A Little About First Drift Fly Co. and Myself

Fly fishing has always been more than just a hobby for me. It’s a passion, a way of life, and something that connects me deeply with nature. That’s why I started First Drift Fly Co.—a small business built on love for fly fishing, tying flies, and sharing that experience with others. This journey began with a single fly rod and a box of fly tying materials, and it has grown into something more meaningful than I could have ever imagined.

In this article, I want to tell you a little about myself, how First Drift Fly Co. came to be, and why materials like poly yarn have played an important role in my tying and teaching journey.

Table of Contents

How It All Began

My journey into fly fishing started like many others—with curiosity. I remember the first time I watched someone casting a fly rod across a quiet stream. The motion, the patience, the connection to the water—it all looked so peaceful and exciting at the same time. I picked up a beginner fly rod shortly after, and from the first cast, I was hooked.

At the time, I didn’t know much. I fumbled through knots, lost flies to branches, and couldn’t tell a nymph from a dry fly. But every mistake taught me something, and soon I found myself not only fishing more often, but also wanting to tie my own flies. That’s where things really changed for me.

Fly tying opened up a whole new world. It gave me control over the fly I presented, and I found deep satisfaction in crafting something with my own hands. It wasn’t long before I had piles of feathers, hooks, and spools of poly yarn scattered across my desk.

The Start of First Drift Fly Co.

First Drift Fly Co. was born out of this love for fly tying and fishing. I wanted to share what I was learning, help others get into the sport, and offer high-quality, hand-tied flies and materials that people could trust. It started small—just me tying flies at home and selling them online.

As the business grew, I realized that I wasn’t just selling flies. I was helping people build memories on the water. Every fly I tied might become part of someone’s first catch, a big fish story, or a quiet morning on the river. That thought keeps me inspired every day.

The name “First Drift” came from that special moment every angler experiences—the first drift of the fly across the water. It’s filled with hope, anticipation, and a little bit of magic. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, that first drift always holds a sense of promise.

My Tying Style and the Role of Poly Yarn

As I started tying more flies, I developed a style that focused on simplicity, durability, and effectiveness. I believe a good fly doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to work. That’s why I often use poly yarn in my patterns.

Poly yarn is one of my favorite materials because it’s versatile, lightweight, and floats well. It’s especially great for tying dry flies, parachute posts, and even strike indicators. Unlike natural materials, poly yarn doesn’t absorb water, which makes it perfect for keeping flies afloat during long drifts.

One of the first flies I tied using poly yarn was a parachute Adams. The visibility and floatation that the yarn added were incredible. Over time, I started using poly yarn in other patterns too—like caddis dries, foam beetles, and even in a few of my custom fly designs.

Poly yarn also comes in a wide range of colors, which makes it useful for creating high-visibility patterns. This is important not only for the angler’s sight but also for triggering strikes from fish in various water conditions.

Teaching Others and Building Community

As First Drift Fly Co. grew, I realized that one of the most rewarding parts of this journey was helping others get started in fly fishing and tying. I began offering tutorials, blog posts, and eventually workshops to share what I’d learned. I found that many people were just like me when I started—curious, eager to learn, and unsure where to begin.

One of my goals has always been to make fly tying accessible and enjoyable. You don’t need a fancy vise or a room full of materials to tie a great fly. All you need is a few basic tools, a little time, and materials like poly yarn, dubbing, and a good hook. I love showing people how much they can do with just a few simple components.

I’ve had the privilege of connecting with fly anglers and tiers from all over the country—some experienced, some brand new. Every person I meet teaches me something too. That’s the beauty of this community: we’re always learning, always sharing, and always growing together.

Materials That Matter

When I choose materials for my flies or for the store, I always think about quality, function, and sustainability. Materials like poly yarn check all those boxes. They’re lightweight, easy to work with, and dependable on the water.

I’ve also worked to source feathers, hooks, and synthetic materials that are environmentally responsible and ethically produced. Fly fishing is about respecting the water and the life it holds, and I want everything I create to reflect that.

Offering quality fly tying materials through First Drift Fly Co. means I can help others get better results on the water. Whether it’s a new pattern using poly yarn, or a simple nymph tied with classic dubbing, I want anglers to feel confident in their flies.

What Keeps Me Going

Running First Drift Fly Co. isn’t always easy. There are long nights at the vise, countless orders to fill, and plenty of challenges. But the thing that keeps me going is knowing that what I do matters to others.

I get messages from customers who caught their first trout on one of my flies, or who learned how to tie their own thanks to a tutorial I posted. That connection means everything. It reminds me why I started this in the first place—not for money or recognition, but for the love of the craft and the people it brings together.

When I sit down at the vise with a spool of thread and some poly yarn, I’m not just tying a fly—I’m creating something that might become a memory for someone else. That’s a powerful thought, and one that I carry with me in every part of this business.

Looking Ahead

As I look to the future, I’m excited about what’s next for First Drift Fly Co. I want to keep expanding our offerings, bring in more natural and synthetic materials, and continue to highlight simple but effective patterns that anyone can tie.

I also hope to do more education—maybe host more tying nights, fishing meetups, or even launch a podcast. The more ways I can connect with the community, the better. And of course, poly yarn will always have a spot on my tying bench, because it’s been part of this journey from the beginning.

Final Thoughts

First Drift Fly Co. isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of who I am and what I love. It’s about the joy of casting a fly, the quiet moments on the river, and the excitement of sharing those moments with others. It’s about learning, growing, and tying flies that not only catch fish but also tell a story.

From that first cast to the latest fly pattern made with a bit of poly yarn, this journey has been full of surprises, challenges, and gratitude. If you’re reading this and just starting out, welcome to the world of fly fishing. And if you’ve been at it a while, I hope we get to cross paths one day—on the water, at the vise, or somewhere in between.

Thanks for being part of the journey.