In January of 2008, I started tying my own flies, because I was tired of hanging $2 prince nymphs in the trees along the small creeks I fish.

My friend and fellow Rotarian, Dr. Willis Potter (who passed away in 2011 at the age of 84) had been tying his own flies for 70 years, so I went to him to find out what I needed to get started.  He gave me advice on the basic tools I would need and where to purchase them.  He had a little work bench in a basement corner, where he tied.  Man, it was a mess – he had material piled two feet high!  I remember making the comment that I didn’t think I would ever have that much material… 

Next, I needed a tying station.  I searched the internet for what I wanted - something I could use, while I watched ball games in my basement.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find what I had visualized myself using.  But I did find MANY table-top models.  And, I found a few desk and chest models that were incredibly beautiful, but well over my price range – plus, they weren’t portable. 

I have completely remodeled our home that was built in 1920, so I thought, “Why don’t I just build what I want?”

So I did…

When I finished my first table, I took it to my basement and set it up with all my material and tools.  It was great!  I could tie at my own speed and stop and watch the game when I wanted – all from the comfort of my recliner.

As I was tying, my wife said, “You ought to sell those on the internet.”

I told her she was crazy – there was no way I could make the tables the same way every time, and shipping would be a nightmare!  So, I thought…