Spawn Blog

Fly tying is an art form that has been around for centuries. From the early days of using only feathers and fur to modern-day synthetics and cutting-edge materials, fly tying continues to evolve. However, one thing has remained constant, the human element of creativity and experience. We all have been drawn to this aspect of our sport and that will not go away. 

We believe AI is here to stay and is going to impact every industry including ours. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), fly tying is set to enter a new era. AI technology has the potential to revolutionize fly tying by assisting fly tyers in creating new patterns, providing innovative material ideas, and incorporating unique design elements into their creations all with the click of a button. 

One of the most interesting aspects of creativity AI is pattern generation. Using multiple AI tools we have extensive knowledge on pattern generation. Every image on this blog is created with AI and it is frankly terrifying. However, at this moment it is not as good as we are when it comes to creativity. Through machine learning, AI can analyze existing fly patterns through photo uploads, prior knowledge or descriptions and create new ones based on similar design elements. This means that AI can help fly tyers create new patterns as well as introduce new variations of classic patterns. Here is an example of a simple more classic style shrimp pattern I created in AI then asked it to provide variations. 

In addition to pattern generation, creativity AI can also provide innovative material ideas. With access to a vast database, AI can suggest new materials to use in fly tying based on the intended target species, fishing conditions, and desired presentation. This means that fly tyers can experiment with new materials that they may not have considered before. All of this without having to read the past literature on these fisheries, blogs like this that we write, or even without watching the YouTube videos we all love. AI will do it for you. 

Finally, AI can assist with incorporating unique design elements into fly patterns. By analyzing existing patterns as well as real insects identifying successful design elements, AI can suggest new design variations that may be more effective at attracting fish. This means that fly tyers can create patterns that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also more likely to result in a successful catch. We are a bit skeptical on this but time will tell! 

However, despite the potential of creativity AI in fly tying, there is no replacement for the human element of experience. The joy of catching a fish on a pattern that you created, tied, and cast is a feeling that cannot be replicated by AI. The passion and creativity that fly tyers bring to their craft cannot be replaced by technology. At Spawn we believe AI will only bolster what we do, it will draw people to more real experiences like tying a fly and catching a fish without the assistance of AI. We know our hands on experience creates not only a product we love but a truly human relationship with what we created. 

AI isn't going away but either is the creative fly tier. 

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Fly fishing is a beloved pastime for many people, and there are few things more satisfying than casting your line into the water and feeling a tug on the other end. While many fly fishermen practice catch and release, there are times when it's perfectly okay to take home a few fish for a delicious meal. This is especially true when it comes to Black Rockfish, which are abundant off the jetties in Washington State.

Black Rockfish, also known as sea bass are a popular game fish in the Pacific Northwest and one that we encounter a TON. They're found in rocky areas, and are often caught from jetties or inshore reefs. These fish are not only fun to catch, but they also make for a tasty meal.

If you're interested in fly fishing for black rockfish off the jetty in Washington, there are a few things you should keep in mind. We have full YouTube Tutorials linked below for you to truly understand how to be prepare for fishing off the rocks. Be sure that you watch the video and watch the weather to ensure your trip is successful.

We take pride in having a strong connection to the food we consume here at Spawn. This includes fish such as Tuna and Halibut caught off the coast, as well as Salmon and Rockfish caught off the jetty. It's important to note that not every fishing trip will result in catching a limit of fish, and sometimes we may come back with only one or two. However, it's perfectly acceptable to keep these fish for a delicious meal. We believe in practicing sustainable harvest, and there's nothing wrong with doing so in our sport. In fact, eating the fish we catch can increase our love and appreciation for these species and the environments they live in.

When you decide to harvest the fish, there are a few steps we like to take. Firstly, we ensure that the fish is dead by using a small club to hit it on the back of its head. Next, we immediately bleed the fish by tearing out its gills. Although this may not be a common practice among fly fishermen, it's crucial to preserving the quality of the meat and show respect to the fish. After the fish is dead and bled, we give it a quick rinse and place it in an ice cooler. It's important to keep the fish on ice not only to preserve the meat but also to protect it from raccoons that may be lurking around the rocks. Generally speaking we clean the fish at home where we will process the fish depending on how we will prepare it.

Black rockfish are versatile fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. You can fillet them and pan-fry them, bake them in the oven, or even grill them on the barbecue. One classic way to prepare black rockfish is to bread and deep-fry the fillets, serving them up with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. Another option is to make fish tacos which are an amazing meal that will truly bring out the flavor and appreciation of this species. 

At the end of the day, fly fishing for black rockfish off the jetty in Washington is a rewarding and enjoyable experience, whether or not you come home with a catch. And if you do catch a few fish, don't hesitate to keep them and turn them into a delicious meal. With the right preparation, black rockfish can be a real treat for the taste buds. 

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Fishing in Puget Sound can be a challenging experience for many reasons but specifically in this blog we will discuss the ever-changing weather conditions and that make it difficult to see fish. When fishing, having the right pair of sunglasses can make all the difference, and the Smith Low Light Yellow Lens are an excellent choice for this environment.

One of the key features of the Smith Low Light Yellow is this lens is designed to enhance color contrast and clarity, making it easier to see fish and other underwater objects. This is particularly useful in Puget Sound, where the fish will hide behind structure. It also allows you to visually see the pursuit of these fish. Seeing them will allow you to change the way you strip a fly to entice a strike. Visually seeing a strike adds to the entire experience!

Another benefit of the Smith Low Light Yellow Lens is their low-light performance. I prefer to fish for during cloudy days. These sunglasses are designed to perform well in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon, making them ideal for fishing in Puget Sound where it's generally cloudy, rainy and dark. They allow for better visibility in low-light conditions, giving anglers a better chance of spotting fish and other underwater objects.

The Smith Low Light Yellow glass is available on our site in 3 styles of frame for both female and male anglers. These frames are all durable, lightweight frame that is comfortable to wear for extended periods. The frame is made from high-quality materials, making it resistant to corrosion and impact damage. This means that the sunglasses will last for many fishing trips, even in the challenging conditions of Puget Sound.

Overall, the Smith Low Light Yellow Lens are an excellent choice for fishing in Puget Sound and the PNW in general. Whether you are a professional angler or a beginner, these sunglasses are worth considering for your next fishing trip here in the Pacific Northwest!

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Great news for all fly-fishing enthusiasts out there! We're thrilled to announce that we now carry every size and color of Hareline slotted tungsten beads, making it easier for you to find the perfect bead for your fly patterns.

Hareline slotted tungsten beads are known for their high-quality construction and durability, and are a favorite among fly tiers worldwide. With a wide range of sizes and colors available, these beads can be used to create a variety of effective fly patterns for different fishing situations.

Whether you're looking for small beads to tie small midge patterns or larger beads for streamer patterns, we've got you covered. Our inventory now includes all sizes  and every color available, from natural metallic finishes to vibrant shades like hot pink and chartreuse. Every color is individually photographed to help you make the best decision while buying online!

Not only do these beads add weight to your flies, helping them sink quickly to the desired depth, but the slotted design also allows for easy use in with some of your favorite Spawn products like our Spawn Jig Shanks!

So if you're looking to add some new beads to your fly-tying arsenal, look no further than our selection of Hareline slotted tungsten beads. We're confident that you'll find the perfect size and color for your next fly pattern. Happy tying and tight lines!

Two product pages with 100 variants each!

Smaller Sizes 

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/hareline-slotted-tungsten-beads?_pos=1&_sid=df631a10f&_ss=r

Larger Sizes

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/hareline-slotted-tungsten-beads-sizes-3-3mm-5-5mm?_pos=5&_sid=514cd4df4&_ss=r&variant=40061816930367 

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Fly tying is a popular pastime for many anglers, and choosing the right thread for your fly tying project is an essential part of the process. With so many different types and sizes of thread available, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for your needs. In this blog, we will explore the different types and sizes of thread available and provide tips on how to choose the right thread for your fly tying needs. 

Types of Thread

There are several types of thread used in fly tying, including nylon, polyester, and kevlar. Each type of thread has its own unique properties that make it suitable for specific fly tying tasks.

Nylon thread is a popular choice for fly tying because of its strength and versatility. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be used for a variety of fly tying applications, including tying bodies, wings, and heads. Nylon thread is also easy to work with and can be tied down tightly without breaking.

Polyester thread is another popular choice for fly tying. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for tying large flies and streamers. Polyester thread also comes in a range of sizes and colors, and it can be used for a variety of fly tying applications.

GSP (Gel Spun Polyethylene) thread is a type of thread that is commonly used in fly tying. It is a very strong and thin thread that allows fly tiers to create very durable and secure flies. GSP thread is made of a very high-tenacity polyethylene fiber that is coated with a gel-like substance to help it slide through materials easily.

Kevlar thread is the strongest thread available and is used primarily for tying large, heavy flies and saltwater patterns. It is incredibly strong and can withstand a significant amount of tension without breaking. However, it is difficult to work with and can be hard to tie down tightly. Kevlar is no longer popular and we rarely order this product in. 

Sizes of Thread

Thread size is another critical factor to consider when choosing the right thread for your fly tying. Thread size is measured in denier, which refers to the weight of the thread. The higher the denier, the thicker the thread. The most common thread sizes used in fly tying are 70 denier, 140 denier, and 210 denier.

In fly tying, thread size is often described using a fraction, such as 6/0 or 8/0. These fractions represent the thickness of the thread, with the first number indicating the number of filaments or strands in the thread and the second number representing the size of each filament or strand. For example, a 6/0 thread has 6 filaments, each of which is 0.06 millimeters in diameter.

While thread size fractions are still widely used in fly tying, denier is becoming a more popular way to describe thread size. Denier is a unit of measurement that describes the weight of a thread. It is defined as the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of thread. For example, a 70 denier thread weighs 70 grams per 9,000 meters of thread.

To convert thread size fractions to denier, you can use a conversion chart or formula. For example, a 6/0 thread is roughly equivalent to a 140 denier thread, while an 8/0 thread is roughly equivalent to a 70 denier thread. 70 denier thread is a thin thread available and is suitable for tying small flies and delicate patterns. It is easy to work with and can be used for a range of fly tying applications. 140 denier or roughly 6/0 thread is the most versatile thread size and is suitable for most fly tying applications. It is strong enough to tie large flies and streamers but thin enough to tie small patterns. Lastly 210 denier ( a bit heavier than 3/0) thread is a thick thread available and is suitable for tying large, heavy flies and saltwater patterns. It is incredibly strong and can withstand a significant amount of tension without breaking.

However, it's important to note that there is some variation in thread size between manufacturers, so it's a good idea to check the recommended thread size for a specific fly pattern before making a substitution.

If you're still reading this we applaud you and you now have an amazing baseline of knowledge when it comes to tying threads. Overall choosing the right thread for your fly tying project is crucial to the success of your fly. Consider the type of fly you are tying, the materials you will be using, and the size of the thread when making your selection. With the right thread, you can create beautiful, durable flies that will help you catch more fish.

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