Composites Loops Make the Journey to Thailand
 After traveling half way around the word, I am back in the PNW. Cold and wet, but it is good to be back where steelhead roam. I have been very fortunate to be able to travel to Thailand to train some very talented tiers in the use of composite loops and the tying of my flies. This has been a dream of mine for years and it finally has happened.
I have been immersed in the Thai culture for a week and what an eye opening experience it has been. The food, the beer, the coffee and the very kind people. I feel blessed to be able to train some people and have an impact on their lives. These people are highly focused on tying flies and are eager to learn. With my training and the sale of my flies, I am helping lift some people out of poverty. Some of these tiers had been sleeping on mats on a dirt floor. Now they have a steady job with a living wage, a place to sleep and do their laundry. It warms my heart to be able to help these people.
As some already know, I have left OPST to go out on my own so I can create and innovate new products.  The last several months have been a crazy time for me, not only my Thai trip. I have introduced a line of fly rods with the assistance of Pieroway Rods out of Canada. My flies are now available to the market through Aqua Flies. Life is always changing and sometimes a jolting move is needed to get yourself into a better position.
I will be on the road this winter and spring showing off my new stuff. Look for casting and tying demo’s at your local shop. If you want a shop to have me come by, let the shop know I am available.
31 comments
im a 35 year boat captain, lots of open ocean trips, and spent a fair amount of time charter fishing, westport, and guiding in the san juans. ive fly fished and tied my own for over twenty years. i have been trying my best to encourage my little frien howie onstrot, who has taken a very keen interest in fly fishing and tying. you met him this last weekend in portland. he sent me pictures of the dirty hoh, wich i think may be a winter hoh river steelhead production. would like a brief how to on that fly. howies coming up this next weekend, and believe we will tackle it. you may get away from guiding, but never loose the fishing bug. look forward hearing from you. sincerely, ced.. captainced@gmail.com
Looking for my missing cousin Jerry French from Arlington,WA
You left OPST? Whatever the circumstances, I wish you the best. With any luck, I’ll have you guide me on steelhead one day. Tight lines from a Missouri tailwater.
Great read. Always stokes me out to hear of people like you, helping others out in creative ways. Also on a side note, I learned a lot from you tying videos..seriously thanks for sharing your ideas. Excited to check out some of your new products at some point in the future! Best.
Well done, Jerry! Will you be doing the Somerset show on New Jersey at the end of January?