Spawn Blog

Spawn Simi Seal is taking the fly tying world by storm. It is incredibly versatile and can be used to create a huge range of fly patterns, from nymphs and streamers to dry flies. 

Spawn Simi Seal already offers a huge range of colors but there is still a need for more. Today, we are excited to introduce two new colors to the Spawn Simi Seal lineup: Yellow and Light Yellow. These two colors are staples in the fly tying world and will supplement all the other amazing Spawn Simi Seal creations that Pete cooks up here at Spawn Fly Fish.

Yellow is a classic color for fly tying, and for good reason. It imitates a variety of natural insects, and is also a great choice for attractor patterns. Light Yellow is a softer, more subtle shade that can be used to create a wide range of patterns. The addition of these two colors to the Spawn Simi Seal lineup is a testament to the need for continued innovation. As fly tyers, we are always looking for new and better ways to create effective patterns.

So whether you're a seasoned fly tyer or just starting out, consider adding Spawn Simi Seal to your fly tying arsenal. With its versatility and range of colors, it's sure to become a staple in your fly tying kit. Stay tuned for another release of 12 new Spawn Simi Seal Blends on 4:20! 

When it comes to fly fishing, having the right fly tying materials can make all the difference in your success on the water. And when it comes to finding the best online fly shop for fly tying materials, Spawn Fly Fish is a clear standout.

Spawn Fly Fish offers an extensive selection of high-quality fly tying materials from top brands, making it easy to find exactly what you need for your next fly tying project. From hooks and thread to feathers and fur, Spawn Fly Fish has it all.

Checkout Two Tying Tutorials using this new Spawn Simi Seal Today!

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One common question that we get asked in the shop is how to choose the correct net. Choosing the right net for your fly fishing experience is important because it can make landing and releasing fish easier and safer for both the angler and the fish. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a fly fishing net:

1. Size: The size of the net should be appropriate for the size of the fish you are targeting. A larger net will be required for bigger fish, while a smaller net will suffice for smaller fish. We offer booth large and small nets here at Spawn that can cover a huge range in sizes of your target species. 

2. Material: Nets can be made of different materials such as nylon, rubber, or mesh. Nylon nets are lightweight and affordable but can cause damage to the fish's protective slime layer. Rubber nets are gentler on fish and less likely to snag hooks, but they are heavier and more expensive. Mesh nets are gentle on fish and have less drag in the water, but they can also tangle and snag hooks more easily. Not only can the net itself be made of different materials but so can the rest of the net. Given our proximity to saltwater we tend to stick with a net that floats and won't corrode!

3. Shape: The shape of the net should match the type of fishing you will be doing. A round or oval-shaped net is versatile and suitable for different types of fishing. Several new nets on the market have shaped edges to improve the area a fish can be scooped up. 

4. Handle length: For us this is one of the biggest factors. The length of the net handle should be comfortable for you to hold and use. A longer handle can help you reach farther when landing a fish, but it can also be cumbersome to carry around. Many of our longer handled nets are primarily used for netting fish from a watercraft where the net has a set spot and isn't carried around the entire time. 

5. Net bag depth: The depth of the net bag should be deep enough to hold the fish securely, but not so deep that it is difficult to remove the fish. A net with a shallow bag will be easier to remove the fish, while a deeper bag will be more secure for larger fish.

6. Attachment method or storage: A small net should have a sturdy attachment method that can be easily connected to your vest or pack. A magnetic attachment is convenient, while a clip or buckle attachment is more secure. Some mid length nets won't necessary be attached but rather holstered on your pack where they can be easily accessed by reaching behind you or in some casing turning the pack. This same holstering method applies while on a boat. We like to have a specific spot on the boat that allows for easy access. 

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right fly fishing net is to consider your individual needs and preferences. A net that is comfortable for you to use, gentle on fish, and appropriate for the type of fishing you do will be the best choice. You may over time need multiple nets for different fisheries and at Spawn we offer many sizes. We hope that these characteristics help you in your purchasing decision here at Spawn!

Shop our nets below!

 https://spawnflyfish.com/search?q=net

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We know firsthand the joys and challenges of fishing off the rocks. One of the most common questions we receive is, "what can you catch off the jetty?" The answer is that there is a wide variety of fish species that can be caught off jetties in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), depending on the location and time of year. We've compiled a list of some of the most common species that we've encountered and caught ourselves!

Rockfish - The PNW is home to several species of rockfish that can be caught off jetties. These fish are typically found near the rocky structure of the jetties and are extremely common. While Black Rockfish are the most prevalent, we occasionally encounter other species as well. These fish can range in size from a few inches to as large as 10lbs!

Lingcod - Lingcod are a popular gamefish that can be found near jetties and other rocky structures. While they are less common than rockfish, they are still a viable target for fishermen. We've caught quite a few off the rocks, though they tend to be smaller than the ones found offshore. They put up a serious fight, so be prepared to hold on tight and not let them swim back into the rocks! 

Greenling - Greenling are bottom-dwelling fish that are often caught near jetties. They have a smaller mouth than some of the other species we encounter, so we typically use smaller shrimp flies when targeting them. They can be incredibly beautiful, with unique spot patterns.

Perch - The PNW is also home to several species of perch, including surf perch and striped seaperch, which can be caught off jetties. We've had success using a handful of different flies, but generally find them when using smaller hooks similar to those used for greenling. These are not common and generally not a species we target unless we can visually see them feeding or swimming around near the rocks!

Salmon - Depending on the location and time of year, salmon can also be caught off jetties in the PNW. Coho Salmon are the most likely of the salmon species to be caught, though there is always a chance of catching a chinook as well! When targeting salmon, we switch up our tactics, stripping as fast as we can and then recasting in front of the fish as they swim by. We often see these fish swimming close to the rocks, hugging the jetty on their migratory route.

Please keep in mind that fishing regulations and seasons may vary depending on the location and species, so be sure to check the current regulations before heading out to fish off a jetty in the PNW. Tie up some flies, bring out the 8wt and with a little research and a lot of patience, you're sure to have a great time fishing off the rocks and maybe even catch some of these amazing species! 

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Fly tying is not just about creating effective patterns to catch fish, it's also a creative outlet that allows us to express our artistic side. One fun way to do this is by tying an Easter Egg Fly, which may not be intended for fishing, but is a fun way to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy time at the vise.

To tie an Easter egg fly, you can use a variety of materials, but one popular option is McFly foam. This material is perfect for creating round and colorful eggs, which can then be embellished with additional details like glitter, flash, or whatever you see fit.

While it's true that not every fly needs to be designed for fishing, tying these playful patterns can still improve your skills and techniques. In fact, using McFly foam to create eggs requires precision and attention to detail, which can help you develop your tying skills and enhance your ability to work with other materials.

So, the next time you're at the vise and feeling a bit creative, consider trying your hand at tying an Easter egg fly. Not only will you have a fun and festive pattern to add to your collection, but you'll also be honing your skills and improving your craft. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite material or technique that you can use in your future flies.

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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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