Hello and welcome to my weekly blog, my favorite spot for all things fly tying and fishing. I’m beyond thrilled to have you here and to be here myself, whether you’re an old pro with a trusty vise or a curious newbie ready to cast your first fly.
Before we dive into the colorful world of hooks, feathers, and fur, I want to share a bit about why this journey means so much to me—and why it might just mean something to you too.
You see, I’m not just a fly tyer or an angler; I’m a two-time combat wounded veteran. Life has thrown some pretty tough battles my way, but fly tying and fishing have been constants—my anchors, my therapy, and my joy in the chaos. Every feather tied, every gentle cast into the water is more than just a hobby. It’s a lifeline.
Fly tying is more than a craft. It’s a meditation. When I’m sitting at my vise, carefully selecting just the right materials to mimic nature’s finest insects, all the noise and stress from the battlefield fades away. The rhythm of the thread wrapping, the colors blending—it’s a kind of magic that puts me in a place where healing begins.
This journey led me to a remarkable milestone: serving as the Program Lead for Project Healing Waters in West Palm Beach, Florida. For those who might not know, Project Healing Waters is a nonprofit dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying.
Leading this program has been one of the most rewarding chapters in my life. To see veterans, many of whom carry wounds you can’t see, find peace, purpose, and even camaraderie through fly tying and fishing—it’s nothing short of inspiring. We’re not just tying flies; we’re tying together stories, strength, and a shared love for the outdoors.
At FlyVault, you’ll find fly tying tutorials, recipes and advice all infused with the spirit of resilience and passion. Whether you’ve been tying for years or just starting to explore this craft, my hope is that FlyVault becomes a community—a vault of knowledge, inspiration, and friendship.
So stick around, tie a few flies with me, share your stories, and maybe even cast a line or two. Because here at FlyVault, every fly tells a story, and every story is worth sharing.
Tight lines and happy tying!
— Nic Young