My name is Peter Dunne and I am from Ireland…a land of loughs, rivers, and splendid scenery. It is a haven for trout and salmon fishers and offers excellent opportunities for those seeking the perfect fishing holiday. All legal methods of angling are allowed, though fly-fishing is now the most popular method especially for trout fishing on both rivers and lakes. I myself also happen to be a passionate fly-fisher and fly-tyer and have fished many of these rivers and loughs. Approximately 27 years ago, I began my love affair with the fly and even made my own first fly rod. When I began flytying at the age of 10, I tied those first flies by holding the hook with my fingers, as I couldn’t afford a vice. However, being from a vegetable farming background I earned money by doing lots of odd-jobs and selling fresh vegetables and soon had enough money to purchase a vice and some useful materials. Not long after, I also purchased my first fly rod, reel and so began a wonderful journey of excitement and learning that has brought me much joy and pleasure.
Over those years I enjoyed great success while fishing my local rivers for wild brown trout with patterns that I tied for each specific fly hatch. Nothing beats catching trout or salmon on flies that you have tied yourself.
I am the director of the “Irish Open Flytying Championships” and it has been a great success for the last three years with participants from all over the world sending in magnificent flies. Photos of these flies may be seen on our web site www.flytyingireland.com
Fly dressers that have had quite an influence on my flytying include Marvin Nolte, USA. Paul Little, UK; Paul Schmookler, USA, and Dave Magnum, USA; There are lots of other quite excellent fly tyers that I admire very much and believe that there is always something new to learn from each fly-tyer I meet.