Tying Tradition and Innovation: Tom Herr's Atlantic Salmon Flies and Philanthropy

·48 min·4 clips

Tom Herr's father taught him that presentation, not the fly, is what triggers a trout to strike.

The episode begins with host Marvin Cash introducing Tom Herr, an Atlantic salmon fly tier. Tom shares his earliest fishing memory at age 10, camping with his father in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, using fly rods. He describes being largely self-taught in fly fishing and tying, with his father as his primary mentor. Tom recalls his first fly-tying attempt at age 10 using yarn and a Mustad hook, and his first vice was his father's bench vice. He discusses his attraction to Atlantic salmon flies due to their color and complexity, and he has been tying them for about 35 years. Tom notes that the salmon fly tying community has remained traditional but incorporates synthetic materials like Semperseal as natural materials become scarce. He advises newcomers to start with hair wings rather than feather wings and to seek mentors or attend shows. Tom explains his shift to freestyle tying after being inspired by a Life Magazine photo of Marilyn Monroe, leading to unique artistic flies. He walks through his creative process, which sometimes involves detailed planning and other times improvisation. Tom shares practical tips like the pinch technique and using a burnishing tool for smooth bodies. He reveals a secret method of curling married wings with a hot iron. Tom discusses his philanthropic drive, inspired by his father, and his work with charities like Project Healing Waters and Casting for Recovery. He mentions upcoming appearances at the Lancaster fly fishing show and involvement in local Trout Unlimited chapters. The episode concludes with Tom directing listeners to his Facebook page, Instagram, and website for more information.

As heard by us

Tom Herr joins Marvin Cash for a detailed look at salmon fly craft, feather ethics, and charitable ties.

Atlantic salmon fly tying comes through as a craft with real beauty and a few ethical edges. Marvin Cash speaks with tier Tom Herr about how he found his way into these ornate patterns, then moves into the harder questions around rare feathers, import and export rules, and the…

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If beautiful Atlantic salmon flies and the ethics of their feathers catch your eye, press play.

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