801 | Tying Classic Salmon Flies with Tony Smith

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/801

Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, FishHound Expeditions, Togiak River Lodge

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Today's guest traded trout strains for silk thread vintage hooks, and the history-packed world of classic fly tying never looked back. From his first salmon fly at age 12 to becoming a leading voice in preserving old school craftsmanship, Tony Smith has spent decades chasing the perfect thread wrap. By the end of this episode, you'll know what really defines a classic salmon fly, why wax silk and antique hooks still matter, and how tying flies help Tony navigate OCD social anxiety and come out on the other side.

Tony Smith is here to share what it's really like inside the quirky and passionate world of classic salmon fly tying, what the feather thief story got right and wrong, and why sometimes keeping it simple is still the most beautiful thing you can do at the vise. Plus, we're going to find out why reaching out to your fly-tying heroes might be the smartest thing that you do all year.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/801