I am a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and am truly fortunate to have an
abundance of great streams close to home. I began tying at age 11 with my
grandfather, Jeremiah Walz, as my mentor. We spent many wonderful hours in
his basement tying for a local tackle shop. I sure do miss him even though
he's been gone for more than 30 years. I've traveled full circle- first
with wet flies, then streamers, nymphs, dries, and now back to wets and
soft hackles. I prefer the old patterns (Catskill) and a good bamboo rod
but have no problem fishing & tying with the new materials today. I am
retiring the end of April, 2005 and am anxious to try new waters. I enjoy
all types of fishing as well as rod building and find trading good
patterns with fellow fly fishers a real treat.