Fly Fishing Resources

His newly released book, Fleye Design- techniques, insights, patterns which he co-wrote with Jay Nichols, continues the evolution of Bob’s work and includes not only technical innovations but chapters from a whole generation of fly designers his work has influenced. Let me analyze Bob’s approach.

Eyes were a key component when he first coined the term Fleyes for Surf Candies and later applied the name to the full range of his creations. He is a believer that shape and movement and cast-ability are the three most important elements in saltwater fly design. He writes, “I am more of a fly designer than a fly dresser.” Fleye Design, Pg 78. The fact that he ties almost all his flies with fine mono thread shows the simplicity and practicality of his style.

His first book showcased ways to control the 3 dimensional shape of a fly and it started with his 3D Fleye in synthetic materials and his experimentation progressed to the BTD (Bucktail Deceiver) and the Hollow Fleye. This last one provides maximum volume with minimum weight. This helps solve the problem of casting large overweight flies. He was also the first tier to detail how to tie on mono between two vices to create body extensions. I used it to tie his Shady Lady Squid.

In Fleye Design, he recommends using bucktail, from the North American whitetail deer, for our international readers, wherever practical, because he believes it moves better than any other fiber. He is adamant about using natural fibers because they are tapered. He says tapered materials move better than ones of constant diameter. He also writes, the more (tapered) ends there are on a fly- the better the fly will move. He says realistic fly movement is critical to triggering fish.

In this book, Bob details how to classify bucktails and select the fiber type for specific ties, based on volume. Straight being less and kinky being more volume. I think Bob has found a good supply of five to seven inch bucktail somewhere, which now gives him the option to use bucktail for all his baitfish flies, from spearing to bunker.

In his first book, he broke ground with his Surf Candy which solved two problems, hook-fouling and poor fly durability. The ravages of teeth of bluefish can shred a fly. He did this with the use of clear two-part epoxy applied from the hook eye; over a stick-on eye, to behind the head or gill area.

In his new book, Fleye Design, he discusses his solution to the slowness, eventual yellowing and waste of five-minute epoxy, by updating us with their replacement with light-cured acrylics. This material is used every day for dental fillings and tooth repair. Bob and a dentist friend came up with the idea to use the clear acrylic for flies. He calls it Tuffleye.

This sensation cures in twenty seconds and doesn’t require mixing. There is no waste since you apply it right from the manufacturer’s syringe. It is clear indefinitely. He didn’t just take dental acrylic and re-label it, he has two hardening formulations of different viscosities and one that is flexible when cured! He describes in detail how and when to use each.

Since his first book, he’s also advanced the speed of adding flash and detail to a variety of baitfish imitations by introducing Fleye Foils. They are metallic decals with a tab for attaching them the hook. They represent the head or body of several species of coastal baits of the Northwest Atlantic, but will also represent other species abroad. Yes, he has created a brand and products through his ingenuity and fishermen and tiers are the better for it. Everything so far has been first rate.

I am a fan of big baits and his latest creation, The Beast, is about as big as a fly should practically be. It uses the Hollow Fleye technique with an extension. It takes a lot of skill to cast big flies far in any condition, not alone windy ones. Page 101 is titled Casting and contains three paragraphs. Bob’s advice on how to learn to cast,” Anyone can cast well. It simply takes time and practice.” I would have hoped he would have suggested getting qualified instruction, and practicing.

I have the feeling Lefty Kreh and Ed Jaworowski taught or tutored Bob over the years. On Bob’s Casting page is also a beautiful photo of the 6’3” author delivering a backcast into the NJ surf. I used a similar photo of Bob full page in my recent casting book, from Tom Lynch’s shoot with him the same day. The photos in Fleye Design are sharp and perfectly lighted. Every tying step is shown and clearly described. Part I: The Essentials, has generous details on controlling material and acrylic and placing everything where you want it to go and stay permanently.

Part II: The Patterns, shows at least nine new patterns of Bob’s, not shown in his first book. They are the Hollow Fleye, BULKhead Deceiver, Rear Floating Squid, Double Spread, and five assorted Critters. You get to see explanations, photos and tying instructions for sixteen flies. In Part III: Evolution of Flye Design: Influences and Advances, you also get to see the innovative work of other fly designers and guides. They include Jonny King, Blane Chocklett, Dave Skok and others. Every saltwater tier should know about the Popovics school of fly tying.

Bob was inducted into the Freshwater Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame- Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in 2014. Bob and his wife Alexis own and operate The Shady Rest Restaurant in Bayville, NJ. Bob enjoys growing flowers at the ‘Rest and feeding and photographing songbirds, hummingbirds and big moths that stop by!

Review by John Field first published in Sexyloops.com