Spring Flyfishing Show -> Exhibitors

The Spring Flyfishing Show -> Flytyer profile - Lee Schechter.

Lee Schechter - USA

Please write a short profile about yourself - I have been intrigued with fishing since a young age when I started with a ball of string and hook to catch fish on a farm pond – 47 years ago. During the past 21 years I have been “obsessed” with fly fishing and tying – mostly saltwater as I live minutes from the Atlantic Ocean in New Jersey. I also cast flies at freshwater bass and pike when possible up in New England. A few years back I expanded my eclectic tying habit to include vintage patterns from Mary Orvis Marbury’s landmark book published in 1892 as well as old salmon patterns published in the 1800s. Tying and learning about the history of the Orvis/Marbury flies has been a passion, and actually catching fish on them is equally appealing.

My favourite fly fishing pattern. - I have 2 favorite fly fishing patterns: Bucktail Deceivers as they have a seductive action in the water and catch fish; “Black Magic” – I originally developed this fly for fishing the surf and bay at night about 8 years ago. The fly is tied with black bear hair, black estaz, palmered hackle and bead chain eyes - and appropriately named by a friend based on its color and magical productivity for multiple species.

What other patterns and styles of flyfishing do you enjoy most. - I prefer fly fishing for big bluefish, striped bass and false albacore in the surf but I am just as satisfied chasing bass and pike in freshwater. Watching fish explode on poppers or topwater flies has a fascinating “suspense” associated with it. I have to say catching fish on old fly patterns developed well over 100 years ago has a special attraction.

Is there a style of flytying you enjoy more than others! -Vintage fly patterns using original materials and hooks.

What is your most memorable flyfishing moment? - The following certainly shine as memorable highlights: Sight casting flies to tailing redfish (7-10 lbs) in the Louisiana bayou; Catching a 16 lb bluefish (36” length with a 19” girth) using a 9 wt in the surf at IBSP; Bonito on the fly 60 miles off the coast of California; A 4 lb largemouth bass caught on a Marbury pattern mid-day off a boulder in Maine.

What is your most favoured piece of fly tying equipment? - Bodkin with bamboo handle.

What type of flyfishing rod and reel do you use? - Too many to name but all have their place depending on conditions – 3wt to 12wt rods (graphite, fiberglass and bamboo) with modern and vintage reels.

What type of flytying will you be tying at the show and are there any specific tying techniques you will be demonstrating at the show. - I will be tying a variety of patterns from Mary Orvis Marbury (and some from her father Charles Orvis) that were used to target bass, trout and salmon. These patterns often called “gaudy” flies were quite diverse and utilized multiple tying techniques. I will have some patterns to display and will tie a selection of flies to demonstrate a few of the different techniques. I will certainly demo any aspect that is of interest so please ask.

Many thanks Lee, we look forward to seeing you at the show.

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