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Extremely Low Budget Fishing And Fly Tying
Fishing is a wonderful activity.
It is a door to personal understanding of the aquatic environment.
Through fishing, I am reminded that we are part of the natural world
and that we need to exercise careful stewardship of our natural resources.
The purpose of this site
is to provide information to those who would like to try fishing (or help
others become acquainted with fishing), on an
extremely low budget. This site is also designed as a place to exchange
information with experienced fishermen on the art of low budget fishing and fly
tying.
Fishing does not have to be expensive!
Low Budget
Fishing Equipment
Can Too
An empty
soda can may be used to make an inexpensive fishing
outfit that can be used in place of a rod and reel. This is called a can
rig. The Can Too rig (see image) is more durable, has a cord wrist band,
and can still be fully constructed and set up for under one dollar.
The "New and Improved" Can Fishing Rig
A soda can may be used to quickly make an inexpensive fishing outfit that can be used in place of a rod and reel. This is called a can rig. This “new and improved” version includes a wrist band and wrist band holder that makes the rig easier to handle and hold.
Note: There are some states in the U.S.A. Nevada ARE legal methods of fishing in New
York State USA
Foam/Paper Clip Bobber
The bobbers
described on this web page cost under $.03 per
bobber for the single clip version and about a nickel for the double
version. The bobber is easily made from foam and a paper clip.
Low Budget
Fly Tying Equipment
Lure Making Equipment
New !!!
The Clothespin Vise
This vise screams “look Mom, I built it myself”!!! But before you dismiss it, consider it as a niche vise, that is, one to build on a lazy summer evening from items you may already have around the house, one that your cousin or neighbor can borrow (even if he or she doesn’t have a good record about returning things). And more importantly, it is a vise that can be used to tie flies to catch fish and teach fly-tying.
Note: Check back soon for more new vise plans.
How to make a Fly Tying Vise for less than $6.00
This
fly tying vise can be built and used as a low cost introduction to tying flies
and jigs. It is designed to be built by or for those who may not be willing to
commit the financial resources to purchase quality equipment. I have introduced
children to tying foam bugs for pan fish on these vises. The foam bugs can then
be fished on a fly rod or can be used with a spinning outfit when a casting
bubble is used. When children catch a fish on a bug of their own creation, it
is almost as though they are catching their first fish again! And of course,
the participants experience the connection between insect, fish and themselves.
More Low Budget Vise Designs
On my
"How to make a Fly Tying Vise for less than $6.00"
web page I give directions on how to build a fly tying vise with a
plywood and brick base. The vises shown here show some
alternatives. The cast iron frying pan is heavy enough so that no
additional weight is necessary. The Osterizer
blender base is filled with gravel. The hub cap (from my old decrepit
pick-up truck) is filled with concrete. I have helped others build their
vises out of detergent bottles partially filled with concrete and aluminum
frying pans filled with concrete. Let your imagination be your guide to
building your own special vise!
Low Budget
Flies and Lures
Mardi
Gras Fly Swap
In 2005 I tied and successfully fished flies
made with plastic beads from Mardi-Gras throw bead necklaces. In 2006, I organized a fly swap so that
I might see how other fly tyers use this
resource. Click on the link to see
for yourself.
Band It (Can also be tied as a jig)
An item as simple as a rubber band can be tied to a fishing hook and can be used to catch bass and pan fish. I developed this fly to demonstrate that fly tying can be inexpensive. I fish with it because with it I can catch bass!
Nylon Leech Fly (Can also be tied as a jig)
For this
pattern, the source of the nylon can be from parachute cord, nylon webbing,
nylon twine or other yet untried sources, maybe even shoe laces! To
prepare the material you need to unravel and tease the fibers. When the
fly is in the water, the fibers are as alive as marabou! This fly is easy
to tie and the materials cost just pennies. And of course it
catches fish (bass, pickerel, and pan fish).
Woodchuck Swap
Woodchuck is a
GREAT fly tying material. Woodchuck, also known as
groundhogs, are members of the marmot family and are very common over a
wide range. They are destructive in agricultural fields and are often
removed (killed) to protect men and machinery from their underground caverns
that may collapse when a tractor unknowingly drives over them. Woodchuck
hair makes attractive flies that are simply "fish magnets".
Thread Only Fly
Thread Only!
Is it a manifestation of a minimalist approach to the art of fly tying and fishing?
Or, is it just a simple fly?
"My Wife's Caddis"
I like tying
with readily available and free materials. This fly is tied from human
hair! I would like to thank Vlad Markov of Irkutsk, Russia, for sharing this fly of his with us.
Fishing Concerns
Getting the Lead
Out!
Lead from fishing kills loons and
other waterfowl. Go lead free. This simple change in fishing tackle
can have tremendous benefits for loons and other wildlife! Wire, buttons,
and even nails can replace lead in your jigs and flies. This image taken by Rachelle Engelman shows swans swimming at Hampton Court England Thames
has shown a dramatic recovery since regulations went into effect banning the
use of lead sinkers and jigs.
Go
lead free!
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" Fishermen, hunters, wood choppers, and others, spending their lives in the fields and woods, in a peculiar sense a part of Nature themselves, are often in a more favorable mood for observing her, in the intervals of their pursuits, than philosophers or poets even, who approach her with expectation." from Walden, by Henry David Thoreau |
For more information contact Ed at: