Mike Shanks - Ireland

I have tied flies for about forty years. I used to compete regularly in fly tying competitions and usually did quite well at them. I am one of the two FQSA Masters in Ireland. In the past I have demonstrated fly tying at the FFF Conclave, several times at the Fly Fair in Holland and at SANA events in Scotland. I hate copying patterns and seldom tie more than a few flies exactly the same. Breaking the rules is more fun. I try to incorporate three things in as many of my flies as possible; Mobility, translucency and softness. I tie "Shaggies," for that reason. I like them and the trout agree often enough. For the last few years I have been an FFF certified casting instructor. I returned to Ireland in 2005 after twenty five years teaching in Scotland. Since then I have worked on Irish Angler magazine. I am now one of the owners of Irish Angler since we got our independence last year.

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