The Boiler Room: FLY-TYING PASSION ANd INNOVATION
The Complete Fly Fisherman|February/March 2020
Field Editor Murray Pedder invites us inside a group of like-minded and passionate tyers who freely share information.
Murray Pedder
The Boiler Room: FLY-TYING PASSION ANd INNOVATION

I am sure most of you are part of a WhatsApp group or two, or have even started your own group, for whatever reason. I’m not one for joining groups, but when I came across The Boiler Room, it piqued my interest instantly. In June 2019, Jack Lotter (aka the Sheriff) who created the group approached me and asked if I’d be interested in joining a group dedicated to flies and fly-tying, and nothing else. A platform where tyers could share everything and anything tying related. It clearly was a group for experienced tyers who knew their way around the vise. I thought it was a great idea, so I joined.

With only 23 members the group is small, but man, the passion, experience, skills, innovation and willingness to share is phenomenal. As I am in the business of production tying, the ideas, techniques and tricks of the trade are invaluable. Some of the members tie for themselves, some tie for a select customer base who are prepared to pay top dollar for a high-quality product, one is a big player in the American market, Martin Bawden (an ex South African) the founder and owner of Flymen Fishing Company which has a dealer chain of 800-plus strong, others are guides on the ground, day in and day out, sharing their invaluable input on flies and techniques. And then MC, a good friend and master tyer, who has won gold twice in the Mustad

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE COMPLETE FLY FISHERMANView all
It's Called Evolution
The Complete Fly Fisherman

It's Called Evolution

Our quarry constantly has to adapt to the ever­changing conditions of their environment. It goes without saying then, that we, too, need to revise our fishing strategy to remain successful on any given day. Anton Hartman explains.

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
At The Gates Of Antarctica
The Complete Fly Fisherman

At The Gates Of Antarctica

Mauritia Kirchner falls in love with the far­flung Falkland Islands.

time-read
7 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
Six Of The Best Largemouth Flies
The Complete Fly Fisherman

Six Of The Best Largemouth Flies

Fly­Tying Field Editor Murray Pedder lists the top six largemouth yellowfish flies for the Orange, Vaal, Vanderkloof and Gariep dams.

time-read
10 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
Ascending caddis pupa
The Complete Fly Fisherman

Ascending caddis pupa

The ascending stage of a caddis makes easy prey for both trout and yellowfish – the reason why Arno Laubscher propagates tying a pattern that imitates it.

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
In Search Of Natal Yellowfish Top Scaly Rivers Of Kwazulu-Natal
The Complete Fly Fisherman

In Search Of Natal Yellowfish Top Scaly Rivers Of Kwazulu-Natal

Carl Freese shares his favourite home rivers for hunting KZN scaly.

time-read
8 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
A Rod Maker's Thoughts: Why Bamboo?
The Complete Fly Fisherman

A Rod Maker's Thoughts: Why Bamboo?

Stephen Boshoff elaborates on his passion for bamboo.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
Rhodes AN ICONIC TOWN AND HOME TO fly fishing legend: Fred Steynberg
The Complete Fly Fisherman

Rhodes AN ICONIC TOWN AND HOME TO fly fishing legend: Fred Steynberg

Like the prodigal son, we return to Rhodes to meet up with old friends and revisit rivers filled with memories and wild rainbows.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
The TCFF Charity Initiative: FLY FISHERS GIVING BACK
The Complete Fly Fisherman

The TCFF Charity Initiative: FLY FISHERS GIVING BACK

After two and a half decades of publishing TCFF, we are honoured and blessed not only by the support of our readers, but also our industry in the main.

time-read
2 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
IN MEMORIAM: Gunga Donn
The Complete Fly Fisherman

IN MEMORIAM: Gunga Donn

It’s always tough to lose a friend, but when that friend is a fishing buddy with whom you have shared boats, banks and lodgings, it is particularly distressing.

time-read
7 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
In pursuit of Weza
The Complete Fly Fisherman

In pursuit of Weza

Sean I'Ons relates how it took 40 years for a story of a fishery and the people he got to know along the way to come full circle.

time-read
5 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021