My early years in fly dressing were occupied with constructing flies for trout fishing. The aim was to dress the flies to a standard which would be respected by peers.

I learned quite quickly that the acquisition of materials should be performed in a controlled manor, selecting a small number patterns, then purchasing only those materials for those patterns needed; that was not to last!

As time moved on and my interest in salmon fly dressing came to the fore, the pursuit of materials became a primary aim. Salmon fly dressing has taken me all over the world where it has been a privilege to present workshops and demonstrations. My most treasured memory was to be asked to demonstrate at the very first British Fly Fair.