Q&A with The Fly Smith!
Fly Smith
I wanted to kick this series off with a bang, and who better to start with than the Fly Smith? If you’ve been online, chances are you’ve seen atleast one of his videos! Brian is a social media phenomenon that has blown up like nobody else in the fly tying space. He runs an online shop selling his own branded thread, tying tools, materials, and flies. He Livestreams on his YouTube channel Wednesday through Sunday at 9-11pm EST
Q- How did you get started in fly tying?
FS- I got started into fly tying because my neighbor took me fly fishing for bluegill in 2022. He kept raving about a fly called the sneaky Pete, but they weren't made anymore, so I bought the stuff to tie him some and was addicted immediately!
Q- How much do you fish? Do you use your own flies?
FS- I use my own flies mostly, but I also use others. I fish when I can, but it's been spread out the last few years
Q- You have a background as a tattoo artist. Is there any way you think this helps you in your fly tying?
FS- Being a tattoo artist definitely helped a ton. Fine detail work is what I specialized in, so that just carried over.
Q- You’re currently in Virginia, were you raised there or did you move there?
FS- I was born and raised here. But, I lived in Indian in 2015 for a little bit!
Q- How has your current location shaped how you do business?
FS- There's no fly shop within 45 min, so sourcing my own materials drove me to sell them as well, so it did help to get me going.
Q- What’s your favorite material to work with?
FS- My all time favorite material is latex!
Q- What’s your least favorite material to work with?
FS- My least favorite material is golden pheasant crests, they are so difficult to work with.
Q- Social media has been a game changer in many fields. Do you think companies like ours could operate successfully without it?
FS- I wouldn't be where I am without social media, and most of the younger generation shop online, so it's essential to a successful business.
Q- Sometimes the internet can be exhausting. It’s hard to take breaks when you run an online business. What’s the best way you’ve found to deal with it?
FS- I haven't found a way to deal with the stress of running a business. I just suck it up and do it anyway
Q- I believe in finding a good balance. But, finding a healthy balance between family, work, and fun can often be challenging. What’s something you do to help maintain a balance?
FS- Something I've done to maintain a healthy balance between my business and my family is to get them involved!
Q- As someone who puts their own materials out, what’s your testing process like?
FS- My testing process is never based on first impressions. I will use something until I use it up or wear it out before deciding to sell it, even if it's a known and trusted product.
Q- It’s obvious to see your impact on the industry. Do you see The Fly Smith as a major player in the next five years?
FS- Yes I do see TheFlySmith as a major player in the next 5 years. I have a lot of plans going forward!
Q- Are there any books as far as bugs, fly tying, or fishing that you recommend?
FS- I would recommend trout by Ray Bergman, and The Complete Book of Fly Tying by Eric Leiser.
Q- If you could go back and do anything differently in your business, what would it be and why?
FS- If I could go back and do anything differently, I would've started much sooner. I'm happy with the progress, though.
Q- How can we make the fly fishing and fly tying communities better?
FS- We could make the communities better if we all studied the history of what we're doing. It would then give us all a similar foundation and respect for the hobby / sport.
Q- If I built a Time Machine, where would you go and why?
FS- If I had a time machine, and could only apply it to fly tying, I would've wrote a lot of books to help preserve the history
Not fly tying related- I would've went back to witness Jesus. It would answer every question I've ever had.
Q- Why do you prefer your favorite tying style?
FS- I prefer to tie older winged wet flies. It is challenging, and they not only look gorgeous, but they are functional.
Q- What is your dream fishing destination?
FS- My dream fishing destination is Argentina, Patagonia!
Q- If you had any advice your new tyers, what would it be?
FS- My advice for new Tyers is simple: buy once, cry once. Buy the good stuff the first time, you'll save more money in the long run.
You can find him on Instagram and YouTube under the name tiesflies
Brian Smith showing off his tying skills