Tying flies to relieve stress

Looking for a different hobby and one that reduces stress? Try tying flies. Steve Becker, from Ordway, has spent a lifetime tying flies and now wants to introduce others to his pastime. He looked at the nearest fly tying shop and found there are no shops between Pueblo and Wichita, Kan., so he has started a business and will come to your house and give private lessons on how to tie flies. There are lots of people between Pueblo and Wichita who want to learn to fly fish, he added.

“If a person living in Las Animas wanted to drive to Pueblo for a series of four two hour sessions, you would have to drive about 640 miles and driving your vehicle at 55 cents per mile would add up to around $352 for the experience,” said Becker. “I will come to your home and give you eight hours for $80,” he added.

Becker began to fly fish at age 8 and has been tying his own flies for almost 50 years. “I got a fly tying kit for my birthday in 1964 and it was the best gift I ever got,” he said. He gave a demonstration last month at the Senior Club where he tied an Elk Hair Caddis, a Beadhead Pheasant Tail, and a Hair Ant.

When asked how many flies he ties in a month, he said his wife would say, “Way too many,” but he would say, “Not enough.” He said when he ties flies, he forgets his problems and gets caught up in the process. “It is relaxing and rewarding,” he adds. He can tie a Griffith Gnat in about four minutes. Becker retired from the Crowley Sheriff’s office and has enjoyed living a quieter life now.

Where does he fish? “Anywhere I am. I have fished from Alabama to Maine to Colorado. I fish in Kansas for warm water species,”  he said.

Fly tying kits can be purchased from Prairie Angler and Becker will help you choose the kit that fills your needs. He recommends using a Bodkin with flat sides so it won’t roll off the table. You can reach Becker on his cellphone 469-6320. Reduce your stress, learn to fish, and join the good life tying flies.