Spring Flyfishing Show -> Exhibitors

The Spring Flyfishing Show -> Flytyer profile - Ted Patlen.

Ted Patlen - USA - Click on the fly photographs to view larger images.

Please write a short profile about yourself - Winner of 7 international fly-tying championships, Ted has demonstrated at fly-fishing conventions from the slopes of the Canadian Rockies, to a 12th century Italian villa; as well as on a hot, dusty car park on the banks of the Beaverkill River. He still considers tying and fishing a hobby.
My favourite fly fishing pattern. - After losing thousands of intricate, time consuming flies to rocks, trees and the occassional fish, I "stole a bit from here and a little from there" and developed an easy to tie all-purpose nymphy looking emerger.

What other patterns and styles of flyfishing do you enjoy most. - Bouncing nymphs, slinging streamers and mending dry flies in streams; popping hair bugs for bass in lakes; and chasing bluefish on the ocean equally hold my imagination.

Is there a style of flytying you enjoy more than others! - Yes, anything BUT spinning deerhair.

What is your most memorable flyfishing moment? - Tough to say after 45 years, but that first trout on a fly I tied back in the 50's, still evokes tangible memories.

What is your most favoured piece of flyfishing equipment? - My dad's reel.

What type of flyfishing rod and reel do you use? - My wife says I own "too many" but I make sure I use each rod and reel at least once a year so they don't get angry at me.

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 am easily coerced by a few fingers of single malt, or a smooth cigar...and would happily demonstrate any technique that I know if asked. I will be tying mainly trout patterns that have been showcased the past year in one of the local magazines but will also tie classic streamers, wet flies and salmon ...anything but spinning deerhair!

What is your favourite piece of flytying equipment? - I don't have a favorite however I reall enjoy looking for hackle pliers...some day I'll may find a pair that actually works.

Many thanks Ted and we look forward to seeing you at the show.

Ted is also giving a flytying class at the show. Click [here] to find out more and book your place.

Go back to demonstrators page by clicking [here]