mr. Luallen's candor and, more importantly, his willingness to share ideas and notions. Like many others, I developed an interest in dressing salmon flies after years of tying trout patterns that served my fishing needs. Judith Dunham's book was a 38th birthday present and, after my first perusal, I was hopelessly smitten.

But where to start?

Visits to local fly shops confirmed that they were ill prepared to provide the necessary information or materials. However, Ms. Dunham provided a clue in her book. Most of the tiers profiled credited a book by Pout Jorgensen for their greatest initial influence.

I obtained a copy and read it from cover to cover. Mr. Jorgensen's clear text and photographs helped unravel many basic mysteries. Later came books by Bates, Pryce-Tannatt, Hale and Kelson. Later still, a subscription to The Salmon Flyer. The reading is informative, interesting and, best of all, easy. No talent or effort is required. No circuitous searches for exotic feathers and tinsels. In short order, my reading and research became an avoidance tactic. I used the written word to sidestep the commitment I associated with learning requisite techniques and acquiring necessary materials.

I was intimidated! But why?

I have always attempted to tie flies that are prettier than they have to be to catch trout. It's a matter of pride and aesthetics. However, I don't consider that results of my efforts art or myself an artist. I am definitely meticulous and single-minded when tying, however I've always felt that fly tying required more skill than talent.

Author John Gierach sums it up like this, "tying flies is like splitting wood neatly or plowing a straight furrow: If there's an art to it, it's in the work itself rather than in the product."

However, classic feather-wing Atlantic Salmon flies have evolved into present day objects-de-art. They are dressed not tied. The wings are married not joined. Salmon hooks are referred to as irons. The nomenclature alone is alluring. I am simultaneously attracted and intimidated at the prospect of attempting a classic pattern.

At first, the artistry side of things convinced me that, as a non-artist, featherwings were beyond my capabilities.After further reflection, I became convinced that my feelings were akin to those a close friend (Danny White) experienced when transitioning from quarterbacking a college football team to quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. Do I have what it takes to play in this league? I convinced myself to give it a try.

Accordingly, I started writing letters. Not everyone returned my inquiries, however, Mr. Wayne Luallen and Mr. Marvin Nolte did. Praise the Lord! Their generosity, encouragement, notions, advice and suggestions have been a God-send. (too many "Almighty" references?) They persuaded and assured me that I could do this with the right amounts of commitment, practice, failure and determination. "Tears, Sweat and Blood" as Mr. Luallen calls it.

Next hurdle? Materials.

Judith Dunham identified the possible danger of materials acquisition when she wrote; "...a potentially obsessive pursuit that can easily be a bobby separate from the actual tying of the fly." Damn! For a municipal employee from Arizona, who agonizes over the right shade of muskrat, obtaining the materials for featherwings seems the stuff of legend.

Oh, I know - use the more available substitutes or alternatives. This is the advice given by the tiers that already possess jealously guarded supplies of Bustard, Jungle Cock, Macaw, Lady Amherst, Chatterer and Indian Crow. Remember folks, it's these exotic materials that are part of the seduction. Nevertheless, I understand the practicality, need and logic for using substitute and alternative materials.

However, I've become convinced that finding quality Turkey and Pintail can become just as daunting as European Jay or Ibis. I continue to struggle with this issue. Like most everyone else, I must rely on mail-order for most materials. As you know, the inevitable hassle and expense can be very frustrating.

I believe this is what Mr. Nolte and Mr. Luallen call the "dedication" part of the program.

Surely others have shared these same experiences and feelings when entering this hobby. For those who have been at this for a long time, think back to your beginnings. It's the initial trepidation experienced by novices (like me) that discourages or frightens off many potential Hales and Kelsons.

At this point you might ask yourself; "where's this article headed?" Hang on and I'll tell you. Webster's New World Dictionary defines contrivance as: "the act, way or power of thinking up, devising, designing, etc." Well friends, I've been devising.

The Flyer's excellent articles on mounting wings and applying tinsels are important and beneficial. Compositions dealing with the Salmon Fly's history provide insight and perspective. However, I believe that each issue should contain section(s) that specifically and regularly deal with the very basic issues facing the beginner. I'm sure that this subject has probably been broached before. Nevertheless, the Group's most valuable resource (the members) remain largely unavailable to the novice.

Let me give you an example, When I decided to write letters and seek advice and counsel, I spent over $35.00 in long-distance phone calls and hours of research time just to obtain four addresses. Someone more timid may have stopped right there.

What can be done? I've got some suggestions.

1) Revise the roster to include information that goes beyond addresses and telephone numbers. i.e. Individuals that offer instructional videos/articles for sale; Individuals that teach tying classes; Individuals that produce substitute/alternative materials for sale, etc.

2) Use the Group's influence to encourage specialty fly shops to develop a complete materials package for beginners. Quality and usefulness would be paramount. This could be a great way to introduce substitutes and alternatives. (what do you think Dave?) (Great Idea Jeff! Anyone? -ed.)

3) Use the Flyer to inform the Group of both profit and non-profit opportunities for material acquisition. I know that this cuts across the fly shop's grain, but it sure would be helpful. (only one slight hitch - The Salmon Flyer has a little statement in the front about not promoting, etc. the sale or use of C.I.T.I.E.S. listed birdies. So long as we adhere to this, or the membership wishes to forgo this, then it sounds super to me. - ed.)

4) Develop and include in the Flyer a list of the basic tools, books, materials, and other appurtenances needed by the novice. This should be excellent fodder for many articles and some debate.

The end result would be very beneficial. (You bet! God knows we always need articles! - ed.)

5) Include an article(s) in the Flyer that specifies and identifies the resources offered by the Group. Someone can certainly do a better job of suggestion than I have.

Don't get me wrong, 1 don't want to come off as a half-cocked newcomer set on changing the status quo. Instead, I want to offer the observations and feelings of someone just entering the hobby.

I love the Flyer! I've practically worn out the only issues I have. For me, each article and picture has made me feel like a kid peering in the window of a "candy store". It's just that sometimes when looking in the "candy store", I feel like a fourteen year old boy whistling at grown women (sorry ladies, no offense intended! - ed.)

I hope you find this article, if not thought provoking, at least amusing. I've included a copy of the basic materials list I've conjured up with the help of others like Mr. Luallen and Mr. Nolte. Please respond with your thoughts and ideas. Let me have it. Set me straight. I need all the help I can get!